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P&G rolls out hiring plans for new centers
Foreshadowing new jobs that will come to Southwest Ohio late this year, hiring for 960 workers has begun for Procter & Gamble’s monster distribution center in southern Pennsylvania.
Construction is further along on the Pennsylvania project, which is set to open in the fall, P&G officials said. The Dayton distribution center, which will hire 800, is slated to open early next year.
Meanwhile, P&G officials said a typo in the May 15 JobsOhio announcement about the Dayton project misstated the size of the $89 million facility. Economic development officials said then that the facility will be 1 million square feet. It’s actually much bigger: 1.8 million square feet, nearly twice the size of Kenwood Towne Centre or nine times the size of a Walmart supercenter.
The Pennsylvania center is a similar size. Both will be operated by vendors that will employ most of the workers. A handful of P&G workers will be stationed at the distribution centers, which will receive products from factories and ship orders to retail customers.
Three similar centers also are under construction in Atlanta, Dallas and Southern California. An Edwardsville, Illinois center in suburban St. Louis is being expanded into the new format.
P&G officials said the suburban St. Louis and Southern California centers will open this summer, the Atlanta center will open late this year and the Dallas center will open early next year.
The large distribution centers are part of a broader P&G plan to boost efficiency throughout its supply chain. All are being built close to retail and population centers and major transportation networks for maximum impact, ensuring one-day delivery for 80 percent of products that pass through.
Currently, P&G relies on a network of 40 smaller U.S. distribution centers that ship a smaller variety of products.
Announced in 2012, P&G is cutting $10 billion in costs by 2016. Of that, $6 billion is coming out of its supply chain – the product pipeline that includes more than 130 factories and a distribution and warehousing network worldwide.


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RTTNews - Consumer confidence in New Zealand rose to its highest level in 18 months in the second quarter, led by a greater improvement in consumer perceptions regarding the short-term economic outlook, a survey showed Wednesday.
The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index rose to 106 in the second quarter from 96 in the first three months of the year. The index reached its highest value since the December 2007 quarter, when it was 110. Moreover, the index was above the low reading of 81.7 seen in the second quarter of last year.
An index number over 100 indicates that there are more optimists than pessimists, while a number under 100 indicates that pessimists outnumber optimists.
The survey noted that since the March quarter, the fear among people about an economic recession in the country of the magnitude seen in 1930s seemed to have passed. Despite plenty of negative economic news pouring in, in the form of higher fuel prices, deferred tax cuts, lower payout forecasts from Fonterra, rising unemployment and the outbreak of swine flu, the reality was less scary than predicted, the report said.
The housing market, where prices was forecast to drop by 20%-30% have risen in recent months, and the unemployment which was predicted to hit a high 5.5% in the first quarter reached only 5%. For most respondents, the last three months were better than expected in terms of global, housing and labor market outlooks, and confidence has lifted as a result, Westpac said.
Moreover, with more positive news expected to come, in the form of lower mortgage rates and additional incomes to households from tax cuts, consumers indicated a greater willingness to spend. A net 16% of respondents said it was a good time to buy major household items, up 6 points from the March quarter and 26 points from the same quarter last year and stood at its highest level in 18 months.
Consumers assessment about their current financial situation showed a slight improvement, with only a net 26% saying they were worse off than a year ago compared to a net 28% in the first quarter and a net 41% in the same period a year ago. Further, a net 13% expect the situation to be better in a year's time compared to only a net 6% in the March quarter.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand in its latest Monetary Policy Statement projected a prolonged period of weakness in consumer spending, with the real private consumption forecast not to be in positive territory until March 2011.
Westpac noted that at current levels, confidence is pointing to stronger near term spending growth than the RBNZ factored into their June forecasts. On its own, that raises the risk that the 50 bps of OCR cuts we have factored in later this year will not be delivered, Westpac said. In the latest meeting, the Reserve Bank kept the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.5%, and indicated that it would not be raising it anytime soon.
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Eighty percent of traditional financial services firms are expected to become irrelevant by 2030, with the onslaught of digital platforms and other non-traditional players, according to a report by Gartner.
The study said that of those surviving the blow of digital transformation, only power-law firms or those that own a digital platform, fintechs, and long-tail firms or service brokers will emerge as winners.
However, the study also stated that currently less than 15% of the traditional financial firms have the ability to convert themselves into or successfully spin off fintechs, while nearly 80% have the ability to become long-tail firms.
Only 5% of the traditional financial firms were said to have the ability to become power-law firms.
Gartner vice president David Furlonger said: “Digital transformation is largely a myth as institutional mindsets, processes and structures stand firm.
“Established financial services providers will have to move faster on digital business by building digital platforms or finding niche products and services to sell on others’ platforms.”
The latest study comes on the back of Gartner’s 2018 CEO survey, which found CEOs of traditional financial firms focusing on efficiency and productivity improvements instead of a transformation.
Gartner practice vice president Pete Redshaw said: “The future of the financial services industry is increasingly weightless, requiring few physical assets to establish or maintain a presence. That makes the industry especially vulnerable to disruption by digital competitors.”


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CHICAGO, IL - In the heart of Chicago's Fulton Market District, the Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food has risen as the crowning jewel of the region's venture and startup ecosystem. With a national reputation to its credit, the summit brings together a diverse and dynamic cohort of over 1000 stakeholders spanning investors, founders, innovators, and corporate executives for three insightful days of discussion and networking.
The event, spearheaded by World Business Chicago, casts a spotlight on the burgeoning domain of the future of food, an area witnessing rapid evolution and drawing increasing global interest. Mayor Lightfoot, echoing the sentiment of the summit, accentuated the unyielding spirit of Chicago's entrepreneurial landscape, expressing faith in the city’s steadfast dedication to nurturing startups and forging it as a nexus for food innovation and investment.
Furthermore, in a revelation by the World Business Chicago Research Center, Chicago has been heralded not merely as a significant metropolitan for food production but as the preeminent hub for food bioengineering and production in the U.S. Astoundingly, 60% of Chicago's startups, since the start of 2022, have ventured into trailblazing food products via biotechnology.
Mark Tebbe, the Innovation and Venture Council Chair of World Business Chicago, reminisced about the journey from the inaugural summit in 2014 to its current status as a global magnet attracting investors to Chicago's ample investment prospects.
This year’s Chicago Venture Summit is particularly noteworthy, registering over 1000 participants representing more than 450 distinct entities including corporations, startups, universities, and more. The summit boasts an impressive startup portfolio, with significant representation from founders of color and female founders. The global allure of the Chicago Venture Summit series is evident with the high influx of international startups.
In terms of content, the Chicago Venture Summit, Future of Food 2023, promises rich discussions and insights, with keynotes from industry giants such as Ferrero, Quaker Foods, and Ajinomoto. The agenda also features thematic panels on startups, markets, and corporate innovation, interspersed with special remarks and partner-led events.
The overarching theme of inclusivity and diversity was echoed by Michael Fassnacht, CEO & President of World Business Chicago, who celebrated the summit's unwavering commitment to these values, underscoring the strategic advantage of cultivating diverse perspectives to spur innovation.
The summit's success, undeniably, is attributed to the generous support of its sponsors and partners, a testament to Chicago's robust collaborative ecosystem. Their commitment to driving growth in the food and agriculture sector is palpable, as demonstrated by their enthusiastic testimonials. BMO, Cleveland Avenue, Cooley, Edelman, Ferrero, Mars Wrigley, Microsoft, Quakers Foods North America, and Shapack have been instrumental in turning this event into the pinnacle of food innovation.
As the Chicago Venture Summit convenes at 167 Green for the fourth time since 2021, the venue stands as an emblem of its pivotal location and state-of-the-art design, accommodating various innovative companies.
In alignment with World Business Chicago's mission, the summit also channels its proceeds towards philanthropic causes, supporting initiatives like Don's Chicago Dream, the Greater Chatham Initiative, and La Casa Norte.
The Chicago Venture Summit Future-of-Food 2023, thus, is not just a conference; it's a manifestation of Chicago's leadership, diversity, innovation, and commitment to a brighter, inclusive future in the realm of food.


