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FY22 began with a deadly hold of the pandemic making it feel like we were stilltrapped in the middle of a year that started several months ago. But as is the nature ofchallenges they invariably push people and societies to adapt and evolve. The exigenciesof the pandemic freed thinking from its conventional shackles and pushed the boundaries ofinnovation. But these changes did not take place in a vacuum. Without the resilientpresence of frontline workers across sectors such innovation would not hold ground. Theconvergence of the new with the old was a key element in our collective quest to emergestronger from the pandemic. Even though the near-term global outlook remains uncertainthe promise of this decade still holds.
The global economic backdrop
Global economies recovered from the pandemic shock in 2022 on the back of supportivefiscal and monetary policies and mass vaccination programmes. However at the end of FY22the war in Ukraine and the subsequent economic sanctions on Russia posed a large shock. Itdisrupted energy markets and supply chains and added to the already evolving inflationarypressures and concerns over consumer demand. Consequently growth forecasts have beenslashed. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) now expects the world economy to grow by3.6% in CY22 that is 0.8 percentage points slower than its pre-war projections. Manyeconomies have experienced a sharp surge in inflation recently particularly in food andfuel prices taking their inflation rates well beyond the targets of central banks. Takingcognizance of the rapid pick-up in inflationary momentum interest rates have been hikedand are poised to go up further. The pace of rate hikes is turning out to be quite swiftas monetary authorities attempt to catch up with the rising inflation from theirultra-accommodative stance during the pandemic. As the stance of monetary policy shiftsthere is greater turbulence in currency markets. The dollar has been strengthening whileemerging economies have witnessed downward pressure on their currencies. At the same timeenergy and commodity markets have witnessed heightened volatility. Global supply chaindisruptions due to pandemic induced lock downs have been replaced by new disruptions dueto the war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions. While the global economic backdrop ischallenging there are reasons to remain optimistic. First despite the slowdown IMF'sprojection of world GDP growth in CY22 is still tracking the pre-pandemic average during2010s. Second fiscal support in developed economies remains above the pre-pandemic trendeven if somewhat diluted versus past years. Third mega-trends around sustainabilitygreen investments digitization and disintermediation remain well-entrenched and willsupport growth and productivity enhancement in the medium-term.
Thus while businesses will need to remain on guard regarding financial marketvolatility and cost pressures this year one could expect the medium-term growth recoveryto remain on track.
A new and stronger India
Despite the global macro-economic challenges I believe in India we are at the cusp ofan extraordinary decade. With the roll out of economic reforms as profound as thoseintroduced in 1991 a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs are embarking on audaciousjourneys. With the twin-balance sheet problem of stressed loans and over-leveragedcorporates behind us the coming decade will see an upsurge in capital expenditure acrossseveral sectors. The private sector is on the pathway of what I like to call thedouble-engine growth' riding high on both the conventional and the new economy.Investors are excited about growth prospects in core sectors as well as sunrise sectors.However in my view the word sunrise sector virtually applies to the entire landscape inIndia including conventional sectors like cement steel power and auto along withemerging areas like digital and renewables. Both hold the promise of high and sustainedgrowth.
Riding high on tailwinds of growth
TEXTILE INDUSTRY - BIRLA CENTURY
The Indian textile industry has picked up pace and recovered significantly afterwitnessing a few sluggish years. The geopolitical winds of change have resulted in Indiaemerging as the best option for many importers. This has been backed by the Indiangovernment's aggressive approach to closing various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).Government announcements such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme the settingup of mega textile parks and the extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes andLevies scheme will further support the sector. The industry buoyed by these factors ison the path to a speedy recovery.
This recovery was also reflected in our performance with growth seen across domesticand export segments of Birla Century. Strong demand in USA our key market and increaseddemand in the domestic market supported by demographic and socioeconomic factors bodeswell for our business. The focus on expanding the portfolio especially in terms ofnatural and recycled textiles will aid in capturing the upcoming market demand.
REAL ESTATE - BIRLA ESTATES
The Indian real estate sector is on a recovery trajectory despite the pandemic-inducedchallenges and ensuing restrictions. Large-scale infrastructure projects policy push fromthe government and demand for sustainable solutions have helped drive growth. Record-lowinterest rates affordability and other favourable factors have helped harness positivesentiments. Timely delivery transparency and trust have become key hygiene factors alongwith quality leading to a preference for organised players.
The need for bigger homes better amenities and increased environmental consciousnessis driving growth in the residential segment. The office space segment is seeing increaseddemand as technology firms continue to expand. With more offices looking to call employeesback onsite leasing activity has picked up especially in the latter half of the yearprimarily driven by the IT and ITES industry. Despite the challenging environment andinflationary pressures the strong rebound witnessed by the real estate sector has createda positive headway for the coming year.
The Birla Estates team has rapidly embraced digital and fast-tracked technologyadoption to enhance customer experience. This is demonstrated by the significant growth inbookings and the positive market response to newly launched projects. The focus onbuilding exceptional properties leveraging cutting-edge technology sustainable designand consumer insights makes Birla Estates stand out and capture market growth.
PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY - CENTURY PULP & PAPER
The pulp & paper industry has been under pressure due to increasing raw materialprices shortage of key inputs like wood and coal supply chain challenges and short-termdemand hurdles due to COVID-19 variants. At the same time the pandemic has brought focuson cleanliness creating new opportunities for tissue and toilet paper. The e-commerceboom over the last two years has led to a surge in corrugated and container board demand.Demand is also expected to pick up in FMCG healthcare & pharma packaged foods andthe textile sectors especially for eco-friendly packaging options. The reopening ofeducational institutions across the country and the implementation of the NationalEducation Policy (NEP) 2020 should also contribute to the demand for writing and printingpaper. The proposed ban on single-use plastic is expected to further fast-track theadoption of alternative environmentally conscious options.
Despite the challenging environment Century Pulp and paper has grown over pre-Covidlevels with near 100% capacity utilisation. Going forward the expected increase indemand from multiple downstream industries and the government's focus on eco-friendlyoptions opens up a host of possibilities for the business. We will be strategicallyworking on expanding our portfolio and our manufacturing and integration capacity tocapitalise on the available market opportunities.
Driving the future
As CTIL enters its 125th year it becomes imperative to continue building on the strongfoundation. Over the last couple of years we have become increasingly focused oninnovation customer-centricity and sustainability. Going forward we will double down onharnessing these as our core strengths to stay ahead of the curve in all the industries weserve.
CTIL businesses are bound together by their focus on innovation and technology to drivegrowth. Innovation is key. We are always in the quest to add industry-defining value-addedproducts to our portfolio that help us serve our customers better. At the same timeinnovation is also fundamental to our journey of becoming more environmentallyconscious be it by reducing our environmental footprint or introducing innatelysustainable products.
Customers form the cornerstone of CTIL's existence and this notion is incorporatedinto our vision mission and values. We have retained the position of partner ofchoice' for our customers through our continuous engagement customised products andtailored services. Our persistent focus on customer needs and quality enables us tocontinue serving to the best of our capabilities.
At CTIL sustainability is embedded in everything we do making it an integral part ofour businesses. Starting from our core strategy to the smallest business decisions andactions all must pass the sustainability impact test. We persistently create value forour stakeholders by making choices that create a positive impact on the environmentpeople and communities.
We have set out on a sustainable growth path with our talented workforce ourinnovative portfolio and optimised processes and platforms. Innovationcustomer-centricity and sustainability will remain key drivers for CTIL over the nextcouple of decades.
|Kumar Mangalam Birla |


