text:
On this week’s Drill Down podcast, driverless ride-sharing is emerging, Russia’s part in hacking the U.S. election, President-Elect Trump meets with tech leaders, Bill Gates leads a fight against climate change, Â and much, much more.
This week, some retailers ban Apple Pay in favor of an upcoming service that’s already been hacked, YouTube to offer ad-free subscriptions?, AT&T misled millions and the feds are taking them to court, Fitbit joins the smartwatch race, Marvel plans out its next five years of superhero movies, and much more.
This week, YouTube launches subscription channels, Amazon mints its own digital currency, BlackBerry messaging comes to iOS & Android, the Tesla S gets the highest praise, and all the latest from Google‘s I/O developer conference.
This week The Drill Down team takes a look at the battle for your online distributed data, with new features on cloud storage services from Microsoft, Dropbox, and Google. Then, it’s sci-fi billionaires in space!!! as Google’s Larry Page, Eric Schmidt, and director James Cameron launch into a new venture to mine asteroids.
But first, the headlines… Nokia‘s down 30% with a $1.7 BN loss, Anonymous launches a social music service, Facebook pays Microsoft $550 M for former AOL patents, Adobe announces Creative Suite 6 (and subscription-based licenses), and Facebook announces its staggering Q1 financials, including details on its Instagram purchase.


text:
Sun danger overrides vitamin need
LYING in the sun without sunscreen in order to increase vitamin D levels necessary for healthy bones is needless and increases the danger of skin cancer, according to new guidelines issued to combat public confusion over how to balance the risks.
The revised guidelines on how much sun is required to ensure adequate vitamin D — which is made in the skin on exposure to UVB rays in sunlight — give recommended sun exposure limits for each capital in summer and winter, and emphasise that sun protection is required when the UV index is 3 or higher.
In summer, most Australians will get all the sun they need by a few minutes of normal daily activities, such as walking to the shops in the morning and afternoon when the sun is less intense, and that deliberate sun exposure is therefore unnecessary.
In winter, however, residents of southern states — Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia — don’t need to use sun protection for up to two to three hour stretches, because the UVB rays are not strong enough.
In these cases, people can ensure adequate levels of vitamin D— which is made when the skin is exposed to sunlight — by spending two to three hours with their face, hands and arms exposed to the sun over the course of a week.
Sun protection is still necessary all year round in the Northern Territory, Queensland and parts of Western Australia, where UV levels remain high enough to damage skin through winter.
More specific advice applies to people who are either at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency — such as dark-skinned people, Muslim women or others who cover their skin, the elderly and babies of vitamin D deficient mothers — and those at higher risk of skin cancer, such as people who have had skin cancer before. These people should ask their doctor whether they need vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D is starting to be credited with a larger role in good health than previously thought. Studies published recently have suggested it may cut the risk of breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers by up to 50 per cent, although too high a dose can also cause the body to absorb too much calcium and damage liver and kidneys.
The new guidelines, endorsed by the Cancer Council Australia, Osteoporosis Australia, the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, were launched in Melbourne yesterday.
Cancer Council CEO Ian Olver said the ‘‘ wrong people’’ were concerned about vitamin D deficiency and research showed 17 per cent of teenagers and 13 per cent of adults mistakenly thought they needed to spend time in the sun without sunscreen in order to boost vitamin D levels.
‘‘ We’re alarmed that a small but significant number of Australians are deliberately seeking sun exposure without sun protection because they’re concerned about vitamin D, and are therefore more likely to be putting themselves at risk of skin cancer,’’ Professor Olver said.
‘‘ The reality is that too many Australians get too much sun in summer and increase their risk of cancer, while some people don’t get enough sun, particularly in winter, and risk vitamin D deficiency with possible serious health consequences.’’
Professor Peter Ebeling, medical director of Osteoporosis Australia, said anyone who thought they were vitamin D deficient ‘‘ should seek medical advice, not seek more sun’’.
The new guidelines also say there is ‘‘ emerging evidence’’ that the optimum level of vitamin D to maintain healthy bones may be 50 per cent higher than the current recommended level — 75 nanomoles per litre, instead of the current 50 nmol/L. ‘‘ For the Australian population to achieve this [higher] level without putting themselves at greater risk of skin cancer through increased sun exposure, there would have to be an increased requirement for dietary sources of vitamin D,’’ the guidelines say.
‘‘ Given foods with naturally occurring vitamin D currently contribute very little to daily intake for Australians, the fortification of core foods should be considered.’’
Soaking it up: To maintain vitamin D levels, get some sun on about 15 per cent of the body – including face, arms and hands, for the recommended time

domain: news


text:
E-commerce in Qatar: An untapped potential
Tech-savvy Qatar, with its high penetration of smartphones and Internet connectivity, offers enormous opportunities for the e-commerce industry, but the country has some challenges to yet overcome, writes Syed Ameen Kader.
Qataris live in a highly tech-savvy society where almost everybody has smartphones and web connectivity. With current Internet penetration of as high as 85 percent, Qatar is expected to become one of the most digitally connected countries in the world.
For a nation where two-thirds of the population fall within the 15 to 44 age group – the one with highest appetite for online browsing and shopping – it is hard to believe that e-commerce is still in its infancy here. With only 14 percent of its population currently buying online, Qatar’s story tells us that there must be some fundamental issues behind its slow e-commerce growth but most importantly, it tells us that it is a huge untapped market.
So, what has held Qatar back for so long? Why do people have such a reluctance for online shopping compared with the rest of the world?
Firstly, it is not just Qatar; the whole Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region seems to have a trust issue when it comes to buying online as 80 percent of online transactions are still done through cash-on-delivery (COD) – a trend that is the very opposite to developed markets. For example, in the United Kingdom and Italy, the COD model contributes only four percent and 10 percent respectively to total online sales – as consumers increasingly prefer to purchase through electronic modes of payment such as credit cards, debit cards and PayPal.
It is not just Qatar; the whole MENA region seems to have a trust issue when it come to buying online as 80 percent of these transactions are done through cash-on-delivery.
So why does this region prefer COD over other modes of payment? Howaida Nadim, advisor to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR), says when you compare Qatar with the US or UK, you first have to look at the size and population of those countries. “It’s a question of ecosystem working properly – you have the Royal Mail and other companies offering logistics in the UK. In Qatar, logistics is also an issue. It’s not just the question of paying for products online, but how they are going to be delivered,” she says, adding that one cannot compare without looking at the whole ecosystem.
Nadim says another major issue, other than the fact that Qatar has a very low percentage of credit card holders, is trust. “It is [credit card users] almost 14 percent. Most of the people have debit cards in this country but unfortunately, the current financial system does not allow those to be used for online shopping. Since there is no mechanism in place for consumers to use debit cards, they have very few options to buy online,” she says.
Qatar’s financial regulators and banks have adopted a very conscious approach towards allowing online transactions. Besides, many banks in this region have started to curtail the amount of credit issued post the global financial meltdown. Due to the Qatar Central Bank’s directive, customers are only allowed one credit limit (per salary account) with exposure limited to twice the net salary. Although the number is very high when it comes to debit cardholders, the majority of banks choose not to allow debit cards for e-commerce transactions due to a history of fraud.
However, that trend is changing with more Qatari banks such as QNB, Commercial Bank and Doha Bank gradually allowing their debit cards to be used for online transactions, with extra levels of security.
The lack of trust could also be due to the number of incidents of online and card-related frauds that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has faced in the past. Most recent among them being with Rakbank and BankMuscat, who lost a total of USD45 million (QAR164 million) to hackers in two separate incidents in December 2012 and February 2013, respectively.
Francis Barel, business development manager, Middle East and North Africa, PayPal, says, “It appears that for many Middle Eastern consumers, they do not feel secure sharing their credit card details online with individual retailers.”
However, online data security is not a challenge that is unique to this region only. Banks and financial institutions across the world are equally vulnerable to online fraud and data theft. That is why the market has seen the emergence of third party payment service providers (PSP) – who act as a middleman between the merchant and consumer. PSPs play a very critical role in the e-commerce value chain as they offer alternative and safer modes of payment for online consumers. However, their presence has been very limited in Qatar thus far. It was only in 2013 that PayPal entered into the Qatari market through a partnership with QNB.
“Customers set-up their account in minutes and simply log in to make a payment, meaning their credit card details are never shared with the merchant,” says Barel. As online security changes, he adds, the market will see a decline in COD purchases in the region, with consumers feeling more comfortable using their credit cards online.
“In Qatar, logistics is also an issue. It’s not just the question of paying for products online, but how they are going to be delivered.” – Howaida Nadim, advisor to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, ictQATAR.
Qatar’s e-commerce industry is quickly evolving as the market begins to understand that it is all about providing more options to consumers. The industry realises it needs to develop local solutions for issues affecting its growth.
Although PayPal offers a global solution, it has its own limitations for Qatari online merchants, as they cannot withdraw funds in the local currency and there is also a restriction on the amount that can be withdrawn – all of these factors lead to cash flow issues.
That is why Qatar has developed its own PSP, QPay, which offers cheaper solutions as transactions can be conducted in local currency. Established in January 2012 by the Qatar Central Bank, QPay allows individuals, companies and public institutions to make payments online using credit cards, debit cards and bank accounts.
QPay was the only PSP in Qatar, but that is changing with Qatar Central Bank expected to allow other leading local PSP players such as Dubai-based PayFort to enter the Qatar market this year.
Considering the fact that the majority of online transactions in this region are done through COD, PayFort has started to offer new options such as PAYatHOME and PAYatSTORE that allow merchants to increase their consumer-base by selling online through vouchers (that are sent via e-mail or SMS) and without a credit card.
Lalith Kumara Badhuge, project manager, Digital Industry Development Department, ictQATAR, says, “The PSPs are now coming up with value additions, which were not available to businesses before. For example, they are offering new options where cash can be collected on behalf of the merchant and it will be transferred to the merchant.”
He says that the more PSPs you have in Qatar, the cost of transactions will come down significantly.
Building an ecosystem
While Qatar may have been a slow mover, it has started to understand and recognise what e-commerce can bring to the country. It is only in the last five years that Qatar started looking at e-commerce more seriously, but it is moving very quickly now. The country enacted its first e-commerce law in April 2010, followed by the establishment of the separate Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) in June 2013; and subsequently, the formation of an independent Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) in 2014. And it has not finished yet. Qatar is in the final stages of modifying the law that still treats an online start-up as a brick-and-mortar business because the process is considered cumbersome and lengthy for e-commerce purposes.
Nadim says the government definitely wants to encourage small and medium businesses but, “we need to make sure the supply chain is ready for that. We need to ensure that they have the right ecosystem, they are protected by the law, the consumers are protected and they have the right mechanism for payment for goods”.
But Qatar still has logistical constraints when it comes to delivery. Its national postal system, QPost, is ostensibly not capable of handling the huge demand of Qatar’s e-commerce business. Moreover, the country’s inadequate transport infrastructure, lack of multi-modal transportation options, and limited warehousing capacity could hamper the growth of the logistics market.
However, the government is building a number of infrastructure projects such as rail and metro networks, the expansion of Qatar Airways cargo fleet, Hamad International Cargo terminal, a new deep-water sea port boosting sea fright capacity, and road network upgrades.
Barel adds, “One of the key challenges an e-commerce start-up faces in Qatar – and across many countries in the MENA region as a whole – is logistics.” He points out that there is no standardised address or ZIP code system in Qatar. “While companies such as Aramex compensate for this with commercial deliveries, the MENA region has a long way to go in developing infrastructure, which enables e-commerce,” says Barel.
However, Qatar’s address system is being upgraded with the re-numbering of streets and houses – a process which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.
The lack of infrastructure is also creating new opportunities for local companies which have started to offer logistical solutions within Qatar.
“Today, you have special companies being created just to do delivery for home businesses promoted through Instagram,” says Badhuge.
For example, Pick & Drop Delivery Service is a local company started by some young Qatari citizens to meet the logistical needs of home businesses. It is considered to be the first licensed Qatari company in this field that provides an internal delivery service. It delivers different kinds of materials such as food, clothes, accessories and various other items.
Hamad Jaber Al Shahwani, owner and general manager, Pick & Drop Delivery Service, says, “The idea came up after we found that the electronic [e-commerce] market is growing and consequent need of a delivery service. Many people are doing home business these days and this business cannot be run without someone offering them a delivery service. In addition, we noticed that the home business traders rely on unorganised delivery services to deliver their goods to the customers.”
Since the company is run by a group of Qatari nationals, Al Shahwani says, they are fully aware of how the Qatari community needs this service. “That’s why we can provide such a service according to Qatar’s rules and laws. Also, we are aware of the best possible way to provide delivery service, which complies with Qatar’s tradition and culture,” he says.
Currently, the Pick & Drop Delivery Service is dealing with COD, but in future, it plans to go online and provide different modes of payment.
“Regarding e-commerce, we believe that we connect the traders with their customers. We are looking forward to contribute to developing the electronic market and the logistics services,” Al Shahwani concludes.