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BackgroundDeveloped by Beenox and published through Activision, The Amazing Spider-Man takes Spidey back to New York City with free-roaming, web-slinging action, as he protects the Big Apple from a deluge of unimaginable threats.
Features• Spider-Man’s Triumphant Return to New York
Everybody’s favorite web-head is back in Manhattan with the return of the fan-favorite, free-roaming, web-slinging gameplay.
• Web Rush: Player Choice Evolved
Players use real-time navigational and combat choices to fight crime and pull off Spidey’s signature acrobatic moves like never before.
• Find Out What Happens Next
Uncover the rest of Peter Parker’s untold story in the all-new epilogue story to the Columbia Pictures' 2012 blockbuster theatrical release.
• Push Spider-Man’s Abilities to the Limit
Battle all-new versions of classic Super Villains as well as original, larger than life enemies while racing to save Manhattan.
Official URLOfficial Website
August 2012 NPD Number Crunch: Darksiders II, NSMB2 & Kingdom Hearts 3D top another month of industry decline
The NPD Group's August 2012 US retail sales report confirms another 20 percent year-on-year drop in industry... posted Sep 06, 12 6:13pm
[image1 width=200 float=right] It's good to be the Batman this year, given the Dark Knight is garnering some... posted Aug 09, 12 5:18pm
[image1 link=yes height=300 float=right] Comic book super heroes managed to bookend the NPD Group's software... posted Jul 12, 12 6:04pm
[image1 width=650 height=350] Spider-Man is coming back in a big way, finally returning to his freeroam roots... posted Jun 20, 12 1:22pm
Activision revealed today a whole new Spider-Man game, once again crafted by the Spidey experts at Beenox. ... posted Dec 07, 11 1:53pm
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Theme(s): Superhero
- Developer: Beenox
- Publisher: Activision
Released North America Jun 26, 2012 Europe Jun 29, 2012 Australia Jun 27, 2012


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In an endorsement of the calibration in India-UK bilateral relations with the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has welcomed the development saying that an FTA can turbocharge trade between the countries, spur bilateral investment flows and reduce barriers. It is building on the more than 500 UK businesses invested in India employing more than 400,000 people, and over 850 Indian companies in the UK employing over 95,000 people.
The negotiations launched by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan proposes an increase in India’s exports in leather, textile, jewellery and processed agricultural products to the UK, additional market access for India on pharma and doubling of the India-UK bilateral trade by 2030.
Goyal called for enhancement of sectoral cooperation between India and the UK by addressing market access issues and removing trade restrictions. The two partner countries have also kept open the possibility of an interim agreement to provide quick gains for benefiting businesses in both nations. India and the UK are looking forward to a mutually beneficial trade deal with balanced concessions and market access packages in a wide range of sectors.
Our endeavour is to deliver a comprehensive, balanced, fair and equitable FTA, to benefit our small, medium and micro-enterprises in both nations,” said Goyal addressing a joint media briefing with Anne-Marie Trevelyan. According to UKIBC Executive Chair, Richard Heald, it matters greatly – for businesses and consumers – when the world’s 5th and 6th largest economies negotiate an FTA. On behalf of business, we are particu pleased that the negotiations are going to be broad and ambitious, cover-marine ing goods and services, particularly the IP-rich, digitally-driven services where the UK and India already excel.”
The Indian negotiating team will be led by Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce and the UK negotiating team will be led by Harjinder Kang, Director for India Negotiations at the Department for International Trade. Against a backdrop of an already significant India-UK bilateral trading relationship, the FTA is being seen as a substantial opportunity for both the economies to double trade by 2030 as part of the Roadmap 2030′ an- nounced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Boris Johnson in May 2021.
“Trade negotiations will be a priority for both countries, as we build upon the Enhanced Trade Partnership launched by our Prime Ministers in May 2021,” the joint statement of the two ministers noted. India would also be seeking special arrangements for movement of its people as it looks for reaping other potential benefits in enhanced exports in service sectors like IT/ITES, nursing, education, healthcare, Ayush and audio-visual services. India could also register a quantum jump in the export of marine products through the recognition of 56 units of India.
Subsequent to the unveiling of FTA, the two nations would proactively and regularly engage with each other, for deliberating on the scope and coverage of the trade deal.
According to UKIBC, businesses want to see three focus areas in particular – a reduction in tariffs, for example in food and drink and healthcare, a greater alignment of standards and simplified customs procedures and alignment of data protection rules and IP practises, so as to realise the full potential of the India UK partnership, particularly in the innovative, R&D-intensive sectors that will drive the partnership in the years and decades to come.


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Some believe there is bound to be a high demand for Disney magic when Disneyland Resort reopens its theme park gates, presumably sometime this year. Others are doubtful that the Disney Parks will see any groundbreaking success until 2022.
Per a report by local Southern California news source the Orange County Register, some analysts predict that “attendance at Disney’s pandemic-battered theme park division will bounce back in 2022 after bottoming out during the COVID-19 pandemic.” But the Disneyland Resort theme parks are expected to reopen sometime in 2021, so what will attendance look like then?
When Disneyland reopens, who will visit the California theme park destination — or rather, who will want to return to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and who will be allowed to actually visit?
Here, we examine the guidelines for reopening California theme parks, the current protocol in place for visiting the State of California, tourism trends, and the past precedent set by the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida last summer.
Note that visiting any theme park amid the ongoing pandemic comes with a risk. Click here to visit the CDC website for up-to-date information on COVID-19.
Guidelines for reopening California theme parks
In order to understand who may visit Disneyland when it reopens, we should first acknowledge the theme park reopening guidelines put in place by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Large theme parks in California — including the Disneyland Resort, which encompasses Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — are not permitted to reopen until the county in which they are located has less than one daily new COVID-19 case per 100,000 residents. Orange County (where Disneyland Resort is located) will have to reach the yellow tier, labeled as “Minimal Tier 4” in the chart below, in order for the California Disney Parks to reopen their gates. As of late January 2021, Orange County is in the purple tier. Read more here.
Large theme parks are defined as those parks that have daily capacities of 15,000 visitors or more. Small theme parks, such as piers and local amusement parks, have a separate set of reopening guidelines they must adhere to.
Keep in mind, however, there are no restrictions on who is allowed to visit the large theme parks when they reopen — according to the current guidelines, the visitors will not be limited to those who live within the county where the theme park is located. In addition to other health and safety protocols in place, capacity must be limited to 25% and advanced reservations must be required.
Can out-of-state Disney fans visit Disneyland when the parks reopen?
It’s true that there are plenty of out-of-state Disney fans (and even former Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders) who will want to visit the Happiest Place on Earth when the theme park gates reopen. But the question that remains is this: will they be allowed to come?
The answer isn’t a simple one, but we think we can provide some hope for out-of-state fans.
Californians should remain local (not traveling more than 120 miles from their home or other place of residence) and avoid non-essential travel. Travelers from other states or countries entering into California for tourism and recreation are strongly discouraged.
However, based on the guidelines for reopening California theme parks — laid out by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Dr. Mark Ghaly in the Blueprint For a Safer Economy — Disneyland Resort will not be allowed to reopen until COVID-19 case numbers significantly decrease in Orange County, CA.
Therefore, if COVID-19 cases will be dramatically lower than they are currently by the time Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, then perhaps travel restrictions in the State of California will be loosened, as well. It is highly unlikely that California state officials will be encouraging out-of-state visitors anytime soon, but one of the reasons why major theme parks are currently closed is because they are huge tourist attractions and draw in people from other states and even other countries. So, if the status of the coronavirus pandemic will need to be very different for theme parks to reopen, then perhaps out-of-state Disneyland Resort fans can be optimistic.
At first, Walt Disney World saw low attendance
When predicting the possible demand for the Disney Parks in California — be it from in-state visitors or out-of-state visitors — it is helpful to recall the demand seen in Florida when Walt Disney World reopened last summer.
When Walt Disney World Resort reopened its theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) in July 2020, Walt Disney Company executives admitted that attendance was lower than they had expected.
Per our past coverage:
Bob Chapek stated they did find “higher than expected level of cancellations once somebody does make a reservation, because as the disease ebbs and flows they might necessarily cancel,” and they could tell before Walt Disney World reopened that there would be a demand to go beyond social distancing.
He explained that “each day we are at a percentage of the park that we can fill while maintaining social distancing” and “we have roughly 50% of our Guest base still traveling from a distance.”
Another report also indicated that Disney Park attendance upon reopening last year was impacted by Florida’s low tourism numbers. At the time, capacity at Disney World theme parks was limited to 25%, and even that number was not reached every day.
Now, in 2021, COVID-19 transmission rates in the U.S. are higher than ever. Florida and California are seeing high case numbers despite the recent (albeit limited) availability of the coronavirus vaccine. With travel still being discouraged, it is unclear who will want to head to California to visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks amid the pandemic, even once they open.
A huge distinction, however, is that the Florida Disney Parks reopened amid what was, at the time, a record-breaking week for coronavirus cases for the state. Therefore, it was not surprising for so many people to feel hesitant about traveling to Disney World at that time. On the other hand, the California Disney Parks are not allowed to reopen until coronavirus cases are significantly lower. So, it could be argued that at that time, more and more people may be comfortable traveling — and traveling may not be as discouraged. There is a chance that the California Disney Parks will see higher demand by the time the Happiest Place on Earth finally reopens its gates, especially since it would appear that it will have been closed for well over a year by that time.
When Disneyland reopens, will you visit?
Considering the theme park reopening guidelines in place in California, it would appear that anyone who wants to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will be allowed to do so, once the parks reopen. But when that time comes, do you think you will want to visit?
So far, it appears that there is a high demand for Disney magic in Southern California.
Before the theme parks closed in March 2020, a majority of daily Disneyland Resort theme park Guests were Annual Passholders and locals. When it was announced that reservations would be required in order to visit the Disney Parks when they reopen in California, many speculated that a reservation system could cause issues for APs. Many believe there will be such a high demand for the theme parks that it would be highly difficult for Passholders to actually visit, given the Annual Pass program that was previously in place.
Disney indicated that they are aware of this high Disneyland demand when they made the decision to end the Annual Passport program.
A “new membership offering” is planned for the resort, and it is expected that this will “enhance choice and flexibility” for those Disney fans who want to visit the theme parks when they reopen. Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock shared the following about future membership programs for Disneyland Guests:
“We’re trying to understand: What do people want in this new world? When do they want to access our parks? How frequently do they want to access our parks? With what level of spontaneity? With what level of value? All of those kinds of things and many more.”
Keep in mind that we continue to await more details regarding pass and ticket types that will be available when the parks reopen.
On the contrary, the analysts cited by the OC Register report mentioned earlier in this article predict that Disney’s theme parks won’t be as popular as they were pre-pandemic until 2022 and beyond.
So, what do you think? If you are a Disneyland fan, California local, or theme park lover, do you plan to visit Disneyland Resort when the theme parks reopen? And, if you are from another state, how will the status of COVID-19 impact your decision to travel to the Happiest Place on Earth?
Since Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are currently closed and given the current status of coronavirus in the state, it’s too early to predict when exactly they will reopen or even what the demand will be by then — but we’re certainly eager to find out.
As a reminder, Downtown Disney (and, by extension, Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure) is the only area of Disneyland Resort that is currently open to Guests. In addition to the theme parks, the hotels of the Disneyland Resort (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) are also temporarily closed.
Stay tuned to Inside the Magic for the latest news on Disney Parks operations.