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Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is set to launch what it considers its largest and scariest Halloween Festival on Oct. 2, raising the number of haunted houses to seven from five, with features that it says are sure to frighten the living daylights out of the visitors, Apple Daily reported on Wednesday.
In response to some complaints that its haunted houses were not scary enough, the amusement park is introducing new attractions. In one of the haunted houses, visitors will see at close range thousands of live insects wriggling out of an actor’s body, and in order to get out of the room, they have to find a door key in a heap of worms.
Advance tickets will be available from the end of the month. Those interested will be asked to have their blood pressure taken and sign a liability waiver.
There will also be a haunted house full of zombies, an attraction based on the 2013 local movie Rigor Mortis, which won the Hong Kong Film Award for best visual effects. All of the horror factors in the movie are there for visitors who want to test their guts.
Ocean Park will also introduce the world’s first haunted house that offers wearable recording equipment for visitors to rent at HK$100 (US$12.9), allowing them to photograph their own expressions of fright. There will also be a large-screen TV set up outside to let the public enjoy looking at other people’s scared faces.
Vivian Lee, executive director of sales and marketing, said they expect a double-digit growth in the number of visitors for this year’s Halloween Fest, from over 900,000 last year.
– Contact us at [email protected]

domain: news


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In Apple’s official response to the location tracking issue uncovered by security researchers last week, an interesting tidbit seems to confirm that the company is seriously committed to delivering improved mapping and navigation software to iPhone users by focusing on building a new “traffic service” to roll out publicly in the next couple of years. From the Q&A:
What other location data is Apple collecting from the iPhone besides crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot and cell tower data?
Apple is now collecting anonymous traffic data to build a crowd-sourced traffic database with the goal of providing iPhone users an improved traffic service in the next couple of years.
The wording of the statement isn’t clear (some suggest “traffic” may be related to “internet traffic” according to specific locations), but let’s just play along and assume it’s linked to the turn-by-turn navigation software and new mapping features for iOS devices Apple has been rumored to be working on for a very long time. If “traffic” is related to navigation and mobile maps, there’s plenty room for speculation after today’s press release: in the past years, several job listings on Apple’s website hinted at open positions in the iOS team for map engineers and navigation experts, suggesting that Apple was working on its own proprietary solution to ditch Google Maps on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The acquisitions of mapping companies Placebase and Poly9 in 2009 and 2010, respectively, gave some credence to the reports that pointed at Apple willing to become the next major player in the mobile mapping scene.
But the acquisitions and job postings don’t tell the whole story: whilst it’s very likely that Apple’s aiming to replace Google Maps on iOS devices with their own alternative, today’s response to the location tracking kerfuffle sheds some light on another aspect of location services: traffic and navigation. Again, assuming “traffic” doesn’t stand for “internet traffic” and we’re not talking about Steve Jobs planning on entering the carrier space here, Apple may be hinting at a new turn-by-turn navigation service built for GPS-enabled devices coming out in the next few iterations of iOS, perhaps not iOS 5 this Fall but iOS 6 in 2012. Turn-by-turn navigation, one of the biggest advantages of Android over iOS and something that’s been long desired by iPhone users so much to even build jailbreak tweaks to enable it, could be integrated into Apple’s own Maps application and might be related to the fact that Apple stopped Google’s and Skyhook’s location databases back in 2010. Today’s Q&A clearly states that Apple is gathering anonymous, encrypted location data to offer a better service to iPhone users:
Can Apple locate me based on my geo-tagged Wi-Fi hotspot and cell tower data?
No. This data is sent to Apple in an anonymous and encrypted form. Apple cannot identify the source of this data.
People have identified up to a year’s worth of location data being stored on the iPhone. Why does my iPhone need so much data in order to assist it in finding my location today?
This data is not the iPhone’s location data—it is a subset (cache) of the crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot and cell tower database which is downloaded from Apple into the iPhone to assist the iPhone in rapidly and accurately calculating location.
On top of this, Apple says that iAds can be targeted based on location, but location info isn’t sent back to advertisers and the users have to explicitly confirm they want to share their geo-location data with Apple’s iAd program. Overall, Apple is collecting anonymous cell tower, Wi-Fi hotspot and traffic data, but they’re doing this to make the iPhone work better when triangulating signals without using GPS, and to offer an “improved” traffic service that’s still in the development stages. This is what Apple PR told everyone this morning.
Now, there’s no doubt Apple has thought about offering its now mapping solution, as well as an alternative to Android’ popular free navigation software by Google. Looking for second meanings and hints in Apple’s statements, however, is always a risky business: sure, the Q&A document says Apple is working on something new. Is there a chance Apple is referring to turn-by-turn navigation for iPhones? Maybe. Most of all, though, can past reports, rumors and speculation confirm the vague wording of today’s press release? I’m not exactly sure.
Apple may be working on a new “traffic service” that helps iPhone users avoid remaining stuck in traffic by tracking the location of phones anonymously – there’s no denying Apple wanted to hint at something this morning alongside addressing the issues of location cache databases. But, in spite of all previous rumors and stories, it’s still too soon to claim Apple has “confirmed” turn-by-turn navigation is coming to the iPhone.


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A couple of months ago, the first trailer for the upcoming game, Jurassic World: Evolution was announced. A lot of players, including myself, were excited with the news especially since it has been 15 years since Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis was released.
Now, a new video was released at the Frontier Expo 2017, which showed the first in-game footage of the upcoming park building sim. Jurassic World: Evolution is developed by Frontier, the studio behind famous titles such as Planet Coaster and Elite Dangerous, and will let players take the helm in managing their very own Jurassic World theme park. Players can expect to bioengineer new dinosaur breeds, build attractions, and entertain the tourists that will visit their park.
The developers of the game also released a content reveal video posted below, where they discuss the future of the games they’re working on, the gameplay in Jurassic World Evolution, some in-game screenshots and video.
The game is slated for release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in summer 2018 to complement the upcoming film, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. As a fan of Operation Genesis, I can’t wait for this game to be released. I’m also hoping for a Switch version to be announced as well.


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"As the future of walled gardens evolves, our latest research will help marketers think differently about their ads and the importance of context in dynamic social media environments," said
eMarketer projects that
- Growing Awareness of Ads, Plus Trust Issues Keep Consumers On Their Toes: With 96% of
U.S.consumers having at least one social media account, respondents ranked Facebook as the platform they use most, followed by YouTube, and Instagram. The vast majority (85%) of consumers have engaged with a social ad in the last year, spelling big opportunity for brands. Yet, consumers have grown more aware of inappropriate ads on social platforms; in fact, 38% of consumers say the growth of fake news means they're less trusting of ads in their social feeds. Importantly, most consumers (59%) hold social media sites responsible for ads appearing next to unsafe content, compared to 36% who hold advertisers accountable.
- Context Directly Impacts Favorability and Memorability of Social Ads: Almost half (47%) of consumers report having an unfavorable view of brands whose ads appear next to unsuitable content, proving the significant impact this can have on social campaigns. Yet, 46% of consumers are likely to remember a social ad if the message relates to surrounding content, while 41% would feel favorable towards these brands.
- Social Shopping Booms, but Context Drives Purchase Intent Up and Down: With consumers turning to social shopping during the pandemic, ads influence this behavior. In fact, 32% of respondents are likely to purchase a product or service if the ad in their social feed is contextually relevant. Meanwhile, 60% of consumers are unlikely to purchase a product or service advertised next to unsafe content.
This new study, Social Media Ad Receptivity: Driving engagement with in-feed advertising, from IAS demonstrates how the quality and context of in-feed ads across social media impacts consumer perception, engagement, and even purchase intent. The study is based on responses from
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/context-of-social-media-ads-drives-engagement-and-purchase-intent-ias-research-301474582.html