text:
The fight against fraud is a constantly mutating challenge. Latest findings from UK Finance revealed that more than £1.2billion was stolen through fraud last year – the equivalent of £2,230 a minute. But through a combination of technology, and increasingly
sophisticated security measures businesses are fighting back.
How are businesses protecting themselves and their customers from the growing epidemic of fraud in 2023? Experian has just completed its annual survey of more than 2,000 UK consumers and 200 businesses to understand priorities and concerns when it comes
to fraud. Here are four major themes we’ve uncovered from a businesses and consumer perspective.
The increasing fraud risk in 2023
Businesses are increasingly concerned about fraud risk, especially APP fraud, account takeover fraud and first-party fraud. More than two-thirds (69%) of businesses reported their fraud losses to be ‘significantly or somewhat more’ compared to the previous
More than half (53%) said they have a high level of concern about fraud, which is perhaps understandable when you can consider that Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud losses reached £485 million in 2022 alone.
From the consumer perspective, most are concerned about identify theft (58%), followed by their credit card information being stolen (53%). Fake and phishing emails, false information, and crypto and romance scams – which all potentially fall under the category
of APP fraud – are all strongly represented as pressing consumer concerns.
Both businesses and their customers are aligned when it comes to their concerns. For businesses, however, growing first-party fraud risks, and new UK legislation that makes institutions liable for losses associated with APP fraud, means fresh approaches
will be required that support real-time transaction analysis and enhanced user authentication.
Machine Learning is no longer a ‘nice to have’ for fraud prevention
Much discussion in recent years has centred on the potential impact Machine Learning (ML) can have on fraud prevention. When it comes to detecting and preventing fraud, advanced analytics, like machine learning, is now a non-negotiable. Incorporating machine
learning fraud models leads to a simplistic, more understandable referral strategy, which equates to fewer manual referrals, more straight through accepts and a reduction in false positives.
ML means large numbers of transactions and datasets can be analysed automatically, extending fraud prevention measures across an entire customer portfolio, ensuring that new and existing fraud risks can be identified quickly and at scale.
More than a third of businesses surveyed (35%) are looking to build ML capabilities into their fraud identification and prevention strategies, indicating that ML is now established in the space.
However, the survey also revealed that nearly half (49%) of businesses cited cost as the most significant barrier to ML adoption. This suggests that many still have to balance their ML plans with cost constraints. This is potentially worrying, particularly
as traditional models are less adept of keeping pace with evolving fraud threats.
Businesses are ramping up their fraud prevention investments in the face of this growing, evolving threat, indicating they understand the seriousness of the situation. Almost three-quarters of businesses are expecting increased budgets for fraud management
for the next year. Of these, 79% are expecting increases of more than 8%, with 6% expecting increases of 20% or more.
Sophisticated security measures are also developing at pace, with established ones such as passwords and security questions no longer featuring in businesses’ future strategies.
41% of organisations are planning to invest in security measures that require customers to have a ‘device in hand’. Almost as many (34%), will also be investing in behavioural biometrics-type solutions that look at anomalies in customer behaviour, spending
patterns and transaction histories to identify fraud.
Another key investment priority is physical biometrics, with a third of UK companies (33%) planning to add this kind of solution to their identity and fraud prevention strategies.
Consumers now have high expectations of these security measures – and all businesses may not be keeping up to speed with them. The survey found that consumers most trusted security measures are physical biometrics (73%), behavioural biometrics (73%) and
mobile pin codes (71%), but neither physical or behavioural biometrics are in the top five technologies knowingly encountered during online account opening. This could be due to the technology not being used, or because the journey is now so seamless that
users aren’t noticing invisible layers of security.
This gap between consumer expectations and current authentication methods is having a significant impact on abandonment rates in new account opening processes. 48% of UK consumers have set up a new account in the last six months but a third (32%) have considered
abandoning a journey due, for the most part, to the onerous nature of the information requested from them.
This demonstrates the scale of the challenges faced by businesses with their identity and fraud-prevention strategies. While some key priorities – such as physical biometrics – are in line with consumer demand, each organisation needs to review its strategy
to ensure that investments in new solutions can minimise abandonment rates whilst at the same time achieving their fraud prevention targets.
The maturing of new technologies – and the comfortableness of consumers with sophisticated security measures – means businesses are increasingly equipped to identify and prevent fraud, but must do what they can to ensure their prevention systems are fit
for purpose to meet new and emerging threats.


text:
What will virtual reality content truly look like? That is what big media companies are trying to figure out as they experiment with the nascent technology.
"What we’ve learned is if it’s just pure presence, the viewer often gets bored after a certain period of time," Mike Drachkovitch, founder and CEO of VR content studio Ovrture tells Realscreen. "However, if it’s too story-driven you lose the purpose of why it’s in VR. For us at Ovrture, it’s ﬁnding that happy medium.”