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Here’s what financial planners need to know Friday morning.
Data continues to worsen
The ASX 200 followed Wall Street’s lead down on Thursday, falling 1.7% and finishing at just 5.319 points. The first of Australia’s weak economic data was released showing unemployment had spiked to 6.2% from 5.2%, with some 600,000 people losing their jobs in the quarter.
Unfortunately, a falling participation rate and the Job Keeper payment is hiding the likely closer to 11% unemployment figure based on the views of most economists.
The news wasn’t much better in the US after another 2.98 million people claimed unemployment benefits in the week prior. Even amid this negative backdrop the S&P 500 managed to break three consecutive down days to improve 1.2% at the close as the likes of McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) rolled out their phased reopening handbooks.
The beginning of MMT
In signs that the increasingly popular Modern Monetary Theory or MMT policy may be suited to this difficult environment, the Australian Government easily managed to sell $38 billion worth of 10.5-year bonds on Thursday.
Increasing rhetoric from China regarding our trade relationship, including the banning of certain meat exports this week, is placing diplomatic stress at a time when our exports are as valuable as ever (of which 33% go to China). There is little doubt that the economy will need as much support as it can get for as long as possible to stave of depression-era unemployment conditions.
It’s all about tech
Proof that the resilience of technology companies do in fact travel came as China’s tech heavyweight Tencent (HK: 0700) provided its quarterly update. The company, which owns the Fortnite video game franchise, Weixin Pay, the largest online payment processor in China; and more recently 5% of Afterpay (ASX: APT), beat expectations.
Tencent’s gaming sales improved 31% as the world was stuck at home, offsetting weakness in advertising revenue, with total revenue up 26% to $15.2 billion for the quarter.
Back home and Amcor (ASX: AMC) announced they expect earnings per share growth to improve for the financial year, benefitting from the defensive attributes of packaging the most hoarded products. However, management suggested weaker results in FY20-21 as consumption slows.
The biggest surprise for me came from Graincorp (ASX: GNC), which reported a $388 million profit following the demerger of its United Malts (UMG) business, getting growth from all business units. Interestingly, the latter business launched an unexpected equity capital raising just a few months after becoming its own business.
This report was written by Drew Meredith, Financial Adviser and Director of Wattle Partners.


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Leadership assignments reflect the relative heft of the merging firms: The new firm will be chaired by Arent Fox's Anthony Lupo, while Joseph Krasovec, Schiff's managing partner, and Arent Fox's Cristina Carvalho will be co-managing partners. It will have locations in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Ann Arbor, Mich., southern California and San Francisco, in addition to the headquarters' cities.
Otherwise, the firms are co-equals in a crucial yardstick for law firm mergers: profits per equity partner. Each firm is reporting about $1 million. Despite shrinking over the last few years, Schiff Hardin is expected to report record revenue per lawyer and profits per equity partner, Krasovec says.
He and Lupo say the merger will put the new firm in a better competitive space, with complementary practices combining to serve clients more broadly.
Arent Fox has some glitzy clients, courtesy of a brand protection practice that looks after the interests of fashion labels like Yves St. Laurent, Diane von Furstenberg and Fila, and tech clients like Tesla, PlayStation and LG. Lupo leads its fashion and retail group. Carvalho, according to the firm's website, has represented candy-maker Mars and managed soccer legend Pele's intellectual property portfolio.
Lupo says this will dovetail with Schiff's expertise with consumer product goods. "We want to be soup-to-nuts in those industries," he says. In another example, Carvalho says, "When we plug in (Arent Fox's) regulatory expertise into (Schiff's) transactional practices, that makes us stand out."
But how much, over time, will the new firm stand out in its new, albeit larger, category? There are more than 25 U.S. law firms with annual revenue between $400 million and $600 million—plus, says industry recruiter Kay Hoppe, "a wide range of firms in that million-dollar (profit per equity partner) bracket." She adds, "They're competing with a limited client base. How many seats will be left when the music stops?"
Krasovec says he is "cautiously optimistic" that Schiff's revenue this year will top last year's $174 million, which was down about 7% and a third lower than in 2015, as lawyers left for other firms. Two years ago, Schiff Hardin had Chicago's 10th largest law office, with 184 lawyers. By mid-2021, its ranking had slipped six spots as the number of lawyers dwindled to 156.
Last year, the firm slipped to 163rd by revenue in a ranking by the American Lawyer, from 158th in 2019 and 150th in 2018. Arent Fox, at No. 107, reported a 2.3% revenue gain last year, to $333.6 million.
Earlier this year Krasovec said Schiff was focusing on private equity and estate planning clients and white collar and internal investigations as "areas of prominence." Energy, consumer products and manufacturing are other sectors of interest. Schiff also represents the National Association of Realtors and other clients in class-action or putative class-action lawsuits.
Other significant practice areas of the combined firm, according to the merger partners, will include bankruptcy and financial restructuring, litigation, government relations, international trade and investment and regulatory advice.
Krasovec said today that building up a clean-energy practice, something that eluded Schiff alone, is a goal, as is more work out West.
"It's been a challenge to do what we want to do in California," he said.


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KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 3 (MCI) — China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia (PUCM) will host the China Smart Industrial Exhibition later in December this year to showcase Chinese companies’ smart technology and products.
The exhibition will take place at Mid valley in December and will feature leading ICT companies such as China Mobile International, China Telecom, China Commservice, GCI, Vivo Technology and Tusstar among others, also quite some local IT and smart industry company will join the trade exhibition with the strong supports from local key associations like PIKOM, Perdasama, SME, MCCC etc, said PUCM president Datuk Keith Li, after meeting with Perdasama SC Dato Fauzi, SME president Datuk Michael Kang, PIKOM Honorary Chairman CS Chin, councillor Eng Kin Hoong, PUCM vice president Leo Yang and Charles Yang.
Through this exhibition, Li said PUCM will enable Malaysian smart industry trade players and others to learn more about China’s smart technology and product services, better promote exchanges and interactions with the local community, introduce more advanced Chinese products and technologies to Malaysia, and assist the country’s economic development.
Li pointed out that when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was in China in April, he visited Huawei and Sensetime, and expressed an interest in bringing their technology and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to Malaysia. Tun Mahathir also recently stressed that Malaysia is open to extensively using Huawei technology. Li said this is an affirmation of the Malaysian government’s positive view of AI and other advanced technologies Chinese companies can provide.
PUCM was established in 2015 and currently has over 130 members. It is the most active and locally recognised China association in Malaysia. PUCM members have invested in a variety of business sectors such as information technology, construction, mining, oil & gas, telecommunications, energy, retail, manufacturing, education, healthcare, media and tourism, and have been making a significant contribution to Malaysia’s economic development, the President Datuk Keith Li said.
He added that PUCM has been actively promoting Chinese companies and communicating with the local community through such creative methods as shooting Chinese New Year and Hari Raya video clips, holding seminars and forums, interacting with the Bumiputera community and holding charity events. PUCM also interacts regularly with local and international media.


