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updated 07:55 pm EDT, Thu August 14, 2008
MobileMe phishing scam
A phishing scheme targeted at MobileMe users has duped hundreds into releasing their credit card or other personal information according to Computerworld. Dan Clements, president of identity protection company CardCops, claimed hundreds of people were scammed with mac.com in a single day. CardCops uses investigators and automated bots to find information online in places frequented by cybercriminals. A recent search uncovered a stash of records in a server used to house stolen information.
Computerworld was allowed to view the files and verified that the records found on the servers contained multiple "full profiles" including names, addresses, credit card numbers, card security numbers, birth dates, mother's maiden names, and e-mail addresses and passwords. There were approximately 300 profiles collected in one day, with 100-200 being mac.com addresses, according to Clements.
After contacting the victims CardCops were able to get a better idea of what actually happened. Clearly it was a phishing attack, but the timing was calculated to coincide with Apple's recent migration of its older .Mac service to the new MobileMe service. The timing appeared to increase the success rate for the phishers.
Earlier this week there were reports of messages that appeared to be sent by Apple to ask MobileMe users to re-enter their credit card information because of a billing problem. Many people didn't think twice about giving out their information. "Some of the users who we talked to were very sophisticated users. But they still fell for this attack," said Clements. Jovi Umawing of Trend Micro made similar observations, he said the message "looks clean and sleek, the text courteous and professional, hardly the kind that instantly gives away [it] away as a fake or scam." Links to legitimate Apple pages were even included in the mail.
Clements claimed another factor played a role: Apple users' high level of trust with the company. Another attack in May targeted iTunes users. The criminals used a similar tactic, claiming credit card problems required them to enter their information again to update their accounts.


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Roadmaps for export oriented plastic and light engineering as well as their growth projections need to be aligned with upcoming export policy, said speakers at a workshop on Tuesday.
Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) and the Ministry of Commerce jointly organised the validation workshop to finalise export roadmaps on plastic and light engineering sectors, held at the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) Project office in the city, a statement said.
The roadmaps have been prepared by BUILD in collaboration with IFC-WBG.
Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh attended the event as the chief guest.
BUILD shared two presentations on export roadmaps on plastic and light engineering sectors respectively.
Mr Ghosh endorsed the projection of BUILD for the Bangladesh plastic sector to be the 40th largest exporter by 2030.
In order to meet the target, he asked the stakeholders to support the government since it is keen to see higher export growth through relevant policy interventions.
He also directed the relevant agencies to accomplish their tasks outlined in the action plan ahead of the deadline.
After 2026, when Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status, the government will not extend cash subsidies but provide support in the forms of research, knowledge, logistics, and so on.
"Bangladesh needs to shift its product concentration to sectors like light engineering so that it can gradually move upwards in its industrialisation pathway," Mr Ghosh said.
As Bangladesh will upgrade from being the 43rd largest economy to 25-26th economy in 2030, greater FDI may be attracted and the ease of doing business may be gradually improved, said the secretary, adding that the projected target for 2030 could be upgraded with proper factor analysis.
He informed the event that the finance ministry had commissioned a study to seek alternatives of subsidies considering the changed situation after LDC graduation - stakeholders could also suggest in these aspects.
Considering the global export volume, economic situation, supportive policies extended by the government and the target of perspective plan to be a developed country, Mr Ghosh said there was a need for alternative projections for the light engineering sector.
He suggested that BUILD revisit the target considering the global issues and economic development.
BUILD CEO Ferdaus Ara Begum said plastic toys had huge potential to be a significant export product along with automobile components, provided that the sector was supported with policies such as bonded warehouse facilities and reduced lead time.
She also urged the government to officiate the deemed export figures for calculating total export of the sector.
Hafizur Rahman, additional secretary (Export) of the commerce ministry, said: "We have a target to reach export of 80 billion dollars by the marginal year of Export Policy 2021-2024, sectoral targets in the roadmaps should be aligned with the export policy target."
EC4J Project Director Md Monsurul Alam said Bangladesh had roughly 300 plastic recycling factories across the country producing plastic flakes from scraps and exporting around 40,000 tonnes of flakes annually for making yearns.
"We need to stop it and figure out how we can produce yarns from flakes in Bangladesh," he said.
The meeting primarily validated the export projection target, mission and vision and time-bound action plans for the roadmap.

domain: news


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Making and selling link
are shortcuts for making money, not only failed to bring them wealth, instead of sent to prison.
Court of first instance in the production and sale of fake or substandard products were sentenced to two main culprits life imprisonment and 11 years in prison. The retrial think the suspects constitute the crime of counterfeiting registered trademarks, was sentenced to six years and four years respectively.
In Heyuan, Guangdong,China,two workshop supervisor to see to do fake brand-name package to make money, has resigned to start all over again, big fake international brands link
are sold in Guangzhou. Last year, the principal Xiao Zhenjiang Hu Shengcheng found guilty of production and sale of fake or substandard products Heyuan Intermediate People's Court sentenced to life imprisonment and 11 years in prison, after the case was the Guangdong High Court remand. Recently, Heyuan City Intermediate People's Court retrial, sentenced to commit the crime of counterfeiting registered trademarks Xiao Zhenjiang Hu Shengcheng six years and four years in prison.


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A luxury electric car from an American manufacturer’s workshop will serve at the police in Luxembourg. So far, it is a test of whether Tesla Model S gives meaning to police units.
Not only carmakers but also governments have been making more and more aware of their environmental concerns and how they want to reduce the environmental burden in recent years. Most recently, this is evidenced by Luxembourg, whose Tesla Model S electric car will start operating again. This is also being tested by the Los Angeles police.
The purchase of Tesla by the Luxembourg police has been speculated for a long time now, and the ordering of the car from official sites has now been confirmed, according to RTL television. The police service will target two Tesla Model S specimens that will begin serving in September when they will be officially presented. Until then, they will be painted in police color and armed with the appropriate equipment.
For each of the cars, the police pay approximately 100,000 crowns, which is equivalent to USD 135,000. It would be a good fit for the BMW M550i xDrive, which would be a very decent service car for the highway police …
Buying two Tesla Model S copies is part of the effort of the Luxembourg government to reduce its environmental burden. Based on a government resolution, a tenth of this year’s newly purchased state-owned vehicle fleet should have an electric or hybrid drive. And the police were allegedly chosen for having a car to service.
Originally, purchased cars are primarily intended for testing. Police want to find out in the next two years whether an electric car in its services really makes sense. In the test, operational costs, charging times and real-time capabilities will be determined.
An important part of the tests will also be the measurement of racing under real conditions. Police also want to use Tesla on motorways where electric cars are still limited due to their raids. On the other hand, Luxembourg is a small country, it is only 82 kilometers long and 57 kilometers wide, which would make it possible for police Tesla to finish the race. Model S can handle the strongest version over 500 kilometers.
We are very excited about how Tesla Model will catch up with the Luxembourg police. Electromobiles in police services are no longer as unusual as they were a couple of years ago, but they are also being tested by Czech policemen, on the other hand the planned service of the Luxembourg Tesel will be different from the other tried electricians. While in other police forces electric vehicles are actually only in cities or parks, in Luxembourg it is supposed to be a full-fledged police vehicle for various tasks. How do you give her a chance to succeed in these tasks?


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Dutch postal service PostNL has kicked off the construction of a new parcel sorting center at a business park in Dordrecht near Rotterdam.
The new facility will join PostNL’s network of 22 parcel sorting centers in the Netherlands and six locations in Belgium. PostNL will open three new parcel sorting centers in the Netherlands in 2019, including the location in Dordrecht.
Coen Schut, director strategy parcels at PostNL, said, “Consumers have totally embraced the ease of online shopping. Many online stores choose PostNL to sort and deliver their parcels, of which we’re very proud.
“In the coming year, PostNL will open three new parcel sorting centers in the Netherlands, to optimally arrange the delivery process in the growing market for parcel deliveries, including this sustainable building in Dordrecht.”
For the new building to receive Outstanding BREEAM certification, PostNL will invest in sustainable materials, solar panels and a heat recovery system. It will also offer employment for around 400 people, with completion scheduled for August 2019.


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The overall connected-car market is growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 45 percent, Business Insider researchers say.
In 2020, that will mean 69 million connected vehicles, and an installed base of perhaps 220 million total connected cars on the road globally in 2020.
Perhaps 88 million of these vehicles will represent sales of connected services to vehicle-based systems, rather than tethering in the cars to user smartphones or other devices.
Embedded connections will win, Business Insider Intelligence argues, since those sorts of capabilities also allow auto companies to collect data on cars' performance and send updates and patches to cars remotely, avoiding recalls related to the car's software.
Separately, Research and Markets has forecast the connected car machine-to-machine services market in the United States will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14 percent.
The firm also forecasts the connections (access) market for the U.S. connected car M2M will grow at a 28.5 percent compound annual growth rate between 2015 and 2019.
The connected car M2M services market includes driver assistance, safety and security, infotainment, vehicle management and on-drive management, for example.


