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Dish Network Corp. swung to a profit in the fourth quarter as the company added and retained more subscribers.
The satellite-television provider added about 694,000 gross paid subscribers during the quarter ended in December, compared with about 661,000 gross in the year-ago quarter. Net subscribers increased by 28,000 during the quarter, compared with a loss of 12,000 subscribers last year.
Pay-TV subscribers include customers of Dish's Sling branded service which helps lure cord cutters who prefer internet-based streaming services over traditional cable back to the company.
Pay-TV subscriber churn, the rate at which subscribers leave the service, rose to 1.71% for the year compared with from 1.59% in 2015 because of marketing and discounts from competitors as well as cord-cutting.
Over all Dish reported a profit of $342.7 million, or 70 cents a share, compared with a loss of $125.3 million, or 27 cents a year earlier.
Revenue dropped 1.6% to $3.72 billion.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had forecast earnings of 66 cents on $3.76 billion in revenue.
Shares, inactive premarket, closed at $62.82 and have risen 12% over the past three months.
Write to Imani Moise at email@example.com


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11:47 AM, Thursday, December 18
The MatzoBall, a Jewish holiday party, will take place Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road in Buckhead. Tickets are $30 and can be bought online at the website below. Hosted by the Society of Young Jewish Pro...
Heritage Sandy Springs announces Rhythm & Brews lineup
06:10 PM, Sunday, May 11full story
UPDATED: Sandy Springs woman, son write children’s book
02:17 PM, Sunday, May 11full story
Kiwanis Club of Buckhead hosting charity golf tournament
12:01 PM, Saturday, May 10full story
Atlanta Botanical Garden exhibits animal-shaped plant scul...
03:30 PM, Wednesday, May 07full story
Fashion show to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
06:42 PM, Tuesday, May 06full story
Buckhead Spring Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend
06:40 PM, Tuesday, May 06full story

domain: news


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Joe Schuld Joins Average Joes
October 12, 2010 at 12:40 PM (PT)
AVERAGE JOES ENTERTAINMENT continues to expand their staff, hiring former NEW REVOLUTION Promo Rep JOE SCHULD to handle “multiple tasks within the marketing and management realms.”
"I'm passionate about music and I love to champion music that's real and connects with consumers," said SCHULD. “COLT FORD proves that creating music that connects with consumers is the most important thing, and BRANTLEY GILBERT is simply going to knock the doors down,” he added. “Not to mention, SHANNON HOUCHINS has a deep understanding for artist development. AVERAGE JOES has a very bright future.”
SCHULD will continue to manage ARISTA artist JERROD NIEMANN while executing marketing and promotions operations at AVERAGE JOES.
Reach out to him at (615) 733-9983 or by email at email@example.com.


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Written by Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, CFF
Wisconsin Law Journal
Reprinted in St. Louis Daily Record
Identity theft affects countless consumers and businesses each year, costing millions and maybe even billions of dollars. In 2004, the Federal Trade Commission received over 635,000 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints with reported losses of $547 million. During 2005, the FTC received 685,000 consumer identity theft complaints with reported fraud losses of over $680 million.


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A new augmented reality (AR) app helps swimmers find the best goggles for their face shape and size.
Speedo Mirror uses 3D face scanning technology that allows customers to ‘try on’ all available goggle styles and recommends the best fitting style.
Shoppers can also make a purchase within the app.
Speedo has spent the last two months trialling the technology, according to sports, outdoor and fashion group Pentland Brands, owner of the Speedo brand. Using a tablet device, 3,500 users have virtually tried on over 30,000 goggles and received 2,500 personalised recommendations.
Ben Hardman, head of innovation at Pentland Brands, said: “The Speedo Mirror app is a great example of how we’re combining digital and product innovation in our brands, which is becoming increasingly important as consumers interact with products in the digital space.
“This technology will undoubtedly enhance our customers’ shopping experiences by allowing them to interact with the product before they make a purchase. In this instance, it helps them address a well-documented human pain point: leaky goggles.”
The UK company – whose other brands include Berghaus, Boxfresh, Canterbury, Ellesse, Endura, KangaROOS, Karen Millen, Kickers, Lacoste, Mitre, Red or Dead and SeaVees – sees potential applications of the technology across its brand portfolio.
“What’s significant is that the technology can be applied to any footwear, apparel or accessories that are custom-fitted. Across the Pentland Brands portfolio there are plenty of opportunities for us to think about how we can use AR to make our brands and products even more accessible,” Hardman added.
In a survey for our Next-generation connectivity report, over three-quarters (78%) of the executives surveyed said they see particular opportunities to be gained from augmented, virtual and mixed reality. Download your free copy to learn more!


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Burger King introduced a new shake on Monday, the Lucky Charms milkshake.
The vanilla shake is mixed with Lucky Charms cereal, marshmallows and sweet sauce. The fast food chain wanted to create a twist on one of America’s classic breakfast cereals, according to Burger King.
»RELATED: Health Inspections: Burger King
“The mashup of our velvety vanilla-flavored soft serve and one of America’s classic breakfast cereals is something we think our guests are going to love,” Burger King North America president Alex Macedo said in a statement.
Burger King also features another shake inspired by breakfast cereal called the Froot Loops shake. Also new to the fast-food restaurant, the shake was released to various locations on April 17 of this year.
Customers can now buy the $2.99 Lucky Charms shake at participating stores for a limited time.
For more information on Burger King and their menu, visit here.
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console release. Speaking with Eurogamer, senior producer Tomasz Gop said any "potential console release" wouldn't join the PC launch next March. Regarding the status of the console version, the representative merely offered a "no comment."
Following up with company spokesman Tom Ohle, he informed Joystiq: "We never did confirm a console release of [The Witcher 2]. The situation is still that we do want to bring the Witcher franchise to console gamers at some point, and we've buit an engine capable of console development... but have made no formal announcements of plans for a console release."
Although the game is looking mighty fancy on PC, we've yet to see The Witcher 2 running on any console. CD Projekt originally planned for the first Witcher to make its way to consoles, too, though that project was canceled reportedly due to financial issues.


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Peter Parker navigates the halls of high school in the official trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming, the new film from Cop Car and Clown director Jon Watts.
Welcome back for Day 11 of Daily Dead’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Guide, readers! Once again, our goal is to help you navigate through the horrors of the 2016 shopping season with our tips on unique gift ideas, and we’ll hopefully help you save a few bucks over the next few weeks, too.
If The Tall Man kept a Christmas tree in a quiet corner of his mausoleum, he might have hung Sentinel Spheres on its branches (when he wasn't busy tormenting Mike, Jody, and Reggie), which is something that horror fans can do in future holiday seasons now that Mondo and Middle of Beyond's Phantasm ornament is available to pre-order (with an estimated January shipping date).
The origin story of The Sorcerer Supreme that is currently gracing the big screen is reimagined arcade-style in a recent Doctor Strange video from the creative folks at CineFix. [Spoiler warning for those who haven't seen the new Doctor Strange movie.]
Before Inception, there was Dreamscape, and fans of the 1984 film can watch Alex Gardner dive into the minds of sleepers like never before when Scream Factory unleashes their Collector's Edition Blu-ray of Dreamscape on December 13th. Ahead of its forthcoming release, get an idea of what to expect in high-def clips and a trailer from the film, including an interview with Dennis Quaid.
While Ash has his hands full with a possessed Henrietta in the cellar, Kelly faces the return of the demon spawn in a new clip from the Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 finale.
Cloverfield fans won't have to wait long for the third film in the franchise. Following the release of the ultra-secretive 10 Cloverfield Lane earlier this year, Paramount Pictures has now slated a new Cloverfield movie—currently referred to as Cloverfield IMAX Movie—for an October 27th, 2017 IMAX release.
An eerie artificial intelligence awakening takes place in the official trailer for Humans Season 2, premiering in February on AMC.
A boy unravels haunting truths within his island community in Lucile Hadzihalilovic's Evolution. Recently released in theaters and on VOD from IFC Midnight, Evolution has now been slated for a March Blu-ray / DVD release from Scream Factory.
A virtual game with grave consequences is played in Let's Be Evil, and ahead of the film's December 13th Blu-ray / DVD release from Scream Factory, a high-def clip and trailer tease what to expect from the futuristic thriller.