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Currently, if you purchase an all-electric vehicle, you are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit that you receive when you file your taxes for that year, but this new rebate program would allow consumers to slash $10,000 off the top of the tramadol 50 mg cost of an electric car, right at the time of purchase. That's a huge incentive for drivers who are on the fence and would likely support some large gains in sales of those vehicles.
Many of the first crop of best price viagra online mass market EVs are still in a price range that is just beyond what most consumers want to pay for a sedan or compact car, but with this rebate, the Chevy Volt would go from $41,000 to $31,000; the Nissan LEAF would go from $36,000 to $26,000 and the newest to pharmacy on line viagra discount hit the market, the Mitsubishi i, would drop to under $20,000. Those are prices that would be much more appealing to a wider base of consumers.
The rebate would apply to other alternativ-fuel vehicles, too, like natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell or other high-tech green vehicles.
Though it's hard to hold out hope for things like this to make it through a very tough Congress, it's pretty exciting to think of the impact a rebate would have on the EV market.
written by WulfTheSaxon, February 18, 2012
written by Ilya Kipnis, February 19, 2012
written by Jan Stephens, February 27, 2012
written by Todd Edelman, February 29, 2012
written by flight training, March 05, 2012
written by Robert, March 22, 2012
written by Bernard the green jobs guru, April 09, 2012
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After a string of eye-catching deals, Singtel Innov8 has emerged as one of the most successful venture capital investors across Asia.
Since its US$250 million (S$350 million) fund started in 2010, it has invested in 56 companies. Of these, nine were acquired and four were publicly listed.
Last month, networking giant Cisco acquired one of Innov8's portfolio companies, Australian Internet of Things start-up Jasper Technologies, for a whopping US$1.4 billion.
Innov8 is Singtel's corporate venture arm. Its other portfolio companies include online streaming video site Viki, which was acquiredby Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten for US$200 million.
But its most successful was computer networking company Arista Networks, which went public in 2014 on the New York Stock Exchange. Overnight its stock jumped and it was valued at US$3.5 billion.
Start-up and investor research firm Oddup said Innov8's track record as a five-year-old venture capitalist (VC) which has exited more than 30 per cent of its portfolio was impressive.
How much did Innov8 gain?
Neither the telco nor its venture arm disclosed all its investment sums or the amounts invested. Typical deals are between US$3 million and US$5 million. Its biggest was US$20 million, which it has already exited.
Oddup's chief executive James Giancotti estimates that Innov8 is generating on average more than 15 times return on investments.
The cash it generates from these exits is proving more than sufficient for future investments.
Its mandate when it started was to nurture Singapore's start-up ecosystem. It helped launch Block 71, Singapore's first "headquarters" for start-ups, in the Ayer Rajah industrial estate. After that success, two other blocks have been set up there for start-ups.
It extended this concept to the United States, where it launched Block 71 San Francisco which provides a soft landing for local start-ups wanting to expand there. It also provides a window for US start-ups which want to know what is happening in South-east Asia.
As a VC, Innov8 invests in telco and related industries like networking and digital media. This helps to build a telco-related industry in Singapore.
The National Research Foundation (NRF), which provides funding for research and innovation, wants corporations to set up corporate venture arms so that they can grow their own industries too.
The NRF's financial support to a handful of corporate ventures will be unveiled in the next few months. Singtel's record can offer vital clues to other corporate ventures.
Access to customers is crucial for start-up success. Singtel offers start-ups access to its more than 575 million customers in the Asia-Pacific and Africa.
A VC with a parent that has financial heft is also important when it comes to deal-making.
Mr Giancotti said Singtel's strong financial standing is important when US-based start-ups consider investments from Innov8.
A key reason Innov8 invests only in telco and related industries is that they give insights into emerging technologies and new business models which Singtel can use. In this area, Mr Edgar Hardless, Innov8's chief executive, has some advice: "Getting engagements between start-ups and corporate business units is tough. Expectations are different and there must be adjustments on both sides to ensure success."
Corporations also should offer business guidance as start-ups are usually run by first-time entrepreneurs. "Reaching the first 10,000 customers in Singapore may be relatively straightforward. But 100,000 customers calls for good processes and management."
Corporations must also tolerate failure as venture investments do carry risk, he added.


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Chinese smartphone brand Itel has launched a new smartphone in India dubbed as Itel PowerPro P41. As the name suggests, the phone packs in a mammoth sized 5,000mAh battery. The phone carries a price tag of Rs 5,999 and is available for purchase through retail stores across the nation. The company, however, hasn’t revealed the specific date for the availability, but we’re expecting it to be soon. The phone comes in three colour options – Graphite, Silver Grey, and Champagne.
Talking about specs, the Itel PowerPro P41 sports a 5-inch IPS On-Cell display with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. It runs the latest Android 7.0 Nougat operating system and packs in 8GB of inbuilt storage. It is further expandable via a MicroSD card up to 32GB.
For shutterbugs, the Itel PowerPro P41 features a 5-megapixel primary camera at the back with autofocus and LED flash. Up front, it flaunts a 2-megapixel selfie camera. The phone draws its power from a 5,000mAh Li-ion battery claimed to offer up to 51 hours of talk time and up to 35 days of standby time. It is a Dual SIM phone which also extends its support to 4G VolTE & ViLTE connectivity. Talking about connectivity, the phone also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/A-GPS, micro-USB port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Similar to other custom skins, the Itel PowerPro P41 also has a multi-account feature letting users operate two accounts simultaneously on the same app such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


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The Last Guardian Trademark Abandoned by Sony
Perhaps signifying a name change for the long in development title, The Last Guardian trademark has been abandoned by Sony as of today, February 16, a user on NeoGAF discovered.
According to the USPTO website, it was abandoned because “no Statement of Use or Extension Request timely filed after Notice of Allowance was issued.”
We last heard about The Last Guardian in December 2014, where it was said to still be in full production.
We’ve reached out to Sony for comment on the matter and will let you know if we hear anything back.


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Querium Tackles the Mobile Problem in Digital Education
This year's BookExpo America Startup Challenge winner was a bit of a dark horse, at least according to its co-founder, president and CEO Kent A. Fuka. "I was concerned about our chances because we're primarily in the education sector and BookExpo isn't really an education-focused conference." There was no need to worry, as Querium -- an adaptive learning software that takes users step by step through math and science problems -- took home the top prize of $10,000 and a free exhibit space at BEA 2016 in Chicago.
Fuka credits the win to the fact that Querium is solving a problem many education publishers continue to struggle with: developing education products for mobile devices. "Over the last 20 years, publishers have generally built education products that run on web browsers for desktop-sized screens. They utilize technology that exists on desktop but don't tend to exist on tablets and smartphones," Fuka explains. But today students are using mobile devices for every facet of their lives, including education. Querium's mission is to bridge this gap by reaching students where they are and provide them with an adaptive learning experience. Currently Querium can be licensed by publishers serving K-12, higher education, and professional markets.
Cengage has conducted extensive research on students' mobile habits and its findings echo Querium's mission. SVP of product and user experience Dan Forman told Book Business that students want to use their mobile devices to test themselves on course material. Querium's technology integrates into existing math and science products and guides students step by step through equations discussed in the text. "By using our engine, a publisher can take a fairly static EPUB and make it smarter and more interactive."
Querium does this through what Fuka calls its "stepwise technology." This technology requires a student to show their work for a problem by handwriting each step on a mobile screen or typing in their steps on a desktop keyboard. Querium analyzes the work submitted and pinpoints where the student has gone wrong. Then Querium can, in Fuka's words, "nudge the student toward the right path." The software will direct the student to the most helpful section in a textbook or an instructional online video.
The software benefits teachers and publishers too, says Fuka. Teachers receive information about student performance and know where each of their students is struggling and can adapt their lessons accordingly. Likewise, publishers are sent information about all students using Querium and can extrapolate what part of their texts students have the most difficulty with and revise that section for the next edition. "We really help at all levels of the user community with this one technology."
Querium provides a unique experience, he adds, one that Fuka and his co-founder Patti Smith could not find when they worked in education publishing. Smith was the former VP portfolio manager for K-12 math and specialty markets at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Fuka was chairman of an online math and science publisher called Thinkwell. "We spent years looking for a solution like this to incorporate into our products," says Fuka. "We never found one. So we thought, 'If we can't find this in the market, let's go out and build it.'"
Some publishers have already taken an interest in Querium's solutions. Last year Macmillan New Ventures purchased a license with Querium and incorporated it into a new line of high school math products that will be released later this year. Fuka hopes with the added publicity of the Startup Challenge win, and a venture capital round expected to raise $3 million by 2016, that new publishers, testing companies, and courseware providers will take notice of the startup and purchase its technology.
And there is more product development to come. "We want to add higher levels of math into the product and add support for chemistry and physics," said Fuka. "We have our work cut out for us."


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While it is difficult to almost impossible to know what is really occurring in
I believe that Wall Street (who is judged more and more by its quarterly performance) and the Press (who likes to create controversy) have adopted the mentality of a high frequency trader when it comes to judging company managements, especially Apple. It appears that many people forget or don’t know what it takes to conceive, develop, test, scrap, re-develop, test again, plan, prep manufacturing and then go into production. It is also extremely difficult to create a whole new product line, much less ones as successful as Apple has developed.
Additionally everyone has gotten spoiled by the success the company has had with the iPod (released in 2001 but really caught on in 2004), the iPhone (released in 2007) and the iPad (first shipped in 2010). The timing of these makes one believe that the company can create something new and awe inspiring every three years and since we are now at that anniversary something must be wrong since Apple hasn’t announced ‘One more thing’.
If the Board wants to know what is in the pipeline then it is doing its job. It wouldn’t be too surprising that they didn’t probe as deep when Jobs was in charge and that now it is stepping up to the plate with Cook heading the company.
There are a number of rumors that Apple will announce the next iteration of its iPhone on September 10 with the possibility of a mid-range iPhone (name speculation centers around the iPhone 5C). This isn’t too surprising since Apple seems to be on a yearly upgrade cycle for the iPhone with an announcement in September or early October. From what I have heard, and there are a number of articles supporting this, a large screen iPhone won’t be out until next year.
The next generation of the iPad and potentially the Mini will almost certainly come out in the September/October timeframe to be available for the holiday season.
Cook has done a lot of alluding to new products. In July during the earnings conference call he said ‘we are laser-focused and working hard on some amazing new products that we will introduce in the fall and across 2014.’ To me this isn’t too much of a stretch to say since it has been almost a year since the company has brought out any meaningful new hardware products.
I believe you have to judge Cook over at least a five year timeframe from when he became CEO (August 2011), with a status check at three years which is a year from now. The status check would cover the new products that he is alluding to and that Jobs had meaningful input. An additional two years would show what Cook and his team have largely devised on their own.
I do believe that it will be difficult for the company to create a new product or set of products that could move the financial needle a meaningful amount. Some of the potential products that get a lot of press include Wearables, but I don’t believe they are a big enough market, and TVs are a big market but are competitively brutal with low margins and long replacement cycles. One area that could drive meaningful profits would be services, especially something in payments. If Apple can charge 20 to 40 basis points (0.2% to 0.4%) or more of financial transactions it could be lucrative with high margins and disruptive to the payments industry.
Keep in mind that Cook is also driving a lot of changes in management and potentially the inner workings of Apple. Based on his comments about desiring more teamwork (which Apple wasn’t particularly good at since Jobs created silos within the company) it wouldn’t surprise me that more cooperation is occurring inside the company. This potentially creates pitfalls (unknown consequences) since turf battles could become more prevalent vs. previously when they were more difficult to pull off and Jobs kept a tight rein on everyone.