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NEW DELHI, September 30, 2020 – International Data Corporation (IDC) has published a new report analyzing the India Artificial Intelligence (AI) market to provide an all-inclusive view on the growing customer demand for AI in India. The report also explores the businesses’ approach across the core AI pillars including, strategy, culture, data, skills, and ethics.
Enterprises are relying on AI to maintain business continuity, transform how businesses operate, and gain competitive advantage. According to IDC’s Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Spending Guide Forecast, India’s AI spending will grow from US$300.7 million in 2019 to US$880.5 million in 2023 at a CAGR of 30.8%.
“COVID-19 is pushing the boundaries of organizations’ AI lens. Businesses are considering investments in intelligent solutions to tackle issues associated with business continuity, labor shortage, and workspace monitoring. Organizations are now realizing that their business plans must be closely aligned with their AI strategies,” says Rishu Sharma, Principal Analyst, Cloud and AI at IDC in India.
The latest report provides comprehensive coverage of the market overview including AI spending, end-user adoption plans, the business value of AI investments, and COVID-19 impact. The report also provides insights on evolving end-user plans as they progress on their approach to adopt AI. Other key highlights of the report are:
- Enterprises rely on AI to maintain business continuity, transform how businesses operate and gain competitive advantage. As per IDC’s 2019 Cognitive AI Adoption Survey, almost 20% of enterprises are still devising AI strategies to explore new businesses and ventures.
- As per IDC’s 2020 COVID-19 Impact Survey, Wave 7, half of India enterprises plan to increase their AI spending in 2020.
- Data trustworthiness and difficulty in selecting the right algorithm, are some of the top challenges that hold organizations back from implementing AI technology.
“The variety of industry-specific tech solutions supported by emerging technologies like IoT, Robotics, Blockchain, etc. are getting powered by complex AI algorithms and are cloud-enabled to reach their max potential. In India BFSI and Manufacturing verticals are the two biggest spenders of AI across different use cases making almost 37% of the AI spending in 2019,” said Ashutosh Bisht, Senior Research Manager for IDC’s Customer Insights and Analysis group. “With the fast adoption of cloud technologies in India, more than 60% of AI Applications will be migrated to cloud by 2024,” added Bisht.


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Hindalco Industries has invested around $5 billion in the last five years in three new plants. Photo: AFP Mumbai: Hindalco Industries Ltd has... ...http://www.livemint.com/Companies/ZhZpIFUEuIOgw9CM3tRllO/Hindalco-Industries-says-SEZ-was-unattractive.html
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Dan Akerson Remarks to Annual Stockholders' Meeting
DETROIT--June 6, 2013: Here are General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson’s prepared remarks to the annual meeting of stockholders on Thursday, June 6. As always, the speaker’s words are definitive.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
I am Dan Akerson, the chairman and chief executive officer of General Motors, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to the fourth Annual Meeting of GM Stockholders.
As you entered the meeting today, you were given a folder with several documents, including the rules of the meeting as set forth in the Order of Business and Conduct of Meeting Guidelines, the Proxy Statement, an explanation of forward-looking statements, and our 2013 full line product brochure.
I hope you will take a few moments to read this material.
The first item on our agenda today is a report on GM’s state of the business. Then we’ll begin the business portion of the meeting, at which time we’ll address the matters set forth in the Proxy Statement.
After that, we’ll have some time for questions and comments from the audience.
Before we begin, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our incumbent directors, and I would ask them to stand as I call their name.
David Bonderman, co-founding partner and managing general partner, TPG…
Erroll Davis, superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools…
Steve Girsky, vice chairman, General Motors Company…
Neville Isdell, retired chairman and CEO, Coca-Cola Company…
Rob Krebs, retired chairman and CEO, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation…
Kathy Marinello, chairman and CEO, Stream Global Services, Inc. ...
Mike Mullen, former chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff…
Jim Mulva, retired chairman and CEO, ConocoPhillips…
Pat Russo, retired CEO, Alcatel-Lucent…
Tom Schoewe, retired executive vice president and CFO, Wal-Mart, Inc. …
Tim Solso, retired chairman and CEO, Cummins, Inc. …
Carol Stephenson, dean, Richard Ivey School of Business, the University of Western Ontario…
And Cynthia Telles, director, UCLA Neuro-psychiatric Institute.
Thank you for your service to GM… and for all of the valuable counsel you have offered me and the leadership team.
Let’s begin with the state of General Motors.
I am very pleased to report that in 2012 we created significant long-term value for our customers and stockholders.
We did it by keeping a razor sharp focus on the four pillars of our operating strategy, which are now deeply embedded into our culture.
They are: design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles; build strong brands; grow profitably wherever we operate; and maintain a fortress balance sheet.
We continue to make good progress against these pillars.
In 2012, our global revenues were more than $152 billion, up $2 billion from a year ago.
Behind that figure is the fact that more Americans buy their cars and trucks from GM than any other automaker. For that matter, more Chinese customers do too.
Our joint ventures have now outsold all other automakers in China for eight consecutive years.
In fact, we outsold six of the top Japanese automakers combined in 2012. That’s the reward for investing early and staying on offense.
Turning to our profits, we earned $7.9 billion in EBIT-adjusted, which is earnings before interest expense and taxes, adjusted for special items.
All of our business units were profitable, except for GM Europe, but we have stabilized the business there despite the fact that sales have dropped to 20-year lows.
We’re even seeing green shoots from our restructuring activities and new product launches, which will help us reach our objective to deliver break-even EBIT-adjusted results by mid-decade.
When you add in our solid first quarter results, which included better-than-expected results in Europe, it brings our cumulative EBIT-adjusted earnings to $25 billion since the beginning of 2010.
Last year also saw GM’s fortress balance sheet become even stronger.
Our automotive business generated $9.6 billion in net cash from operating activities.
We reduced our U.S. pension liabilities by approximately $28 billion.
We secured an $11 billion investment grade credit facility.
And we ended the year with total liquidity of $37.2 billion.
At the same time, we increased our capital expenditures from $6.2 billion in 2011 to $8.1 billion in order to build a global competitive advantage.
Finally, we introduced some stunning, and phenomenally well-received vehicles, which I’ll talk more about in a few minutes.
Our steady progress has not gone unnoticed on Wall Street.
In fact, one investor recently told me how refreshing it is to talk product strategy with the GM team, instead of things like credit risk.
It’s refreshing to us too. And the change in the conversation about GM has helped drive our stock price, which was up 42 percent in 2012.
The stock has continued to perform well this year too, with a roughly 20 percent increase year-to-date.
Of course, the fact that the U.S. Treasury Department is selling its GM stock has been welcomed by other investors.
So has Standard & Poor’s decision to add General Motors to the S&P 500 index.
But without question, the most important factor is – and always will be – the quality and desirability of the vehicles we build.
I’m very proud to say that our newest vehicles are winning critical praise, awards, and most importantly, customers around the world.
These include the Cadillac XTS and ATS, which was the brand’s first North American Car of the Year....
The Chevrolet Onix, which now accounts for about one-quarter of our sales in Brazil...
And the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, which currently has more than 100,000 dealer and customer orders.
Our two global brands are leading the way.
For example, Cadillac sales began to surge in the second half of 2012.
Through May, Cadillac has been the fastest-growing brand in the United States, based on year-over-year sales. In fact, Cadillac is growing faster than it has since 1976.
2012 also saw Cadillac begin its drive to triple its annual sales in China to 100,000 units within two years.
The first step involved local production of the XTS, which began a few months ago.
Turning to Chevrolet, we have now seen 10 consecutive quarters of record global sales versus the prior year, thanks to all-new vehicles like the Spark, Sonic and Onix.
To keep this momentum going and forge even stronger relationships, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC customers in the United States will now be covered by a new maintenance program that includes scheduled services for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
It makes sense to do this to kick the ownership experience off on the right foot.
It’s also strategic, because we know that customers who service their vehicles at our dealerships are much more likely to purchase another GM product down the road.
The products we launched in 2012 are just the tip of the spear.
As I speak, the first all-new full-size pickup trucks from GM in six years are arriving in dealer showrooms across North America.
Not only are the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra more capable and luxury-car quiet, our new V-8 engines offer superior towing and fuel economy.
The trucks will be followed by the show-stopping, 455-horsepower Corvette Stingray.
One look under the hood of the new Corvette will tell you that it’s not old-fashioned Detroit iron.
The Stingray uses advanced lightweight materials like carbon fiber, sophisticated engine management technologies and incredible attention to detail to generate its performance.
Then there is the gorgeous Cadillac ELR extended-range electric vehicle... and the all-new Cadillac CTS, which is some 200 pounds lighter than a comparable BMW 5-Series.
These vehicles and many more from Buick, Opel and our other brands are the most visible signs of our progress. But there is even more work going on behind the scenes to help us reach our true potential.
For example, at last year’s meeting, I described how our product development teams are reducing the number of vehicle and powertrain architectures we use in order to improve our economies of scale.
Our objective is to derive 96 percent of our forecasted volume from 13 core global architectures and four regional architectures by 2018.
This work has been complemented by changes we made last year that flattened our structure and created accountability for product execution, profitability and customer satisfaction.
It’s also being managed using new analytical tools. Starting this year, we are tracking our profits by both model and country of sale.
It’s incredibly insightful. And over time, we’ll be able to narrow our analysis down to the vehicle identification number globally, which is detail we never had before.
When you step back and consider all of the sophisticated design, engineering and financial tools you need to compete in a dynamic global market, it’s clear that information technology must be a core competency for any 21st Century automaker.
That’s why we are moving quickly to in-source our IT.
When GM outsourced the majority of its IT in the mid-1980s, the tools of the trade were modeling clay, calculators and typing pools.
Now every single link in the automotive value chain is connected – from the design studio to the showroom floor – so it’s supremely important that we control our own destiny. That’s why we’re bringing IT back home to GM where it belongs.
We have already built one world-class GM data center and construction is underway on a second that will be fully redundant.
We’re also hiring more than 4,000 high technology workers to develop software exclusively for us.
When we’re finished, GM will have far more robust business applications, more accurate, timely and secure data, and much lower costs and complexity too.
Another part of GM that has been transformed is the research & development team: they have recaptured their entrepreneurial spirit.
There has never been any question that we have brilliant scientists working for us.
GM has been ranked No. 1 on The Patent Board’s list of innovators in the automotive and transportation industry for seven consecutive quarters.
We also rank second among all companies in U.S. clean-energy patents granted since 2002. But not enough of this work made it into our vehicles.
That has changed faster than I ever imagined possible. All it took was a common purpose and clear direction.
The charge was simple: focus on outcomes that matter to customers and create a competitive advantage for GM.
That same strategy also drives our investments in start-up and early stage companies through GM Ventures... and together it is going to move us to the forefront of safety, connectivity and clean technology.
We are already building vehicles using a new GM-invented and patent-protected aluminum spot welding technology.
This innovation saves weight, cuts material costs and reduces capital investment by eliminating the need to use rivets when building aluminum hoods and doors.
I chose these “behind the scenes” examples because each of them is helping us to address our biggest challenges, which I group into three categories: material costs, complexity and quality.
They’re all interconnected. They are all in our ability to control. And this leadership team will stay resolute in our determination to fix them.
The better job we do keeping our costs down… rooting out complexity… and pushing our quality ever higher... the more value we will create for customers... and for you, our stockholders.
In closing, let me assure you one thing: this relentless drive to transform GM will always continue… as it does for any organization that wants to get to the top and stay there.
New challenges will always arise… it is our responsibility to anticipate and meet them in order to build a GM that will be successful for generations to come.
That is our ultimate goal. Thank you.