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From gourmet drinking chocolate, soft cheese snack bars, and flavored butters to muscle-building meal replacements and highly absorbable calcium milks based on nanotechnology, the world of dairy is alive with innovation.
Yogurt, for example, continues on its hot streak, with sales of $4.6 billion (+7.5%) for the year ended 6/10/12; Greek-style now accounts for one-third of the market, reports SymphonyIRI. Three-quarters (75%) of consumers eat spoonable yogurt, and 52% order frozen yogurt at restaurants/shops, according to a 2011 Mintel report.
Greek yogurt dips were the next-fastest-growing item after hummus in the explosive $1.3 billion refrigerated dip category in 2011, per Nielsen. Frozen Greek yogurts and smoothies are flooding the market. International yogurt favorites such as DAHlicious Lassi, which carries a “made in Vermont” claim, are coming on strong. Watch for Bavarian, Russian, and Middle Eastern yogurt next.
Convenience and innovation in the dairy category now extend well beyond shredded cheeses. Creative dairy ingredients are helping to deliver restaurant-quality meals at home. Kraft’s Philadelphia Cooking Crèmes are designed to be mixed into pasta, baked potatoes, or casseroles, for example, while Kraft’s new chocolate Indulgence line is positioned to be paired with fruit, cookies, or snacks.
Lucerne touts a chocolate whipping cream. Isola Imports Inc. offers all natural, handcrafted butters in sun-dried tomato and pesto flavors. Trickling Springs Creamery has a Cocoa Metro Dark Drinking Chocolate. Umpqua Natural Sour Cream is simply labeled; it contains just cream, milk, and enzymes. Cottage cheese from Traders Point Creamery is made with organic milk from grass-fed cows.
Natural string cheese was the fourth-biggest gainer in volume growth in the healthy snacks category in 2011, according to IRI data. While cheddar, ozzarella, and American are the cheeses most eaten in U.S. households, according to Mintel data, it’s the specialty cheeses that are getting attention. Natural is important to 56% of cheese consumers. Gourmet cheese remains the largest specialty food category, with 2011 sales up 11% over the past two years, according to the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade.
Cheese is turning up in new and creative product forms. Cheese curd bars are popular in Russia, and portable soft dessert cheeses and alcohol-flavored cheeses are other new cheese concepts, according to Innova Market Insights. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute projects per capita cheese consumption will rise from 33.3 lb/person in 2010 to 34.9 lb/person by 2020.
When it comes to selecting snacks for enjoyment, ice cream tops the list for 74%, according to IRI data. Italian dessert flavors (e.g., tiramisu and panna cotta), homemade/handmade claims, and varietal fruit flavors are notable emerging trends in the global ice cream market, according to Innova Market Insights. Half (47%) of consumers ordered a smoothie from a restaurant in the past three months; 26% were from McDonald’s, according to Mintel.
The Milk Producers Education Program reports that breakfast at home, which is now a $28 billion market, represents a new growth opportunity for retailers. With parfaits and yogurt among the fastest-growing breakfast menu items in restaurants in 2011, per Datassential, the future looks brighter still.
It appears that dairy products that deliver a functional benefit may be positioned for marketplace success. U.S. dairy functional food/drink sales topped $2.1 billion in 2011 (+ 7%), according to Nutrition Business Journal.
The 2011 Gallup Study on Nutrient Knowledge & Consumption indicates that 54% of consumers are making a strong effort to consume more calcium. Foods/drinks that are very high in calcium represent a fastemerging global trend. In Brazil, Danone’s Densia Morango cup yogurt delivers 50% of the daily value for calcium and vitamin D. In Malaysia, Fonterra’s Anlene Gold Milk Powder contains nanocalcium for improved absorption. In the United States, Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk with Omega-3 is described as beneficial “for heart, brain, and eye health.”
Global sales of probiotic foods and supplements are predicted by Euromonitor to climb from $28 billion in 2011 to $42 billion in 2016. But the big opportunity lies with protein. Recent studies indicate that when a moderate amount of protein (25–30 g) is consumed throughout the day, it helps to manage weight and build muscle/lean body mass, suggesting an opportunity for dairy products positioned to provide weight management and body toning benefits. Sales of milk and other dairy drinks with prebiotic fiber inclusions increased an impressive 112% globally between 2010 and 2011, according to Innova Market Insights. High-fiber milks, dairy-based beverages positioned to benefit joint health (i.e., with glucosamine added), and sports milks are other emerging dairy categories.
A. Elizabeth Sloan,
President, Sloan Trends Inc., Escondido, Calif.


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Pearmain has been managing director of Brands2Life's digital and social media division since 2012. Prior to this he was head of PR and social media at O2 and before this headed up digital at Fishburn.
Buckett has spent the past ten years at Brands2Life as practice director for digital marketing, running global campaigns for clients including Nikon, Sony, LinkedIn and MoneySupermarket. She previously worked in-house at Vauxhall Motors.
The duo are currently in talks with potential investors, including consumer PR agency Hope&Glory.
Pearmain said: "Katie and I are excited to be working together on a new venture, and we'll share more details before too long."
James Gordon-MacIntosh, managing partner at Hope&Glory, said: "There have been talks between ourselves and Alex and Katie about Hope&Glory investing in their new consultancy. At this point, those are just talks and nothing has been signed, but it’s fair to say we think there’s huge potential in what they’re planning so we’re optimistic that we’ll be able to find a way to work together."
Giles Fraser, co-founder of Brands2Life, added: "We understand that Alex and Katie are planning a new digital venture that doesn’t compete with Brands2Life and they have left with our best wishes. Our digital team is having its best year yet and, with our integrated comms approach, we’re confident it will go from strength to strength in 2016."


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The maize farmers hailing from North Rift are now counting losses after fraudsters flocked the region to buy the produce on credit at attractive prices, under the pretence it was on behalf of the World Food Programme (WFP) and other humanitarian agencies. They then closed shop before making payments leaving tens of poor farmers in their wake.
One of the farmers from Moiben division is reported to have lost 200 bags and another 100 to the con traders.
“The tricksters operate in various parts of the North Rift region where they have opened buying centres and are believed to have close links with dishonest UN staff,” said Zacharia Bitok, Eldoret West police boss.
Security teams in the region have since arrested one prime suspect behind the multimillion-shilling maize scam.
The suspect, Kairo Nyinya Sammy, was arrested after defrauding farmers in Ziwa, Eldoret West sub-county of 700 bags of maize offering Sh3,000 per 90 kilogrammes as compared to Sh1,6000 offered by most private millers.
“The fraudsters are taking advantage of desperate farmers by buying the crop on credit at attractive rates of Sh3,000 per bag for United Nation, promising to pay them in a week’s time,” said Bitok.
The Kenya Farmers Association (KFA) has cautioned farmers to be wary of the con traders and urged them to sell their produce to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and genuine traders in the region.
“Farmers stand to incur heavy losses unless they stock their produce and sell them to NCPB, private millers and genuine traders,” said Kipkorir Menjo, the KFA director.
Farmers, however, say delays by NCPB was forcing them to sell their maize produce to middlemen at throwaway prices.
“Financial challenges to buy farm inputs and meet basic needs are driving some farmers to end up selling their produce to such fraudsters,” said David Songok from Chepkumia Nandi County.
Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a directive to NCPB to buy 90-kilogramme bag of maize at Sh2,500, slightly higher than what Private millers offer farmers at Sh1,800 per 90 kilograms bag.
NCPB management says it is yet to receive approval from the government to start buying maize giving middlemen a playing field to continue exploiting farmers by offering low prices as they prepare for the next planting season.


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Hey, good morning! You look fabulous.
James Bond movies have an... interesting dynamic when it comes to product placement. In recent times, there have been fewer Aston Martins and Rolexes. There was that awkward Virgin Atlantic flight (oh, hi Richard Branson), the Heinekens and the weird glut of Sony devices; in recent years, it has been a Sony Pictures co-production. That is, until now. With the delayed-due-to-coronavirus No Time to Die (the most millenial of Bond movie titles) there's a new partner, which means new money-making opportunities.
And here comes Nokia. Well, here comes Nokia phone owner HMD. It was Bond's mobile brand of choice a few decades ago -- Daniel Craig used a Nokia 8800 in 2006's Casino Royale. Now Nokia's are, apparently, back, even if James isn't brandishing one, yet.
A forthcoming Nokia ad will include Lashana Lynch's character, 00 agent Nomi, completing a mission with the help of the company's as-yet unannounced 5G flagship phone. It doesn't quite have the gravitas of Bond, however, but I'll withhold judgment until I see the ad.
Sony once offered millions to Craig to pose with its latest phone ahead of the release of Spectre, a few years ago. That didn't happen. According to a leaked email, Craig wasn't on board, apparently noting that: "James Bond only uses the 'best...' the Sony phone is not the 'best.'"
How much does HMD have to spend on marketing?