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McD, Domino’s sellers, staff get paid in slices now
The ₹4.2 lakh crore restaurant sector employs over seven million people and is staring at store closures and sweeping job losses as the lockdown has led to the shutdown of malls and restaurants across the country.
India’s largest fine-dine and quick service restaurant chains have deferred the payment of 20% to 40% of salaries for April for mid-to senior employees, when outlets were completely shut through the month.
“There is absolutely no income coming our way due to the Covid-induced lockdown for over a month. As a result, most companies are facing the problem of paying the employee salaries in full for the month of April,” said National Restaurant Association of India president Anurag Katriar.
He said uncertainty over when the lockdown will end isn’t helping restaurants manage their meagre cash reserves. The nationwide restrictions started on March 25 and are due to be lifted on May 3.
A spokesperson of Westlife Development subsidiary Hardcastle Restaurants, which operates over 300 McDonald’s restaurants in west and south India, said, “Through the current crisis, our priority has been to safeguard the jobs of our 10,000-strong work force and to give them their full salaries. There have been multiple discussions around how to minimise the impact of the current crisis, but no final decision has been taken yet.”
Email queries sent to Domino’s Pizza operator Jubilant FoodWorks, which operates over a thousand outlets, remained unanswered till press time.
Officials at six large fine-dining and quick service restaurant chains confirmed the matter on condition of anonymity, citing confidentiality.
“It is highly unlikely that we can pay full salaries since our sector is most impacted. Other sectors like packaged goods have at least sold online and foods are selling through kiranas as well,” an official at one of India’s largest restaurant chains said. The ₹4.2 lakh crore restaurant sector employs over seven million people and is staring at store closures and sweeping job losses as the lockdown has led to the shutdown of malls and restaurants across the country.
“Deferring salaries has nothing to do with the intentions; it’s due to our lack of ability and resources to do so,” Katriar said.
Many companies have raised money or taken loans for employees. “It is time for the government to come up with an unemployment pay cover by using cash reserves of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and unclaimed amounts of provident funds. We will otherwise be in a more precarious situation next month and many companies may not be able to pay anything at all,” Katriar said.
The sector has made multiple representations to government authorities for aid.


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Joint Receivers, Blair Nimmo and Neil Armour of KPMG Corporate Recovery have announced the sale of Glenisla golf course, formerly part of Glenshee Chairlift Company Limited (in Receviership), for an undisclosed sum (27 August).
The Glenisla facility, near Alyth, has been sold to the preferred bidder, Glenisla Golf Centre Ltd, a company of which Hamish Somerville is the principal. In total the company has seven permanent employees, supplemented by 11 seasonal workers.
Joint Receiver, Blair Nimmo, Head of KPMG Corporate Recovery in Scotland, said: “We are pleased to complete the sale of the business and assets of Glenisla as a going concern, preserving important jobs and economic activity in the local area. It is a beautiful course which has already received many accolades with excellent potential.”
The Glenshee Chairlift Company Ltd of which Glenisla Golf Course was a part, went into Receivership on Thursday 6th May. Glencoe ski resort was sold to Glencoe Mountain Resort Ltd in June. The Joint Receivers are still in discussion with the preferred bidder for Glenshee ski resort and the conclusion of those discussions is expected in the near future.
Glenisla Golf Course www.golf-glenisla.co.uk
In each month and year listed below every article that has ever appeared in golfbusinessnews is reproduced in reverse date order.


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August 24th, 2015 | By Lance Hayes
The concert that HI SCOR3 concert put on this last March was a highlight of the gaming and music social calendar. For the lucky crowd that found their way to the exclusive Seattle location that night, it was an evening of fun, endless memories of wonderful games and great music.
And they plan to do it all again on September 19th. HI SCOR3 is bringing back their unconventional style of live video game music performance to Belltown which you can find out more at this link. Suffice it to say, it will be a fun evening of fantastic music, games and more than a few surprises.
Hope to see you there!


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Montgomery County business briefs
Published 6:00 pm, Saturday, January 1, 2005
The complex is located at 23473 Partners Way in Porter. It can be reached at (281) 354-5005.
Milestone: Lexicon Genetics Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXG), a Woodlands-based company, has completed the third performance milestone in its drug discovery alliance with Genentech Inc. (NYSE: DNA).
The milestone relates to the identification by Lexicon of the physiological and behavioral functions of 50 percent of the proteins included in the alliance. This completion entitles the company to a performance payment.
More information about Lexicon is available at the company's Web site at www.lexicongenetics.com.
New president: George Cooley has joined Greater Houston Financial Services as the company's new president. He has been in the insurance and title business for 25 years. The company is a subsidiary of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors. The company has annual sales of more than $1.6 billion.
New location: Wingstop Restaurants Inc. has opened its first location in The Woodlands at 6777 Woodlands Parkway. The company has 26 stores in the greater Houston area. Wingstop is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. The location can be reached at (281) 419-3003.
Increased speeds: Cox Communications has increased the speeds for each of its high-speed Internet packages. Customers can begin to receive the higher speeds by calling (936) 756-6604. New customers will receive the increased speed.
Visit Cox Communications at www.cox.com for additional information.
License: Lexicon Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXG), of The Woodlands, has granted Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development L.L.C. nonexclusive license rights under patents controlled by Lexicon for the generation of knockout mice.
The license will be Johnson and Johnson's, with rights to use the products in their own research. Lexicon Genetics offers more information about the company at its Web site, www.lexicongenetics.com.
Speaker: Eileen McGowan of Avante Laser and MediSpa of The Woodlands was a speaker at the national conference for the Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal. McGowan is a certified laser specialist and has worked with the company for four years.
For additional information about the company, call The Woodlands location at (281) 419-0080 or visit ww.avantemedispa.com.
SCORE seminar: SCORE, a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will host a seminar on starting and running a business Saturday at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel Conference Room. The seminar will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The fee for the seminar is $35. Garage parking is $7 for the day. Reservations are available by calling (713) 773-6565 or go to www.scorehouston.org.
President-elect: Alan D. "Lanny" Dressen, of Spring, was elected president of the Texas Forestry Association. He is the former president of the Montgomery County Forest Landowners Association.
He will serve as the association president in 2006.
Smartest companies: A.G. Edwards has been named one the "Ten Smartest Companies in America" in a business book released by Jim Underwood.
The author said the company made the list because of a corporate culture that emphasizes client service, honesty and professional development through an ongoing investment in award-winning training programs.


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Despite an increase in customers during the pandemic, Clark County meat producers looking to expand their business are struggling against a lack of local processing facilities and the high cost of farmland.
“Meat-packing problems and grocery store scarcity, it’s been great for us,” said Jocelyn Stauffer of Windy River Livestock. Stauffer and her husband, Will, have raised beef cattle on 50 acres in Clark County since 2019. Their sales have doubled every year. “My husband thinks we’ll double again this year,” she said.
Will Stauffer attributes concerns raised by E. coli outbreaks to an increase in demand for locally grown products. He said he recently overheard a child at the Vancouver Farmers Market ask his mom how many animals are in a package of ground beef. For the Stauffers, the answer is one animal. However, for E. coli tracing purposes, he said, the ground beef at a grocery store came into contact with 1,500 animals at the facility where it was processed.
James McPhee and his wife, Kimberly, started their farm in Clark County in 2015 with three cows, four sheep and some garden beds on 5 acres. Since then, they’ve expanded to 300 to 350 acres of grazing land and hundreds of head of cattle.
In May of 2020, James McPhee was interviewed for a story in The Columbian. At that time, he said that his telephone was ringing all day long with new customers seeking locally raised meat. The steady increase in business hasn’t stopped.
“It has not slowed down,” he said, “because of COVID and some other exposures to large meat packers, it brought to light how fragile the food chain is.” He said four meat-packing companies control 85 percent of the conventional meat market. If employees get sick, the whole supply chain shuts down — leaving empty shelves at grocery stores.
“People started to reconsider where they get meat. Our process is less affected by the COVID,” he said. In addition, he said he has found that Clark County residents like to support local family farms. “Once people realize how easy it is to support a local farm, they get hooked,” McPhee said.
Jim Kunetz of Greene Jungle Farm has raised livestock in Clark County for 12 years. He grows Animal Welfare-approved, pasture-raised, grass-fed beef on his 30-acre farm in Ridgefield.
“We decided when we chose to raise beef that we would focus on the health of the animal and the health of the soil, because that influences the health of the meat, which affects our health,” he said. “It’s not rocket science to know if you take care of the soil, you take care of the animal.”
Business has been good for Greene Jungle.
“We have a steady supply of customers,” Kunetz said.
Increased interest has led to more business, but Clark County meat producers noted two constraints to growing their small family farms: lack of local processing facilities and the high cost of land.
Meat producers who sell steaks, ground beef, or any other cuts of meat are required by law to process their animals at a USDA facility. Clark County doesn’t have one of these facilities, so meat producers transport their animals hours away to places like Springfield, Ore., for processing.
In addition, the small number of facilities means reservations must be made at least a year in advance.
“One of the issues in our county is that smaller producers have difficulty finding a processing facility,” said Zorah Oppenheimer, district manager for the Clark County Conservation District. CCD purchased a mobile poultry processing unit to assist local farmers. Years ago, the district looked into buying a mobile processing unit for livestock, but its $200,000 price tag made it cost prohibitive.
At McPhee Farms, James McPhee offers an alternative for his buyers. Under state and federal law, animals can be processed by a mobile processing unit if the customer buys the whole animal. McPhee sells shares of whole animals to customers and then helps them arrange for processing their share into cuts of meat through a mobile processor.
McPhee estimates that 60 percent of his new customers never bought an animal directly from a farm. He’s become a specialist in walking new customers through the transition from buying cuts of meat at the grocery store every week to buying animals directly from a farmer once a year.
McPhee prefers the mobile processing because his animals are processed on site and don’t have to endure the stress of traveling long distances. His customers use Morgan Kemper of Kemper’s Mobile farm slaughtering. He said he believes Kemper is the best because he uses clean and humane methods.
Mobile processors are also scarce in Clark County, however, and McPhee’s customers must schedule a year ahead. McPhee plans to open his own butcher shop in the near future to deal with the issue.
Land a challenge
The other major constraint on growth for beef business in Clark County is the high cost of land. “The cost of land in Clark County is a problem,” said Kunetz. He bought his farm 12 years ago, but spent seven years looking for the property.
The Stauffers of Windy River Livestock are seeking more land to expand their growing business. “Land is expensive, and there’s not much around,” said Jocelyn Stauffer.
“It’s much more profitable building housing than farms,” said her husband, Will.
James McPhee leases the seven pieces of land to graze his animals. “You cannot buy land and run a profitable business, because the cost of land in Clark County is so expensive because of housing.” According to McPhee, farmland in Clark County sells for about $100,000 to $150,000 per acre.
Sue Marshall, a Clark County farmer and board member of Friends of Clark County, notes that the problem of high farmland prices in Clark County is complicated.
“Zoning itself is not the reason land is expensive. The reason that land is really expensive is housing development pressure,” said Marshall.
According to Marshall, housing development pressure in Clark County has created urban sprawl into rural areas as the growth boundaries (areas that can be developed into housing developments) have been expanded. This causes an increase in land costs because housing developers are willing to pay a premium for sites that can be developed or sites that they believe may be included in the growth boundaries in the future.
Growth boundaries are controlled by the county’s Comprehensive Plan. At present, Clark County is in the process of updating this plan. Under state law, the county must update its comprehensive plan every eight years. The next update is scheduled to be submitted to the state by June 30, 2025.
The last update in 2016 was contentious. Under Washington’s Growth Management Act, Clark County is required to create a 20-year Comprehensive Plan as a guide to how the county manages growth and development with respect to the natural environment and available resources. These resources include Clark County’s soil-rich farmland and forests.
The last update passed by the Clark County Council was successfully challenged by Friends of Clark County and Seattle-based Futurewise to protect working farms and forests in Clark County.
A similar battle is likely to occur this time around. The tension between housing developers interested in expanding the growth boundary to build housing developments and organizations working to preserve farmland is still an issue. Acres of open rural land continue to be valuable to both of these groups for their competing interests.
Despite these challenges, meat producers are committed to providing locally raised products for their customers.
“I love what we do. I love that we can share our passion and our labor and our customers can feed their families with our high-quality meat,” said James McPhee. “I’ll be doing this until the day I die. It’s in my blood.”