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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski outlined the concrete actions he believes the Commission must take to preserve the free and open Internet at a speech today at The Brookings Institution.
“The Internet is an extraordinary platform for innovation, job creation, investment, and opportunity. It has unleashed the potential of entrepreneurs and enabled the launch and growth of small businesses across America,” said Chairman Genachowski. “It is vital that we safeguard the free and open Internet.”
The Commission previously embraced four open Internet principles affirming that consumers must be able to access the lawful Internet content, applications, and services of their choice, and attach non-harmful devices to the network. These four principles guide the FCC’s existing case- by-case enforcement of communications law.
- Freedom to Access Content.
Consumers should have access to their choice of legal content.
- Freedom to Use Applications.
Consumers should be able to run applications of their choice.
- Freedom to Attach Personal Devices.
Consumers should be permitted to attach any devices they choose to the connection in their homes.
- Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information.
Consumers should receive meaningful information regarding their service plans.
In today’s speech, Chairman Genachowski proposed the addition of two new principles:
- The first would prevent Internet access providers from discriminating against particular Internet content or applications, while allowing for reasonable network management.
- The second principle would ensure that Internet access providers are transparent about the network management practices they implement.
The Chairman also proposed clarifying that all six principles apply to all platforms that access the Internet.
Chairman Genachowski will seek to begin the process of codifying the Commission’s existing four open Internet principles, along with the two additional principles, through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) at the October meeting. The NPRM will ask for input and feedback on the proposed rules and their application, such as how to determine whether network management practices are reasonable, what information broadband providers should disclose about their network management practices and how the rules apply to differing platforms, including mobile Internet access services.
As part of Chairman Genachowski’s commitment to openness and transparency, the FCC launched a new website, www.openInternet.gov to encourage public participation.
FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps issued the following statement:
“The Internet was born and thrived on openness. Keeping it open as some players amass the power for gatekeeper control is essential. The FCC’s Statement of Four Internet Principles that we won in 2005 was the initial down-payment toward that objective. Chairman Genachowski’s bold announcement today is a significant further investment in safeguarding Internet Freedom. I salute him for it.
Broadband users should be able to use any device or application they want, to reach any legal content they wish, using any broadband technology, so long as they don’t cause harm to the network. Some rules of the road and a venue for enforcing them are required to make this vision reality. This is why I have long advocated an enforceable principle of non-discrimination, ensuring that product and service providers understand the difference between advancing and short-circuiting Internet Freedom. And the venue with the expertise to adjudicate claims of alleged discrimination, and with the authority to enforce the principle, is the FCC.
The Chairman’s statement also rightly accords high priority to transparency for consumers. Users have a right to know how the network is being managed and what practices providers are employing. A sixth principle of transparency is therefore not just good–but essential–policy.
Certainly a well-considered Internet Freedom approach will take into account what constitutes reasonable network management practices; how evolutionary and revolutionary changes can alter the landscape and even change the guidelines on what is or is not acceptable; and solicit the input of all stakeholders–consumers, innovators, technologists and entrepreneurs. Internet Freedom is part-and-parcel of bringing the wonders of Twenty-first century telecommunications to each and every American. Today’s announcement is a significant stride toward realization of this vision.”
Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn issued the following statement today in support of Chairman Julius Genachowski’s speech on network neutrality at the Brookings Institution earlier in the day:
“I fully support Chairman Genachowski’s intention to take affirmative measures to preserve the openness of the Internet. The Chairman’s statement today is an important first step in setting forth clear rules of the road that will ensure the Internet’s continued vibrancy. As a former small business owner, I am keenly aware of how an open and transparent Internet can serve as an equalizing force for new entrants to the marketplace. I look forward to working with the Chairman and my fellow Commissioners to move expeditiously on this issue of great importance to the country.”
CTIA, the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers issued the following statement from CTIA, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Guttman:
“While we are waiting to read the contents of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), we welcome the Chairman’s interest in wireless and his commitment to pose a series of detailed questions on how the Internet openness principles should apply to mobile broadband.
“As we have said before, we are concerned about the unintended consequences Internet regulation would have on consumers considering that competition within the industry has spurred innovation, investment, and growth for the U.S. economy.
“As a justification for the adoption of rules, the Chairman suggested that one reason for concern ‘has to do with limited competition among service providers.’ This is at the core of our concerns. Unlike the other platforms that would be subject to the rules, the wireless industry is extremely competitive, extremely innovative, and extremely personal. How do the rules apply to the single-purpose Amazon Kindle? How does it apply to Google’s efforts to cache content to provide a better consumer experience? How about the efforts from Apple and Android, Blackberry and Nokia, Firefly and others to differentiate the products and services they develop for consumers? Should all product and service offerings be the same?
“Regarding spectrum investment, the Commission need only look at the results of the 700 MHz auction to understand the impact on investment. The C Block rules, which included an open requirement, had only two bidders, and sold for significantly less. The other licenses, which sold for significantly more, were sold with the promise that the spectrum would not be subject to the open rules. Now the Commission is considering changing the rules after the auction — impacting companies’ confidence in the auction process — just as carriers are facing a brewing spectrum crisis.”
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) a trade association promoting growth in the U.S. consumer electronics industry issued a statement from CEA, Senior Vice President Michael Petricone:
“CEA applauds Chairman Genachowski’s commitment to ensuring that Internet users have access to the lawful content, services, applications and devices of their choice. We look forward to working with the Commission to develop common sense rules that preserve openness without undermining incentives to invest in broadband infrastructure.”


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Gearbox Entertainment Company Announces Acquisition of Captured Dimensions
Texas-based 3D scanning and capture company to bring new internal development capabilities to upcoming Gearbox titles
FRISCO, Texas – January 4, 2023 – The Gearbox Entertainment Company today announced the acquisition of Captured Dimensions, a Texas-based technology company specializing in 3D capture, scanning, and reconstruction services.
A ten-year veteran of the film and video game industry, Captured Dimensions has worked on some of the most recognizable movies from the likes of 20th Century FOX, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, Netflix and several titles from both 2K Games and Electronic Arts. Jordan Williams will continue as its head and report directly to Randy Pitchford, president and founder of Gearbox Entertainment.
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Jordan and his team at Captured Dimensions on several projects over the years – this deal brings a wealth of talent into the Gearbox family in several key areas, and I’m excited to welcome them,” said Sean Haran, chief business officer of the Gearbox Entertainment Company. “This acquisition brings incredible technology into the fold for future projects and enables further expansion of offerings to strategic partners across multiple business units.”
“This merger gives us an incredible runway for growth and opportunity. We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with some of the most talented developers around the world and continue providing our best-in-class services to our current clients and new partners,” said Jordan Williams, president and founder of Captured Dimensions. “On behalf of the entire team here at Captured Dimensions, I’m looking forward to what we can capture and bring to life as a part of Gearbox.”
For more information, please visit https://captureddimensions.com/
The Gearbox Entertainment Company, LLC is an award-winning, creator and distributor of transmedia entertainment. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for successful game franchises, as well as acquired properties Duke Nukem and Homeworld, which it distributes across the world. Gearbox Entertainment is composed of four subsidiaries: Gearbox Software, Gearbox Publishing, Gearbox Studio, and Gearbox Properties. Gearbox Software, founded in 1999 by a team of industry veterans, is headquartered in Frisco, Texas and is known around the world for developing hit video games and franchises like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Brothers in Arms and Borderlands. Gearbox Publishing was established in 2016 with the goal of helping developers around the world bring their products to market while retaining their unique creative visions. Gearbox Studios was formed in 2022 creates cutting-edge transmedia opportunities, including the upcoming movies and series based on Borderlands, Duke Nukem, and Brothers in Arms. Gearbox Properties was founded in 2022 to manage Gearbox’s wide variety of intellectual property across all products, mediums, and merchandise categories.
The Gearbox Entertainment Company is a proud member of the Embracer Group AB family of companies, which is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker EMBRAC B. (EMBRAC B). For more information, visit www.Gearbox.com.