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Lubbock, TX (KCBD) – A yard sale is nothing out of the ordinary, but what if someone took your stuff because they thought you were giving it away for free? A Craigslist ad posted Monday has one Lubbock family holding on to everything in their front lawn after the ad turned their outdoor treasures into a free for all without their knowledge.
The ad uses catchy wording which is perfect if you are in the market to sell something, but the Barbosa family had no intention of getting rid of anything.
"It's ours and it's gone," says John Barbosa about his bird feeder, a skate-board, scooter and an inflatable water slide. "It's upsetting," he adds and wonders why this is happening, but on Monday he got a tip.
"I saw the ad and it said out with the old and in with the new," says Kristy Washburn who was searching on Craigslist. The savvy shopper says it's not unusual for people to list items free of charge as long as you pick them up.
"Primarily what I was interested in was the front porch swing," says Washburn. As far as she was concerned what better price then free? "It was really nice. Something didn't feel right so I wanted to make sure it was the right swing," says Washburn who knocked on Barbosa's door.
"I told her I didn't have any idea we were giving anything away," adds Barbosa who checked with his wife. He says Washburn pulled out her Phone and showed him the Craigslist ad which said he was giving anything on his porch and front yard away for free. Barbosa, who has never used Craigslist before, says it's a blessing the bargain hunter knocked on his door.
"I placed another ad letting everyone know it's a scam and hopefully to return stuff that was taken," says Washburn. Minutes after she left, Barbosa called Lubbock Police.
"It's either harassment or someone is trying to play a game and it's not funny," he adds. Signs now hang from his house windows warning people his yard is not a free shopping spot.
"It's frustration, irritated is what comes to mind or it's how I feel," says Barbosa who adds that his family is remodeling and whoever posted the ad took a detailed inventory. He believes it is someone in the neighborhood and says what was taken can be replaced.
"It's the principal and the meaning behind everything. This is our yard," says Barbosa who plans to press charges.
The ads were flagged and have been removed from the Web site.
Copyright 2009 KCBD. All rights reserved.


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Oatmeal food fight: Now it's Jamba Juice vs. Starbucks
Posted by Trine Tsouderos at 7:00 a.m. CDT
Oatmeal is hot, cheap and filling. Perfect food for a time when 500,000 jobs are lost each month. Happy days. Anyway, big corporations seem to be sensing these are oatmeal days -- Starbucks introduced its oatmeal in September. On Dec. 18, Jamba Juice, which has almost 750 stores, is previewing its version in all of its Chicago locations, with plans to roll it out across the nation in mid-January. For $2.95, Jamba Juice is promising slow-cooked (well, 40 minutes) organic steel-cut oats in three flavors, cinnamon crumble, banana and blueberry. The oatmeal will be available each morning, until 11 a.m.


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International Islamic Food Processing Association (“IFPA”) held a meeting with the representatives of Poultry Union of Kazakhstan(“Union”). During the latest meeting, the parties discussed in detail the prospects of cooperation and signed a mutual agreement to further advance bilateral cooperation. After the roundtable discussion, H.E. Sheikh Bilal Khan, Director General and CEO of IFPA, and Mr. Ruslan Sharipov, President of the Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) for cooperation in poultry industry of Kazakhstan.
During the meeting Mr. Ruslan Sharipov noted that “poultry is a rapidly growing industry fuelled by increasing demand from Kazakhstani consumers. Union as a non-profit organization integrates the largest producers of poultry meat of Kazakhstan who are the main suppliers of all production in the country. The Union will benefit from the cooperation with IFPA and look forward to working closely in developing a pragmatic and cooperative approach to solving the issues of the poultry industry”.
Director General and CEO of IFPA H.E Sheikh Bilal Khan remarked that “OIC markets have a huge demand for value-added agri-food products of Kazakhstan and IFPA will work closely with the Union to develop the export potential of the poultry products.”
After the signing ceremony, the parties expressed their resolve and commitment to enhancing their level of cooperation for the continued stability and sustainable development of the poultry enterprises.