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Every person has a reason for getting to know about tokens, and for many that reason is video games. This isn't unexpected, knowing that the global video game market size was valued at USD 151.06 billion in 2019.
In that year alone video games outsold movies and sports in the United States and, during 2020, reached sales of USD 174.9 billion, with projections hovering around USD 256 billion by 2025. We all Imagined that by the end of 2021 there would be more than 2.7 billion gamers worldwide and that is about to be true. More so with the strong inclusion of cryptocurrencies inside the gaming industry.
Even Japanese multinational video game developer and distributor SEGA announced the launch of several NFTs (non-fungible tokens) featuring characters from its classic video games and future titles this April. However, for many normal people, tokenization has become a way of living.
Tokens and gaming
Every year video game developers who love the world of cryptocurrencies have created new challenges. Now it is possible to play video games that allow you to earn bitcoins while discovering how to mine other cryptocurrencies, exchange NFT tokens, or prepare an epic battle in a virtual world.
Other games have created their own token to make trades and hold the market in favor. Such is the case of games like Axie Infinity. A role-playing game where your characters are collectible NFT cards from the Ethereum network. The profitability of this game has increased as it becomes more popular, and so has its cost, due to the high commissions paid on the Ethereum network nowadays. The platform uses a governance token called Axie Infinity Shards (AXS, an ERC-20 token), which can be exchanged on exchanges such as Uniswap and Binance.
There are many examples of games that have created their own token to build their empire and developed a great variety of ways in which people can earn them and trade. Expanding more every day, supported by strong wallets such as MetaMask, OpenSea, and others such as Trust Wallet, MyEtherWallet, and more. Which ultimately opens market opportunities never seen before for gamers.
The mutual benefit of gaming tokens
Even though games have always been an amazing source of entertainment for the masses the truth is that the gaming industry would have continued to grow across all markets while remaining structured in a way that primarily benefits game developers and perpetuates a one-directional flow of value if it wasn’t for blockchain technology and tokenization.
Usually, players were the ones to spend money to unlock access to in-game assets and gameplay configurations. This is indeed a big contrast with the now blockchain-built games and decentralized applications (dApps).
Now players can capture the utility and value of in-game purchases and asset acquisitions more effectively. With a gaming system that is driven by non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Allowing a more balanced and easier way to participate equally and promote personal growth through monetary rewards.
Tokens, as a representation of digital assets living inside the game, are unique, rare, and cannot be copied. Holding the infallible stamp of the player's ownership, and prompting scarcity. All of these extraordinary characteristics have the potential to drive mainstream adoption and boost the value of the modern gaming business model.
Token creation from scratch
What is more surprising of this all is that now anyone can create a token. Even though the development of an idea takes time, effort, and knowledge, today with just a few clicks a new token can be launched into the blockchain and become the representation of an asset whose value will remain forever, safe inside one of the most secure networks ever created.
Although the adoption of gaming tokens comes with a lot of benefits, it also presents significant obstacles to overcome. Most notably, tokens need to be made more appealing and intuitive to mainstream consumers who might not be technically oriented. This is something that token creation at MintMe can help overcome because platforms such as MintMe have made it easy for the masses to create a token in a code-free environment.
However, token creation and games don't necessarily come together inside the game. It is also possible for the gaming industry to fund or sell special features and items through token making, allowing players to trade with other kinds of rewards that go way beyond just playing.


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How Xiaomi's new Mi5 flagship device differs from its predecessor
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi launched its highly anticipated Mi5 flagship smartphone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Wednesday. The phone is the successor to Mi4, which was launched two years ago.
The phone goes on sale in China on March 1 and will be released in other markets later. It starts at $306 in overseas markets, and the company hasn't announced a date to launch it in India.
The phone comes in black, gold and white colour variants. The top-end Mi5 Pro variant features a 3D ceramic body that the company says is durable and water-resitant. This variant comes with 128GB storage and 4GB RAM. The handset also has a metal and glass body variant with 3GB RAM and up to 64GB storage.
In comparison, the Mi4 comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB or 64GB storage.
Spec sheet The phone boasts a 5.15-inch full HD display with a resolution of 1920X1080 pixels. It has a fingerprint scanner in the front that dabbles up as the home button. The curved edges on both sides make it look like the Samsung Edge.
The device is also equipped with sunlight display technology, which improves visibility under direct sunlight. Under the hood, the Mi5 is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 820 chipset. The phone weighs just 129 grams and is 7.25 mm slim.
In comparison to Mi4, the new handset is lighter, has dual-SIM capabilities and supports 4G technology.
As far as the software is concerned, it comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based MiUi 7.
Camera Camera is another part where the company claims to have done some significant improvements. The phone sports the latest 16-megapixel camera with the latest sensor from Sony (IMX298). The camera is better than the Mi4's 13MP rear camera.
The Mi5 also has a 4-megapixel front camera with a wide-angle lens. Its camera doesn't stick out like with other devices.
The left edge of the phone has the nano-SIM card slot while the right side has the volume rocker and power/standby button.
The phone is armed with a 3,000mAh non-removable battery and supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0, which can charge the phone up to 90 per cent in just one hour.


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Boise State sold more than 1,400 tickets to this week’s football game during its half-price sale Wednesday, the school reported.
The sale pushed the number of tickets out to 30,500 for the Saturday night contest against New Mexico.
This is arguably the least-attractive game on the Broncos’ home schedule because the opponent has been struggling for years and it’s an 8:15 p.m. kickoff in November weather.
New Mexico, though, has outperformed expectations — the Lobos are 5-4 and one win away from bowl eligibility.
The Huddle in Caven-Williams Sports Complex will re-open at halftime Saturday to serve complimentary coffee and hot chocolate (but no alcoholic beverages) to the first 850 fans, who can pass through the northwest corner of the stadium and re-enter without going through security screening.