text:
WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Friday that the Biden-Harris Administration is distributing up to $1.5 billion dollars for states and school districts to help with school supply chain issues when it comes to meal programs.
The funding is made available through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation.
A breakdown of the funding would be:
- $1 billion to purchase food for meal programs
- $300 million to purchase food to be distributed to schools
- $200 million to form cooperative agreements to buy food from local and underserved communities.
“USDA’s school meal programs have a wide-reaching impact on the health and well-being of our nation’s children,” said Vilsack. “Now, more than ever, America’s children need access to healthy and nutritious foods and our school nutrition professionals play a huge role in making that happen."
To learn more about this effort, visit www.usda.gov


text:
Fine dining can be a fickle thing, but everyone loves a good happy hour: At least that’s what Haven (44 Webster St., Oakland), Daniel Patterson’s evolving Jack London Square restaurant, is banking on when it launches a new expanded happy hour program tonight (Monday, March 17).
Since it opened in late 2011, Haven has been known, at least in part, for its relatively high prices and high-concept cuisine — a reputation that, according to chef Chris Johnson, might have been intimidating to the casual after-work crowd. But over the course of the past year, the restaurant has initiated a series of small-scale reinventions, including the addition of family-style dining options for both dinner and weekend brunch.
Johnson took over the kitchen at Haven in the fall after opening chef Kim Alter moved across town to take over Plum (Patterson’s other Oakland restaurant). His new happy hour menu might not be a step in an entirely new direction, but it does appear to be an effort to make the restaurant a little bit more inclusive and accessible.
Haven’s previous happy hour program was very short and very early (from 4 to 5 p.m. each afternoon), and was limited, food-wise, to a small selection of appetizers off the regular menu. Now, happy hour specials will be available for customers seated at the bar or in the lounge area from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be $9 cocktails (marked down from $11), $6 wines by the glass, and Linden Street draft beer on tap for $5.
Meanwhile, in addition to a selection of appetizers, Johnson has added several bar-snacky items to the menu, mostly in the $4-$6 range — things like kale chips with smoked paprika ($4) and crispy potatoes with fried garlic and rosemary ($5). Diners seated at the bar can also order Haven’s new burger ($15), just unveiled last week, which features Schmitz Ranch beef, sharp cheddar, horseradish aioli, a house-made onion-focaccia bun, and a side of fingerling potatoes.
The idea, Johnson said, is that customers could piece together a full meal just ordering off the happy-hour specials list — though his hope, of course, would be that something on the regular menu might also catch their eye.
Here’s an exclusive peek at tonight’s happy-hour food menu in its entirety:
Roasted & spiced almonds ($3)
Salt cod and potato fritters, chive sour cream ($5)
Crispy potatoes, fried garlic, rosemary ($5)
Brassicas, lemon, chile ($5)
Marinated olives, citrus, herbs ($5)
Little gem salad, avocado, radish, tarragon ($6)
Roasted bone marrow, kale, black garlic, grilled bread ($7)
The Haven Burger ($15)


text:
The Del Ray Cakery‘s sugar cookie sales have been so strong during the pandemic that founder Rebecca Underly is thinking about rebranding her business. Now she wants to primarily sell cookies and she’s even come up with a new name — The Del Ray Cookie Co.
After selling hundreds of cookie bouquet packages and more than 500 cookie kits for families to decorate their own baked treats at home during the pandemic, Underly is starting to think she’s found her niche.
“Cookie bouquets went bonkers at graduation,” Underly said. “I am not making any cakes. All I am doing is this. The cookies are great because I don’t need to store them in a refrigerator. When COVID hit, I was like, ‘Dang, what am I gonna do?’ So, I made cookie kits, and the first week I sold 20 kits, then 40 kits the week after that, then 50.”
She added, “People just want a sense of normalcy and this is the closest thing that I could give to them to get them to normal. We can’t blow out the candles of a cake, so I feel like this has been a great compromise in a safe way for my clients to feel like things are okay.”
Underly was the pastry chef at Blair House for four years almost straight out of culinary school, and cooked for celebrities and world leaders. She is also a former Fairfax County Public School teacher who quit her job to pursue a career in the kitchen. She and her husband, John, have two teenage sons and has lived in Del Ray since 1995. In 2003 she also founded her own company, Culinary Endeavors, and wrote recipes for corporations and grocery chains — in addition to cooking for clients.
Then in 2010 Underly attracted thousands of customers with her cake pops at the Art on the Avenue festival in Del Ray.
“I brought cake pops to Art on the Avenue and nobody in Northern Virginia was doing that,” she said. “I made 2,000 and I literally sold them out in less than an hour. People were lined up three, four, five tents down. I made these silly things and then it exploded from there, and I’ve probably made 50,000 cake pops since then.”
The Del Ray Cakery operates out of Underly’s home, and customers need to buy either a cookie kit (includes six cookies, directions and edible paint for $20-$30) or a dozen cookies for $42-$60. The cookies are individually wrapped in plastic and are also available for porch-side pickup from her house.
Underly said the pandemic has increased her sales, and that she only wants to grow regionally.
“The pandemic has given me time to think about what’s important to me,” Underly said. “I love things on a stick, like Pop Tarts and s’mores and cookies. I think that’s why I’m evolving out of the cakery. It makes me want to continue what I’m doing, and it’s fun. I want enough business for me to provide for Alexandria and Arlington. I don’t need to be further than that.”
What fun social distancing things did you do for the 4th of July? So many of you might not know that this holiday is my…
Photo via Del Ray Cakery/Facebook
Just as the school resource officer debate started to cool down, things have started heating up between the City Council local first responder unions and city leadership over pay issues….
Halloween is fast approaching and the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating will be back in full swing. Last year, the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) had discouraged the practice for fear of…
At an upcoming Alexandria City Council meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 26), City Manager Mark Jinks is scheduled to present a planned mid-year pay increase for city employees, though local unions…
Open this Sunday from 1-3 p.m. and included in the latest Just Listed is a 4 BD/3 BA home with a gas fireplace, deck and breakfast nook.


text:
In a rather unfortunately timed announcement given the footballing events of last night, the Advertising Standards Authority has moved to ban forms of subtle Twitter advertising as practised by Nike and its favourite son Wayne Rooney.
The ASA received complaints earlier this year, after Rooney put up a message on Twitter that was clearly little more than an advert for Nike, endorsing the sportswear company's Make It Count media campaign with a message about his goals for 2012.
The tweet wasn't tagged as an advert, though. Nike claimed that Rooney and fellow adver-tweeter Jack Wilshere were well known for being sponsored by Nike, and that the Nike URL in the tweet ought to have told users it was an ad, so everything's fine and no one needs to be rapped on the knuckles.
However, the ASA decided that not everyone is as media aware as that and may have just thought Rooney and Wilshere were tweeting about Nike out of love rather than money, therefore the ad technique has been barred from being used in future.
If Nike wants to do this again, it'll have to make sure advertising is obviously identifiable. Like by saying "ADVERT" at the beginning, so we all know to ignore it. [ASA]


text:
Simon Leadbetter has stepped down as global chief executive of Fine & Country.
Leadbetter’s LinkedIn profile shows he stopped working for the upmarket agency brand this month after 10 months in the role.
It is understood that he will be focusing on his own sustainable marketing consultancy called SO Leadbetter.
He joined Fine & Country in September 2021 and was previously group marketing director at Countrywide.
Leadbetter has also worked as global head of marketing, communications and digital for Knight Frank LLP, as well as chief marketing officer of Keller Williams UK.
He said: “While I’m incredibly excited and energised about my new opportunity, a big part of me is sad to be saying goodbye to amazing colleagues.
“Fine & Country is a great brand, and I have been very proud to play a small part in its story. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working at Fine & Country, how much I value my friends and colleagues, and all my experiences.”
Fine & Country said it will continue to build on Simon’s marketing foundations and has a strong management team in the likes of Nicky Stevenson, managing director of Fine & Country UK and Daniel Harrington, head of international growth, who along with the rest of the head office team will continue to support our licensees and the network.


text:
Shoppers duped into paying more for 'heavier' wine bottles because they think they are higher quality
Shoppers could be tricked into buying heavier, more expensive bottles of wine because they think they are of higher quality, according to a new study.
Wine producers are able to fool customers into paying more for some wines by using thicker glass bottles or making a deeper indent on the underside, researchers claimed.
Standard bottles of wine all contain the same 75cl of liquid but consumers believe heavier bottles will contain better-quality wine, according to research published in the Food Quality and Preference journal.
Heavy red? New study suggests heavy bottles of wine are not necessarily of better quality.
Historically thicker bottles were used on more expensive wines to protect them during transportation.
Although heavier bottles were found to be more expensive, the extra cost does not necessarily translate to higher quality, based on 150 people looking at 275 wines from five countries on sale in a shop in Oxford.
The findings showed that on average red wine bottles weighing more when compared to white, with normal shoppers more likely to be swayed by heavier wines than collectors or professional wine experts.
Professor Charles Spence of Oxford University, co–author of the study, told the Daily Telegraph: 'The weight–quality correlation is a general response in many different product categories.
'In wine it may have been [historically] that the more expensive wines were in heavier bottles to prevent breakage. Today I think it is definitely done more with marketing in mind.
'It is something to be cautious about. Sometimes you see people wandering around a shop with a few bottles in their hands and weighing them up while deciding which one is better. If you know about this, you are less likely to be manipulated by these subconscious cues.'
Professor Spence also claimed that drinking wine out of a heavier glass could make the same wine taste better because of the way the brain links weight to value.
Most watched Money videos
- Life hack: Save money by installing foil behind your radiators
- How to invest a pension pot in retirement
- Brexit a waste of time and energy, European Parliament co-ordinator claims
- How to invest like Warren Buffett in the UK
- Hyundai shows off modern hatch back i30 in slick new trailer
- Ray Massey test drives the new £350K Rolls-Royce Phantom
- Dividend hero manager's tips to invest for income and growth
- Exciting preview displays the Lamborghini Urus at high speed
- SEAT's new smart car featuring protection against drunk driving
- Big Money Questions:Will economists foresee the next crisis?
- What can investors learn from Black Monday and other crashes
- Why are there non-UK companies in the FTSE 100?


text:
Yesterday, a Twitter user noted new PlayStation-branded kiosks going up in stores in the United Kingdom. That user even posted an image of one kiosk, with a comfortable-looking couch and plastic case for some sort of system. The user and everyone else assumed that this was in preparation for the upcoming PlayStation 5, given the kiosk's color palette and timing.
Sadly, that does not seem to be the case. Sony confirmed to IGN that the kiosk is "not PS5 related". That means Sony is just preparing new in-store demo setups for… the PlayStation 4 Pro? It remains unclear.
That's before you even get into the idea of having in-store demo kiosks in the middle of this pandemic. Many retail stores have limited in-person traffic and there are questions of virus transmission from a setup that might not be cleaned by employees after every session.
We know what the PlayStation 5 looks like and what games will be coming from Sony and third-parties, but we're still waiting for a price. In the code of Sony's PlayStation Direct site, there was a reference to an error message that would come up if a user tried to purchase more than one PS5. This led to more speculation that a price announcement and pre-order launch is right around the corner. Reports already state that Sony has doubled production of PS5 systems, up to 10 million units by the end of 2020.