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The future of the industrial automation industry will be shaped by a range of disruptive topics, with the industrial Internet being one of the topics that will have a significant impact on industrial automation companies.
The Industrial Internet, a market that General Electric (GE) once predicted would make up $15 trillion of global GDP by 2030, will redefine the way the global industrial economy operates. It is part of a rapidly evolving ecosystem of intelligent machines that run their own logic and communicate with each other. However, the main use case – predictive maintenance – has failed so far, as organizations struggle to integrate it into their existing operations environments. Many manufacturers are also afraid to put sensor data in the cloud. Cyber threats are also a concern. Old factory floor systems were not intended to be externally linked and operations managers tended to think of site safety before electronic safety.
There has been a major shift in who is driving the development of the Industrial Internet. It is led by white collar IT departments, not the blue collar factory floor environment that is the domain of Operations Technology (OT) teams. The reason is that the Industrial Internet is about data, the information, and the insights that that data provides to the organization. Industries such as manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, utilities, and agriculture are adopting sensing and artificial intelligence technologies that are driving a fundamental change in how these businesses are run. The insurance industry also takes great interest.
However, not all companies are equal when it comes to their capabilities and investments in the key topics that matter most in their industry. Understanding how companies position and rank on the most important topics can be a major leading indicator of their future earnings potential and relative competitive position.
According to GlobalData’s thematic research report, “The Industrial Internet,” the leading companies include: ABB, Siemens, GE, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, IBM, and Cognex.
Insights from top rated companies
ABB believes that only a few of the 450 Industrial IoT platforms on the market are profitable. In fact, he does not believe that anyone makes direct profits from platform sales, and although he has his own (ABB Ability), he believes that customers do not buy platforms. The ability is not marketed as a specific generic offering. Instead, ABB focuses on applications and its expertise in the industrial sector. It also makes significant use of the capabilities of Microsoft and other partners, including Accenture, to translate machine asset data into actionable insights. ABB’s Motors & Generators has developed the IIoT, a smart sensor, which can be used to modulate almost any low-voltage electric motor to help monitor its condition. Device sensors measure vibration, temperature, electromagnetic field strength, and other parameters to help reduce downtime, increase product lifecycle, and reduce energy costs. ABB needed an interface that would connect the sensor to its customers and help them analyze and consume the data. Worked with Accenture to develop the solution.
Schneider Electric targets edge computing. Its interest stems from the fact that margins are falling on the higher end, as cloud consolidation is for a limited number of players. In turn, the edge will grow. There are a large number of players, and the margins are higher. Schneider’s commitment to the edge is expected to build on a new agreement with Cisco to work together on delivering edge and IoT solutions. In January 2019, Schneider announced a partnership with Nozomi Network to provide customers in the industrial manufacturing and critical infrastructure sectors with advanced anomaly detection, vulnerability assessment, and other cybersecurity services. It also announced EcoStruxure Process Safety Advisor, an IIoT-based digital process safety platform that provides a single view of the health and status of a user’s safety tools functionality, helping to identify potential risks and their impact on process performance.
Two years ago, on the heels of its acquisition of ServiceMax, GE was set to be one of the de-facto leaders for the Industrial Internet via its Predix IIoT platform. This is the same GE that in 2004 was the most valuable company in the world before being overtaken in value by AWS, Microsoft, Apple and Google. Now, arguably, it has also lost its leadership of the Industrial Internet to those same companies. In December 2018, GE announced that it would sell its majority stake in ServiceMax to Silver Lake, a private equity firm, and create a new, standalone company focused on building its Industrial Internet software portfolio. GE hopes the move will bring more focus to its IoT portfolio to position the new business for future growth. The new organization intends to provide programs for asset-intensive sectors with a focus on the energy, renewables, aviation, oil and gas, food and beverage, chemicals, consumer packaged goods, and mining industries.
To further understand the key topics and technologies disrupting the tech industry, access GlobalData’s latest objective research report on the Industrial Internet.
- the alphabet
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Highlights from the world of digital media. Sign up here for the full version of CIMA’s weekly Digital Media Mash Up.
Is Internet Access a Human Right?
Internet Access Is Not a Human Right
Vint Cerf: From the streets of Tunis to Tahrir Square and beyond, protests around the world last year were built on the Internet and the many devices that interact with it. Though the demonstrations thrived because thousands of people turned out to participate, they could never have happened as they did without the ability that the Internet offers to communicate, organize and publicize everywhere, instantaneously. (New York Times, 1/5)
Is Internet Access a Fundamental Human Right?
Should internet access be seen as a fundamental human right, in the same category as the right to free speech or clean drinking water? The United Nations says that it should, but in a New York Times op-ed, one of the fathers of the internet argues that it should not. Vint Cerf is the co-creator of the TCP/IP standard that the global computer network is built on, so when he says something about the impact of the internet it’s probably worth paying attention to. But is he right? And what are the implications if he is wrong? (GigaOM, 1/5)
Vint Cerf on Why Internet Access Is Not a Human Right (+ A Few More Reasons)
In an provocative oped in today’s New York Times, Vint Cerf, one of the pioneers of the Net who now holds the position “chief Internet evangelist” at Google, makes the argument for why “Internet Access Is Not a Human Right.” You won’t be surprised to hear that I generally agree. But there are two other issues Cerf fails to address. First, who or what pays the bill for classifying the Internet or broadband as a birthright entitlement? Second, what are the potential downsides for competition and innovation from such a move? (Tech Liberation Front, 1/5)
Top Trends to Watch in 2012
2011 was a big year for news in more ways than one. Reporters were amply tested in their coverage of big breaking news stories such as the death of Osama Bin Laden or Muammar Gaddafi, major disasters such as the Fukushima earthquake, and complex political unrest much of the Arab World. Meanwhile, newspapers continue to seek an effective digital business model, to tackle the challenges posed by social media and community involvement, to create innovative tablet applications and respond to ethical dilemmas. Looking forward to 2012, what can we expect? (Editors Weblog, 1/2)
Forecast for 2012: BBC Boss Predicts ‘First Truly Digital’ Olympics
Phil Fearnley, general manager of news and knowledge at BBC Future Media, predicts an explosive year for takeup of new technology as the Olympic games come to London. (The Guardian, 1/1)
Issues for 2012 #5: How Will Online News Be Organized?
Just ask the man who signs my paychecks… or at least, go back to October 2007 and ask Richard MacManus, the founder and EIC of this publication. He would tell you directly and succinctly that ReadWriteWeb is not a blog. That is, by the definition of that time, it’s not a one-man show. “ReadWriteWeb has evolved,” Richard wrote at the time, “into something different than a blog, which is traditionally thought of as the voice of a single person.” (Read Write Web, 1/3)
The Mobile Revolution Is Here
2011 saw smartphone and tablet shipments outpace computer purchases for the first time and the world’s largest search engine spend over $12 billion to snatch one of the world’s largest mobile device manufacturers. We met Apple’s Siri, watched BlackBerry fall from the summit of mobile dominance, and witnessed vicious mobile-patent gamesmanship over devices and operating systems. With 20% of all searches being conducted from mobile devices, the mobile revolution is upon us. (MediaPost, 1/5)
INDIA: Is 2012 the Year for India’s Internet?
It’s estimated as many as 121 million Indians are logged onto the internet. It is a sizeable number, but still a relatively small proportion of the country’s 1.2 billion population. Predictions suggest the ways Indians use the internet for business and pleasure will change even further in the next year. (BBC, 1/3)
NIGERIA: Nigeria Yearns for Broadband Internet in 2012
Over one year after the landing of two additional undersea broadband cable networks – Main-One and Glo-One in the country, the penetration and cost of broadband internet services have remained hardly accessible. This is despite the fact that internet penetration in the country has catapulted from 10 to 40 million content of the population in a few short years. The reason for the poor broadband penetration, is that although more capacity has landed at the country’s coastline, the infrastructure to take it into the hinterland is largely lacking. (Business Day, 1/3)
Social Media Usage in Russia and Eurasia
Statistics from Focus, December 2011 (Russian)
Global Social Technographics Update 2011: US And EU Mature, Emerging Markets Show Lots Of Activity
Last month George Colony, CEO of Forrester, talked about a “Social Thunderstorm” at the LeWeb conference in Paris. He argued that social is running out of hours and running out of people. What does that mean? Well, the second one is easy: The vast majority of consumers around the world who have access to a computer use social media. And the first one? George goes on to say that Americans are spending more time on social media than volunteering, praying, talking on the phone, emailing, or even exercising. With so many people spending so much time on social media, it is crucial for companies to understand how their customers use social media. We just released our newest report, Social Media Adoption In 2011, which reveals the latest trends. (Forrester, 1/4)
HUNGARY: New Study: “Hungarian Media Laws in Europe: An Assessment of the Consistency of Hungary’s Media Laws with European Practices and Norms”
A new CMCS study led by researcher Amy Brouillette analyses the consistency of the Hungarian media regulations with European practices and norms. It addresses a key international policy debate regarding the conformity of Hungary’s new media legislation to European and EU media-regulation standards. The study also contributes to the ongoing policy making process regarding Hungary’s media laws—particularly in light of the recent rulings by Hungary’s Constitutional Court which requires several provisions to be amended by 31 May 2012—as well as contributing to the debate around other areas of concern that have been raised by the European Commission, European lawmakers, and domestic and international stakeholders. (Center for Media and Communication Studies, 1/5)
Global Censorship Update – January 2012
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December 11, 2019
For the past two years, sales growth in fresh has lagged behind that of the center store, making it clear that the methods of old are no longer enough to succeed. But a new report from Daymon called “What’s Next in Fresh” outlines not only the key trends driving sales in fresh, but also the actions retailers must take to innovate and lead the way in 2020 and beyond. Here, Daymon’s director of category solutions Andrew Moberly outlines the top four trends and weighs in on how natural food retailers can capitalize on them.
According to the report, leading retailers generate 43% of their overall sales from perishable foods, as opposed to the industry average of 32%. What these leaders have in common, Daymon found, was that they use their private brands to make waves in the fresh aisles. “Natural independents need to play to their strengths and core customers which means focusing on the areas that have made them famous so far—and that includes their fresh programs,” Moberly says. “The great news for independents is that most unlabeled fresh items are inherently considered private brand, so they are likely getting substantial credit already.” This can include immediate consumption items, such as juices and smoothies, or general foodservice.
The report found that more than 50% of meat eaters purchase plant-based proteins, as large manufacturers acquire plant-based startups and foodservice goes all in on plant-based. Tapping into this trend will put retailers in a good position to increase sales of their fresh food items. Stores winning in this area will focus on the supply side (whether that’s through larger or start-up brands) and position plant-based as a mission statement of the store. “Consumers are learning that just because a product is plant-based, that does not necessarily mean it is healthier or better for the environment,” Moberly says. “Setting up a standard of how, why and what plant-based means will go much further than the current haphazard approaches.”
The great news for independent natural retailers, he adds, is that they have been involved in this space for decades and already have credibility here. “However, now that mainstream retail is jumping in, independent natural retailers need to continue to highlight their points of differentiation,” he says, “whether it be connection to the local community, highlighting a long-standing commitment to organic or healthy, or education on plant-based eating.”
Most retailers are lagging in “craft” quality and need to quickly adapt to the changing landscape by applying it to all areas of the fresh department. This is an area where even smaller independents are poised to succeed, says Moberly. “Creating in-store destinations and signature craft experiences is far easier to execute on a smaller scale and is much more believable,” he says, adding that authenticity is key when promoting craft experiences and products like juice bars or in-store-made pasta. “Independents can thrive in this environment with passionate employee engagements and demonstrating the distinctiveness of what they offer. Natural independents should not be intimidated by larger chains—instead they should be evaluating (from a food and culture standpoint) what is important to their local community, what are they experts at doing, and how can they leverage both to create a craft solution.”
Today’s shoppers are treating their grocery stores' prepared foods and foodservice departments as extensions of meal planning, the report found. The good news for independent natural retailers, said Moberly, is that this is an area they’ve dominated for some time. Those looking to get in the game or up their offerings should consider the three steps to success identified in the report. Firstly, stores need to establish the basics and be good at them before jumping into elaborate cuisines (and for those that already have the basics in place, they might consider leveraging craft and foodservice in a bigger way by creating a private brand solution). Secondly, “be easy to shop,” Moberly says. In other words, make the prices very easy to figure out and make the food easy to customize. Thirdly, “don’t be afraid of partnerships,” he explains. “Even the most developed retailer should still consider partnering with third parties to be successful in foodservice, and they will still get credit for authenticity.”
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Beijing will vet IPOs more closely, 'severely punish' securities fraud, and also increase supervision of listed companies to ensure they give better dividends and don't 'worship money'
Global investors see little chance Beijing can rescue the situation and are jumping ship, leaving China’s markets in freefall
Growing demand for cheaper products and services and the advent of a new breed of discount stores is threatening to embed deflation more permanently into the Chinese economy
This is the latest move by Chinese authorities to restrict access to key data and information, a trend that is unnerving overseas investors
Anxiety is rising that China is entering an era of much slower economic growth akin to the period of Japan's "lost decades", which saw consumer prices and wages stagnate for a generation
Frugality is becoming endemic in China as financial insecurity forces the country's white collar workforce to spend less and save more
Goldman Sachs analysts project a 15% 12-month return for the CSI300, which is now down 0.5% for the year, in stark contrast to the 16% rise in world stocks.
After a smaller-than-expected interest rate cut raised doubts on whether Chinese policymakers would act forcefully enough to support the economy, investors are positioning for a longer game
BRICS foreign ministers have asserted their bloc's ambition to rival Western powers and build up their influence in a multi-polar world
Foreign firms saw their profits slide 16.2% in January-April from a year earlier, while private-sector firms recorded a 22.5% plunge
The reading marked the first contraction in China’s industry since January when an abrupt exit from zero-Covid policies sparked a wave of infections across the country
The move comes amid repeated warnings from Chinese officials of a severe and complicated situation for foreign trade as export orders plunge