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The parent company of luxury retailers Gucci and Yves Saint Laurant is the latest to bask in luxury retail‘s worldwide growth after recording a quarter of strong revenue growth.
Overall revenue at Kering – which also owns Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and sports brand Puma – for the first quarter of 2017 was up 31.2 per cent on a reported basis, to â‚¬3.57 billion (£3.02 billion), thanks to a 34 per cent spike in luxury goods sales.
Gucci led the way with its strongest revenue growth in years, up by 51.4 per cent to â‚¬1.35 billion (£1.14 billion) for the quarter.
Kering said Gucci‘s growth was driven by double-digit increases across its product categories, including “ever-increasing demand for ready-to-wear and shoes”, as well as “excellent momentum” in leather goods.
Yves St Laurent was Kering‘s next-best performing brand, with revenue growing 35.4 per cent, bolstered by consumers‘ positive reception to the summer collection designed by Anthony Vaccarello.
READ MORE: Christian Dior now fully owned by LVMH
“Kering achieved a record performance in the first three months of the year, posting a sharp acceleration in sales growth,” chairman and chief executive officer FranÃ§ois-Henri Pinault said.
“In a climate of persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, our first quarter puts us in a particularly good position for the balance of the year.”
Kering‘s trading update come soon after the LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton group posted a 15 per cent rise in revenues in its first quarter, while Burberry recently reported a 14 per cent rise in total revenue in the six months ended March 31.
Prade was an exception for the luxury retail sector, recently posting its lowest full-year profit since 2011 and a nine per cent decline in revenues.


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Chongqing – iChongqing has conducted a series of exclusive interviews with experts and guests from the China- SCO Forum on Digital Economy Industry. Yerik Ashimov, Deputy Secretary-General of SCO, has accepted our interview and discussed the topics related to the digital economy development and logistics cooperation with Chongqing.
Initially, he introduced how SCO develop during the 20-year of its establishment, “the unremitting efforts of the SCO going back twenty years have been devoted to strengthening friendship and harmony between the neighboring countries, expanding cooperation in the political and economic field, as well as guaranteeing peace in the region,” he said.
President Xi Jinping sent his congratulatory letter to the SCO forum and 2021 SCE. Ashimov suggested that this SCO forum aims to act upon the proposals of President Xi that he put forward last year in Moscow at the Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Council. “China’s development experience in the digital economy and cross-border e-commerce is of great demonstrative value, and the open mind shown by the Chinese government in sharing the fruits of development is highly commendable,” said Ashimov.
When talking about logistics, Ashimov indicated Chongqing is a transportation hub in southwest China. It played an important role for the SCO countries through the China-Europe Railway Express and obtained more development opportunities as a result.
For any inquiries, please email firstname.lastname@example.org


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Lowe’s is using VR and AR to get people into stores
Lowe’s is testing augmented reality and virtual reality tools it says help customers visualize and “feel” a large home improvement product in the context of the customer’s living space.
“We look at age-old customer problems,” said Josh Shabtai, Lowe’s director of lab productions at Lowe’s Innovation Labs. “These are problems that keep resurfacing that folks haven’t solved yet. Our hypothesis is that as we move people closer to realizing their visions, they’ll feel more confident.”
Lowe’s Innovation Labs, with offices in Kirkland, Washington, Mooresville, North Carolina and Bangalore, India, were established four years ago to delve deeper into these questions, said Shabtai. Often working with startups, the company has since rolled out several pilot projects to test customers’ comfort with virtual and augmented reality, including Holoroom How-To, which immerses a customer in a DIY project – such as tiling a shower – and gives them step-by-step instruction to complete the task; employee training programs that involve virtual reality; Holoroom Test Drive, a feature that uses VR to offer customers a chance to sense the feeling they are actually holding and using a power tool; and “View in Your Space,” a mobile app feature which lets customers visualize how a piece of furniture may fit within the physical dimensions of their own living spaces. Of these pilots, two currently are still in market, including Holoroom Test Drive in Charlotte and the AR feature which went live for Android users in March.
While quick turnaround trials may suggest there are challenges getting customers to comfortably use the technology on a regular basis, Shabtai said the timing is part of Lowe’s approach to test new use cases, study the outcomes, and apply the lessons to future releases. Other retailers are also jumping on the VR/AR bandwagon, including Home Depot and Walmart.
“We’re trying to refine the experience and move on to an application that will be better and ready to scale,” Shabtai said.
Shabtai said early results are showing that VR-and AR-enabled tools offer two key use cases: helping customers better navigate how they’ll use tools or whether products are physically compatible with their homes; and helping employees learn more quickly to offer more personalized expertise, and ultimately, add more value to the in-store experience.
“When [customers] come into a Lowe’s store, they want to talk to an employee who is a real expert in the space,” said Shabtai. According to company proprietary data, employees who are trained on machinery using VR are 76 percent more likely to try out a piece of machinery compared to those who were trained using conventional methods; and customers have 42 percent greater recall with VR tools compared to YouTube how-to videos.
He conceded that the biggest challenge standing in the way of more mainstream adoption is cost, while AR can be more quickly deployed given the ubiquity of smartphones that are already equipped with enabling technology. Retailers’ advantage — particularly those whose core product offerings are big-ticket home appliances — is to tie the customer closer to the brand through these types of immersive efforts. Tactile experiences through virtual and augmented reality are ways legacy retailers can keep customers loyal, especially with competition from Amazon.
“Amazon wins on convenience and selection, so how can retailers combat that?” said Jim Cusson, president of retail marketing agency Theory House.”A lot of this has to do with the experience and brand engagement [derived from immersive tools like VR and AR].” Morningstar analyst Jaime Katz wrote in a recent report that Lowes’ business model is built off of customer service, knowledge, and innovation; using VR and AR could help augment its reach.
Despite larger retailers’ shift to AR and VR as differentiators, there’s a risk customers may preview items within the VR and AR interfaces and simply buy them on Amazon, so retailers like Lowe’s need to focus on those customers whose core goal is the pride they derive from carrying out hands-on home improvement projects. These customers aren’t necessarily motivated by price, said Atul Hirpara, CEO of AVA Retail.
“DIY shoppers enjoy visiting stores and build things that make them proud,” he said. “It’s not necessarily about money; what AR can do is augment their imaginations.”
For more retail coverage from Digiday, including exclusive analysis, research and interviews, subscribe to our weekly retail briefing email.
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Glidden breaks up with Color of the Year
Paint maker introduces Whirlwind, a combination of cool gray and touch of blue.
As other paint manufacturers announce their choices for colors of the year, PPG paint brand Glidden announced that it will not choose a 2020 Color of the Year.
Rather, Glidden said that its announcement actually serves as an “official breakup letter with Color of the Year selections.”
Glidden has also chosen Sept. 6, the unofficial holiday of “Fight Procrastination Day” – an issue that typically stalls many DIY paint projects – to unveil Whirlwind.
The paint brand says Whirlwind is a “fail-proof” cool gray with a touch of blue and a color that people “actually will use in 2019 and beyond.”
“Grays have been trending for more than a decade,” said Kim Perry, Glidden paint’s color guru. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it! Whirlwind was one of our top tinted colors this year, so DIYers can rest easy knowing they can enjoy it for years to come. Instead of staring blankly at a paint color card questioning all your life choices, you can spend time doing what you really want to do. Like drinking wine or binge watching TV in your freshly painted living room.”
Glidden suggests that Whirlwind can be applied to walls of a gallery kitchen while paired with navy blue cabinets and quartz countertops. Or in the living room while layered with various shades of gray and canary yellow accent pillows.
“Think of Whirlwind as your easy-to-get-along-with color that’s an alternative to basic white or beige,” said Perry. “Gray colors whisper, while other colors scream on your wall. Not literally – but who wants a screaming anything in their house?”
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15431 Fri, 10/17/2008 - 2:04pm
By Warren Shoulberg
“I have always aspired to create home collections that offer a breadth of possibilities.” Ralph Lauren
For a quarter of a century, the breadth of possibilities has produced the longest-running, no doubt most influential and arguably single-most iconic brand in the home furnishings industry: The Ralph Lauren Home Collection.
And this month, as the brand celebrates its 25 anniversary, it is poised to enter a new era, with a new division president, several new key licenses imminent and a vastly changed retail landscape that has caused it to expand its distribution beyond its traditional upstairs niche.
“I jumped at the chance to come here,” said Frank Guzzetta, who just came on board as president of Home this past summer, “because I saw an opportunity for tremendous growth.
“There’s nobody that has more great product than Polo Ralph Lauren. The wonderful thing is the bandwidth of this style.”
That bandwidth has expanded dramatically over the past two years as Lauren’s main channel of distribution, department stores, have lost market share to other retailers. Two years ago, the company introduced the Chaps Home line at Kohl’s, followed in 2008 by American Living at J.C. Penney.
The company does not release retail sales numbers, but estimates from the trade are that well over a billion dollars of Ralph Lauren-created home products were sold last year. In fiscal 2007, the last year for which figures are available, home revenue for Polo Ralph Lauren was $390 million, largely through licensing royalties, representing 7 percent of corporate revenues.
Through the 25 years, the collection has remained remarkably consistent, although Lauren, in an exclusive interview with HFN, says additions have come as things have progressed.
“Over time, I have added all the elements that make a house a home—from fabric and wallcoverings to floor coverings to lighting, and even a range of paint colors and techniques to complement them,” Lauren said in response to HFN questions.
One big change, he said, has been the Internet. “Obviously [it] has precipitated a huge change in the way we communicate to our customers.”
And the bulk of those customers will come from department stores, said Guzzetta, who brings with him an impressive retail resume, including most recently as head of Marshall Fields, which became the Macy’s North division after it was bought.
“You don’t spend 30 years in the department store world and think that department stores are going away,” he said in his corner office at the Home Collection’s base on Madison Avenue in New York City. “I really believe in it as a channel of distribution and I think there’s a lot more business to be done by the Lauren brand in department stores.”
Much of the company’s business comes from this channel: According to its 10-K report, 24 percent of corporate sales are through Macy’s with another 12 percent through Dillard’s. Home-only numbers are not available.
Guzzetta, who spent eight years in the Peace Corps in India, can trace his roots with the Ralph Lauren brand almost as far back. He was the home textiles divisional merchandise manager at what was then Woodward & Lothrop in Washington, when the line was introduced. Twenty-five years later, he sees things much the same.
“The customer wants department stores to be the curator for brands. Listen, we have the brand, why not do it better than anybody else?”
The company’s flagship home brand remains Ralph Lauren, but it is the Lauren label that does the most business. That will not change, but the potential remains for additional brands, much the way the company operates in apparel.
“I am always exploring opportunities for expansion,” Lauren said. “Creating the RRL and Rugby lines in the apparel arena allows me to speak to new customers in their own languages.
“Both brands have such distinctive voices,” he said. “I would consider expanding them into home or creating something similar when the time is right.”
Guzzetta thinks the Ralph Lauren brand can go into wider distribution. “It’s a brand that can’t be promoted, so that’s probably not going to happen in most department stores.
“But places like Bloomingdale’s and ABC Home could do it.”
He also is high on the brand’s place in the company’s own stores. “One of my top priorities is to get a model for a home store that can be rolled out around the world. Ralph has always wanted a Polo home store and the customer is crying out for it.”
As Polo has continued to bring businesses back into the corporate fold, eliminating licenses, some have wondered if the same thing will be done in home. “Right now we’re operating as a licensing model, but anything can happen,” Guzzetta said.
“But home is more complex than fashion and if you have good licensing partners, the model can produce better returns than if you did it yourself.”
Two key licenses are in transition. Furniture, which had been produced by Henredon for a number of years, is headed for a new licensee, but as the contract has not been finalized, Guzzetta was not able to disclose a name. The same for the tabletop license, which had been held by Mikasa but with the sale of that company to Lifetime Brands earlier this year, will be going to a new home, too.
Both new licensees are expected to show product at this week’s furniture and tabletop markets.
Tabletop has admittedly been a tough category for Lauren, but things will be different this time, Guzzetta promises. “We have a real opportunity to have a narrow assortment with a real difference. Maybe it’s a higher price point, but you can’t be a total home resource without tabletop.”
Any new product classifications the company is looking at? “We are the most complete home furnishings resource out there, so nothing new is expected.”
Guzzetta obviously still has many plans to put in place, but he’s excited about where he is. “It’s a great place.” Being on the supply side, he says, feel different. “You instantly feel the difference. But I understand the other side.”
To that other side, the retailer, he says: “We have the toys you want and you have the batteries. Why don’t we work together?”