text:
As it seeks to cut distribution costs, Procter & Gamble Co. will analyze reams of consumer-behavior data to forecast orders worldwide.
The Cincinnati-based consumer-goods company (NYSE: PG) is implementing software by Norwalk, Conn.-based Terra Technology across its markets, according to a Terra news release.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The effort comes “because traditional demand planning is simply not sufficient anymore,” said Rafal Porzucek, P&G’s global process leader for demand planning.
“New products, new markets and increased economic uncertainty have created pervasive volatility,” he said, “and today’s supply chain requires technology to access and analyze as much information as possible to successfully forecast consumer demand.”
Terra’s “Multi-Enterprise Demand Sensing” technology uses information such as point-of-sale and distributor data, channel inventory, warehouse withdrawals and retailer forecasts.
“No other organization has made such a significant commitment to using big data to improve performance,” said Robert Byrne, CEO of Terra.
Other companies using the technology include P&G competitors Unilever plc and Kimberly-Clark Corp., along with other big names such as Royal Dutch Shell, Kraft Foods Group Inc. and General Mills Inc.


text:
JetBlue and American advance their strategic alliance following regulatory reviewJanuary 12, 2021
DHL Express orders eight additional Boeing 777F freightersJanuary 13, 2021
British Airways has made this announcement:
To mark the retirement of its 747 fleet, British Airways and luxury travel brand Globe-Trotter have teamed up to create a limited-edition range of handmade carry-on suitcases which celebrate the spirit of the jumbo jet age. Taking inspiration from the airline’s iconic BOAC livery, which also adorned the final British Airways aircraft to retire in December 2020, the BOAC Speedbird suitcases have been handmade in England and incorporate the iconic ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia and a precious fragment from a retired British Airways 747 aircraft.
To officially launch the range, two of these stunning suitcases are being auctioned via online auction platform ‘bid_in’ to raise funds for Flying Start, British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief. Since the partnership began in 2010, British Airways has raised over £25million for the charity through Flying Start, reaching more than 824,000 people.
With bids starting at £2,000 per item, the BOAC Speedbird suitcases are set to become an instant collectors’ item. The pair were the only passengers on British Airways’ final 747 flight on 11 December 2020, which saw the airline’s heritage-liveried BOAC jumbo jet fly the short distance from British Airways’ engineering base at Cardiff Airport to its new permanent home in St Athan, South Wales. They have also been signed by the flight’s Captain, Richard Allen-Williams, British Airways’ Chief Training Pilot.
Hamish McVey, British Airways’ Head of Brands & Marketing, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Globe-Trotter to create this very special product, and through this unique auction raise money for vital Comic Relief projects across the UK and overseas.
“While it was the right time to bid farewell to our Queen of the Skies, the launch of these BOAC-inspired carry-on suitcases provides a perfect opportunity for someone to celebrate a bygone era of global air travel and own a piece of our history.”
The suitcases are made from high gloss vulcanised fibreboard with a metallic sheen for a pearlescent white shimmer, which is complemented by Navy leather trim on the corners and handles. The hand-painted ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia adorns the exterior, while the 747 fragment decorates the interior. The range is limited to just 150 suitcases which will be available to order online from today and in Globe-Trotter’s flagship stores.
British Airways and Globe-Trotter have a proud history of collaboration spanning decades. During the 1960s, Globe-Trotter was the luggage brand of choice for BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) crew, who treasured them for their strength and durability. Former BOAC cabin crew member Hilary Farish inspired a popular Globe-Trotter luggage collection with a suitcase which was covered in stickers and marks from her extensive travels.
Vicente Castellano, Executive Chairman, Globe-Trotter, said: “We at Globe-Trotter could not be happier to collaborate with British Airways and support their important Flying Start programme.
“The commemorative BOAC case that we have created together, is the perfect celebration of travel and style – two values that have inspired the past and indeed the future of Globe-Trotter.”


text:
Gavin Newsom says consumers should get a piece of the billions tech companies make by monetizing the personal data they collect.
Wall Street puts the market on track to end a topsy-turvy, volatile week with a gain.
A new CEO is less concerned than Google’s founders about China’s censorship laws.
Tim Berners-Lee is fighting for a freer, more open internet.
The Dow loses 458.92 points after China raises import duties on a number of U.S. exports, bringing the two economic giants closer to a full-on trade conflict.
The Facebook CEO doesn't spell out what kind of rules he would support, beyond requiring clear disclosure about who is paying for online ads.
The market claws back more of its massive losses from the previous two weeks.
The company is still struggling to get people to sign up, despite the attention President Trump's no-holds-barred tweets have drawn to the service.
Municipal races are a beacon of hope for progressives; Obama’s $400,000 speech is evidence Democrats are out of touch.


text:
[Column] Reda Helal: African banks embrace digitalization, the region’s unbanked in their sights
As Africa’s mobile money revolution continues apace, the continent’s banks are keen to expedite the digitalisation of their services as they seek to become key players in the rapidly evolving, internet-based financial services market.
With about half of Africans unbanked, the shift towards online provision of payment systems could allow traditional financial institutions to significantly increase the scope of their operations and, in the process, do much to promote financial inclusion in the region, especially in rural areas where access to banking is particularly low.
Before Covid-19 struck Africa, local banks had made progress in digitalising services. The pandemic sped up the transition amid lockdowns, the temporary closure of many branches and a shift away from the use of cash, seen as contributing to the spread of the virus.
The online financial services space also became more attractive for customers as the market and authorities adjusted to the new normal. Mobile money providers waived or reduced transaction fees and governments encouraged digital payments as a strategy to wean off person-to-person contact, according to Global Finance.
While the health crisis has accelerated brick-and-mortar financial institutions’ shift towards digitalisation, there has also been a strong financial argument for the transition. Digital accounts can cut the cost of transactions by as much as 90 per cent – which seems certain to resonate with banks’ personal and business customers hit hard by the pandemic.
A recent survey of over 100 banks in the region by African Banker in conjunction with financial technology company Backbase underlined the importance attached to digital transformation. About 60 per cent of respondents said it was the single most important factor for the future of African banking and just over a third noted that it was among their top three priorities.
Moreover, banks are committing significant sums to digital transformation. The survey revealed that almost 40 per cent ringfenced at least $3 million a year for both the transition and innovation, with just over 20 per cent allocating $1-3 million. When asked what motivated them to make these investments, nearly 40 per cent said customer demand and satisfaction.
Indeed, the technological innovations that are fuelling digital transactions across the continent have even seen the emergence of digital banks, or neobanks, which provide all their services online, enabling them to drive down costs and boost financial inclusion. According to global research firm IBS Intelligence, these new market entrants “are shaking up the traditional branch-based banking systems and pushing the industry to become more agile and competitive”.
While their number remains small and concentrated in Nigeria and South Africa, they offer incumbent banks a glimpse of what they can achieve by pressing ahead with digitalisation, in particular the potential to increase their customer base. One of the fastest growing digital banks, South Africa’s Tymebank, has attracted 5 million customers since its launch in early 2019.
In order to help facilitate technological change, traditional lenders are looking to partner with Africa’s flourishing fintech sector. The African Banker survey found that the number of African banks relying on third-party developers and platforms, including to build their in-house capacities, more than trebled since 2020, when the last survey was conducted.
Collaboration with fintech companies, says Business Insider Africa, is enabling banks to expand their services and reach more customers. Banks, it adds, no longer see fintechs as disruptors but partners – more often as a key part of their business with a shared responsibility for delivering to customers.
The tie-ups between banks and fintechs have seen the former outsourcing payment processing to the latter. It can be a daunting undertaking, but the financial rationale for it is compelling. The overhaul or replacement of banks’ legacy systems to achieve digital payments transformation goals requires substantial investment – and the total costs involved are often underestimated.
For while price tags of software licences and hardware for a dedicated payments platform may be clear and predictable, there are other multiple costs (related to people, processes and time involved to integrate these systems) that only become apparent once the transformation project is under way.
Though there may be understandable scepticism about outsourcing to third parties offering payment as a service (PaaS), credible providers of the latter can reduce the risks involved in implementing digital transformations, deliver overall savings, simplify banks’ internal systems, and enable them to leverage the expertise of their specialist partner to gain competitive advantage.
As much as digitalisation is a priority for banks in the post-Covid world, there are a number of other challenges that have to be addressed for payments transformation to achieve its full potential in Africa. These include issues such as patchy internet penetration in rural areas, the still-high cost of data, the fact that so many Africans lack personal identity documentation (critical to them being able to acquire digital accounts) as well as concerns over cybersecurity and low levels of digital literacy.
These barriers, however, will be lowered with time as the mobile money revolution gains momentum and digital infrastructure becomes more heavily embedded across the continent. For banks, arguably the most immediate concern is being able to work within a regulatory environment that facilities their digitalisation ambitions.
Optimal conditions are still some way off, with regulators seemingly hesitant about expediting banks’ digital transformation, perhaps concerned that if they move too quickly, they might destabilise the banking sector. Critically, there seems to be a reluctance to implement a key reform, the so-called ‘open banking,’ which allows banks to share data with third-party payment platforms, enabling them to provide services on their behalf.
A recent article in Africa Law and Business on fintechs and open banking in Africa notes that in sub-Saharan Africa, the regulatory frameworks that are essential for the future operation of open banking, most notably data protection laws, have largely yet to materialise.
There has, however, been some notable progress. According to African tech publication Techcabal, there are six countries in Africa where open banking has either been regulated or is being studied, and business title Quartz Africa reports that its potential to deepen financial inclusion in rural areas is actually being tapped more widely.
It points out that the region’s huge informal economy remains a prime space for open banking innovation, given the potential to offer secure financial services to scores of millions of unbanked consumers. Bringing them on board will be a challenging goal. But with the rapid development of mobile money across Africa, it looks increasingly like a very realistic one.
Dr. Reda Helal is the Group Managing Director, Processing Business – Africa and co-Head Group Processing at Network International