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Here is our Complete North American 2015 Video Game Release Schedule. It will be updated throughout the year as more games receive confirmed release dates. Continue reading Complete 2015 North American Video Game Release Schedule
PlayStation 4 has been on the market for just under a year, and now they have spilled some of the beans on their great update 2.0, which is codenamed “Masamune”. The update has features that were previously announced at Gamescom this year while also adding some new features that PlayStation fans have been asking for.


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In true startup fashion, we are pivoting Mobility Buzz to focus on the financing and insuring of alternative transportation.
We started Mobility Buzz to delve into the alternative transportation revolution. But what we have found is that our audience is in greater need of understanding the financing and insuring of the alternative transportation revolution. Hence, Mobility Finance. The site will explore the key trends shaping the future of mobility finance and the overall movement of people and goods.
This new era for the moving of people and goods has led to disruption among vehicle manufacturers, and is also creating an influx of new startups and business financing ventures. Toyota Financial Services, for example, inked a deal with Uber in May 2016, and peer-to-peer carshare service Getaround in January 2017, to develop a program in which the driver is able to use the income generated to pay for leasing charges.
“There is going to be an opportunity on the financial side to think about service models,” said Ryan Eustice, vice president of autonomous driving at Toyota Motor Corp.’s Silicon Valley-based research facility, said at the time. “So, rather than think about selling the asset [or] about financing the asset to someone who is buying this car, it’s really more like a service or subscription model that allows the potential borrower access to more people in terms of being able to use a Toyota for a ride. This is one of the new landscapes that in the future the autonomy will offer as a new business model.”
You may have noticed that we have already been gravitating to mobility financing coverage, even before this pivot. Recent coverage on the site has explored:
- Maven’s new mobility platform, offering gig-economy drivers an alternative to leasing;
- India rideshare Ola’s plans to launch a subsidiary to lease electric vehicles to drivers; and
- BlaBlaCar’s partnership with ALD Automotive to provide leasing incentives to its most-active carpoolers.
Expect more great mobility finance coverage on the new Mobility Finance.
Mobility Finance will also co-host the second annual Auto Finance Innovation 2017 conference with sister publication Auto Finance News. The event will explore the evolution of transportation, and is slated for May 17-18 at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego. Visit www.autofinanceinnovation.com to register or learn more. To request a media pass, contact Skylar Taylor at [email protected].
To learn more about Mobility Finance or to subscribe to the daily e-newsletter, please visit www.MobilityFinance.net. For advertising information, email [email protected]. Also, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and join our LinkedIn group for the latest news and expertise on connected transportation. Oh, and please spread the word about Mobility Finance. This is a new era for transportation financing — let’s get more travelers on the journey.


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OKI Europe wins Print IT Editors Choice Award
Oki Europe has picked up the Print IT Editor's Choice Award for its new five-colour desktop printer, the ES9541.
It is the industry's first LED five colour A3 printer and was recently showcased at VISCOM Europe. The honour demonstrates the machine as offering creative businesses a wider range of materials on-demand.It features a white toner option that is ideal for colour paper printing, transparent film, T-shirt transfers and promotional merchandise.
Terry Kawshima, managing director, OKI Europe, said: "OKI’s revolutionary new five colour printer reflects our strategy of offering innovative print solutions for professional and vertical markets, such as graphic arts. Mr Kawashima explained that the ES9541 provides creative businesses the opportunity to take advantage of valuable new revenue streams.
The machine offers 50ppm, 45ppm and 18ppm, while its print resolution is 1200 x 1200dpi. The paper input is a 530-sheet tray as standard and goes up to a five-tray maximum.
Posted by Canzil Ahmed


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India might have lost its tag of being the ‘fastest growing economy’ recently but, with a burgeoning middle class, it is still one of the hottest markets globally to sell your products.
With this comes an increase in ad spend and digital ad spend is set to tip over the $1 billion mark next year, while still only accounting for a quarter of the whole media market, according to eMarketer.
However, as far as brand safety is concerned in the Indian market, it is very much a neglected phenomenon. Not many are aware of the importance of brand safety and, therefore, more education is needed.
The Drum spoke to Sanjay Sayani, brand analyst and founder rebootplus.in, who said there is an almost reckless attitude from brands in India.
"Brand safety is serious business. It should be protected like your own life. Yet sometimes there is a devil may care attitude among brands in India. This is true for not only the humongous homegrown ones but even multinational company brands whose international reputation can nosedive with just a flicker. Without blaming the 'this is India' syndrome, I would attribute it to lack of training, coupled with zero brand education, which in turn leads to a 'no pride in the brand' situation," said Sayani.
A key issue in the brand safety saga has been ad misplacement, with many brands being placed on websites that are deemed inappropriate. Google was one fo the key publishers to come under fire for not having enough measures to reassure brands. However, it has recently responded and is taking action in finding ways to stop advertising across content with 'hate speech' content, for example.
Partha Sinha, vice chairman and managing director, McCann Worldgroup said brand safety should be more of a concern in India because the context of articles is so important.
"Brand safety or the lack of it is a direct fallout of programmatic and its misuse. The unnecessary greed of the media agencies created this crisis and they are the only one who can solve it. Having said that, in India there has been no concrete step yet on the issue of brand safety. China has taken action - though the jury is still out in the result.
"In India the brand owners are really worried. India is a society where context is hugely important- at times more important than content. Brand safety therefore is a huge concern. If seen in the wrong context, it can do irreparable damage to a brand. Especially if it's a household brand. It's a very serious issue which is not being treated seriously yet," added Sinha.
Many household brands are taking a very public stance on this globally, however. Recently, Unilever’s Keith Weed said last week at Cannes Lions Festival that CMOs must take responsibility for brand safety scandal and ‘it’s not just Google’s fault’, while Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) Marc Pritchard has said that it is “about 40 – 50%” of the way through a massive review of all of its media agency contracts in the quest for greater transparency.
Rajiv Dingra, founder and chief executive officer of WATConsult, said that even though it's still early days and not enough is still being done in India, there is definitely a growing awareness, concern and maturity on part of marketers in the space.
He added: "The concern for brand safety measures is growing among marketers in India. Brands are asking for known publishers and are insisting on tools to ensure site selection is brand safe.”
The Drum also spoke with Anshul Jain, general manager and director of Merlin Entertainments India Pvt Ltd, which is a brand already looking into the issue in India, to get his perspective on brand safety in India.
He said: “ It is extremely important to have brand safety in plan before taking any media campaign live. These days, with the ease of access due to new data service providers, there has been a spike in users and hence a spike in ad networks and publishers as well. The digital platform is more complex, hence it becomes imperative to know where the brand's ads are being placed. However, on the other side, traditional media is much organised, as the brand can place the designed communication. So the safety of the brand places a huge role, not in India, but globally also.”
Whether there is enough infrastructure to manage brand safety, Anshul said: “The digital scenario in India is completely different from global, we are in the growing stage and has a huge potential. As a brand, we are serving ads through DCM/Sizmek [SC2] and working with known publishers, so the risk of brand dilution can be reduced immensely.”
The Drum also spoke with Aradhika Mehta, head of marketing at The Body Shop for India and Sri Lanka, who also believes that it is extremely important to have brand safety in plan before taking any media campaign live.
She said: “With the ease of access [to the internet] due to Jio [4G network] there has been a spike in users hence spike in ad networks and Publishers as well. Traditional media is pretty simple as everyone can see the placement unlike digital which is more complex hence it becomes imperative to know where the brands ads are being placed.”
According to India's digital minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: 'Indian government estimates the digital economy to surpass $1.115tn by 2024-25' but in order to achieve that successfully, the industry will also have to self-govern and grow awareness around brand safety.