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Bitcoin was investing 12% larger early Monday morning.
The cost was all-around $38,801 for each coin, even though rival Ethereum was up 8.78% at $2,369 and Dogecoin was larger at 22 cents per coin, according to Coindesk.
A prime blockchain business physique in Australia suggests the country’s latest regulatory framework for crypto is lacking, especially when it will come to derivatives buying and selling.
BITCOIN Fascination Growing IN Young Investors: GALLUP
Blockchain Australia (BA) wrote the country’s Senate Pick out Committee on Australia as a Know-how and Economical Centre, earning 3 key suggestions, according to a paper introduced on Friday.
The tips in the letter arrives in response to the committee’s ask for for submissions from industry individuals on how to strengthen Australia’s standing as a “engineering and financial” hub, Coindesk documented. It calls for a “coordinated and graduated tactic” to the regulation of digital property.
Between the suggestions offered, the letter seeks implementation of immediate protected harbor provisions for crypto companies as effectively as bigger regulatory guidance and engagement in the quick-expression whilst in the extensive-term overseeing the generation of a “healthy-for-goal legislative framework,” the report claimed.
In other cryptocurrency news, Binance, the world’s greatest crypto exchange by buying and selling quantity, is lowering the maximum leverage consumers may use to trade futures contracts. The motion can take position 1 working day after derivatives exchange FTX declared the very same transform, Coindesk described.
The new restrict is 20 periods leverage, down from 100 instances leverage, the exchange’s founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao mentioned in a tweet Monday.
Binance imposed the limit on new buyers helpful July 19, and will little by little increase the go to all customers, Zhao reported.
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried mentioned in a Sunday tweet a identical transform is getting place on his system.


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Big Horn Armory announce their 4th of July promotion How American Are You? Submit images of what being an American means via their social media or email.
Big Horn Armory honors Active Duty Military members with a special offer on a free Rhodesian sling when a new rifle is purchased between May 12 – 19, 2019 in honor of Armed Forces Day.
Big Horn Armory, makers of big-bore firearms, announce they will give away a $25 gift card for any purchases made online on their website from May 5th to Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2019.
Big Horn Armory, makers of big bore guns including the AR500 rifle and pistol, are proud to announce a new, updated website with new engaging content.
Big Horn Armory announce March Promotion with Steinel Ammunition. Buy an BHA AR500 500 Auto Max rifle or pistol and get a box of Steinel 500 Auto Max ammo for free.
Steinel Ammunition now offers 500 Auto Max loads for Big Horn Armory’s AR500 rifle and pistol in 500 Auto Max.
Big Horn Armory introduces the Scout lever action rifle in .500 S&W. Paying homage to the late, great Jeff Cooper, BHA develops a powerful, lever-action Scout model rifle.
Big Horn Armory announces 12 days of Christmas Giveaways and a chance to win BHA products from Dec. 12 – 24, 2018 on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Due to customer requests, Big Horn Armory has made the AR500 500 Auto Max into a pistol model for customers looking for big firepower on a compact platform.
Andy’s Leather, purveyor of fine leatherwork for rifles, Scout rifle slings and accessories has added Robar, Steyr Arms and Big Horn Armory to their list of dealers.
Big Horn Armory has built a company around the big bore rifle starting with their Model 89 lever action rifle to their AR500 in 500 Auto Max.
Big Horn Armory’s Model 89 lever action 500 S&W rifle will be a premium raffle prize at the 2018 Mega Sportsmen’s Bash to raise money for the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department.
Big Horn Armory to show AR500 rifle in 500 S&W and M89 rifles at Triggrcon July 26 – 29 in Bellevue Washington, booth #229.
Big Horn Armory, makers of big bore guns such as the Model 89 and the new AR500, are proud to announce they will be donating a Model 89 in 500 S&W, plus prototypes to the NRA Firearms Museum.
Big Horn Armory’s 500 Auto Max AR style rifle is the most powerful AR on the market and now available to big game hunters and law enforcement officers.
Big Horn Armory, makers of American designed and manufactured big bore firearms, has signed Laura Burgess Marketing for press relations.
The cats were sorely afraid of the Big Horn Armory Model 89 Lever-Action Carbine…
There is now a newly designed lever action rifle being made by Big Horn Armory of Cody Wyoming (www.bighornarmory.com) that I believe could be a modern day Teddy Roosevelt’s new big medicine…


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Tata Nano gets free additional safety features, not a recall says company
Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car now get an option of installing additional safety protection after at least six Nanos caught fire ever since it was launched in July 2009. Tata Motors however insists that this did not amount to a ‘recall’ by the automobile manufacturer.
Nano, which has repeatedly seen increased safety concerns arising out of inadequate safety measures, has been intervened third time by the company in a little over a year. This is with an aim to build confidence among the vehicle owners and to take preventive steps to convince Nano customers about their car safety credentials.
The extra safety offer by Tata Motors will bring every one out of the 70,000 odd Nano owners in contact with the company to get an opportunity to fit two additional safety features that will prevent short circuits or fire in the car. The company will fit these parts free of any charges. The new safety components offered by Tata Motors include a cover tool on the catalytic converter and fuses in its electrical components to prevent the car from catching fire.
According to an official spokesperson the fire incidents in various Nanos so far were specific to the units. He further added, “We have noticed instances of additional foreign electrical equipment having been installed or foreign material left on the exhaust system.” The step taken by Tata Motors will definitely help the car maker in gaining back the lost confidence of customers in the Nano.
The vehicle was launched in 2009 with an aim to target the lower middle income group in the country with a ‘one lac rupee’ car promise. But the car was experiencing declined sales especially in the month of October which is deemed as the rosy period for automobile sales in the country.
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By Mike Vilensky Stock Market Quotes, Business News, Financial News from http://commodity-market-news.com
Ashton Kutcher would like a word with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The “Two and a Half Men” star and venture capitalist is among a group of boldface names in the tech sector who sent a letter to Mr. Cuomo on Tuesday, urging him to veto legislation that would penalize Airbnb hosts in New York City.
“As investors and industry leaders, we believe in the good that Airbnb and home sharing have done for residents of New York,” the letter states. “We implore you to reaffirm your commitment to fostering technology and innovation.”
The state Senate and Assembly in June both passed a bill that would impose fines as high as $7,500 on Airbnb hosts who advertise rentals of fewer than 30 days in multiunit New York City buildings if the tenant or owner isn’t present. Such rentals have been illegal in the city since 2010, but the law hasn’t been aggressively enforced.
Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, has until January to sign or veto the bill. A spokesman for his office said it is under review.
The letter’s more than three dozen other signatories include PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. Some of them, including Mr. Kutcher, are Airbnb investors. His representatives didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The legislation in question poses a conundrum for the governor, who faces fierce lobbying and has allies on both sides of the issue.
His fellow Democrats have led the regulatory effort, saying that Airbnb has exacerbated a shortage of affordable housing in the city, since Airbnb operators rent out units that would otherwise be available to residents. They have also argued that the home-sharing service poses safety risks and quality-of-life problems for building residents.
The Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council, a group of liberal Democrats, urged Mr. Cuomo in July to sign the bill. The penalties, they wrote in a letter, “will go a long way towards stopping the proliferation of illegal hotels that currently puts affordable housing at risk.”
Affordable-housing advocates and the Real Estate Board of New York also sent Mr. Cuomo a letter asking him to sign the bill. Hotel unions have helped fund an anti-Airbnb campaign called “Share Better” and spoken out in favor of the bill penalizing users.
Airbnb and its supporters say the service helps middle-class New Yorkers earn extra money and that New York’s policies are being influenced too heavily by hotel unions who donate to state lawmakers.
Julie Samuels, executive director of the trade group Tech:NYC, who signed and helped organize Tuesday’s letter sent to Mr. Cuomo said signing the bill would “send the message that New York is not open for business.”
Airbnb faced its biggest setback in New York six years ago, when state Democrats passed the measure making some short-term rentals illegal. The company has since fought back through lobbying, ad campaigns and mobilizing tech leaders, but it has struggled with legislators pushing for further regulation.
Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, the bill’s Democratic sponsor, doesn’t know whether Mr. Cuomo plans to sign it, but “a letter from Ashton Kutcher probably won’t make a scintilla of difference,” she said. “He’s trying to punk me.”
Write to Mike Vilensky at mike.vilensky[a]dowjones.com
Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.