text:
Yahoo Finance’s Josh Schafer joins the Live show to discuss Gatorade’s decision to not renew its NHL partnership and what it means for college NIL advertising.
BRIAN SOZZI: PepsiCo is pulling back further from its sports sponsorships, as Gatorade opts not to renew its partnership with the National Hockey League. Yahoo Finance's Josh Schafer has the details. Josh, I can't say that I'm surprised with this because there is such a focus inside PepsiCo right now to cut costs.
JOSH SCHAFER: Yeah, I mean, we just saw them back out of the Super Bowl halftime show, right? And it seems like they're really evaluating where they're spending money when it comes to sports marketing. And so that was my takeaway. I don't think this says much about the NHL, right? When you see something happen like this, you wonder, hmm, do teams-- or brands maybe not want to do a partnership with the NHL? The NHL viewership, the playoffs are up 40% year over year. So they're doing pretty well, I think. And they have helmet sponsorships coming in. They're going to have jersey sponsors next year. I think that league's doing fine.
It seems like PepsiCo is really trying to change what they do in the sports space because Gatorade is so popular. It's not like you have to just throw Gatorade at us, and we need to understand what Gatorade is. So what we're seeing them do is, they're now coming into these emerging markets. So, actually, the company's head of sports marketing, Jeff Kearney, specifically said on LinkedIn, they're going to use this money and go into women's sports and name, image, and likeness. They're going to be spending more money on college athletes, guys. And they're refocusing there, instead of brands like the NHL and NFL. Isn't that kind of interesting?
BRAD SMITH: I think they just need to focus on the weekend warrior or anybody who's trying to recover from those weekends. A major brand like Gatorade, though, they're also looking to delve further into NIL advertising. So it must mean that market here, at least, is doing pretty well.
JOSH SCHAFER: Yeah, Brad. I mean, NIL, we've been talking about it since last July on this program, but it's getting huge. So I talked to Open Doors recently, who is-- they do some of the deals and they do some studies there. And really, what they said was, I asked them, how big is this market? How big is it going to be in year one? NIL compensation in year one, they're expecting $900 million. They think these athletes in the first full year will have made $900 million total, which, to me, was pretty eye-popping. They said it might even be a billion. And so that market just keeps getting bigger and bigger. And the reason companies are coming in there is, in NIL, you get so much earned media.
So we saw earlier this year, Paige Bueckers, UConn women's basketball player, pretty popular in that space, she did a deal with Gatorade. Well, that went viral on social media, because people are interested in these NIL deals. It's the first player doing X, the first player doing Y. If you can spend less money and maybe even get more engagement than you get by sponsoring a water bottle for a pro sports league, it kind of makes sense.
BRIAN SOZZI: Worth noting here, too, I believe it was former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi that really made that push into sports. You're seeing now current CEO Ramon Laguarta really drill down on costs, unwind some of those deals. But is the halftime show still being bid for?
JOSH SCHAFER: Yeah, the halftime show, I believe the bidding is still up.
BRIAN SOZZI: They're giving it up?
JOSH SCHAFER: Yeah, and we'll have to see who steps up there. And I'm sure-- it feels like everything in the NFL is a record these days-- that might be a record number. And if there's any trends, guys, maybe a crypto sponsorship?
BRAD SMITH: Maybe. Our own Josh Schafer here to break down all of the movie sponsorships that are taking place over the course of these last couple of seasons. Thanks so much, Josh.


text:
DUBAI: Set to run from Nov. 21-25 in Citywalk and Dubai Design District, Dubai Fashion Days will showcase a mix of regional and international designers.
Launched in 2002, Amato Couture is the brainchild of designer Furne One and textile expert Rashid Ali, who are set to show off their collection on Nov. 21. The label has been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez.
Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco is known for his gorgeous couture gowns and glittering client list, including Rihanna and Lady Gaga. His show is set to take place on Nov. 25.
Yara Bin Shakar
Yara Bin Shakar is an Emirati fashion designer with an uber cool aesthetic. Her latest collection is inspired by vintage Hollywood and will be showcased on Nov. 21.
Soraya B. Couture
Portuguese fashion designer Soraya Bacai is the face behind the Dubai-based fashion house that will show off its wares on Nov. 25.
Lin Yu Bo and Tan Li Chen are the duo behind the label THISNORTHAT that will dress models for the catwalk on Nov. 21.
A Switzerland-based label that creates ready-to-wear pieces, fashion lovers can see its latest collection on Nov. 23.


text:
As Crystal Dynamics’ CEO Phil Rogers promised in the context of Embracer Group’s latest annual report, Unreal Engine 5 will enable his studio to take the “Tomb Raider” series to the next level in terms of storytelling. However, further details on the future of the series are not expected until 2023.
After taking over the North American division of Square Enix in May this year, the developers at Crystal Dynamics are now working on the future of the “Tomb Raider” series under the auspices of the Embracer Group.
As we have known for a while, Crystal Dynamics is currently developing a completely new offshoot of the successful series. Phil Rogers, the CEO of Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal, did not give any specific details about the project in the course of the Embracer Group’s current business figures, but in a statement he emphasized the importance of the Unreal Engine 5, which his studios are now working with.
According to Rogers, the technical capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 will enable Crystal Dynamics developers to take the Tomb Raider series to the next level in terms of storytelling.
No new information before 2023
“For us, it’s fundamentally about the deep-rooted partnerships we’re building for the future of Tomb Raider as a popular gaming and/or media franchise. Our partnership with Epic Games and the integration of Unreal Engine 5 into our development toolchain allows us to take storytelling to a new level,” said Rogers.
However, fans of Lara Croft’s adventures will have to be patient before new information or even announcements about the future of the “Tomb Raider” series can be expected. There is nothing to announce before 2023, as Rogers acknowledged in his statement: “We have not yet released details on the franchise plans, but the team looks forward to showing where we are headed as soon as possible next year move.”
More news about Tomb Raider:
According to unconfirmed reports, the new Tomb Raider could be set in a modern world shattered by a mysterious cataclysm. Now it’s up to Lara and her team to get to the bottom of these phenomena. Whether these rumors are true, we may find out next year.
What: Embracer Group
More news about Tomb Raider.
Discuss this news on the PlayStation Forum
Links to Amazon, Media Markt, Saturn and some other retailers are usually affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we receive a small commission that we can use to finance the free-to-use site. You have no disadvantages.


text:
May 14—WATERTOWN — Sales tax revenue for April in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties rose more than 50% over April 2020, the first full month of an economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the first four months of 2021 — January through April — revenue is also up double digit percentages in each county, according to information provided by state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
In Jefferson County, revenues in April rose $2.5 million, or 58.9%, over the same month in 2020, going from $4.3 million in April 2020 to $6.8 million this April. St. Lawrence County experienced a $1.8 million, or 50%, increase this April compared to last April, rising from $3.6 million in 2020 to $5.4 million this year. Lewis County realized a $400,000, or 55.7%, increase in revenue in April, going from $700,000 in April 2020 to $1.1 million this year.
Despite the year-over-year increases in April, sales tax revenue in each county was down considerably from those seen in March. In March, Jefferson County saw revenue of $9.5 million, while St. Lawrence and Lewis counties had realized $6.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
Revenue for the first three months of 2021, however, still exceeds revenue over the same period last year. Through April 2020, Jefferson County had realized $22.6 million in revenue, an amount which has risen to $27.1 million this year, a 20% increase. St. Lawrence County revenue rose from $18.2 million through April 2020 to $21.3 million through April 2021, a 17.2% increase, while Lewis County's revenue rose 18.8% this April, going from $3.7 million last year to $4.5 million this year.
Oswego County has experienced a dip in sales tax revenue, both in April's numbers and year-to-date figures. In the first four months of 2020, the county realized $14.3 million in revenue, but that total has declined slightly to $14 million this year, a 2.6% decrease. In April, revenue dropped 13.7%, or $400,000, going from $2.8 million in April 2020 to $2.4 million this April.
Oswego County was the only county in the state that saw its sales tax revenue drop in April compared to April 2020.
Statewide, sales tax receipts in April were up 45.7% over the same month a year ago, totaling $1.5 billion this year versus $464 million last year.
Mr. DiNapoli acknowledged in a prepared statement that much of the percentage growth in sales tax revenue during April reflected "extremely weak collections" in April 2020, when many businesses were closed.
"The strong collections in April show that the economy is gaining steam, thanks in part to federal aid, more lifts in restrictions and a climb in the vaccination rates," Mr. DiNapoli said. "However, local governments must monitor changing economic conditions and continue to be vigilant when it comes to their finances."