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Digital Dreams has unveiled via the PlayStation US Blog their first independent published title Metrico, making its way exclusively to the PlayStation Vita. The new pub funded title will centre around an interesting take on infographics, providing players with an atmospheric puzzle action game that strives to create a unique mindset of its own.
Metrico centers around infographics, as you might have noticed from the teaser above. It’s an atmospheric puzzle action game that strives to create a unique mindset of its own. The idea has been in our heads for a few years, and was born out of noticing how beautiful infographics can look as an art form. It was reinforced by seeing that infographics have become increasingly important in contemporary pop-culture. While they haven’t made their way to videogames yet, we think it’s a place where they can work exceptionally well. This is not just because of their pretty aesthetics as much as it is about actively changing data and how that can be visualized.
Metrico has been in development for a while; we created several unreleased prototypes for ourselves to flesh out the design. Our last prototype won the Indiepub propeller Award in 2012 in the category of “Best Design”, after which we got into contact with Sony to develop the full game for PS Vita through the help of the Pub Fund program – and we are thrilled with the opportunity to do so! Especially because the gameplay mechanics of Metrico work particularly well in combination with the unique hardware features the PS Vita has to offer.
No release date has been given yet, however a gameplay trailer has been revealed alongside the announcement which you can check out below. It is currently unknown whether Metrico will be a downloadable only title or offer retail versions.


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Elavon, a payments company and wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, has partnered with California-based Poynt to offer the Poynt Smart Terminal to businesses across Canada.
Poynt has been designed as a wireless, dual touch-screen, smart terminal which enables businesses to accept payments anywhere. The payment terminal is suitable for businesses such as retail, lodging, restaurants and health and wellness.
The new smart payment terminal includes real-time reporting, apps, and a built-in scanner and printer as well as a second screen with private tipping options set the Poynt terminal apart.
The terminal allows customers to pay using chip and pin, Interac or contactless, including mobile payments using Apple Pay and Android Pay.
It also features built-in Wi-Fi and broadband capabilities which allow businesses to accept payments at the counter, in-aisle, at the table, or wherever their customers want to pay.
The terminal’s user-friendly HQ dashboard enables merchants to closely monitor sales and transaction activity from the terminal screen or via the web or mobile device and provides immediate insight into critical operational trends.
Elavon general manager of Canada Mia Huntington said: “Poynt makes the payment experience easy and engaging for customers, which is not something they’ve experienced with traditional payment terminals.
“It builds trust and loyalty for businesses while protecting their payment data. It is also scalable, so it can flex and grow with the business.”
Poynt CEO Osama Bedier said: “We are proud to expand into Canada with Elavon; we are thrilled to be the first to offer businesses the ability to create the most modern payment experience for their customers thanks to sleek features and ultimate payment flexibility.”


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Many Wireless Networks Lack Security
While his 800-mile drive confirmed that the number of wireless networks is growing explosively, he also found that only a third used basic encryption , a key security measure. In fact, in nearly 40 percent of the networks not a single change had been made to the gear's wide-open default settings.
"They took it out of the box, powered it up, and it worked. And they left it alone," said Outmesguine, who owns a technical services company. He frequently goes out on such "wardrives" in search of insecure networks. And while Outmesguine says he doesn't try to break in, others aren't so benign.
While Wi-Fi is hot, security is not.
Even the makers of Wi-Fi routers, access points and other gadgets privately say that as many as 80 percent of home users don't bother to enable basic encryption or other protections against connection theft, eavesdropping and network invasion.
Experts say that while Wi-Fi hardware makers have made initial setup easy, the enabling of security is anything but. Meanwhile, average users are no longer tech savvy. The gadgets are mainstream, appearing on the shelves of Wal-Mart and other mass retailers.
During his wardrive, Outmesguine counted 3,600 hot spots, compared with 100 on the same route in 2000. Worldwide, makers of Wi-Fi gear for homes and small offices posted sales of more than $1.3 billion in 2003, a 43 percent jump over 2002, according to Synergy Research Group.
The result? A lot of wide-open networks that offer anyone within range of the Wi-Fi signal free access to a high-speed Internet connection. Any hacking is unlikely to be noticed, while illegal activity would be traceable only to the name on the Internet account.
To make matters worse, users who don't secure their networks are often the very people who don't keep their computers up to date with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
"What we probably really have here is a whole bunch of very vulnerable systems exposed to attack or infection over a network that has no access control," said Al Potter, manager of technical services at the security firm TruSecure's ICSA Labs.
Companies that sell Wi-Fi products want their hardware to be simple and interoperable, especially as more than just computers--wireless TV monitors, digital music receivers, DVD players and game consoles, for example--are wirelessly connecting to home networks.
At the same time, they want to keep support calls and returns low, so they turn off security by default.
"We've been putting friendly front ends in front of technology for a long time," said Peter Evans, vice president of business development at AirDefense, a wireless security firm. "I'm not sure why the industry has not yet made those tools much easier to use."
Yet even knowledgeable consumers find it frustrating to set up security. It can involve punching in dozens of characters as the passphrase for each connected device, and navigating screens filled with a dizzying set of acronyms for encryption and authentication.
Typically, there isn't much explanation about what they are and why they're needed.
Problems grow when consumers try to mix a laptop wireless card from one vendor with a Wi-Fi access point from another. With security turned off, everything works fine. With basic encryption turn on, the headaches begin.
Because his Linksys access point and Gateway notebook used different techniques for generating the "key" to scramble and unscramble the data, Victor Miller of Princeton Junction, N.J., learned he had to twice punch in dozens of characters using the hexadecimal numbering system.
That process is prone to typing errors, which aren't apparent since Windows XP doesn't display the characters as they're entered. Also, Miller said, the user guides did not say that the computer would require a restart.
Miller, who is a cryptography expert, eventually got it working.
"I'm not sure many people would have the fortitude to actually copy down 26 hex digits twice," he said. "They'd just say, 'To hell with it.'"
Some manufacturers are beginning to tout security features as a selling point, just as they market faster speeds and greater signal range. Microsoft, for instance, made the transfer of keys fairly easy by copying the key and other settings to a floppy disk that could then be used to configure wireless laptops. The company, though, announced in May that it was getting out of the Wi-Fi hardware business.
Buffalo Technology has introduced a one-touch security system that exchanges keys between wireless devices and the wireless access point within a two-minute window after a button is pressed. Critics point out, however, that the system requires the manual entry of keys on non-Buffalo devices. And not all of Buffalo's products support the technology, called AOSS.
Meanwhile, Broadcom, the leading supplier of Wi-Fi chips, has announced a software feature called SecureEZSetup that generates the encryption key based on answers to simple, easy-to-remember questions. Still, any device that's not supported must be manually set up, and only one vendor--Belkin--has so far publicly committed to using the technology.
The Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry group that certifies Wi-Fi-labeled gear, has posted educational videos on its Web site and recommends that vendors use automated setup tools in their products. But it has stopped short of mandating specific interfaces, said Frank Hanzlik, the group's managing director.
In addition, not all vendors agree there's a major problem.
"Key to our strategy is consumer education," said Darek Connole, media relations manager at D-Link Systems. "If the consumer knows why it's important, why it's easy to do, it becomes something they implement."
That's no excuse for not making setups more simple, objects Potter of TruSecure.
"The right instructions, the right help screens that ask the right question at the right time can go an awfully long way to keep those eyes from glazing over," he said.
Copyright © 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.