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» Sat4nile Zapto Org
Sat4nile Zapto Org
Sat4nile Zapto Org on Technology News and Updates AdmaTechnology.com at Friday, April 25, 2014
Temperature profile shows the dark and unstable material – which is a suitable climate for organic life
Institute antraiksa United States (NASA) managed to find evidence of water on Mercury, planet in our solar system that is closest to the Sun.
Having nearly 3.8 million followers.
Won seven Tour de France titles are no longer part of the description of the cyclist Lance Armstrong’s Twitter account.
On Monday evening (10/22), a biography of Armstrong on Twitter are called seven Tour de [...]
Who says Gangnam Style fever is gone? Maybe so for some people, but not for these robots.
Quoted from ITN UK, Tuesday (11/06), in a robot competition called Chinese Intelligent Industrial Exposition and Forum Summit in Hangzhou, China, robots skill performance.
Beijijng / San Francisco – Mandiant, an information security services company from the United States accused China are responsible for some cases of hacking, conducted by a secret military unit.
Mandiant accused 61 398 units of the military Chinese [...]
Jakarta – Plastic may be a major culprit in the garbage problem in some countries. However, Japan had already found a solution for reducing plastic waste. A Non-Government Organization (NGO) from Japan named Ecoparty come to Indonesia to introduce [...]
Research In Motion (RIM) has finally officially announced the event dates for BlackBerry 10.
Quoted from IntoMobile, Tuesday (11/13), January 30, 2013 will be a historic day for the latest platform’s launch.
In this event, the Canadian manufacturer [...]
A number of games on the App Store and Android Market are sold at very cheap prices.
Approaching the end of the year as this, the lovers of the game spoiled by the vendor.
Following in the footsteps Rovio has staged a massive promo for every game his [...]
Besides Z10, BlackBerry also launched Q10 series is still equipped with its flagship QWERTY physical keyboard. What is interesting about the BlackBerry Q10?
BlackBerry Q10, The design is quite pleasing to the eye with four curved corners are not rigid. [...]
For those who are used to using Microsoft Office
Windows Phone 8 (WP 8) is a second-generation operating system from Microsoft, Windows Phone, which was first launched in 2010. WP 8 first introduced in October yesterday and with it Microsoft hopes to [...]
This time AdmaTechology try to give a brief review of the latest security system from Symantec, Norton Internet Security 2013. What are the advantages? Consider the following reviews.
The main features
Norton Internet Security (NIS) 2013 already have [...]
BlackBerry seems very serious enrich the application ecosystem. This is evidenced by the achievement of 100 thousand apps in the app store BlackBerry World.
Quoted from Slashgear, Friday (22/3), this means that BlackBerry has added about 30 thousand [...]


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San Francisco-based Discord, a social media platform popular among the gamers, as per recent reports the company is conducting a deal discussion with the tech giant, Microsoft for an acquisition that could exceed $10 billion.
The discussions were preliminary and no deal is imminent, as informed by the sources. The talks have taken place due to the boost of video gaming in the pandemic and like Microsoft, one of the tech giant companies in the world has propped its gaming business with deal-making.
In the past recent years, Microsoft has been involved in many acquisitions centering on online communities, such as its purchases of LinkedIn, GitHub, and the gaming developer that designed Minecraft. Moreover, previously, Microsoft was also in talks to purchase the short-video sharing app TikTok, which would have been an outstanding acquisition but the discussions fell apart. In September, the tech giant further acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent corporation of numerous large gaming studios, for $7.5 billion.
Discord is famously recognized for its free service that enables gamers to communicate by video, voice, and text. Therefore, people stuck at home while the pandemic has frequently used its technology for the purposes such as study groups, book clubs, and other virtual meetings. It has more than 100 million monthly active users and has been developing its communication mechanisms to alter it into a “place to talk” rather than only a gamer-centric chat platform.
In addition to it, the app is free of cost, but users can promote to Discord Nitro, which grants higher video quality, server advancing, a higher upload limit, and improved-quality live-streaming services.
“Microsoft possibly acquiring Discord makes a lot of sense as it continues to reshape its gaming business more toward software and services,” said Bloomberg Intelligence Analyst Matthew Kanterman. “There’s a big opportunity to bundle Discord’s premium offering, Nitro, into the Game Pass service to drive more subscriptions from the last reported 18 million.”
Source: The Verge


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Macau trade deficit improved in the period from January to November 2016, having declined 18.34% to 55,482 patacas (US$6.935 billion), reported the region’s Statistics and Census Bureau.
The improvement recorded in the trade deficit was due, primarily, to the fact that Macau substantially reduced imports of goods, which in the period between January and November 2015 had reached 77.805 billion patacas.
In turn, Macau’s exports remained relatively unchanged year on year, and from January to November 2015 amounted to 9.786 billion patacas and 9.294 billion patacas in the same period of 2016, a drop of 5.0%.
Imports of some products recorded significant falls year on year over the first 11 months of the year, such as wristwatches (-26.9%), passenger cars and motorcycles (-54.0%), fuels and lubricants (-12.2%), mobile phones (-39.4%) and building materials (-37.8%).
In November, the trade deficit stood at 6.027 billion patacas, which compares with 5.801 billion patacas a year earlier. This increase was due to the rise in imports from 6.669 billion patacas in 2015 to 6.824 billion patacas in 2016 and the decrease in imports, which fell from 867 million patacas in 2015 to 797 million patacas in 2016. (macauhub)