text:
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In conjunction with its annual meeting, the U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for companies that offer entrepreneurial opportunities to independent contractors who choose to sell products and services direct to customers, announced top honors to the industry’s standout companies at its 2019 DSA Awards gala in Austin, Texas. In addition, the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) announced three new inductees to its prestigious Circle of Honor.
DSA Awards recognize the outstanding programs DSA member companies have implemented. The 2019 DSA Awards category winners are:
- Excellence in Business Training: Amway
- Innovation in Back Office/Sales Support Technology: Scentsy, Inc.
- Innovation in Mobile Technology: Isagenix International
- Marketing/Sales Campaigns: Noonday Collection
- Product Innovation: Mary Kay Inc.
- Vision for Tomorrow: Damsel in Defense
- Partnership: Buy The Sea
DSA Highest Performing Companies
DSA also announced the 2019 highest performing member companies, recognizing those with the top net sales in the United States for 2018:
- Young Living
- Thirty-One Gifts
- The Juice Plus+Company, LLC
- Team Beachbody
- Stream Gas & Electric, Ltd DBA Stream
- SeneGence International
- Scentsy, Inc.
- Pampered Chef
- Nu Skin Enterprises
- New Avon LLC
- Melaleuca, Inc.
- Medifast – OPTAVIA
- Mary Kay Inc.
- Isagenix International
- Herbalife Nutrition
- Arbonne International, LLC
- Ambit Energy
- AdvoCare International, LP
“Direct selling is a proven, go-to-market strategy that continues to have a significant impact on the way both entrepreneurs and corporations do business,” said Joseph N. Mariano, president of U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA). “We applaud these companies for the products they offer consumers, the entrepreneurial opportunities they offer millions of Americans, and their dedication to ensuring the highest levels of consumer protection.”
DSEF Circle of Honor Winners
The Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) also announced the recipients of its highest honors during the DSA gala. The DSEF Circle of Honor recognizes industry leaders, academics and consumer advocates who made extraordinary contributions to the Direct Selling Education Foundation through personal efforts.
The 2019 inductees into the DSEF Circle of Honor were Dr. Victoria Crittenden, Professor of Marketing and Babson Research Scholar at Babson College; Dr. Linda Ferrell, Marketing Department Chair, and Professor of Marketing at Auburn University; and Dr. Greg W. Marshall, The Charles Harwood Professor of Marketing & Strategy at Rollins College. The three professors were integral in helping exceed the Foundations’ three-year goals, reaching 70,000 college students and building the DSEF Academic Fellows to more than 200 members.
“Since 2016, each of our newest DSEF Circle of Honor inductees has brought their very unique strengths, knowledge, and networks to DSEF to advance the foundation’s efforts to engage and educate the academic community on the ways direct selling empowers individuals, supports communities and strengthens economies worldwide,” said Gary Huggins, executive director of DSEF. “Their tireless efforts have produced published research related to direct selling, inclusion of direct selling in influential textbooks and academic symposia. This group has also been instrumental in launching a new Doctoral Sales Student Grant Program and shaping the vision for the Foundation.”
You can also read more on this topic at Direct Selling News.
ABOUT THE DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the national trade association for companies that offer entrepreneurial opportunities to independent sellers to market and sell products and services, typically outside of a fixed retail establishment. In 2018, direct selling took place across the United States, generating $35.4 billion in retail sales. More than six million entrepreneurs in the U.S. are selling products or services through the direct selling channel, providing a personalized buying experience for more than 36.6 million customers.


text:
We’ve been tipped of this news from a person with sources in Samsung. Apparently, a Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) device is under development in Samsung. This design of this device will be based on the Galaxy SIII, that was recently announced to mixed reviews. Our tipster also tells us that this device is apparently targeted to be released in October 2012. He also mentions that work on the Galaxy S4 is already underway.
Since there is no official confirmation, we’re filing this under ‘believable rumors’ for now. We do note that the picture of a white windows phone device with Galaxy S III like design have been making the rounds lately, and this tip may be a confirmation of that.
[Image credit: modified from The Verge]


text:
UFC 287 is set to get going this weekend from the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL on Saturday, April 8. There is a five-bout main card highlighted by Alex Pereira-Israel Adesnaya 2. The event will air across the ESPN network, as well as UFC Fight Pass, with the main card broadcast via ESPN+ PPV.
The grudge match between Pereira and Adesanya is the main event, as the UFC middleweight title is on the line. Adesanya opens as a slight favorite with -130 odds, as the champion Pereira has underdog odds of +110, per Draftkings Sportsbook.
In the co-main Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal square off in a welterweight matchup. Burns checks in with -475 odds on the moneyline while Masvidal has +380 underdog odds to win the fight.
The early prelims will start at 6:00 p.m. ET with the prelims at 8:00 p.m. ET. The main card is expected to begin at 10 p.m. ET with the Pereira-Adesanya fight to close it out.
So how do you watch it?
The main card for UFC 287 will be live streamed on ESPN+ PPV, which will cost $69.99 for the full card. The link provides an option for simply buying the card or buying the Disney Plus bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+.
The early prelims will air on UFC Fight Pass and the prelims will air on ESPN2.


text:
BST has been present in China for more than 20 years through commercial agencies and representation offices. The new subsidiary will allow the company to operate and grow its business in the Chinese market. Presently about one eighth of the company’s total turnover comes from China.
In Songjiang, BST has invested about €250,000 in manufacturing, sales and service support. The company will manufacture country-specific components, such as mechanical guiding devices for web guiding systems, and will conduct sales and support activities, especially for the expanding tire segment.
Jenny Zhang, the previous head of BST’s representation office in China, has been appointed managing director. She has been with the company for five years.
BST International has more than 18,000 web inspection systems and 100,000 web guiding systems installed in over 70 countries.


text:
Looking for Safe Drinking Water in Medan City
The results of BPA testing conducted by the BPOM during the 2021-2022 period showed the BPA content in a water gallon sold in the six regions exceeded the threshold of 0.6 parts per million (ppm).
The finding of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in drinking water sold in gallons in six areas makes it more difficult for Medan residents to find safe and healthy drinking water. The lack of a tap-water supply makes residents depend on water gallons.
The findings of BPA in drinking water sold in gallons in six areas makes it more difficult for Medan residents to find safe and healthy drinking water. The lack of a piped water supply makes residents depend on water gallons.
Jahasiel Tarigan, 32, a resident of Padang Bulan, Medan Selayang subdistrict, Medan City, North Sumatra, was surprised to hear information about the findings of exposure to BPA chemicals in drinking water sold in gallons. The Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) has found exposure to BPA in water gallons in a number of cities including Medan, Bandung (West Java), Jakarta, Manado (North Sulawesi), Banda Aceh (Aceh) and Aceh Tengah (Aceh) has exceeded the threshold.
“Our family has used water gallons for a long time, because we think it is safe and healthy. We don’t have a choice, because tap water is sometimes dirty and it smells. Because of that, we have to look elsewhere for water," said Jahasiel.
In Medan, it was found that the BPA content was 0.9 ppm.
The results of BPA testing conducted by the BPOM during the 2021-2022 period showed the BPA content in a water gallon sold in the six regions exceeded the threshold of 0.6 parts per million (ppm). In Medan, it was found that the BPA content was 0.9 ppm.
BPA is a plastic hardener chemical used to produce gallon packaging made from polycarbonate.
Exposure to BPA has been found in the post-production process and during the distribution from the factory to consumers.
Excess BPA exposure in water is dangerous. Besides being able to interfere with the reproductive system and cardiovascular system, BPA can also trigger cancer, diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. Brain development is also impaired, especially in children.
Paskah Michael, 30, a resident of the Medan Baru subdistrict, was also worried after hearing about the exposure to BPA in water gallons. Even though Paskah has access to tap water from the Tirta Nadi regional tap water company (PDAM), he still prefers water gallons.
“The PDAM's tap water has sediment and sometimes smells. So, we're not using it for drinking. So far, we have been forced to buy water gallons,” he said.
Paskah did not suspect that water gallons contained chemicals. The finding of BPA in water gallons in six areas makes it more difficult for Medan residents to find safe and healthy drinking water. The lack of tap water supply makes residents depend on water gallons. Because water gallons are more expensive than PDAM tap water, he believes its production and distribution is carried out with high health and safety standards. Water gallons are widely used because it is more practical and the water does not need to be boiled.
Penny unveiled the plan after meeting with academics, practitioners and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to discuss the findings of BPA in water gallons sold in six regions.
The head of the BPOM, Penny Lukito, said in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/6/2022) that due to the findings of BPA in water gallons, the BPOM will require the use of a warning label on polycarbonate beverage packaging types, including water gallons. Penny unveiled the plan after meeting with academics, practitioners and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to discuss the findings of BPA in water gallons sold in six regions.
Penny also said that the BPOM and a number of parties had since 2021 discussed the revision of BPOM’s regulation Number 31 of 2018 concerning processed food labels. “This regulation has been revised and has been submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat. Such chemical exposure is a strong basis why it must be responded with regulations,” she said.
The head of the Center for Drug and Food Control at the BPOM branch in Medan, Martin Suhendri, said they were also educating producers and distributors to better handle the distribution of the water gallons in order to suppress BPA migration. The principle is to avoid ultraviolet radiation, impact, scratches and friction during washing. BPA migration is also affected by the thickness, weight and age of the water gallon.
"It is very important to educate the public, especially regarding the handling of water gallons from producers, distributors, retailers to consumers," said Martin.
As observed by Kompas, BPA migration may occur along the distribution of water gallons from producers to consumers. Packaged drinking water in Medan is treated and filled into water gallons at factories located near springs in mountainous areas, such as in Karo regency, North Sumatra. From the factory, the water gallons are transported to the distributor's warehouse in Medan by a pickup truck so it is exposed to the sun. They are then transported to wholesalers or retailers by a pickup truck.
Arriving at the store or retail kiosk, some of the water gallons are arranged on the terrace so they are exposed to direct sunlight. Water gallons are delivered to consumers' homes using open motorized tricycles or motorbikes.
Murdelina Nainggolan, 40, a shop owner on Jl. Mayjen DI Panjaitan, Medan, said that the distributor had never informed about the right procedures in the handling of water gallons. She left water gallons
stacked in front of the shop that were exposed to the sun, from morning until noon. "We even get a bonus from the distributor if we display the product in front of the store," said Murdelina.
According to Murdelina, bumps and scratches are unavoidable when unloading water gallons from the truck into the shop. The distributor hired only two workers to unload 200 gallons into her shop. They unloaded the gallons from the top of the truck using a plank so they hit the floor.
Evi Naria, a lecturer at the School of Public Health in the University of North Sumatra, said in a workshop in Medan that the use of bottled water continued to increase from year to year.
Currently, the number of consumers of water gallons reaches 85 million people.
Because of the lack of a tap water supply, water gallons are more practical. They can be served faster, it is more convenient and easy to use. Currently, the number of consumers of water gallons reaches 85 million people. The production of bottled drinking water is about 21 billion liters per year and 2 percent of it is water gallons. "So far, 96.4 percent of the water gallon material is polycarbonate, but only 3.6 percent of the packaging is BPA-free," said Evi.
Therefore, the protection of consumers drinking from water gallons is very important and urgent. Water gallon producers should pay more attention to the consumers’ safety by complying with health standards.
(This article was translated by Hedarsyah Tarmizi)