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DuPont Sued by Retailers on Price-Fixing Claim for PigmentKaren Gullo
DuPont Co., the world’s biggest producer of titanium-dioxide pigment, and three other manufacturers were accused by retailers in a lawsuit of conspiring to manipulate prices for the substance.
Los Gatos Ace Hardware in Los Gatos, California, and six other retailers sued on behalf of a nationwide group of indirect purchasers of titanium dioxide, an ingredient in white paint. They claim they paid inflated prices for products containing the pigment since 2002, according to a complaint filed yesterday in federal court in San Jose, California.
DuPont and the other defendants control more than 70 percent of the world’s titanium dioxide capacity and all of the U.S. capacity, according to the complaint. They increased prices while demand for the pigment declined, the retailers alleged. The plaintiffs seek a court order allowing them to sue as a group and recover triple damages.
“We are reviewing the allegations, and believe they are similar to claims made in the ongoing antitrust litigation in this matter,” said Dan Turner, a DuPont spokesman, in an e-mail today. “DuPont will continue to defend against these meritless claims.”
The case is Los Gatos Mercantile Inc. v E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., 13-1180, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Jose).
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Mitsubishi Motors has slashed the price of its i-MiEV electric car by up to $9,100, aiming to improve sluggish sales of its electric minicar in Japan.
Mitsubishi, which started selling the i-MiEV in 2009, said it was dropping the price of its top of the range i-MiEV by around 25 percent, or 900,000 yen ($9,100), to 2.9 million yen (about $29,000 US).
The top of the range Mitsubishi i-MiEV can be bought for approximately 2 million yen (about $20,000 US) in Japan, after government subsidies.
Japanese carmaker also cut the price of the entry level i-MiEV by 190,000 yen to 2.5 million (about $25,000 US), which with subsidies can be bought for about 1.7 million yen (about $17,000 US).
A Mitsubishi Motors spokesman said: “The main purpose of cutting the price is to strengthen our ability to sell these cars.”
To date, Mitsubishi has sold a total of 36,000 electric vehicles worldwide since 2009. The number include the i-MiEV, its sister cars the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero, and the Minicab MiEV vans.
Mitsubishi is still betting on the electric powertrain technology and is aiming for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids to account for 20 percent of the vehicles it produces by 2020.


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Tourism and hospitality sector guidance
The Scottish Government has published new guidance for the tourism and hospitality sector, including procedures for staff and customer safety and an operations checklist.
This guidance is for the tourism and hospitality sector in Scotland. It comes into effect immediately – from 18 June 2020 – and extends until further notice. It will be reviewed in line with the regular three-weekly review of lockdown requirements.
We have worked with industry and trade unions to ensure that this guidance is evidence-based, fair and ethical, clear and realistic. We welcome the extensive work that organisations, trade bodies, industry groups and individual businesses have already undertaken. This work enables them to plan ahead for safe workplaces through practical measures and draft guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of staff, customers and the public is at the centre of operational plans for re-opening of the sector. Stakeholders and trade bodies should review their material regularly against the latest Scottish Government guidance to ensure it is compliant with the core requirements.


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The Scottish Lib Dems have published a report showing the impact on SNP centralisation on Scotland. You can read the … More The SNP have centralised the life out of Tayside
Angus Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling on the sale of so called Legal Highs to end immediately. Following … More Petition launched to stop sale of so called “Legal Highs” in Angus
Angus Liberal Democrats have reacted angrily to news that the SNP Government has left £444 million unspent last year, despite … More Scottish Government Underspend a body blow for Angus investment
Angus Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Legal High or “Head” shops in Angus will soon stop selling the controversial products, but have called on the shop owner to close the shops immediately.
Angus Liberal Democrats have reselected me to be their candidate for next year’s General Election. It is a real honour to be selected to represent the Angus Lib Dems again and I would like to thank the members for their continued support.
The SNP’s proposed funding of the Flood Risk Management Act us based on a simplistic count of properties. Instead the Flood Forecasting Service should be used to target resources.


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Golf course at Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville, NY – Wikimedia (Nancy R. Mudrick)
Rough times for the golf industry has driven one of the world’s largest specialty golf retailers into bankruptcy court.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges business restructuring partner Michael Walsh and senior associates David Griffiths and Charles Persons are advising Austin, Texas-based Golfsmith International Holdings Inc. in its Chapter 11 case, which was filed Wednesday in Delaware. The Golfsmith restructuring is the latest engagement for Weil, which earlier this year landed roles on three other notable bankruptcy cases.
Mark Collins, chair of the corporate restructuring group at Delaware’s Richards, Layton & Finger, is serving as local counsel to Golfsmith, which is also being advised by Canadian firm Goodmans. None of the firms have yet filed billing statements with the bankruptcy court.
Golfsmith, which operates 109 stores in the U.S. and 55 in Canada under the Golf Town brand, lists debts and assets of up to $500 million each in its bankruptcy case. The company said in court filings that it would look to sell part of the chain while restructuring its business operations, a process that it expects will include shuttering some stores.
Weil previously advised Golf Town—once Canada’s largest golf retailer—on its $96.5 million merger with Golfsmith in 2012. (White & Case counseled Golfsmith on the deal.) The combined company adopted the Golfsmith name and embarked on an expansion plan that involved opening “superstores” with virtual golf simulators, putting greens and swing analyzers. But that resulted in higher operational costs, just as golf’s popularity began to roll downhill as enthusiasm for the sport ebbed following the downfall of Tiger Woods.
Nike Inc.—a major Woods sponsor—announced in August that it would stop selling golf equipment. Rival sports apparel maker Adidas AG said earlier this year that it would begin seeking buyers for its Taylormade and Ashworth golf brands.
In a declaration filed Wednesday, Golfsmith’s chief restructuring officer Brian Cejka wrote that the company had taken steps to improve its liquidity and operational performance, including accelerated lease buyouts and reducing employees. Despite those efforts, Golfsmith was not able to shrink its underperforming store base.
A joint venture formed by Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. and CI Investments Inc. has already offered to buy Golfsmith’s Golf Town stores in Canada. Proceeds from the proposed sale would help Golfsmith reduce its debt obligations. Court filings show that Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman and Delaware’s Hogan McDaniel are advising the joint venture on its offer for those Golfsmith assets.


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A New Vision - Strong Demand for Exhibit SpaceThe global economy is gradually recovering, and the plastics and rubber industries are growing strongly. This positive trend has been clearly visible since the beginning of 2017, with a record-breaking number of visitors attending CHINAPLAS 2017 and strong business being generated during that show. Many exhibitors said the orders they received during CHINAPLAS 2017 in Guangzhou enabled them to meet their entire year’s business target. Exhibitors also said that many visitors came with a clear purchasing plan, and those visitors were particularly interested in new technologies and total solutions.
So far, Adsale has received more than 4,000 exhibitor applications for the coming show. Compared to previous years, exhibitors are more enthusiastic. They are quicker to confirm their booking, and many intended to expand their booth area. Furthermore, visitors can expect more from the country/region pavilions, as there will be greater numbers of high-tech, innovative materials, equipment, and even entire production lines. All these indicators reflect that exhibitors are strongly confident about the relocation of CHINAPLAS to the NECC.
“New Venue. New Breakthroughs. New Experience” - the relocation of CHINAPLAS is a starting point for transformation. “Our team has always upheld the spirit of continuous innovation, which is very important for the plastics and rubber industries,” said Ms. Leung. “We believe that our exhibitors and their advanced technologies, combined with the show’s concurrent events and on-site services etc., will bring an extraordinary new experience to visitors. We urge you not to miss the show next year.”
CHINAPLAS 2018 will be relocated to National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Hongqiao, Shanghai, PR China, and run from April 24-27, 2018. To further enhance the exhibition’s service level and quality, attendees will be charged RMB 50 for a one-day pass and RMB 80 for a four-day pass. Visitors can enjoy admission discount through online pre-registration from now till April 18, 2018, at an early-bird rate of RMB 50 for a four-day pass.
Source: Adsale Exhibition Services


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Australian are bombarded with dozens of “free-range” egg products at the supermarkets yet many consumers are becoming wary of what this actually means. Those who purchase free-range eggs are supposedly supporting better conditions for hens than caged-egg farms, however, does the higher price and label hold true?
At the moment, free-range eggs come from farms with anywhere between 150 and 10,000 hens a hectare although, the Australian Egg Corporation has admitted this has not always been the case. They had previously accredited free-range egg farms with nearly 50,000 hens a hectare, so how are we supposed to know what free-range actually means? We are paying a hefty price for free-range products with the hope that the farming conditions are better for the hens. As consumers, we think we are making an informed decision about our purchases when in fact this label is very misleading.
For instance, another investigation in Australia found that free-range eggs from farms with 1500 hens a hectare average $1.12 per 100 grams but a farm with 10,000 hens a hectare charges more and is still considered “free-range”. This justifies why consumers are outraged; there doesn’t seem to be a standard for farmers to follow.
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The variation for what it means to be free-range is so broad. Currently, there are varying density benchmarks that are followed depending on the States and the supermarket chain. Many supermarkets, like Coles and Woolworths, have even agreed to stop selling caged eggs, which is great news but this just places even more importance on ensuring free-range egg standards are properly targeted.
We pay the price for free-range eggs thinking our government has passed regulations to ensure producers abide by them but that doesn’t seem to be working. In a recent survey, some producers including IGA Signature, Pirovic and Field Fresh even refused to reveal stock-density levels. The refusal to disclose this number is definitely concerning.
Other national standards and labels are in place for cosmetics and toiletries so why does it seem to be such an issue for free-range eggs?
Fortunately, Australia’s consumer affairs ministers, led headed by NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello, have agreed to take two massive steps forward to clear this uncertainty. First, acknowledging there needs to be a national enforceable standard and second, a time frame (end of 2016) to implement the new regulation. The agreed standard will help to provide customer guarantee and clarity for the producers. There will be no more excuses or acceptance for mislabelled eggs. Egg Farmers of Australia supports this national approach to egg labelling as well.
There is no word yet about what the number of hens per hectare will be but this poll suggests a tough decision will need to be made.
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Image source: SMH.com.au
Tell us, do you buy free-range eggs? Do you think there needs to be a new standard for regulation?