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Business & Economy
Hyperdrive Innovation opens Sunderland HYVE plant to meet global demand
July 11, 2019
A lithium-ion battery technology designer has opened a North East manufacturing plant it says will create jobs and help the company to meet growing industry demand.
Hyperdrive Innovation has founded HYVE in Sunderland.
The company, which makes battery packs for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, says the base is the UK’s largest independent manufacturing facility of its type outside major original equipment manufacturers.
They added it will allow the TechTrack100 firm to produce up to 30,000 battery packs annually and cater for increasing international demand, revealing it will also accelerate new product development and technology pipelines.
Chris Pennison, Hyperdrive chief executive, said: “We’re working with some of the most forward-thinking and innovative organisations in the world as their trusted electrification and energy storage partner.
“HYVE enables us to deliver a high-quality product, providing our customers with the right energy at the right time.”
High-profile customers set to benefit from HYVE include JCB, with whom Hyperdrive has just signed a supply agreement to power its first electric excavator. The machine is now in production at JCB’s Staffordshire site.
Bob Womersley, director, advanced engineering at JCB, said: “We are leading the way in clean technology and reducing harmful emissions, especially in urban, air quality sensitive environments and enclosed spaces.
“Using batteries from Hyperdrive Innovation, the new 19C-1E is the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator.”
Hyperdrive moved to the Future Technology Centre (FTC) in Washington, Wearside, in 2014, and Sunderland City Council has since provided significant support in generating and protecting Hyperdrive’s intellectual property.
The council’s advice and support also enabled Hyperdrive to secure the 21,000sq ft HYVE facility at the FTC.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “Hyperdrive is a terrific example of Sunderland’s world-class status in automotive, advanced manufacturing and knowledge economy.
“It’s phenomenal growth and global success will bring new opportunities and highly-skilled jobs to the city and help to solve urgent energy and environmental challenges worldwide.
“We’re delighted to work alongside Hyperdrive as it grows.”
Support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) played an integral role in the early stages of Hyperdrive’s seven-year history. The High Energy Density Battery Project, in partnership with Nissan and funded by a £9.7 million APC grant, enabled Hyperdrive’s latest battery technology to be brought to market.
Further catalysing its global growth, Hyperdrive last year completed a major £40 million deal with Taiwanese manufacturer Foxlink Group. The deal means Foxlink can use Hyperdrive’s intellectual property to produce and sell its modular battery pack across Asia.
Hyperdrive has also invested £50,000 in a software system to help with manufacturing planning decisions and enable efficient stock control.
Last year, the company was the only North East firm to be named in the TechTrack100, which ranks the UK’s fastest-growing independent technology firms. In June this year it won the Automotive Award at the Made in the UK national finals.


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Starting Tuesday, Amazon.com Inc. customers in the Philadelphia area who pay for the retail giant’s Prime subscription service can have grocery orders of more than $35 delivered within two hours for free from Whole Foods.
Included in the Philadelphia expansion is a swath of the region as far north as Hatfield in Montgomery County, writes Jacob Adelman at philly.com.
Grocery orders will be packaged by “shoppers” employed at Whole Foods stores and delivered by drivers with the Amazon Flex courier service. The service is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With the expansion, Whole Foods deliveries through Prime Now are available in 14 cities nationwide. The service began in February in Austin, Dallas, Cincinnati and Virginia Beach, Va. Amazon has owned Austin-based Whole Foods since August 2017.
To read the full story, click here.


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Treasury sets target of March 2024 to sell all of its remaining shares in Royal Bank of Scotland
The Treasury has set a target of March 2024 by which to sell all of its remaining shares in Royal Bank of Scotland.
This is the first time the Government has confirmed a deadline by which to fully reprivatise the bank, after rescuing it a decade ago at the height of the financial crisis.
Weathering the storm: It is the first time the Government has confirmed a deadline by which to fully reprivatise the bank
Previously the Government had committed to selling £15 billion worth of shares, around two thirds of its stake at market value at the time, by 2023.
But in yesterday's Budget the Government said RBS 'has made significant further progress on resolving its legacy issues', and it now plans to sell all of its stake as long as it can achieve 'value for money'.
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Enjin Coin is a cryptocurrency that has created a remarkable place for itself in the crypto market. By focusing on NFTs (non-fungible tokens), ENJ has gained popularity. Despite substantial gains, the coin is currently in a massive downtrend caused by the ongoing turmoil in the broader cryptocurrency market. Yesterday, the coin plummeted to $ 0.976, but recovered to $ 1.11 within the last 24 hours. What’s next?
Enjin Coin (ENJ) rises by 12.65 after slump%
Enjin Coin has shown high volatility this month. Until yesterday, every effort had been made to maintain the value above the 1 US dollar mark. Nevertheless, the coin plunged from Monday to Tuesday to $ 0.976. Since the entire cryptocurrency market is currently in turbulent times, it is not surprising that Enjin Coin also has to take losses away.
Surprisingly, however, there has been a renewed rise in the price of the cryptocurrency within the last few hours. Since Tuesday, Enjin Coin has now recovered and is currently trading at $ 1.11. This means a price increase of around 12.65% within the last 24 hours. This could now lead to a strong uptrend from traders looking to buy and leverage as prices rise.
Enjin Coin (ENJ) as the first cryptocurrency in the gaming sector
Enjin Coin has already made headlines in the past, as it is the first cryptocurrency to be used in the gaming sector. Cryptocurrency has encouraged innovation in the industry by changing the gaming industry. Enjin Coin is an Ethereum-based chross-chain gaming project by Enjin. This aims to integrate online games with decentralized technologies.
Enjin was founded back in 2009 with the goal of connecting blockchain technology with the gaming industry. Enjin Network is a social gaming platform that allows users to create clans, chat and purchase virtual items. The blockchain gaming platform now has over 20 million active users.
Enjin Coin (ENJ) Price Forecast 2021 – 2025
Despite the collapse of Enjin Coin, many investors are sure that the coin will gain a lot of popularity in the next few years. Enjin Coin has a high growth potential-accordingly, the price forecasts for the coming years are also missing:
- DigitalCoinPrice.com suspects that Enjin Coin (ENJ) will rise to $ 2.75 by the end of the year. in 2023, ENJ will break the $ 4 limit, and by the end of 2025, ENJ will reach $ 5.58
- Gov. Capital anticipates a price of $ 2.16 by the end of the year. After that, however, a huge price increase is expected 8,20 US dollars by 2026
- WalletInvestor.com predicts a price of $ 2.80 this year, with the value of Enjin Coin moving towards $ 10 over the next five years.
- Tradingbeasts.com forecasts a value of $ 2.33 by the end of the year. By the end of 2023, Enjin Coin could then rise to $3.63, and by the end of 2024 it is already $4.25.
Buy Enjin Coin (ENJ): Is now the Right Time?
The value of ENJ has increased significantly in 2021, and its popularity has increased significantly over the year. Its blockchain network is stable and there is a great team of developers behind it, making it a recital worthy token. Although the cryptocurrency market is currently highly volatile, but after Enjin Coin was able to recover after falling below the $ 1 mark, there may now be a strong upward trend for the coin again.
Last updated on July 21, 2021
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Cardi B’s Fashion Nova collaboration is coming, and it will apparently be here sooner than you think. The Bronx native updated fans with the official release date of her upcoming fashion collection on social media on Monday (Oct. 29).
According to Cardi, her Fashion Nova line will be dropping next month. “For all sizes. Getcha coins sis,” she wrote on Instagram with a series of emojis. It’s unclear if the white maxi dress she’s wearing in her announcement will be featured in the collection.
Cardi previously revealed the partnership earlier this year, assuring fans that it would be something to remember. Unfortunately, Cardi wasn’t willing to let fans know what the collection would include, but she suggested that it would be extremely fashionable and trendy.
The Fashion Nova deal came about after the rapper had shouted out the affordable fashion brand on her social media accounts, highlighting its great prices and cute looks. She also name-dropped the brand on her single “She Bad,” from her debut album Invasion of Privacy (“I can buy designer, but this Fashion Nova fit”).
The wait is almost over! Cardi B and Fashion Nova’s joint collection will be available on Nov. 15.
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READ MORE: 15 Cardi B “Fashion Icon” Moments


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MCDONALD'S SEES MONTHLY SALES DROP
The US-based company says global sales at restaurants open at least a year fell 1.8% for the month. The last time the figure dropped was in 2003.
The figure is a key indicator because it strips out the impact of newly opened and closed locations.
The fast-food chain says the figure fell 2.2% in both the US and Europe. In the region encompassing Asia, the Middle East and Africa, it dropped 2.4%.
After years of outperforming its rivals, McDonald's has seen sales slow recently as the company faces intensifying competition and a persistently weak economy.
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Jamaica captured the spotlight at the 2017 Travvy Awards in New York copping four gold awards:Best Honeymoon Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas; Best Culinary Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas; Best Tourism Board Overall and Best Tourism Board, Caribbean/Bahamas.
The awards were presented in the presence of hundreds of travel industry leaders last week (January 25) at Gotham Hall in New York City. The annual Travvy Awards recognize the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry and honor travel companies, travel products, travel agencies, and destinations for their outstanding achievements. Over 39,000 agents, who sell the vast majority of these trips to tens of millions of consumers yearly, vote and award the very best in the travel industry.
JAMAICA WINS BIG AT 2017 TRAVVY AWARDSJan 31, 2017


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Airbnb, the international platform for renting accommodation has shut down in Russia and Belarus. Also, their citizens will not be able to book accommodation in other countries. The company imposed such restrictions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This was announced on March 4 by Brian Chesky, co-founder, and CEO of Airbnb, on Twitter. He also added the Ukrainian flag to his profile.
Airbnb is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) March 4, 2022
The company later clarified that the ban will also apply to service users from the mentioned countries:
“This means that we will block calendars from accepting new bookings in both countries until further notice. We will also restrict users in Belarus and Russia from making new reservations as guests. We certainly hope that as we look to the future, a path to peace is forged”.
There were more than 93,000 ads from Russia and about 4,000 from Belarus. Earlier, Brian Chesky said that the company evaluates its options taking into account the Russian invasion. “We don’t have a large business in Russia. It is not one of our major markets. But we are absolutely revisiting our relationship about whether to do business in Russia.”
Thus Airbnb has joined a large list of companies that have refused to cooperate with the aggressor. It already includes Ikea, Apple, Netflix, global retailers H & M, Marks & Spencer, Burberry and Boohoo, car manufacturers Ford, BMW Mercedes-Benz and others.