text:
Grab revealed that Indonesia is part of the dual headquarters. Grab said that this was part of the company’s commitment to investing in Indonesia.
Before declaring Indonesia to be Grab’s ‘second home’, this company that is headed by Anthony Tan was already headquartered in Singapore.
This dual headquarter inaguration also coincided with the inauguration of the Grab Tech Center, a research and development (R&D) center that is focused on helping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for digital transformation.
“Regarding this dual headquarter, Grab has focused on Indonesia from the start because, the number of MSMEs in Indonesia is very large, reaching 64 million,” President of Grab Indonesia, Ridzki Kramadibrata, said in a press conference for the virtual inauguration of the Grab Tech Center, Tuesday (10/11/2020).
“The establishment of this dual headquarter is an initiation since last year, when our investors visited Indonesia. The determination of this dual headquarter is part of our investment in Indonesia,” he added.
It is known that its investors, Softbank, allocated $2 billion through Grab to support digital infrastructure in Indonesia. The investment was disbursed for five years, starting in mid-2019.
The announcement of Grab’s investment was followed by a meeting between President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Softbank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son, Grab CEO Anthony Tan, and President of Grab Indonesia Ridzki Kramadibrata at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on July 29, 2019.
“Grab Tech Center is a form of Grab’s commitment to invest in Indonesia. From the USD 2 billion, one of them is the Grab Tech Center, Grab Velocity which is part of our investment series in Indonesia,” Ridzki concluded.


text:
With Digitization, India is Becoming a Test Bed for Innovation
India’s diverse demography that is quick on the uptake of new ideas, has made it a flourishing test bed among emerging markets – if it works here it can be scaled out exponentially, is what entrepreneurs feel.
With more than one-third of the world’s blind people in India, for Bengaluru-based Forus Health, the country was the perfect testing ground to launch its new path-breaking product.
The ophthalmic technology company has named its invention – an affordable and portable eye screening device – ‘3nethra’.
“The number of people who are blind in this country is an astonishing figure of more than 12 million. The most ironic thing about it is that 80 per cent of it is preventable. We are a company focused on the mission of eradicating preventive blindness,” K Chandrasekhar, Founder and CEO, Forus said.
“We wanted to address large healthcare issues through technology. Technology followed by a great innovation and innovation not only through product creation but also the way we deploy it,” he said.
“3nethra takes images of your eye both front of your eye and the back of your eye without dilating which is a very critical because you don’t want people to put the drops and wait for three to four hours,” Mr Chandrasekhar said.
The devices is also very affordable and can be operated by somebody who is very minimally trained, he said.
What also helps the cause is India’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, deeper internet penetration and technology adoption.
“Once the images are taken the images can be uploaded on the cloud and a doctor a specialist and ophthalmologist can be sitting anywhere in the city and he can look at the images and say whether the patient needs to come for treatment immediately or he can come later,” he said.
“I am very proud to say that our device is completely made in India,” Mr Chandrasekhar said, adding that since its launch, the product has been introduced in Mexico, Africa, Latin America and Asia.


text:
Insurer Highmark opens retail sleep store
PITTSBURGH – Healthcare giant Highmark has stepped into the sleep market with a new sleep wellness store, REMWorks.
“Our goal is to be able to offer a solution to everyone who has a challenge, from just occasional sleeplessness to someone who has snoring issues to someone who may have and underlying sleep issue that they are not even aware of,” said Amy Phillips, director of REMWorks.
The retail store, which opened Dec. 13, carries traditional CPAP machines and masks, over-the-counter remedies, relaxation devices and aromatherapy products. REMWorks will also offer cognitive behavioral therapy. The staff includes RTs, an RN and a registered sleep technician.
To help determine what’s best for customers, staff will start with a dialogue, says Phillips.
“We’ll ask some key questions about their sleep or sleeplessness,” she said. “We’ll also be able to do the Epworth Stop-Bang assessment. We’ll be able to guide them whether they need to see their primary care physician about potential sleep apnea or, if it seems to be more of an acute problem or a non-medical problem, we can guide them to some of the retail products that may assist them on a short-term basis.”
With an estimated 80 million Americans reporting difficulty sleeping at some point, and with OSA tied to a host of other issues, including hypertension, heart disease and increased risk of stroke, Phillips says REMWorks offers an opportunity to reach people walking around who may not realize they have OSA.
The store has begun marketing itself, through radio advertising and meeting with local sleep labs and specialists. Although its parent, Highmark, is an insurer, Phillips says that won’t give REMWorks an advantage over other providers.
“We have to earn their business just like everyone else,” she said.


text:
Luxury fashion website Farfetch sees losses widen to £34m amid expansion drive
Farfetch owns no shops or even an inventory of the clothes, shoes and handbags it sells
Expansion has come at a cost for luxury fashion website Farfetch.
Losses at the British firm widened to £34million in 2016 from £28.7million the year before, as investment in technology and staff took its toll.
Farfetch operates like Deliveroo for fashion, but owns no shops or even an inventory of the clothes, shoes and handbags it sells.
It is facing increased competition from luxury rivals Matchesfashion.com and Yoox Net-a-Porter which has invested £442million in new technology to improve its website.
It said sales in the year increased to £151million from £87million but warned business could be hit as more retailers move online.
The firm was founded in 2007 by Portuguese entrepreneur Jose Neves and sells products from over 700 boutiques and brands around the world.
Shoppers can search for products that are sold out in their own country and buy from an unknown boutique abroad.
Farfetch’s business model has proven attractive to investors, with Asian powerhouse JD.com snapping up a £314million stake in June and it is said to be gearing up for a £4billion stock market float.
Most watched Money videos
- Could these LED lights on crossings save lives on the road?
- Aston Martin showcase the new Vantage with a top speed of 195mph
- Jaguar I-Pace prototype smart cones driving test in Geneva
- New Jaguar I-Pace takes on Tesla in race against the clock
- British car maker Morgan shows off new Aero GT in Geneva
- Range Rover races through the 99-turns of the Tianmen Road
- Jack Whitehall stars in Jaguar I-PACE promotional video
- Tips to invest your Isa - and why it is worth doing
- Take a look at the brand new Jaguar I-Pace prototype
- Ray Massey takes Range Rover new plug-in hybrid PHEV for a spin
- This is the new fourth generation model of the Ford Focus
- Will stock markets start to rise again?
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
We are no longer accepting comments on this article.


text:
|Day Low/High||83.83 / 85.29|
|52 Wk Low/High||66.06 / 114.00|
Cramer examines how the secondaries are getting some primary attention and also observes that the market is becoming more discerning.
If you want to reap big gains, read, understand and buy when the numbers make sense.
Jim Cramer says Amazon may be mighty powerful, but the blindsided CEOs at the retail competition are starting to wise up.
Retail is still struggling.
The Dow falls for first day in 11.
Big names like Tesla back in the news on Tuesday.
The Dow's record-breaking streak came to a swift end.
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) (the "Company"), a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products, today announced that it received notice of an unsolicited "mini-tender" offer by...
Both luxury fashion companies topped earnings estimates but sales were still weak.
Not every retail company is going to be killed by Amazon.
Ralph Lauren shares jumped 10% following a strong earnings release.
TheStreet's Action Alerts PLUS Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer analyzes Tuesday's trending stocks.
Earnings beats from Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL), a global leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of premium lifestyle products, today reported earnings per diluted share of $0.
What are the chances of a Draghi dovish surprise? I wouldn't bet the farm on anything.
U.S. stock futures point to a lower open for Wall Street on Tuesday.
There is an ETF for everything, people.
The focus remains on earnings while the season winds down.
She's bold, she's successful and she's ready to take on Weight Watchers.
Investors are gobbling the stock up.
Sears is struggling.
Corporate executives have curbed spending on new equipment while buying back more than $1 trillion of stock. The dynamic is holding back the economy, a Wells Fargo strategist says.