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Images courtesy of Lexus
The modern-era Lexus lineup features some of the most competitive vehicles on the road. From the GS F and RX to the LC 500 that made its debut just last year, there truly is something for everyone. Couple their cars with their global partnerships around events like Milan Design Week and you get a clear sense of the natural state of Lexus as it stands today. Design is at the core of their strategies now but so is the Japanese craftsmanship that got them here in the first place. While balancing both, Lexus has introduced the 2019 ES 350, ES 300h, and, for the first time, an ES 350 F Sport that commands even more of a presence than its brethren.
Given just how much is at stake with every car release and every model refresh, it’s a real surprise when brands like Lexus are willing to roll the dice and introduce something that’s such a departure from the previous six generations of the iconic sedan. Sure, it fits the current Lexus brand ethos in several ways but not done right and the shake up could easily make past ES customers depart. But how could they? It’s built atop a brand new platform which delivers better ride comfort (if that was even possible in a Lexus), quietness on the road, and more cabin space. On the exterior, the new Lexus ES makes its presence felt with a body that’s longer, lower, and wider. The lower stance is further extenuated by the smooth-flowing roofline.
The ES 350 F Sport takes the ES 350’s design cues and elevates them while providing a heightened driving experience. On the F Sport’s exterior, we see a revised exterior grille and 19-inch wheels coming standard. Performance dampers and active variable suspension are pair with Drive Mode Select which allows the driver to switch between Normal, Eco, and Sport modes at the turn of a dial. Step inside and you’re welcomed by sport seats and what Lexus calls Engine Sound Enhancement. I’m not a fan of artificial engine sound running through the speakers but I suppose that’s one way to awaken all five of our senses.
Speaking of speakers, the Lexus ES 350’s got an optional Mark Levinson 15-speaker audio system that you can feel as much as you can hear. But the tech features don’t stop there. Apple CarPlay integration’s onboard as is Amazon Alexa, allowing passengers to start their car, lock or unlock the doors, and even check the fuel levels of their ES, all before they even step outside their house. Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, intelligent high-beam headlamps, and other safety features can be had as well.
The Lexus ES 350 and the ES 350 F Sport are here. A car that used to help you stay under the radar is now inching closer and closer to owning the limelight. Check it out in the gallery above and look for it to go on sale here in the United States come September.


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Just one day after hitting its all-time high, Bitcoin increased its value by 10.5%. That's why we're giving you the tips of an expert to get you started in the cryptocurrency fever.
Free book preview Money-wise solo preneur
This book gives you the essential guide to easy-to-understand tips and strategies for achieving greater financial success.
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This article has been translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors can occur due to this process.
Yesterday, Wednesday, Bitcoin exceeded $ 20,000 for the first time in its history. Less than 24 hours later, the world's most popular cryptocurrency broke its own record and is now worth more than $ 23,000 per unit. She can no longer be stopped!
This Thursday, Bitcoin posted a 10.5% gain, reaching $ 23,655 (about 468,000 Mexican pesos). This corresponds to an increase in value of 220% in 2020.
The rise of Bitcoin responds in large part to demand from large investors who are intrigued by the possibility of making quick profits. Additionally, it can be a good hedge against the risk of inflation thanks to its limited supply of $ 21 million.
On the other hand, it is expected that it will be a conventional mode of payment in the not too distant future. Last October, PayPal launched a buy, sell and payment service for cryptocurrencies. There are still few companies that will accept Bitcoin and the like in their transactions, but it is expected that crypto markets that improve their infrastructure will become more accessible.
"Due to the constant deterioration in fiat money, alternative currencies are being sought," the Deutsche Bank analysts write in a note. "It seems that Bitcoin will continue to be in high demand."
$ 23k pic.twitter.com/ZCbPAmKnQp
– Adam Back (@ adam3us) December 17, 2020
Expert advice for investments in cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies that were created more than 10 years ago were met with great suspicion in the beginning. In addition to constant price fluctuations, they were linked to criminal groups, hacks, and operational disruptions. In recent years, however, institutional and private investors have lost their fear and are increasingly turning to Bitcoin, Ethereum and other similar entities.
If all of these convince you to invest in cryptocurrencies, then you should take the advice of Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency trading platforms.
This Wednesday, prior to Bitcoin's sudden rise, Armstrong shared a post on his blog indicating that he and his company have a "long-term view of the market." However, he emphasizes that investing in cryptocurrencies "is not without risks".
"We are always excited about the growing interest in cryptocurrencies. However, it is also important to know that this is not only a time of high volumes but also of price volatility," wrote the CEO of Coinbase. "The market can move much faster than stock markets in any direction."
The specialist warned investors that they could focus on short-term speculation. He also encouraged his clients to "seek resources" and consult financial experts to gain a better understanding of the crypto market.


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Apple to enter phablet category by introducing large screen iPhone!
Jan 25 2014, 11:17am CST
30 years ago today, Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh. More accurately, The Great Magician took it out of a bag and let...
Jan 24 2014, 8:48am CST
As Samsung bids goodbye to stellar 2013, mixed views on its future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — For Samsung Electronics...
Jan 24 2014, 1:14am CST
Here we go. The first Super Bowl 2014 ads are online and also lots of great Super Bowl Ad teasers start to create buzz online.
Jan 23 2014, 7:30am CST


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Uber told motorists this week so it’s building a fresh economic item and asked them about loans. Experts are involved it might be a loan that is payday that’s predatory.
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Uber could be considering lending cash straight to motorists, predicated on a present study it delivered off to a number of its fleet. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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Uber is apparently examining the choice of straight offering loans that are financial its motorists.
The ride-hailing giant sent out an in-app message for some motorists this week saying it is “building a fresh economic product” to assist Uber motorists due to their finances “in an occasion of need, ” and asked recipients to fill away a study.
“Have you taken away a little loan (of a buck quantity below 1,000 USD) into the previous three years? ” reads certainly one of four concerns. Another asks: “If Uber supplied loans, just exactly exactly what quantity have you been most more likely to request? ” (The choices to respond to range in brackets of “Less than $100, ” “Between $100 and $250, ” “Between $250 and $500, ” and “More than $500. ”)
Uber offering economic solutions is not exactly new — the business piloted an interest-free cash loan system for motorists in Ca and Michigan back 2016. It presently provides a credit that is co-branded with Visa plus an Uber money electronic wallet for cyclists, and assists lease vehicles to motorists through third-party partnerships.
However a move that is potential provide smaller payday-type loans to drivers — nearly all whom have been in financial obligation and struggling to create ends meet — is prompting is some politicians and motorists to criticize the business. Continue reading “It appears to be like Uber is engaging in the little loan company because of its motorists”


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China’s citizens will enjoy the well prepared tea at there doorsteps on just a phone call. Yes, China’s online service “Ali Baba” is now just a phone call at home, company people will bring the tea to home and the tea with the help of aerial delivery company has successfully tested success.
The company announced after the successful experience of the test delivery of the three major cities in the Chinese capital, Beijing, Shanghai online delivery in a few areas will be launched.
Test during delivery company drone black and silver color cups, on customer’s order delivered to there house. Cart with small drone that flies in the air, which was shaped box is placed in the Delivery order arrived a few minutes later comes the customer.
However, China’s online commerce company “Ali Baba” is the nation’s largest online service, and last year the New York Stock Exchange, the world’s largest online business was named to the company.


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Indonesia Cuts Palm Oil Export-Tax to Boost Sales as Prices Drop
Jumat, 23 Agustus 2013 | 08:42
Indonesia, the worldâ€™s largest palm oil producer, reduced the duty on shipments of the crude variety for the first time in four months to increase sales after prices tumbled to a three-year low.The tax will be cut to 9 percent in September from 10.5 percent this month, Faiz Achmad, director of food and fishery at the Industry Ministry, said in a text message on Thursday.
The rate will match that of June when it was kept unchanged from May, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Futures in Kuala Lumpur slumped to the lowest since October 2009 last month as supplies outpaced demand.
While the cut in tariff will narrow the gap with the levy in Malaysia, it will still be double the rate in the second-largest grower that kept the tax unchanged at 4.5 percent for a seventh month in September.
“It means nothing for exports,” said Joelianto, trading director at Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology. “Indonesia is still losing to Malaysia as they have better margins.”
Exports fell 1.6 percent to 1.59 million tons in July, according to the Indonesian Palm Oil Association, while shipments from Malaysia rose 0.5 percent to 1.42 million tons, according to the nation’s palm oil board.
World stockpiles of the oil that’s used in everything from candy to biofuel will surge 21 percent to a record 9.7 million metric tons by the end of 2013-2014, while demand expands 4.6 percent, the least in 12 years, the US Department of Agriculture says.
Output in Indonesia may climb to a record 28 million tons this year from 25.7 million in 2012, Derom Bangun, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Board, said on July 25.
Exports may gain to 19 million tons from about 18 million tons, he said. Futures, which fell to a three-year low of 2,137 ringgit ($644) a ton on July 26, ere at 2,349 ringgit on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives on Thursday.
The Indonesian government reviews the tax rates and base export prices every month, based on average rates in Kuala Lumpur, Rotterdam and Jakarta. The tax will be set at 9 percent if price falls in the range of between $800 to $850.