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New iPhone 14 launch date leaked! Speculation rages over Apple event
Apple iPhone 14 launch date is most probably in September. However, Apple has not revealed the actual date and this has created a vacuum that leaksters are more than happy to fill. Going by trends of Apple's own previous events, it should happen by September 13, but the leaksters are not in agreement. They are of the opinion that it will happen much earlier than that. As per the latest reports, the Apple event is likely to happen on September 7. Informing about the same Twitter user @MaxWinebach said, "Heard Apple event is September 7th now from a different source." Apple Hub (@theapplehub) also tweeted about the same saying, "According to @MaxWinebach's source, the next Apple event could happen on Wednesday, September 7. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 14 series and Apple Watch Series 8 next month."
Heard Apple event is September 7th now from a different source— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) August 10, 2022
According to @MaxWinebach's source, the next Apple event could happen on Wednesday, September 7. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 14 series and Apple Watch Series 8 next month. pic.twitter.com/WYjvzUZ9lE— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) August 11, 2022
Apart from the launch date, it is also being speculated that Apple can launch different models of iPhone 14 series on different dates. However, Apple has not given any official confirmation on the same. It can be known that Apple is expected to launch 4 iPhone 14 models including iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max in September.
Here are other expectations as per the leaks and rumours about the upcoming iPhone 14 series
1. iPhone 14 Price: The base iPhone 14 is expected to come with a price tag starting from $799, iPhone 14 Max at $899 followed by iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with a price tag of $1,099 and $1,199 respectively. However, the latest reports say that not just a $100 hike, but a $150 hike on average is coming to these iPhones.
2. iPhone 14 Colours: According to the information provided by leaker @Jioriku on Twitter, iPhone 14 will get colour options like Green, Purple, Blue, Black, White and Red. The leaskster also informed that the Pink colour is replaced with purple. While the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max will get colour options including Green, Purple, Silver, Gold, and Graphite. Here Purple takes the place of Sierra Blue.
3. iPhone 14 Chipset: It is expected to see the A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Pro series, with improved performance across the board according to alleged benchmarks. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that only the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will get the A16 Bionic, claiming the iPhone 14 will stick with the A15 chip.
4. iPhone 14 Battery: A tipster @VNchocoTaco has informed about the battery capacity of the iPhone 14 models. According to the leak iPhone 14 Pro is expected to get a 3200mAh battery, iPhone 14 3279mAh, iPhone 14 Pro Max 4323mAh, and iPhone 14 Max is expected to get the biggest battery of 4325mAh.
5. iPhone 14 Camera: iPhone 14 Pro is expected to get a trio of cameras flush on its back. However, the phone is also said to look similar to iPhone 13 Pro. iPhone 14 Pro is likely to get even a bigger raised camera array and will also be 0.2mm thicker than the iPhone 13 counterparts. The upcoming model may also get a bigger camera module in order to house a 48MP camera.
6. iPhone 14 Display: According to the leaks, the iPhone 14 Pro will get a 6.1-inch display and the iPhone 14 Pro Max will come with the 6.7-inch display of its predecessor. According to a rumor from Ross Young, the iPhone 14 Pro could increase in size from 6.06 inches to 6.12 inches, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max from 6.68 to 6.69 inches. Apple is also expected to offer a pill-shaped cutout for Face ID along with a punch hole. iPhone 14 Pro is expected to get an always-on display.


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Retailers set for sales rise despite decline in traditional shopping day
Retailers expect to do brisk business today, despite the waning popularity of what was traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
The growth of Black Friday and Cyber Monday means that Christmas shopping has already started.
But December 8 continues to be a lively day when people from the four corners of Ireland come to Dublin to meet Santa, see the lights and buy Christmas presents, retailers said.
The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception is not as big a spending day as in previous years, but still brings thousands of shoppers into the capital, director of Retail Ireland Thomas Burke said.
"The big driver used to be that the schools had a day off. Many schools don't close now. That means it is less busy. It's hard to put figures on it, but it is still a big shopping day," he said.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce said older people still regard December 8 as a big shopping day, but the popularity of it has been overtaken by online shopping for younger shoppers.
Sales in shops are set for record levels after years of the retail sector being in the doldrums.
And shoppers getting ready for Christmas are set to reap the rewards of continued discounting by retailers.
Prices are falling in most areas of retail, with the exception of bars and newsagents, a report on the retail by estate agency group Savills shows.
In an analysis of Central Statistics Office data, economist with estate agency Savills, John McCartney found prices are falling in almost every area of retail.
Retailers were gaining from lower overheads, falling commodity prices and efficiency gains, and were passing on their lower costs to consumers, Dr McCartney found.
"The fact that they have had to pass these gains on to the consumers confirms just how competitive the retail sector remains," he said.
Bars and newsagents are the only categories in retail that have seen sales and price increase.
Dr McCartney said that although prices are still falling, discounting is beginning to ease in many sectors.
Those selling electrical goods, furniture and fashion retailers are having to cut prices much less steeply than a year ago to drive sales. This may suggest a gradual return of pricing power to retailers as the economy strengthens, he said.
According to Savills, the positive outlook for the retail sector has led to a broadly-based increase in the demand for retail space. This is reflected in the fact that both international and indigenous operators - including Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Joules and Jigsaw - have taken retail spaces since the start of this year.
Meanwhile, a separate report shows that householders are set to spend €543m on food this festive season.
This is up €34m from last year, according to research conducted by electronic commerce company Webloyalty.
Half of consumers will spend more than €150 on festive food this Christmas. The majority still prefer to buy all their food in a shop rather than online.
Grocery giant Tesco will once again have the highest footfall of all food retailers as a quarter of respondents indicate they plan to do their Christmas shopping in its stores.
High-end grocer Marks and Spencer will see an uplift in sales with a fifth of consumers saying they plan to shop there, up slightly from last year.
Lower numbers indicate a preference for shopping in German grocer chains Aldi and Lidl.


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D.C. proposes new vendor rules
- Missy Frederick
D.C. has proposed a set of new regulations governing the city’s food cart business, with the goal of bringing in more street vendors and allowing existing vendors to expand their business.
The new set of regulations have been in the works for several years, according to Mike Rupert, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The city’s existing regulations, as well as a moratorium on new vendor licenses that was only briefly lifted in 2007, have kept the city’s food cart scene from becoming more diverse, as the regulations limited such things as the appearance of carts and who could operate them.
The new rules allow cart operators to expand their business to multiple carts. The size restrictions governing carts’ the appearance have been eased as well. The regulations also specify vending zones throughout the city and further clarify vendors’ assigned locations. Current food cart operators would be grandfathered into their existing spots.
Most of the new rules do not affect mobile food trucks, whose numbers have dramatically increased in the past year, particularly in conjunction with Twitter, which truck operators use to announce their location.
The agency will solicit feedback on the proposed regulations and issue a second notice before the rules go into effect.
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Samsung on Thursday said it was opening an entertainment store to bring movies and TV shows to its smartphones and upcoming Galaxy Tab tablet.
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My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.
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text: PetSmart LLC announced its partnership with Afterpay Limited to give customers the opportunity to have flexible payment options when shopping both in-store and online. PetSmart customers using Afterpay can make purchases and pay for them in four interest-free installments, due every two weeks. Customers receive their products upfront just like any other purchase method, but have the freedom to pay over time. Afterpay is available for all PetSmart products, as well as Pet Services like grooming, training, day camps and more. As the largest omnichannel specialty pet retailer, PetSmart is the first company of its kind to offer Afterpay's Buy Now, Pay Later service. Having recently added offerings like curbside pickup and same-day delivery, the addition of Afterpay is part of PetSmart's strategy to give customers more freedom and flexibility when shopping for their pets and ease stress that comes with becoming a new pet owner.


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Nov 17, 2022
By Jane Brown
Since Canada’s annual inflation rate held steady at 6.9 percent in October, there is now a greater likelihood the Bank of Canada will hike interest rates again next month.
Gas prices were down last month from September and overall, food prices were down slightly.
But items such as margarine, pasta and butter saw the largest price increases from last year.
Sylvain Charlebois is director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
He says the good news is that the cost of meat is up 5-percent year over year.
“Five percent is still high but it’s much lower than the average,” Charlebois explained to CP24, “Other than that, produce is exceptionally volatile. I mean lettuce is up 30-percent. I think a lot of people are noticing that lettuce is a problem right now. We ran out of it because California wasn’t able to produce as much as it should have at this time of year.”
And with inflation remaining lofty, experts say an interest rate hike by the central bank is coming December 7th, but that it could be the final increase.
The benchmark interest rate is now at 3.75-percent, up from a pandemic low of 0.25-percent this past March.