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Hybrid pickups look like they'll be a reality at some point in our future. Ford has the best-selling pickup truck in its stable, while Toyota has the best-selling hybrid vehicle. That's why it made a lot of sense when they announced a partnership more than four years ago to collaborate on a hybrid pickup truck. Then two years ago they split up, each deciding to tackle the hybrid pickup project on their own.
According to Automotive News, Koei Saga, head of powertrain technology at Toyota, says that Ford did little to bring any new ideas or technology to the table with Toyota providing the bulk of the ideas. According to a Ford spokesman, after an in-house feasibility study determined Ford's rear-drive technology was probably better suited to the needs of the typical F-150 customer, Ford bowed out of the partnership.
Different manufacturers have offered hybrid pickups in the past. Remember the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid? In each case customers were not willing to accept the significant trade-offs required when purchasing a hybrid pickup. Although fuel prices are at record lows, times have clearly changed and consumers may now be more accepting of such technology. In fact, companies like VIA Motors are having good success using GM platforms (the Silverado 1500, the full-size van and the Suburban) for installing proprietary hybrid powertrains; VIA even predicts that the hybrid pickup market is likely to be more than 50,000 units by 2018.
Toyota declined to be specific about the timing of a possible Tundra or Tacoma hybrid pickup truck, but some reports have Ford on schedule to produce one before the end of the decade. The biggest issue, of course, is the pricing of the new powertrain. Buyers seem comfortable spending more for an upgraded powertrain, like the new Cummins in the 2016 Nissan Titan XD or the baby Duramax in the 2016 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, but will they spend more to get a "greener" pickup?
Current technology offerings will probably not change the minds of today's pickup buyers, but if anyone has an advantage on how to produce and market hybrid vehicles, Toyota seems to be the best situated for the challenge. Of course, a new type of pickup like Hyundai's Santa Cruz concept could also be well positioned to offer a new type of powertrain. Expect more information about green powertrain advancements in the coming years.


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Despite increasing focus on new technologies, many health organizations have not yet begun to benefit from their digital investments. According to a survey of payer and provider executives by PwC, 38 percent of respondents said their organizations have not incorporated digital into their corporate strategies, and many told PwC that they “still do not see digital efforts paying off in a meaningful way.” What’s more, according to that same survey, only 21 percent of healthcare companies employ a chief digital officer, compared with 32 percent of banking firms and 41 percent of insurance companies.
Relying on outdated methodologies to handle medical payment strategies can be an expensive and risky proposition. Organizations that still use costly checks rather than electronic payments are ignoring the advantages that an automated bill payment system brings, including:
- The ability to interface with any existing claims system
- Connection to hundreds of thousands providers and vendors
- Multiple methods for payment, including direct ACH connections, virtual cards, ACH push payments and more
- Dramatically reduced fulfillment costs
- Proven, safe and timely delivery alternative to the higher-cost “snail mail” solutions
The future of medical bill payment lies in digital strategies, and organizations that fail to keep up with evolving technology will inevitably fall behind. If your organization is struggling with the costs and complexities of medical bill payment, find an automation provider who can design a digital strategy targeted to your specific needs.


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Editor’s Note: This is the Paw Print Rewind, a daily look at the top news headlines.
Sharp gains $1.9 billion bailout
Sharp has secured a $1.9 billion bailout, its second major bank-led rescue in three years, after falling deep into the hole as its smartphone display business was battered by competition from Asian rivals.
New restructuring measures will include cutting 5,000 jobs (10% of its global workforce) as well as selling their headquarters.
The company wasn’t considering the spinoff of its troubled display business, according to CEO Kozo Takahashi, and will continue making TVs in Japan.
“The current business model is not convincing. It has cutting-edge display technology, but it’s not profitable.”
-Mitsushige Akino, Ichiyoshi Asset Management chief fund manager
Under the deal, main lenders Mizuho Bank and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ will communally inject $1.7 billion in a debt-for-equity swap.
Corporation turnaround fund Japan Industrial Solutions, which is owned by a consortium that includes the two aforementioned banks, will also provide $209.5 million in return for preferred shares.
Honda increases Takata air bag recalls, increasing tally to 36 million
Honda has recalled close to five million vehicles fitted with potentially faulty Takata air bag inflators, as investigators believe that the auto safety crisis could be more widespread than previously thought.
The latest move by Japan’s third largest automaker brings the overall global total count for vehicles recalled because of Takata-related air bags to around 36 million since 2008, and comes after Toyota and Nissan recalled 6.5 million vehicles worldwide.
Honda decided to recall the cars after finding that some Takata bag inflators weren’t sealed properly, according to the company, allowing moisture to seep into the propellent casing, which potentially could cause the air bag to explode with excessive force, shooting shrapnel inside the vehicle.
Six deaths have been linked to these defective air bags, all on Honda-made vehicles.
“While we are not able to determine the cause of the problems, there is a possibility there will be more recalls.”
-Teruhiko Tatebe, Honda spokesman
The recalls were precautionary, according to Honda, and there were no reports of accidents of injuries.
DuPont wins board proxy fight against Peltz
DuPont has repelled a board challenge from activist investor Nelson Peltz after shareholders backed all 12 directors nominated by the chemical conglomerate’s management.
Peltz’s Trian Fund Management sought four seats on the board, including on for himself, and pushed the 213-year-old company to split its businesses to unlock more shareholder value.
The company spent several months explaining to investors how they are retooling their business, according to DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman, with a key focus on the planned spinoff of its performance chemicals business, which supplies titanium dioxide products and Teflon coatings, in the coming weeks.
“We don’t tell our story well enough and have undergone a lot of change.”
Ellen Kullman, to reporters at DuPont’s annual meeting in Wilmington, DE
DuPont, which spent $15 million on its shareholder campaign, also reached out to its retail investor base, which accounts for more than a third of company shares.
“They normally don’t vote as often as they should, but apparently we got their attention this time, and they were active.”
“We don’t believe these things would have occurred without our involvement.”
Cisco profits up despite weak telecom spending
Cisco’s quarterly profit was up as demand for new switches, routers, wireless gear and servers made up for sluggish spending by telecom customers and weak emerging markets sales.
The network equipment company is transitioning towards high-end switches and routers as well as investing in new products like data analytics software and cloud-management tools.
“We are a cash and profit machine.”
-John Chambers, outgoing Cisco CEO
Cisco expects an adjusted profit of 55-57 cents per share for the current quarter.
The company also forecast one-three percent revenue growth.
“We are modeling the volatility in emerging markets to continue for several more quarters.”
Russia revenue fell 41 percent in the third quarter that ended April 25, according to the company. Revenue from Brazil declined 10 percent and 20 percent from China.
Total revenue increased 5.1 percent to $12.14 billion.
On an adjusted basis, the company earned $0.54 per share.
The company’s net profit rose to $2.44 billion ($0.47 per share), from $2.18 billion ($0.42 per share) a year earlier.
J.C. Penny posts narrower first quarter loss, lifts margin target
J.C. Penny reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss and lifted its annual gross margin target, helped by solid demand for women’s apparel and home goods.
The company posted a $167 million ($0.55 per share) loss in the first quarter that ended May 2, compared with a $352 million ($1.15 per share) net loss a year earlier. Excluding items, the loss was $0.57 per share.
Sales at store open more than a year rose 3.4 percent in the first quarter, slightly below guidance for 3.5-4.5 percent growth, according to J.C. Penny.
The company now expects same-store sales to rise four-five percent in 2015, compared to a prior three-five percent range.
J.C. Penny’s gross margin improved 330 basis points in the first quarter to 36.4 percent of sales, according to the retailer.
The company now expects its gross margin to improve 100-150 basis points in 2015, up from a 50-100 basis point improvement under a February forecast.
Ford Venezuela to sell pickups, SUVs in dollars
Ford’s Venezuelan division will sell pickups and SUVs in dollars, according to United Socialist Victorious Union of Ford workers president Gilberto Troya, part of a deal with the government to restart operations stalled for lack of hard currency to restart operations stalled for a lack of hard currency to import parts.
“We’re doing this to avoid closing the plant.”
Ford dealerships will sell the Explorer Limited and Ecosport SUVs, Lariat pickup, and three cargo trucks in USD, according to Troya. Economy cars like the Ford Fiesta will continue to be priced in the local bolivar currency, but consumers may struggle to find those models.
“Some would say this is only benefiting a privileged few, but it’s better than nothing.”
Troya also noted that few Venezuelans have access to US dollars.
The Explorer Limited will be priced at $69,000 including sales and luxury tax, according to figures provided by the union, the equivalent of 170 years of minimum wage using the weakest official exchange rate.
Dealerships will receive US dollars from clients and use them to finance the import of assembly kits, because Ford no longer wants to continue putting money in.
“Headquarters doesn’t want to have anything to do with this after years of not being able to generate profit. They are owed $400 million.”
Ralph Lauren suffers setback in U.S. trademark fight
Ralph Lauren has lost some ground in its trademark fight with the United States Polo Association over its logo depicting a horse-mounted polo player swinging a mallet.
Manhattan’s 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cannot be held in contempt for selling sunglasses with a logo similar to the one emblazoned with the horseman, which is featured on products sold with the Polo Ralph Lauren brand trademark worldwide.
The disputed logo is known as the “double horsemen mark” and depicts two mounted polo players vying for a ball.
The Polo Association sold nearly a million pairs of sunglasses with the logo between 2009 and 212, when a lower court judge ruled that it could be held in contempt for violating an injunction against such use dating back to 1984.
The injunction barred the Polo Association from using the double-horseman mark and the word “polo” on its fragrances and beauty products, according to the ruling written by 2nd Circuit Judge Ralph Winter, among other merchandise.
“The parties bound by an injunction are entitled to clear notice of what specifically they may or may not do.
“USPA (United States Polo Association) argues that the underlying injunction did not enjoin all uses of the mark. We agree and vacate the contempt order and remand for further proceedings.”
UBS must pay $200K to Puerto Rico fund investor
A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel in Washington ordered UBS to pay an investor $200,000 for losses incurred by its Puerto Rico closed-end bond funds, marking one of the first rulings in a flood of cases involving the risky securities.
The panel found two UBS units liable in the case, which alleged securities fraud, misrepresentation and other misdeeds, according to the ruling.
Many of the Puerto Rico funds sold by UBS were highly concentrated in the debt of Caribbean island’s government and related entities. UBS is defending against hundreds of arbitration claims filed with FINRA, collectively seeking over $900 million in damages.
Some of the funds lost half to nearly two-thirds of their value between March 2011 and October 2013, amid fears about the size of Puerto Rico’s debt of Caribbean island’s government and related entities. They have failed to recover since.
“UBS is disappointed with the decision to award any damages, with which we respectfully disagree.”
-A UBS spokesman
The spokesman added that the decision was not indicative of how other cases might play out, since it was based on the investor’s specific case.
Over 20 years, the funds provided excellent returns, according to the spokesman.
Yolanda Bauza, the investor, sought between $357,000 and $625,000 for her losses when filing the claim in 2013, according to the ruling. UBS pegged the losses at about $8,000 because of investment income she received before the funds soured in 2013.
Bauza invested money she received in a settlement from an auto accident, according to her attorney W. Scott Greco. She moved from Puerto Rico to Washington in 2011, according to Greco.
“The case is significant because it will make UBS reevaluate how they value these cases for settlement. It puts UBS on notice they are at risk for significant awards in favor or Puerto Rico investors.”
-Jeffrey Sonn, a Fort Lauderdale, FL lawyer
Sonn wasn’t involved in the arbitration, but he represents other investors in cases against UBS.
The arbitrator also denied UBS’ request to remove details about the case from the public records of two UBS Puerto Rico brokers who were advising Bauza.
In a separate ruling, another arbitrator denied an investor’s $8,000 claim against UBS. The investor did not have a lawyer, according to the ruling.