text:
Philip Rooke, chief executive of online retailer Spreadshirt, pens his thoughts on how self-expression is making a comeback.
The reality of trading in Oxford, particularly for smaller retailers, is somewhat grim.
Unhappy employees are less productive and can cost billions, so staff satisfaction levels need top priority for retailers.
It’s a tough time for retail, and it seems just about everyone has the same plan of action for the future: customer experience.
Lancaster University's Dr Martin Friesl looks at the uphill challenges Tesco faces in rolling out its new discount store format.
Iceland recently surged 37 places to number 10 on the UK Customer Satisfaction Index.
Why are major retailers such as Sainsbury's and Asda, and Tesco and Carrefour, suddenly adopting a more collaborative approach?
Julie Froud on how the community approach could be a way for some town centres to thrive once more.
John Pal, a retail expert from Alliance Manchester Business School, looks at what's next for the department store's stakeholders.
WHSmith's Alison Garbutt looks at the importance of the retail sector coming on board to support a new mental health campaign.


text:
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT (ASX:KSL) 11 MAY 2017
Kina Securities and Asian Development Bank Sign First Trade Finance Agreement in Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 11 May 2017: Kina Securities Limited (KSL) today announced that it had become PNG’s first bank to sign a trade finance agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The deal will assist Kina’s local importing and exporting business customers by providing access to ADB’s Trade Finance Program (TFP).
The agreement will enable customers to access a credit guarantee facility that can support up to $4 million of trade annually in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to support their international transactions.
Download link to the copy of this announcement is below:


text:
INTRALOT announces that its U.S. subsidiary INTRALOT Inc. along with its partner Camelot Illinois have delivered Fast Play, a brand-new type of game, into the Illinois Lottery. INTRALOT provides state-of-the-art technology to Camelot Illinois, the private manager of the Illinois Lottery.
Dr. Chris Dimitriadis, INTRALOT Group CEO, said: “The growing demand for advanced entertainment has led Lotteries to expand their portfolio with faster, more exciting games that offer engaging gameplay and enhanced winning experiences. We are delighted to work with Camelot Illinois, and the Illinois Lottery in introducing Fast Play progressive games enabled by our technology, creating added value to the Illinois Lottery and contributing to their education funding for the State of Illinois.”
Byron Boothe, INTRALOT Inc. CEO, said: “This is an exciting day for INTRALOT Inc., Camelot Illinois, and the Illinois Lottery! Our groups are thrilled to introduce Fast Play and to continue expanding the game offering for Illinois players.”
Fast Play games are quick and easy draw games and are the first game of its kind to be sold in Illinois. Players across the State are already winning big and enjoying an entertaining game that gives players a chance to win prizes at the point of purchase without picking numbers, completing play slips, scratching or waiting for draw results. Illinois residents 18 years and older can purchase Fast Play through lottery terminals or lottery vending machines in all Illinois retail locations where lottery is sold.


text:
I thought that with a devastating earthquake, a record oil/food price spike, an unemployment tsunami, and a double-dip recession that the Nats’ apologists might have realised it was time for honest discussion of the issues and solutions. Instead, they’re still trying to bury our heads in the sand.
National pollster David Farrar takes umbrage with a Herald on Sunday article on rising food prices. You’ll remember that National made a big song and dance about food prices before the last election during the last oil/food price spike, so it’s a sensitive matter to National that the same thing is happening under their watch.
First he tries to minimise the food price spike, which, remember, has driven world food prices to the highest level in history:
Food prices did increase a lot in January 2011 [but] prices have been fairly stable for 11 months and have only increased since Christmas.
From January 2010 to January 2011 (Feb food prices are due out Friday), the price for 1 kg of apples has gone up 3% only. For carrots it is 26%, mushrooms 4% and potatoes 35%.
There’s some nice statistical trickery here. Farrar could have compared prices now to, say, two years ago or six months ago, but comparing to last January just so happens to give the smallest increase. The truth is food prices have never been higher and the Food Price Index is now 10% here than when National was campaigning on lowering food prices back in 2008.
Then Farrar tries to say our incomes have gone up more than the rise.
After tax wages have increased for someone on the average wage either 12% or 16% (off memory. You buy food from your after tax income not your before tax gross wage)
In fact, the Nats’ claim is that the average after-tax wage has gone up 10% after-inflation since they came to power. In calculating those figures, they count Labour’s tax cuts and exclude their GST increase. More importantly, Farrar is wrong to use the average ordinary-time full-time wage as a measure of how much incomes have changed. That figure has actually risen rapidly as low-income workers have lost their jobs in the last three years. Families buy stuff with their incomes not the average fulltime wage, and Stats NZ says the median household income had fallen 5% after inflation from June 2008 to June 2010.
In other words, food prices are up 10% since National came to power and incomes are down 5%. No wonder we’re felling the pinch.
That’s before the tax changes but NZIER said in January that GST and price rises had already eaten up the tax cuts for 60% of families, and that will be even worse now.
But you don’t need these numbers to prove that food prices are rising faster than incomes. You know it is true every time you go shopping. 80% of people in the Herald’s online poll say their income is not keeping up with price increases.
I don’t understand why Farrar, and the Nat research unit who clearly supplied his numbers, think some cheap statistical tricks will make us blind to the realities we’re experiencing every time we go to the supermarket and the petrol station.
I’ve said before that I’m well-off, but I know I’m feeling the effects of these prices, and it’s much harder on other families I know who aren’t as privileged. Maybe Farrar and his mates in the rich elite are simply too rich to notice.
Or maybe they’re so desperate they’ll try to spin even when it just reduces their already shot credibility.


text:
Heroin is so passe. Sure, strapping twenty bricks of China White to your torso and power-walking through customs might have proven a reliable business model for the past fifty years or so. But any businessperson worth their salt appreciates the need to innovate and diversify—to find new ways of getting the people what they want.
And what do people want right now? Lizards.
Organised crime groups have moved into the lucrative trade of reptile-smuggling: collecting highly sought-after native Australian species and shipping them overseas to destinations like China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Russia. In some cases the reptile racket appears to be replacing more high-risk goods like drugs and tobacco, News Corp reports, with authorities and border officials having documented the seizure of hundreds of specimens over the past few months.
Those specimens range from geckos to skinks, blue-tongued and spiny-tailed lizards, as well as more exotic varieties like Western Australian shinglebacks. It is understood that smugglers post lists of wanted animals and the price they’re willing to pay to social media groups, while locals on the ground steal and supply them in order to make a quick buck. The reptiles are distributed through international mail centres and sold—most likely to private zoos and collectors—for thousands of dollars apiece.
“Some reptiles were found stuffed in socks within cereal and chip boxes, others had their legs taped together,” an Australian Border Force report reads. “The detections have been referred to relevant state and federal agencies for further investigation.”
ABF Acting assistant commissioner Craig Palmer suggested that there is high demand on the black market for Australia’s local wildlife, and that crime groups have recently identified a smuggling avenue where huge amounts of money can be made.
“Wildlife smuggling is a lucrative trade and we know individuals and criminal syndicates can make significant profits by exporting and selling Australia’s unique native fauna overseas, particularly in Asia,” he said.
“We are working with our colleagues at Australia Post, industry, consumer groups, as well as federal and state environment agencies, to increase our ability to identify who is involved and where they are sending these animals.”
Under Australian law, the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of wildlife trade offences is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $210,000.


text:
News of J. Law's engagement to art gallerist Cooke Maroney came during a whirlwind of awards season chaos and just before Hollywood's baby boom. Just in case anyone has forgotten, though, the bride-to-be is now walking around New York in an actual wedding gown as a reminder that her moment is coming soon. Jennifer Lawrence's engagement party dress is about to make your Disney princess dreams come true.
Your invitation to the actor's big day must have gotten lost in the mail, but hey, the best kind of weddings are the ones you don't need to buy new outfits for, anyway. Thankfully, no RSVP is necessary to admire J. Law's bridal looks from afar.
The couple hasn't exactly confirmed when their wedding day will be, but it must be getting close because Mon. marked the Red Sparrow actor's engagement party. Lawrence's pink gown floated behind her as she walked through a garden of fairy lights in the Instagram photo her glam squad posted.
Her fiancé was also there to escort her to the party, which reportedly took place in Dumbo, Brooklyn. The actor opted for a pale-pink, long-sleeved gown by bridal brand L. Wells. The Juliana, as it's called, is part of the label's Summer 2019 collection and comes in both pink and white.
Lawrence's whimsical gown is almost reminiscent — at least in color — of the minidress she first debuted her engagement ring in. She and Cooke, who she'd been publicly dating for about six months, didn't bother hiding the diamond on Lawrence's finger during a casual outing one day, and fans obviously spotted it immediately. The Oscar winner's rep later confirmed with E! News that the lovebirds were, indeed, engaged.
The future newlyweds haven't leaked any details about their upcoming wedding day. Everything surrounding the big event has been very secretive, but a source just recently told People that it will probably be an "extensive family affair." The couple has reportedly had their eye on luxury hotels in New York City.
But while you wait for those wedding bells to ring, work this princess-inspired dress into your spring wardrobe with similar numbers, ahead.


text:
We were unable to load Disqus. If you are a moderator please see our troubleshooting guide.
Operators and agents breaking the law, unfairly refusing to refund customers monies, sticking to terms and conditions only when it favours them, insisting consumers pay in full for holidays that they know will be cancelled, it is not rocket science that trust has plummeted!! The travel industry has turned into modern day "Lord of the Flies", waiting for government to bail them out before they kill each other.
If the Government didn't bail out Thomas Cook and Cox & Kings, two of the biggest casualties last year (albeit C&K were bought out of Administration by A&K) then there's very little hope that a mass bail-out of the travel industry is on the radar.
The businesses that survive will be those that:a) Have conducted themselves in an honourable way.b) Have the financial resources to withstand a post-Covid & Brexit shock.
And, I would add, are not members of ABTA. The badge is now corrosive to customer trust.