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Apple doesn’t reveal Apple Watch sales like it does for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac lines.
So our best guess about just how many smartwatches Apple has sold comes from industry research groups, in particular, IDC, whose data is frequently cited by Apple executives.
IDC just came out with its latest wearables estimates, and it has an estimate for first-quarter Apple Watch sales: 1.5 million units shipped.
That’s a big drop sequentially from last quarter, in which IDC estimated Apple shipped 4.1 million Apple Watches, although that quarter had the benefit of being a holiday quarter. (And even last quarter’s estimate could be seen as disappointing.)
That’s a 63.41% drop sequentially. Year-over-year change isn’t available because the Apple Watch only went on sale last April.
The Apple Watch hardware hasn’t been updated since it was released one year ago, but Apple has refreshed the product with new bands and software. During this past quarter, Apple also dropped the entry-level price for the Apple Watch to $299.
While the Apple Watch is clearly the best-selling smartwatch in the world, blowing out similar smartwatches from Google and Samsung, according to IDC’s estimate, both Fitbit and Xiaomi are crushing it with sales of simpler wearables. (Xiaomi, which sells almost exclusively in China, passed Apple this past quarter.)
“Turning to the Apple Watch, unit sales met our expectations in the quarter,” Cook said during Apple’s most recent earnings call. “For some colour on how we think about Apple Watch sales, we expect its seasonality to be similar to the historical seasonality of iPod, which typically generated 40% or more of its annual unit sell-through in the December quarter.”
Here’s the shipment chart, including basic wearables, like Fitbit:
Here’s the chart looking at smartwatches exclusively:


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Flipkart said the acquisition, Flipkart said, will increase its existing refurbishment business in the smartphone category.
Flipkart Group announced on Thursday that it has acquired e-commerce company Yaantra for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition, Flipkart said, will increase its existing refurbishment business in the smartphone category.
“Through the acquisition of Yaantra, we are strengthening our capabilities in an area critical to the growth of India‘s digital economy, as well as developing a comprehensive service ecosystem to support its expansion,” said Ravi Iyer, Executive Vice President and Head, Corporate Development, Flipkart.
Founded in 2013 by Jayant Jha, Ankit Saraf and Anmol Gupta, Yaantra repairs and sells refurbished consumer technology products such as smartphones and laptops.
The recommerce market in India is growing at a rapid pace. However, the Indian smartphone refurbishment market is largely unorganized and fragmented, which has posed trust and convenience issues for end consumers.
With the acquisition of Yaantra, Flipkart said it will enable greater access to affordable refurbished smartphones, delivering value and convenience to end consumers.
The Yaantra team will help Flipkart build its capabilities in this area and accelerate its recommerce scaling plans.
The company will report to Prakash Sikaria, Senior Vice President and Head of Growth Charter at Flipkart.
“We believe this association will be a game-changer in making the Indian refurbished market a success and creating an even better experience for our consumers,” said Jha, co-founder and CEO of Yaantra.
This strategic acquisition was made through FK Group Entity, F1 Info Solutions & Services Pvt Ltd, which offers full lifecycle management (repairs and refurbishment) for various categories including mobility, electronics consumer, computer and computer peripherals, audiovisual and enterprise solutions. , in the B2B segment.


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In a year characterised by uncertainty, it’s no wonder that marketers have found themselves second-guessing even the most carefully laid plans. But with the hope of vaccines now becoming a reality and the boost of a good month’s online trading in November, retailers can look to 2021 and expect a slow recovery as customers gradually make their way back to the high street.
But while marketers have struggled with uncertainty and doubt, so too have their customers. Although more than 45% of customer report that they are going to purchase during the January sales and more than 15% intend to spend more this year than last year, the consumer mindset has changed for good.
While the vaccine roll-out will reassure many and offers the prospect of a somewhat normal summer (we hope), consumers remain cautious and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Brands will have to adapt their messaging, their mission, and their service to attract and retain these customers.
The 2021 shopper has different priorities and expectations when it comes to their shopping experience and brands will need to move quickly to meet their new needs.
Rising unemployment and increasing economic uncertainty are the natural bedfellows of the cautious consumer. Lockdown spenders largely fall into two camps: those who become overly fond of the ‘add to cart’ button and those who go to ground and buy only the absolute necessities (loungewear, food & drink and the occasional loaf tin for their banana bread). In short, many consumers have adopted new buying patterns and are less likely to buy on impulse. 31% of consumers polled by Hargreaves Lansdown say that they will do less impulse buying after the pandemic, meaning that purchases will be more considered and less frequent.
Although customers recruited during lockdown tend to be sticker than those recruited at other times, many customers are becoming more conscious of the brand purpose behind their favourite products.
One of the most positive effects of the pandemic has been the strengthening of the relationships between brands and consumers as brands try to mitigate the loss of wholesale. Brands have become more adept at engaging directly with their customers, creating a human connection through clever use of social media and taking the opportunity to surprise and delight whenever possible. Never underestimate the power of a small thank you gift or note from the founder!
Sustainable and carbon-neutral brands in particular have seen a welcome bounce in popularity as they tend to be digital-savvy and have benefitted from the migration to online channels.
In the world of Covid-19, shopping is less of a leisure activity and more of a mission, a trend which is unlikely to change over the coming months. When customers do venture in-store, they prefer zero contact but still appreciate a friendly face and as normal an experience as possible.
There is opportunity here on many levels. Introduce e-receipts and explain the benefits to your customer: as well as keeping them safe by avoiding contact, e-receipts will make it easier for them to return items and can help them with size recommendations and advice. Before 2020, many brands felt that asking for an email address at the till was off-putting for customers but the consumers themselves have proven to be adaptable and eager to embrace digital services. Offer a direct service benefit and make data capture one of the top KPIs for your store staff – you’ll have tenfold the number of marketable customers before long.
The benefits for the brand are many. Use emails collected instore to link your online and offline sales and target your digital campaigns accordingly. Emailable customers are worth 50% more than non-emailable customers because you can build a direct relationship with them and help them understand what your brand purpose is all about.
Make sure your store-dominant customers are receiving the right messages online – local store updates, messages from store staff and new discounts will all land online with those customers.
Customers are comfortable with shopping online. Older customer demographics have embraced online services and are becoming used to discovering new brands and products online – they may need a little more reassurance (chat boxes and phone numbers to customer care lines are essential) but the shift to digital is here to stay.
The challenge for brands is to adapt with their customers and to think digital-first, even where they have stores. Purchasing must be frictionless across online and offline channels and brands should seriously consider reviewing their online payment methods – Visa sales dropped 17% on Black Friday this year while the use of ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes increased 300%.
The 2020 shopper has undergone a huge transformation and the 2021 shopper is the result. More considerate, less impulsive and more discerning, customers have higher expectations of brands than they once did but they also have a greater emotional connection to those favourite brands. Engaging with customers on a personal level will be key in 2021, as will understanding what each cohort needs from your brand. Some customers will need more reassurance that supply chains will remain unimpeded while others want transparency around eco credentials.
Listen to your customers and make sure you can communicate with them on the right channels about the issues that matter most to them. If you are sensitive to their needs and ready to go that little bit further to delight them, your customers will stay loyal and become true brand ambassadors. Remember, every delighted customer will bring you another for free.
It’s been a strange year in the world of retail (and the world in general) but if you get the basics right and keep the customer at the centre of everything you do, you’ll be set for whatever 2021 has in store.
Need help or want to learn how you can apply this to your brand? Drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.org, we’re here to help!


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MJB Wood Group Constructs Bristol, Indiana, Manufacturing Complex
According to company officials the new facility, expected to open in the first quarter of 2022, will replace an older 228,000 square-foot facility that MJB has outgrown. Over the past five years MJB has experienced tremendous growth in the region, exceeding 18% year-over-year revenue growth.
"We are excited to invest in this new facility because of MJB's commitment to the vibrant RV industry in Northern Indiana and the surrounding areas. This new facility will improve the efficiency of inbound and outbound freight, which will allow MJB to deliver more freight on time, while respecting the tight receiving window of customers," said Scott Griggs, president of MJB Wood Group.
In addition to offering a more streamlined distribution experience for customers, the new MJB facility includes a 100,000 square-foot fabrication area that will allow MJB to offer custom services such as cut- to-size, CNC machining, moulding, kitting and light assembly, company officials said. The new facility will increase MJB's ability to meet the sourcing needs of customers in the immediate area and throughout the Midwest, including those in the RV industry.
"We applaud MJB Wood Group for selecting Elkhart County for its new facility, and we value our partnership with the company," said Chris Stager, president & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County. "MJB has been sourcing and delivering diverse wood products for more than 45 years, and their new facility will allow them to improve efficiencies and provide a better overall customer experience."
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Chevrolet hopes to boost sales by increasing incentives on almost every vehicle in its lineup.
Read This Article
GM is getting serious with its compact truck ambitions. Will they be enough to succeed?
Conventional wisdom held that 2011 would be the year of the compact car.
General Motors will be government-free by the end of the year.