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News Second issue of Pokemon goes for second printing
posted on 1999-01-25 00:00 EST
For the second time, Viz's Pokémon manga has sold out and will see a second printing. In a letter to affiliates, Viz Director of Sales and Marketing Oliver Chin announced that the reprint will have a shipping date of February 12.
"I've heard retailers' demand for Pokémon is skyrocketing so much that Pokémon will be in Wizard magazine's upcoming Top 10 Comics list!" wrote Chin. "This is another first for Viz!"
PokÈmon issue 1 (second printing) is still available through distributors, and according to Chin, issue 3 has just shipped.
Available Now: Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers - SHIMONETA - Charlotte - Aoharu x Machinegun - Classroom Crisis - GATE - Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Summer 2015 Preview Guide! Here's how it goes: our team of critics write up their impressions instant...


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Sacramento grocery shoppers are livid. Even the liberals.
While shopping Jan. 3 at two Sacramento stores, I witnessed mounting shopper anger as they were told they’d be charged .10 cents per grocery bag. One woman screamed back at the checker, “This is ridiculous!” as she tossed all of her items back into the cart on her way out of the store. She then angrily threw the same loose, un-bagged items into her trunk and drove off… with an Obama 2012 bumper sticker.
At another large retailer, most shoppers were also caught off guard, and angrily acquiesced to the bag charges. And they weren’t silent about their anger. “Ten cents for this piece of &*#t?” one woman asked another shopper, holding up a new bag. (No, I wasn’t at WalMart)
Wait until these shoppers discover that California’s coddled welfare recipients won’t be charged for grocery bags. I hope the &*#t hits the fan.
I knew about the impending bag ban and excessive charges because I’ve been writing about this since 2009 – and stashing plastic bags for reuse.
Bag Ban History
Leftist special interest groups were behind getting rid of paper bags years ago, by claiming paper bags were killing trees. Emotional lefties claimed using plastic shopping bags (a petroleum byproduct) would save the trees and our planet.
But lefties are whimsical, and change their causes as frequently as the weather changes (Global cooling, global warming)
After eight years of failed legislative attempts to ban plastic grocery bags, in September 2014, they finally succeeded. Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 270 by then-Senator Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles, to ban plastic bags at large grocery stores and supermarkets such as Wal-Mart and Target starting in July 2015, and convenience stores and pharmacies in 2016.
Plastic bag manufacturers said the ban amounted to a cash-giveaway to grocers that would lead to a loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs. They said Californians now have a chance to weigh in. “SB270 was never a bill about the environment,” said Lee Califf, executive director of the bag alliance. “It was a back room deal between the grocers and union bosses to scam California consumers out of billions of dollars in bag fees without providing any public benefit.” THat’s exactly what it is.
Immediately after the bill signing, the American Progressive Bag Alliance announced it would gather signatures for a November 2016 ballot initiative to repeal the bill, and to block implementation of the statewide ban. They collected more than 800,000 signatures, required to put the referendum on the ballot in November, 2016. The state law is currently suspended under the referendum.
Sacramento’s Green Mayor Jumps the Shark
Also shortly after Brown’s bag ban bill signing, Sacramento’s Green Mayor Kevin Johnson announced he would push for quick adoption of a citywide ban on single-use plastic bags if plastic bag manufacturers are successful in qualifying the ballot measure to repeal the bag ban.
The Brain Trust at the Sacramento City Council upped the ante and voted to actually ban plastic and paper bags Jan. 1, 2016, or allow grocers and convenience stores to tax .10 cents each for them. Adding insult to injury, and admitting they know the cost is outrageous, the council allowed participants in the state’s welfare, food stamp, and WIC program (Women, Infant & Children), using a voucher or EBT card, to be exempted from charges for bags.
Every step of the way it’s the taxpayers who are penalized, by costly and outlandish liberal policies like this bag ban and tax.
Grocers Pocket the Coin
This new bag ban bill will allow grocers to charge a minimum of .10 cents each for paper and thicker plastic bags, and pocket the money. A fee of .10 per bag does not sound like much but would serve to punish low-income folks, and the working poor, more than others. A cleaner environment is a valuable goal. The question is whether solutions that impose more challenging costs on the working poor, with debatable environment outcomes, are the best way to proceed.
Legislative Attempt to Repeal Quickly Killed
Assemblyman Matthew Harper, R-Huntington Beach, introduced two bills in 2015 to repeal the plastic bag ban. One bill would have repealed California’s ban of plastic grocery bags. The second measure would have repealed the law forcing retailers to charge a 10 cent fee per bag on paper grocery bags. Both of Harper’s measures were killed by the Democratically controlled Assembly National Resources committee.
“The plastic bag ban is not in the best interest of Californians,” Harper said. “The Legislature has no business telling consumers what bag they should use, or telling businesses what bags they can distribute, but that is exactly what has happened.”
“My bill gave the State Legislature a second chance to listen to the voice of the people and they clearly did not,” Harper said.
The legislation ignored the fact that a huge portion of grocery and retail plastic bags are reused as garbage pail liners, pet-waste disposal bags, lunch bags, trash bags, dispose of kitchen grease, dispose of dirty diapers, hold wet clothes, and a myriad of other uses. These secondary uses of plastic grocery bags are beneficial to the environment in that it prevents the manufacture and purchase of another plastic bag.
Plastic bag manufacturers continue to argue that the litter problem is caused by careless people. Enforcing litter laws would go much further to helping the environment.
The American Chemistry Council estimates the bill would amount to a $1 billion tax and threaten 500 jobs in the plastic bag manufacturing business.
A study by the National Center for Policy Analysis found it is better for the environment to reuse plastic bags as garbage pail liners rather than to recycle them because of the environmental “benefits of avoiding the production of the bin liners they replace.” But this is California, where reason and sanity are AWOL. And unlike Lake Wobegon, “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average,” in California, all the Democrat women are absurd (and hairy), all the liberal men are crybabies, and of the publicly educated children are benighted.


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Steve Jobs has resigned as the CEO of Apple as he can “no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO”. A succession plan had already been worked out at the major computer company and Tim Cook will immediately take up Jobs’ role.
The enigmatic leader of the company, which had revenues of over $28 billion in the last quarter, was renowned for presiding over melodramatic product launches in which zealous Apple fans would whoop and cheer during breaks in the speech. Jobs was diagnosed with first experienced serious health issues in 2004 and began delegating some tasks to Tim Cook in 2006.
Steve Jobs will now serve as Chairman of the Board and Director at Apple. In his resignation letter, Jobs thanked his friends at Apple and strongly recommended the appointment of Tim Cook as CEO. The former head of Apple is also a director on the board of Disney after having founded Pixar Animation Studios which sold to Disney in 2006. He was famously paid $1 per year as CEO of Apple, but holds significant shares in both Apple and Disney.
Art Levinson, the Chairman of Genentech, spoke on behalf of the Apple board on the appointment of Mr Cook, “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does”. Mr Cook has previously worked at Compaq, Intelligent Electronics and IBM. He has an MBA from Duke University and an industrial engineering degree from Auburn University.