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During Oculus' inaugural press conference in San Francisco today, company wunderkind Palmer Luckey briefly took the stage to close out the show with "one more thing" -- a presentation on the Oculus Touch, Oculus' first publicly-announced controller.
The device is still being developed, and what Luckey brought to the stage was a prototype Oculus Touch that the company calls "Half Moon."
According to Luckey, the Oculus Touch prototype controller is actually two identical wireless motion controllers designed to be tracked across 360 degrees of movement; each controller sports a thumbstick, an analog trigger, a hand trigger and two face buttons. They're capable of providing haptic feedback, and Luckey claims they're being designed to detect "touch-based input" from all fingers.
Luckey went on to say Oculus has been testing them in tandem with the Oculus Toyboy experience, a sort of VR playground, where people "can punch garden gnomes, play tetherball, and just have fun" in a virtual space alongside fellow players.
For your edification and enjoyment, we've taken the liberty of sharing some promotional images of the Oculus Touch below, which got a lot of VR game developers buzzing after the event.


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Latest News on Battlefield 4
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Dec 29, 2013
Top news this week: Gionee Elife E7 Mini, Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 and more!Despite the Christmas break in the tech world, here are some stories that hit headlines this week. Take a look: Jailbreak for iOS 7 is here, but in hot water
Dec 06, 2013
'Battlefield 4' tech glitches persist, Electronic Arts shares fallVideo game publisher Electronic Arts said on Thursday it halted development on upcoming projects of its "Battlefield 4" game...
Nov 22, 2013
Microsoft hopes Xbox One finally puts it on the media mapMicrosoft Corp aims to upstage rival Sony Corp with a console that goes well beyond gaming...
Nov 21, 2013
Battlefield 4: Second Assault gets new trailerEA has released a trailer for the first upcoming DLC that will be hitting Battlefield 4. Dubbed Second Assault, the DLC is part of Battlefield 4...
Nov 07, 2013
Battlefield 4 ReviewIntroducing one of the worse portmanteaus ever made: Levolution!
Oct 22, 2013
High-end Battlefield game coming to mobiles, says EABattlefield might be going multiplatform on a whole new level...
Sep 27, 2013
Battlefield 4 PC beta needs 64-bit WindowsWe all know that Battlefield 4 will need quite a hefty system to run it in all of its high-resolution polygonal glory. The PC beta is taking this a step
Sep 16, 2013
Battlefield 4 beta to start on October 1 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PCAs we get closer to the release date, EA has announced the starting dates for the beta for Battlefield 4. The date was revealed in a blog post by EA's COO
Aug 30, 2013
GameStop Expo offers taste of next-gen gamesWhile the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles is no longer open to the public, the GameStop Expo offers everyday gamers a chance to preview upcoming titles and hardware.
Aug 21, 2013
EA announces Battlefield 4 PremiumEA has announced that much like Battlefield 3, the upcoming Battlefield 4 will also be getting a Premium service. Those who buy Battlefield 4 Premium will get


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The world’s richest man Elon Musk has sold shares worth at least $3.95 billion in electric car maker Tesla, just days after he bought Twitter. Musk is the chief executive officer of this company. He said in August that he would sell Tesla shares only if he was forced to buy Twitter.
In the regulatory filing made by the company Told It has been reported that Musk has sold about 1.95 crore shares. However, it has not been given whether there was already a plan for this or not. According to a Bloomberg report, Musk, who bought Twitter for about $ 44 billion, has taken a loan of about $ 13 billion from American banks for this. Apart from this, some high net worth investors have promised him to invest about $ 7 billion in the company. However, it is not known whether these people have made this investment or not.
Since Musk took over Twitter, many big companies have stopped advertising on Twitter. An email sent to Musk in this regard did not elicit a reply. Automobile company Stellantis has informed to stop all advertisements on Twitter. Stellantis says she is waiting to see how the platform turns out under the leadership of Twitter’s new owner.
Stellantis, formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA, has said it is pausing ads until it is clear about Twitter’s future under the new leadership. Musk has stated that his Twitter The company’s revenues have come down significantly since taking control of the company. Earlier, General Motors, luxury car maker Audi of America and United Airlines had announced the closure of ads on Twitter. Volkswagen, one of the largest automakers, said last week that it has asked its brands to stop advertising on the platform after Musk bought Twitter. The Volkswagen Group has popular brands such as VW, Seat, Cupra, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Ducati and Porsche. Earlier, other companies including General Motors had also made similar comments about Twitter.


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On summer weekends, some 150,000 exhibitionists and gawkers flock to the neighborhood to see and be seen in a Bohemian rhapsody of bongo-bangers, dreadlocked artists and acrobatic gymnasts.
In recent months, though, that freewheeling hippie circus has gotten edgy thanks to a stubbornly sour economy heightening competition for the 200 peddler spaces along the 1.5-mile long asphalt strip bordering the beach.
That has longtime storeowners and artists steamed, and residents in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood clamoring for a clamp down on the increased noise and transients.
“It’s become a real free-for-all, really aggressive,” said Therese Dietlin, who has distributed alternative political literature for nine years on the boardwalk, which is lined with cafes, medical marijuana clinics and souvenir shops.
Recently, she said, a woman selling Buddhas and incense kicked her table across the boardwalk claiming that Dietlin had set up her table in her space. “It never used to be like that,” she said.
The city has responded with new rules to give more people a chance at a space on the strip, but the peak summer season looms more chaotic than ever.
For the first time, the city has been giving out all the vendor spaces in its weekly lotteries. People from as far away as New York and Florida are participating, said Victor Jauregui, senior director of the Venice Beach Recreation Center, which runs the lottery.
The number of performers wanting a spot has jumped by 80 percent over the past year, while the number of vendors has doubled. That’s led to some boisterous raffles.
“They get into it, calling each other all kinds of names,” Jauregui said. “It’s the frustration, especially if you get someone who is truly an artist and they haven’t gotten a space in a few weeks.”
Police say the tension is spilling on to the boardwalk with complaints about illegal selling and even fistfights over spaces.
“It’s been a busy winter. People are trying to make ends meet and they don’t know the rules,” said Los Angeles police Sgt. Marc Reina. “We try to mediate and keep the peace, but it’s crowded and they want to sell. It’s a challenge.”
More officers will be added to patrol the summer pandemonium, he added.
Venice has been known as an enclave of funky free expression since the 1950s when the neighborhood was a hub of soap-box politics and beatnik poets, luring the likes of The Doors’ Jim Morrison.
These days, visitors come for its famed Muscle Beach weightlifting area, a meandering bike path, a new skateboarding park, as well as drum jam sessions and the culture of a tie-dye time warp where the scent of marijuana often wafts on the ocean breeze.
Venice has also gotten increasingly commercial. In 2008, after vendors sued the city over access to the seaside strip, the city adopted a complex set of rules to preserve the area’s artistic bent and cut the hucksterism.
The ordinance says vendors can only sell artwork such as jewelry, photographs, or paintings, or items that are “inextricably intertwined” with a person’s artistic or social message. That would include, for instance, a T-shirt with a slogan advocating a cause. Violators can be ticketed.
Storeowners and artists say the regulations worked for a while, but since the economy nosedived, the boardwalk has gotten out of control with increasing number of vendors selling commercial items, such as computer mouses and incense, crowding out longtime artists selling their work, performers and political advocates.
Vendor Mike Hunt, for example, requests donations for shea butter soap, which he says is part of his “social message” touting the benefits of natural African products and, being African-American, part of his heritage. For a $10 “donation,” Hunt gives a customer a soap and bath salts and a spiel on shea butter’s healing properties.
Police say the social message clause makes enforcing the ordinance against commercial vendors nearly impossible. “It’s very difficult for an officer to decipher what that means,” Reina said. “We’re not going to enforce anything like that.”
Artists and merchants resent vendors’ taking advantage of that loophole to sell items often sold in the stores and take spaces away from artists.
“They’re not paying taxes or business licenses,” said Mike Dolkert, co-owner of Indigenous, which sells Native American items.
Steve Heumann, who runs the busy Sidewalk Cafe, advocates forming a city agency to vet sellers and ferret out the frauds.
Venice’s residents also bristle at the growing unruliness. Although many residents say Venice’s free spirit attracts them to the neighborhood, some admit it can get to be a headache.
Cracking open a beer on the sunny porch of his beachside apartment, Ted Johan said he loves the sideshow, except for a man who blows a birdwhistle outside his window all day.
“You don’t come here for quiet, but people need to be respectful of others,” Johan said. “I wish he would move around.”
Homeowners, particularly a new wave of residents moving into modern multi-million-dollar remodels of modest bungalows, have been pushing for crackdowns on musicians playing into the night and some of Venice’s seedier elements such as transients sleeping on the beach.
Police have responded, recently rounding up 50 homeless people in a sweep and referring them to social services.
Striking a balance between Venice’s Bohemian tradition and residents’ rights, artists and vendors is a constant struggle that’s been magnified with the dour economy, said 15-year resident Mike Newhouse, who heads the Venice Neighborhood Council.
But that push-and-pull may just be part of Venice’s irrepressible nature.
“Venice has got to stay funky or else Venice is no longer Venice,” he said.