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Apple Hints a Grand Entrance into The Crypto Asset Space
Apple has recently posted a vacancy. This job opening is specifically for a business development manager who would be the head of the company’s partnership program of ‘alternative payments.’ The job description also requires the candidate to be well versed in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
The company has always maintained a very strict system of payments, and crypto assets have never been an acceptable mode of payment in the Apple App Store. However, the recent job opening posted by Apple is a hint towards the possibility of crypto payments for Apple in the future due to the mass interest developing in the crypto asset space by the general public.
Details of the Job
According to the job listing, The Wallets, Payments, and Commerce (WPC) Apple team is looking for a highly experienced Business Development Manager who would lead Apple’s partnership program of ‘Alternative Payments.’ The listing also says that the company is seeking the services of a commended professional in the field of emerging global and alternative payment solutions. The company needs the individual to help in the formation of commercial models and a partnership framework, identifying key players, defining implementation paradigms, and managing the relationships with the strategic emerging and alternative payment partners. The post also stated that the position would also entail an end to end business development, which would include screening the partners, negotiating and closing the commercial agreements, and the launch of new programs.
The company has not yet officially stated that they are moving into the crypto asset space, but the moves being made by Apple suggest that it is a high possibility. Another indication of this is the inclusion of Apple Pay graphics in the updated mobile application of Coinbase.
Payment Restrictions of Apple
If the company starts accepting crypto assets as a mode of payment, this would be a huge relief for many individuals and organizations. Apple is currently in between a high-value lawsuit against Epic, a renowned video game development company that is also the creator of the very popular game Fortnite. Epic has accused Apple of limiting and restricting the level of creativity in the sphere of payment methods.


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Two digital currency exchanges in the Philippines have been granted licenses from the Philippines central bank.
In a report from local publication, The Philippine Star, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved the registration of two bitcoin exchanges in the country. According to the report, the move is part of efforts to regulate the fast growing market and the ‘risky’ cryptocurrency industry.
Speaking at a FinTech Thought Leadership Roundtable Series presented by FINTQ, Nestor Espenilla Jr., the central bank’s chief, said:
“We see a rapid increase in the trajectory. It is coming from a small base but increasing that is why we decided to require them to register.”
Espenilla also provided figures on the local bitcoin trade. According to him, the bitcoin trade volume has more than doubled. In 2016, the figure was only around $2 million per month. However, exchanges are now seeing trading volume exceed $6 million each month.
“That is the importance of putting them under the regulatory framework. They have to comply with it. We are moving to regulate them.”
Rules on Bitcoin Exchanges
This move comes months after the BSP released new rules for bitcoin exchanges operating in the country. In January, it was reported that the central bank would treat digital currency exchanges as a type of remittance company.
At the time, the BSP said:
“The Bangko Sentral does not intend to endorse any [virtual currency], such as bitcoin, as a currency since it is neither issued or guaranteed by a central bank nor backed by any commodity. Rather, the BSP aims to regulate [virtual currencies] when used for delivery of financial services, particularly, for payments and remittances, which have material impact on anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), consumer protection and financial stability.”
At the end of December last year, it was reported that the Philippines government was discussing whether to regulate digital currencies. As the number of Filipinos sending money back home using bitcoin increases the government is keen to provide protection.
Ranking as the world’s third largest remittance receiver, the Philippines saw around $30 billion into the country in 2016. Amounting to nearly 10 percent of the country’s GDP, the Philippines has an ideal opportunity to make use of bitcoin.
At the time, Espenilla said that the number of transactions related to the digital currency was increasing. Yet, while the central bank was interested in digital currency exchanges, the threat of money laundering remains.
“We are studying putting virtual currency exchange operators under a more formal regulatory framework.”
Help or Hindrance?
The Philippines is certainly no stranger to the digital currency bitcoin. In 2015, the country received its first two-way bitcoin ATM, located in the heart of Manila’s financial district. According to CoinRadarATM, the country now has four bitcoin ATMs.
This steady growth illustrates where the market is going as bitcoin gains dominance. Yet, while this is the case, could the regulations help or hinder bitcoin startups in the Philippines?
This was a question that was asked back in February by Luis Buenaventura, CTO of BloomSolutions, a Philippines-based remittance firm. According to Buenaventura, while there may have been initial outcry at the move, optimism should be looked at toward the changes.
“It’s good news that the government is finally recognizing startups that have been laboring in a legal gray area since 2013. It’s also encouraging that they’ve spent enough time to learn about bitcoin to understand what it’s good at.”
However, while it may be some time before the full impact is understood, it’s hoped that it won’t deter innovative in the country, which has built up over time.
Japan Regulates Bitcoin
News of the Philippines central bank approving the registration of two bitcoin exchanges follows similarly to Japan.
In April, Japan made changes to its regulations to see bitcoin as a legal form of payment similar to prepaid cash cards and gift certificates.
Not only that, but the country put an end to an eight percent consumption tax on transactions of bitcoin bought by digital currency exchanges. When it went into effect in July, it helped to push the currency’s price up. Since then the country has continued to fuel demand for bitcoin.
In response to the increased demand in the cryptocurrency over 10 digital currency exchanges have launched. The aim is to capitalise on this surge within Japan.
This, however, shouldn’t be hard. It’s reported that by the end of 2017 there will be as many as 260,000 retailers accepting bitcoin. According to Midori Kanemitsu, chief financial officer at bitFlyer, that number ‘is expected to rise to 300,000 or so in 2017.’
Bitcoin’s Value Rises
Since the beginning of 2017, bitcoin’s price has quadrupled. In January, it was worth $1,000. At press time, on the 21st August, it’s trading at $4,028. Over a 24-hour period it has dropped its value by 2.08 percent. In seven days its value has decreased by 5.33 percent.
Just last week the currency was nearing the $4,500 mark; however, it fell short of this reaching $4,482. It’s believed that some traders may have sold their coins to enjoy the profit they would have made.
Despite this drop in price, though, demand remains for the currency. So much so, that the initial jump to $4,000 was down to strong Japanese interest. Geopolitical turmoil in North Korea is believed to have been a factor as well.
With a major selloff in bonds and stocks taking place, investors are turning to bitcoin as a safe haven. It remains to be seen how much further the digital currency can rise.
One trader has speculated that it will reach $15,000 before the end of 2017. Others, however, are a tad more bearish. Ronnie Moas, Standpoint Research founder, thinks its price will rise to $7,500. This is a revised figure from his previous $5,000 prediction. And yet, there are some who are predicting figures as high as $100,000.
One thing remains, though, even though the digital currency’s price may rise and fall, people are still confident as to where it’s going. There will continue to be critics along the way, but the currency has now reached a stage of maturity that prices remain relatively stable during shifts in the market.
Featured image from Shutterstock.


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OnePlus has recently released the December 2022 security update for the OnePlus 9R devices. The latest firmware was carrying a huge list of fixes and improvements for the security, display, as well as connectivity aspects. But it looks like the update didn’t satisfy the users much. As per the details, the display and calling issue continued to reside in OnePlus 9R handsets even after the December 2022 update.
Recently, a user bumped into the community forum with a long roll of display and calling issue in the OnePlus 9R handset. Eventually, the user explained that the latest OxygenOS 13 F.19 software update is quite beneficial and has resolved many bugs. Yet, there are a few issues that remain the same on the device surface.
The list begins by highlighting the Pink Line issue on the OnePlus 9R screen. Although there aren’t many cases for the moment, it should not happen if the company has updated the device with multiple fixes and optimizations. Here is how the user describes the fresh security patch:
“Recently OnePlus launched a new update f.19, according to the users a lot of issues have been solved but few still exist now. 1-2 cases have been reported by users of Pink Line.”
Thereafter, the user reports that many OnePlus 9R owners have complained about the sound, calling, and touchscreen defects in their devices. Next comes the gaming performance. The consumer defines that the gaming performance is not yet upgraded as its performing the same as before. There is no change in the functioning and efficiency.
What December 2022 update has improved?
Well, if things are mostly going in the wrong direction, then how the December 2022 update is useful? Answering this question, the user said that a few things are showing slight improvements. Consequently, the update has fixed some issues with the display’s fresh rate. Meanwhile, the battery performance is also working effectively.
So OnePlus 9R users! Are you also facing any such issues with your handset? Or is everything fine on your side? Let us know in the comment section.
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CANYON COUNTRY – For those looking for relief from the summer heat, snow is in the forecast for July 29 at Mountasia Family Fun Center.
The event will feature 20 tons of snow, free game tokens and free rounds of miniature golf from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to kick off the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s station’s Christmas in July Toy Drive.
The toy drive helps stock the shelves of the Santa Clarita Valley Holiday Storefront, which provides toys for children and families who may not otherwise have a holiday come December.
“We collect toys early and start a toy store in which family members can come in, pick out and wrap their own toys for their children,” said Deputy Gerri McCorkel, toy drive organizer. Those who donate a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more will receive free rounds of miniature golf and game tokens at Mountasia.
By starting the collection process early, more toys can be donated and deputies don’t have to work so hard the days leading up to Christmas, allowing them to prepare for their own holiday and spend time with their families.
More than 1,000 toys were collected at last year’s Christmas in July event at Mountasia, and close to 8,000 toys were given to needy families in Santa Clarita during the 2005 holiday season.
In addition to the toy collection event at Mountasia, there are other local retailers and businesses who are helping stock the toy storefront with toy collection boxes at their place of business throughout July. Drop-off locations include Valencia AutoSpa, Mission Valley Bank, Beyond Harmony Day Spa, the Santa Clarita sheriff’s station, the city of Santa Clarita, Dream Dinners and Legacy Real Estate Group offices.
Mountasia is located at 21516 Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita. Christmas carolers will be singing holiday music while guests frolic in the snow, and Santa Claus will make an appearance. For information about the Christmas in July toy collections, call McCorkel at (661) 799-5164.