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Southeast Asian ride-hailing company Grab has announced the launch of a new financial services unit, Grab Financial Services Asia, which will provide personal loans and insurance to Grab drivers and businesses that use the firm's existing GrabPay offering.
Grab is well positioned to provide financial services in the region, despite its lack of financial pedigree, for several reasons:
- Grab is equipped to tap into a vastly underserved demographic.Grab plans to use alternative data sources, such as indicators of drivers' driving style obtained through telematic devices, to determine their loan and coverage eligibility. This means it won't face the challenge many traditional financial institutions (FIs) do in trying to cater to unbanked people with thin credit files, or who interact rarely with their FIs. This could give Grab access to the 73% of Southeast Asia's population who don't have bank accounts, according to KPMG.
- Grab has a ready-made distribution network for its services. Grab already operates in eight Southeast Asian countries, and although it's rolling out its new services in Indonesia — the region's economic powerhouse— it will soon be extending them to its 2.6 million drivers across its other markets, says Reuters. Moreover, it says it plans to start catering directly to consumers down the line, which would give it an even bigger user base.
- It plans to use its current effort as a springboard for further diversification.Grab, like many other digitally native companies, gathers vast amounts of behavioral data on its drivers and passengers, which gives it fine-grained insights into customer preferences. For now, this will allow it to better target and personalize its own services, but the company says it's also planning to offer credit-scoring services to other FIs to help them serve the underbanked. This would further diversify the company's revenue by allowing it to act as a supplier.
Grab's concerted financial services push is a reminder that incumbent FIs are under threat not only from the likes of GAFA, but from less likely rivals including ride-hailing companies. This highlights the fact that any of the tech-savvy companies now emerging in the digital economy are capable of pulling the rug out from under incumbents, as they all share the advantage of amassing vast troves of data that they can then leverage to create tailored, user-friendly services, including financial ones, despite not coming from the financial industry.
There is little incumbents can do to stem this tide, and as such, would be advised to be on the lookout for business-to-business (B2B) services like the ones Grab plans to offer, so they can work with these disruptors rather than be outcompeted by them.


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Alongside iOS 13.5.1 and macOS 10.5.6, Apple has released watchOS 6.2.6, tvOS 13.4.6 and 13.4.6 software for the HomePod. These updates are available to download now, from their respective locations.
The HomePod update includes general improvements and stability fixes. It comes over a week after Apple released the tvOS 13.4.5 update for the smart speaker.
watchOS 6.2.6 contains important security fixes and Apple recommends that all users should install this update. We could see a similar update to watchOS 5 for users that are unable to install watchOS 6 or iOS 13 on their devices.
Finally, rounding up today’s software updates is tvOS 13.4.6. This almost likely contains just security fixes, but we can never be sure with tvOS updates as Apple doesn’t usually post release notes.


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Toronto restaurant group and caterer is trying everything to get through these tough times
The latest venture for Food Dudes is FARE, a delivery service for premium groceries, their classic signature dishes and "Experience Boxes" with themes like Breakfast in Bed, Movie Night and Wine & Chill.
Their grocery offerings include marinated meats and seafood, starches, salads, condiments and sweets.
It's not the first pivot the group has made during the pandemic, though. In the summer, they started up a distanced food truck community takeout market.
"Throughout the pandemic, The Food Dudes have created ways to expand our offerings to continue to provide services to our clients. We don’t see these as pivots, per se, as we still have our same catering services and our restaurants, albeit some temporarily offering only takeout because of government mandates," says Lindsay Klein, CEO of The Food Dudes.
"Our new offering, FARE, premium groceries and specially-curated experiences delivered to clients' doors contact-free, is an expansion that will live on after the pandemic, alongside our other catering services and restaurants."
At one point Food Dudes also began offering House Party packages for isolated events held at home.
"Everything we’ve started has continued on," says Klein. "At the beginning of the pandemic we started offering House Party events at home through our take out services at our restaurants. We still have take out at our restaurants and are doing bodega type services."
They have no plans to slow down with FARE, either, even once we're able to experience movie nights and wine tastings outside of boxes delivered to our doors.
"People are excited for something new while at home and have been impressed by the very high end and extravagant experience boxes compared to other gifting services out there. Our experiences go beyond food and include everything from florals to games to custom aprons for an unforgettable night in," says Klein.
"FARE will live on after the pandemic and we think only helps to strengthen The Food Dudes brand. The pandemic will end, but we think in-home entertaining and gifting is here to stay, so we will continue with FARE even once we can reopen our restaurants and are catering large events again."
Jesse Milns at Rasa
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Fans of the Xbox first-person shooter series Halo will immediately recognize the name Cortana. She’s the anthropomorphized AI that assists the player throughout the game. But Microsoft, which owns the Halo franchise, has plans for Cortana beyond the games. According a ZDNet report, Cortana will become a ‘real-life’ speech-enabled virtual assistant that crosses the Windows platforms.
ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley reported that Cortana will be a virtual assistant in the vein of Apple’s(s aapl) Siri and Google(s goog) Now, except it won’t be limited to smartphones. According to the report, Cortana will be core to Microsoft’s plans to makeover the “shell” encompassing all of the Windows operating systems, from the PC to the smartphone to Xbox One.
In a memo in July, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer hinted at such a cross-platform UI, describing a forthcoming interface that would be “deeply personalized, based on the advanced, almost magical, intelligence…
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Valvoline Leaving MB2
June 29, 2005 | 11:36 A.M. EST
The racing sponsor/owner will sell its 50 percent share in the team to MB2 principals Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye and will no longer be primary sponsor of the No. 10 Chevrolet after the 2005 season.
According to Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco, the parting was an amicable one.
"We have nothing but respect and admiration for (MB2) owners Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye," said Rocco. "Nelson and Jay gave us the opportunity to become more than sponsors when we took the historic step to become team owners."
Regarding Valvoline's NASCAR plans beyond the 2005 season, Rocco said, "We will have something to announce soon."
The Valvoline/MB2 partnership was announced in 2000 and began with the 2001 season. The 50/50 partnership marked the first time a consumer products company actually owned a NASCAR team. The Valvoline team visited Victory Lane at the 2002 Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. Scott Riggs is in his second year driving the No. 10 Valvoline Chevy. The team leases engines from Hendrick Motorsports.


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U.S. venture capitalists invested $28.3 billion in 3,808 deals last year, the first yearly decline in investments since 2003, according to the latest MoneyTree Report.
The decline was spread across all industries and companies with a few exceptions. Investments in clean technology companies rose 50 percent in 2008, and investments in seed stage companies -- very young companies -- received more money than they have since 2000.
Otherwise, investments in media and technology services companies were up, Internet investments were flat, and life sciences, software, telecommunications and semiconductor investments were down.
Six of the year's top 10 deals were in Bay Area companies -- all of them in clean technology. They include Nanosolar in San Jose, Solyndra in Fremont, OptiSolar in Hayward, BrightSource Energy in Oakland, Reardon Commerce in Foster City and Pacific Biosciences of California in Menlo Park.


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When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into full effect in May of 2018 there were many questions as to how the regulators through the European Union (EU) might impose fines for violations. Today, we are starting to see the full impact and magnitude of this regulation on businesses across the globe with massive fines being levied against two major corporations.
A recent article by Forbes explains proposed fines against British Airways due to a cyberattack that occurred in September 2018. The fine for $230 million proposed by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the biggest penalty ever issued following the implementation of the GDPR.
In the incident, British Airways’ website had been hacked and set up to redirect to a fraudulent payment page where customers entered their personal and financial information. The attack compromised personal data of about 500,000 British Airways customers. British Airways reported the incident and notified customers one day after the breach, well within the required 72 hours of the GDPR. In addition to the regulatory fines, British Airways also faces a class-action lawsuit from the customers impacted by the breach.
The GDPR was designed to unify the European Union’s (EU) privacy laws and protect the personal data of its citizens. However, it’s important to note, while the regulation originates in the EU, its implications reach far beyond the borders of its member countries. The GDPR may apply to any entity that processes (collects, uses, discloses or stores) the personal data of citizens of the EU.
The D&O Diary describes another GDPR fine issued by the ICO, this time against the US-based Marriott International. The $124 million proposed fine is a result of a cyber breach that occurred prior to the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016. The incident hacked the Starwood customer loyalty program website and exposed 339 million customer records, 30 million of which were customers living in the EU and 7 million of which were in the UK. The Marriott did not discover this incident until several years later. The ICO report indicates that Marriott did not “conduct the proper due diligence” before Starwood was acquired and “should have done more to secure its systems.” It is critical for acquiring companies to always investigate cybersecurity aspects of target companies as part of the due-diligence process.
The Future of GDPR Enforcement
The newly announced fines have important implications for all organizations. It is important to note that both companies self-reported the cyber breaches and cooperated with the investigations— if they had not done so, perhaps the fines could have been larger. The maximum GDPR fine is 4% of any firm’s annual revenue. The GDPR fine is not just based on the size of the breach or the number of individuals impacted, but the type of data that has been compromised. The proposed fine against British Airways is 1.5% of the airline’s revenue and the proposed fine against Marriott represents 2.5% of the company’s global revenues. Both companies plan to appeal the fines.
These massive penalties show the potential cost of GDPR and the impact that it can have for organizations of all types and sizes. The hefty price tag of the fine is a result of GDPR’s intention to be “significant, impactful and dissuasive.” By levying this penalty, it demonstrates that regulators are not afraid to set a precedent. The significant impact to the bottom-line of these companies is designed to urge them and all other businesses to invest heavily into security enhancements and IT infrastructure that help to protect the personal data of all customers, especially EU citizens.