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Dara Khosrowshahi news
The move may help the ride-hailing company cut back costs in preparation for an IPO - possibly next year.
While Amazon had almost $178 billion in sales in 2017, net income was $2.24 billion. “Cars are to us what books are to Amazon,” he said.
"We strive to be and should be a brand that is as beloved as Amazon and Google," Dara Khosrowshahi said.
The US Department of Transportation is presently working on a third revision of the Federal Automated Vehicle Policy, it first released in September 2016.
Khosrowshahi will visit India and Japan during the week of Feb. 19 to meet business and government leaders, said Uber's spokesman.
Kalanick was pushed out by the company's board last year amid a litany of regulatory problems, driver and consumer scandals, and court cases.
The deal includes a large purchase of shares from existing Uber investors and employees at a discounted valuation for the company of $48 billion
Even though Kalanick is no longer the chief executive - and even though the new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has vowed to “do the right thing” - Uber has no friends.
SoftBank will acquire 15 per cent of Uber's equity at a discount of 30 per cent from its most recent value, according to a source familiar with the terms of the deal.
The City of York Council's Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee rejected Uber's application to renew its private hire operator's licence, citing concerns about a data breach that is currently under investigation and the number of complaints it had received about the service.
The Florida man was responsible for the large data breach at Uber Technologies last year and was paid by Uber to destroy the data through a so-called "bug bounty" programme normally used to identify small code vulnerabilities
The revelations Tuesday and Wednesday about the extensive use of Wickr inside Uber upended the high-stakes legal showdown with Alphabet's Waymo unit, which accuses the ride-hailing firm of stealing its self-driving car secrets.
The multibillion-dollar case, in which Waymo has accused Uber of stealing confidential information about its self-driving car designs, has hobbled Uber's autonomous vehicle ambitions.
The investment, which was approved by the Uber board in October, would also trigger a string of governance changes at Uber that would limit some early shareholders' voting power, expand the board from 11 to 17 directors and cut the influence of former Chief Executive Travis Kalanick.
If it is successful, the SoftBank-led coalition would buy at least 14 percent of the shares from existing Uber investors.
Uber Technologies Inc is also continuing talks with Japan's SoftBank Group Corp over an investment, Brooks Entwistle, Uber's recently appointed chief business officer for Asia Pacific, told Reuters on Monday.


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Germany (Reuters) – Deutsche Post DHL Group said it expected slower profit growth this year than analysts predicted but did not see a major impact on global trade from geopolitical tensions.
In an industry seen as a bellwether for the global economy, U.S. rival FedEx Corp jolted investors in December with a steeper-than-expected cut in its 2019 profit forecast, warning of weakening freight demand as the global economy slows.
But Deutsche Post Chief Executive Frank Appel said he was not worried, adding that the business had a broad base that made it resilient even if global economic growth weakened.
“We have not seen any signs of a noticeable slowdown on the horizon,” Appel said. “The fundamental growth from globalisation and digitalisation will continue.”
FedEx executives said they had noted a sharp slowdown in Britain due to uncertainty over the country’s departure from the European Union, Germany’s economic contraction, protests in France and a cooling down of the economy in Asia.
The German postal and logistics group reported that fourth-quarter sales rose 5.1 percent to 16.9 billion euros (14.50 billion pounds), above the average analysts’ forecast for 16.65 billion, while operating profit was in line at 1.1 billion euros.
Deutsche Post said operating profit should rise to between 3.9 billion euros and 4.3 billion euros in 2019, and confirmed its guidance for the metric to reach at least 5 billion by 2020.
The 2019 guidance compares to average analyst forecasts for 4.1 billion euros, according to Refinitiv data, but includes a 400 million euro gain from disposing its China supply chain business.
“As a result, the midpoint of the underlying guidance range is 8 percent below consensus,” wrote Jefferies analysts.
Shares in Deutsche Post, which are down by a quarter in the last year, fell 1.3 percent at 0833 GMT.
The group had issued a profit warning for 2018 in June and started a restructuring programme at its Post – eCommerce – Parcel (PeP) division, including an early retirement programme, as well as splitting its post-and-parcel delivery division into a German and an international unit.
It could take several months until the measures had a positive impact on its figures, but they should help profitability for the year and longer term, Appel said.
(Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Edmund Blair)


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The four day long Black Friday deal on Kaymu (one of the largest e-commerce companies in Nepal) was a hit. According to the company, the orders escalated by 1500% compared to a normal day during the Black Friday deal. The product orders were so high at Kaymu during this deal that the order volume of a normal day generated within the first hour.
Overall, the sale of musical instruments increased by 69 times the regular day sale. Additionally, 39 times more Mobiles and Tablets were sold by Kaymu on Black Friday deal in comparison to a normal day. Similarly, the transactions of other electronic items also ascended significantly. Furthermore, Kaymu also witnessed a rise in the sale of other products categories like health and beauty and men’s and women’s fashion.
I also bought some winter clothing for myself during the sale. Did you buy anything? Let us know. Also, do you think there should be more deals like this in the future from other e-commerce companies as well?


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Vietnamese Community in Italy Bridge to Promote Vietnam-Italy Trade Relation
|Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue (L) at the gathering (Photo: VNA)|
The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy has organised a virtual New Year gathering with representatives from the Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs in Italy (ASSOEVI) to collect suggestions in a bid to strengthen the nations’ trade relations.
At the event, ambassador Nguyen Thi Bich Hue reviewed the Vietnamese community’s major activities as well as their contributions to the homeland in 2021.
In her remarks at the January 15 event, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Bich Hue reviewed activities and contributions to their home country of the Vietnamese expatriates last year. The community took part in mobilizing local authorities’ support in terms of COVID-19 vaccines, medicines and medical equipment for Vietnam; charity activities to help children in Vietnam; and the teaching of Vietnamese language in Italy. They also worked to assist Italian and Vietnamese enterprises.
The diplomat wished for further contributions to be made in the near future.
Among the activities, she said the community lobbied local administrations to support vaccines, drugs and medical equipment for Vietnam’s COVID-19 fight. They also carried out charity activities to help needy children in the homeland, along with teaching Vietnamese and supporting businesses in both Italy and Vietnam.
The diplomat noted that despite the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Italy still grossed US$5.6 billion, of which Vietnamese exports reached US$3.8 billion, up 22% and imports were US$1.8 billion, up 19% thanks to the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Union (EVFTA).
Ambassador Hue expressed hope that the Vietnamese community and organizations like ASSOEVI will continue to design positive activities and make more practical contributions to the homeland.
The delegates raised ideas for ASSOEVI to boost cooperation between the two countries’ businesses, through enhancing information transmission, supporting legal procedures, and conducting research and surveys to seek investment and business opportunities, said the VOV.
Established in June 2011, ASSOEVI gathers most of Vietnamese businesses in Italy with the goal of uniting, improving the capacity of its members, and creating an environment for cooperation and information exchange between Vietnamese enterprises in their host country.
The association also aims to introduce and promote Vietnamese goods and services in Italy, as well as to strengthen economic-trade cooperation between Italy and Vietnam.
According to Hue, despite COVID-19, trade between Vietnam and Italy hit US$ 5.6 billion in 2021 thanks to the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Vietnam’s key exports included aquatic products, farm produce, and handicrafts.
|In 2021, Vietnam's export to Italy got US$3,8 billion, increasing by 22% compared to the last year.|
Pham Van Hong from the advisory council of ASSOEVI recommended the association improve the effectiveness of its operation to build a stronger foundation for future development.
Participants suggested ASSOEVI work more to connect Vietnamese and Italian firms via communications activities, legal procedure support, and the organisation of market surveys, among others, according to the VNA.
Founded in June 2011, ASSOEVI groups most of Vietnamese enterprises in Italy, aiming to boost the capacity of its members, facilitate their information exchanges and cooperation, assist their investment and business activities, and promote Vietnam-Italy collaboration in trade and economy.
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