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Silver prices hitting $20 per ounce leave the market speculating how much silver will rise in 2016. Due to the overall economic scenario globally and especially after Brexit, silver has had double the percentage gain compared to gold. After the UK decides to pull out from the European Union, there is a lot of turmoil in the equity markets and has helped this precious metal silver to be on the rise continuously.
This week gold futures saw the highest since March 2014 at $1367.10/ounce, whereas silver at $20.23/ounce highest in the last 23 months. Speculations have risen above the $21 mark (predicted at the beginning of 2016), and the experts now say the $32 mark is not far away. It has clearly outshined gold in terms of percentage rise since Brexit.
It’s a crucial point to note here, the reason for silver and gold prices rising is not alone the Brexit effect as it is commonly misunderstood. But also it is the effect of “negative real interest rates, currency market volatility and failed central-bank policy worldwide.” Say leading economists. The reason for the silver price rally is the difference in the trading pattern of silver and gold. Silver is traded on a much smaller volume than gold, so it’s much more volatile and also exaggerated sometimes. It tends to trade with 2 or 3 times the volatility of gold, mainly because of less volume day by day.
Though silver prices have seen a continuous and huge uptrend since the beginning of 2016, some commodity experts are very pessimistic about the present prices. They say silver is overpriced currently due to the market / economic situation. Unlike gold, silver prices also depend on industrial growth across the globe. At the same time, a few things which are quite uncommon are happening in the silver demand and supply situation. It is seen that silver production has been flat over the last couple of years.
Recently, President Keith Neumeyer of First Majestic Silver (ranked second highest silver producer as of 2015) made an interesting remark about silver pricing. He says, “We were approached by an electronics manufacturing company that manufacturers cell phones and computers about four weeks ago. Their top officials were in the meeting, and they wanted to bid on our silver. It’s the first time in the last fourteen years that I’ve been with First Majestic that an electronics manufacturer has ever contacted us. That tells me something is changing in the market.”


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Credit Unions Participate in Eighth Annual CU Lunch Local
Each International Credit Union Day, for the past eight years, credit unions have been called on to show their support of small business, be it lunch at a local deli or a shopping at a neighborhood store.
On Oct. 15, credit unions across the U.S. spent their money at local businesses with the goal of supporting them and encouraging others to buy local. Throughout the week, credit unions throughout Michigan and several other supporting states will participate.
Among the many credit unions in Michigan putting money back into their local economy through participation in CU Lunch Local are the following: Marshall Community Credit Union, OUR Credit Union, Wanigas Credit Union, Community Choice Credit Union, Lake Trust Credit Union, Christian Financial Credit Union.
The basic goal of CU Lunch Local (#culunchlocal), founded by Michigan Business Connection in 2012, is to drive positive awareness of the credit union industries to support local businesses. Recent data shows us that business loans by banks are down, and business loans by credit unions have substantially increased. This loan growth is really the result of businesses increasingly seeing credit unions as a great source for their business.
The time is right for the promotion of all the good things credit unions are doing to help Michigan businesses. And, what better way for credit unions to show their support for local businesses than to participate in a statewide cash mob during International Credit Union Week.
Dort Federal Credit Union was another credit union partaking in the event.
“All 11 Dort Federal Credit Union locations participated in CU Lunch Local Day, with each location purchasing lunch for team members from various local businesses in their community,” said Human Resources Director Deana Turcott. “We are proud to partner with our local business members. A special thanks to Sweets By Suzanne Marie, located in Fenton and Bongo’s Popcorn located in the Flint Farmers Market.”
Along with supporting several Dort Federal Credit Union business partners, team members also received lunches from nine other local restaurants.


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The Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti could be released as early as January 5th, according to several reports. This GPU is likely to take the place of the canceled RTX 4080 12GB model.
Remember the RTX 4080 12GB? It could be coming back as the RTX 4070 Ti. According to several reports, it’s also getting released in early January. Kopite7Kimi originally explained that the canceled GPU was getting renamed to the RTX 4070 Ti. Twitter user MegasizeGPU has corroborated the report, and given us a release date.
They claim that the RTX 4070 Ti will be released on January 5, 2023. This date also comes alongside what appears to be a boxart mockup for the RTX 4070 Ti, too. This aligns nicely with CES 2023. We could potentially see a reveal on January 3, followed by a review embargo on the 4th, then an official release on the 5th.
Pricing is key
However, one of the most crucial points of the release of the RTX 4070 Ti will be pricing. As the RTX 4080 12GB, this GPU was originally priced at $899. This is pretty steep for a “70” class GPU. AMD’s Radeon RX 7900 XT also comes into the same price bracket, meaning that there could be some competition between the two cards.
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On this front, it’s likely that we’d see the RX 7900 XT win out in pure rasterization performance. However, we will have to wait for independent benchmarks in order to verify this. Either way, the RTX 4070 Ti will be a decently powerful card.
It would make more sense for Nvidia to lower the price from $899 by at least $100 in order to stay competitive with Team Red. However, this generation of graphics cards is looking expensive, and Nvidia still has 30-series stock to clear. It’s a far cry from the value that the 30-series offers. With this new generation’s performance, it’s possible that the RTX 40-series might just be a bit of a misfire, similar to GTX 400, 700, and RTX 2000.


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NYT Digital Subs Rise 13% In Fourth Quarter
Paid digital subscribers to the Times and the International Herald Tribune — including subscribers to e-reader and replica editions — neared 640,000 in the fourth quarter of 2012, up about 13% from the end of the third quarter of 2012, the company said in its fourth-quarter report. Digital subscribers to BostonGlobe.com and the Globe’s e-reader and replica editions totaled approximately 28,000 as of the end of the quarter, up nearly 8% since the end of the third quarter of 2012. The Globe launched its pay site in September 2011.
Circulation revenue for the year grew, spurred on primarily by growth in digital subscriptions and an increase in print prices in the first half of 2012, helping offset a decline in the number of print newspapers sold.
Digital ad revenue during the fourth quarter rose 5.1% to $69 million, making up 24.7% of the company’s total advertising revenue. For the year, digital ad revenue was flat at $214.8 million, compared with $214.5 million in 2011.
Overall, the company reported an increase in fourth-quarter profit driven primarily by gains from the sales of the About Group and its stake in Indeed.com, which added about $261 million to its bottom line.


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Berry smart marketing ploy
Ocean Spray hopes convention will attract customers BUZZARDS BAY — Cranberry grower Larry Weston has not always agreed with the way Ocean Spray promotes its products, but this time he thinks they got it right.
When 30,000 Democratic National Convention delegates and media representatives pick up gift bags from the Boston 2004 Committee next week, a taste of Cape Cod's most popular fruit will be inside.
A bottle of Ocean Spray's new "Juice Tea" drink and a bag of its perennial favorite, Craisins, will be in every one of the canvas totes.
"I always take a positive note when it comes to something like this," said Weston. "There are people in this country who aren't familiar with the products."
Ocean Spray spokeswoman Denise Perry said all Massachusetts-based companies were contacted about sponsoring the convention early in the planning process last year.
"We have 75 years of history here and are deeply rooted in the state, so we're happy to participate," she said.
In addition to the gift bags, Ocean Spray is donating about 1,000 individual drink products a day to convention volunteers, said Perry.
Boston 2004 Communications Director Karen Grant said her committee, which is responsible for events and parties related to the convention, identified the Lakeville-based juice company as a possible sponsor early in the planning process.
"There were some products we knew we wanted to have and Ocean Spray was one of them, so we're delighted," she said.
Ocean Spray is providing drinks and Craisins for a media party Saturday night and for other events throughout the convention, she said.
The tote bags, which were donated by Boston sneaker manufacturer New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc., will contain other products with a distinctly New England image, said Grant. Gillette razors, Kraft Macaroni Cheese with noodles in the shape of donkeys, Boston subway maps provided by CVS, Dancing Bear cookies and Dunkin' Donuts coffee are all part of the package.
"We really wanted to use it to highlight some of our local industry," said Grant. "We had a two-fold goal: to highlight companies and provide tangible products."
Ocean Spray chose Craisins, a sweetened dried cranberry product, and its new Juice Tea because it reflected the "fresh face" theme the committee adopted for the bags, said Perry.
"We felt we were providing our most innovative products. Juice Tea is refreshing and innovative, and Craisins are a healthy alternative snack," she said.
Corporate sponsorship is nothing new for Ocean Spray, she said.
"We really try to do what we can, particularly as far as supporting non-profit, health-related charities."
The company is official sponsor of the National Kidney Foundation and Second Harvest, a national anti-hunger group.
As cranberry growers rise at the crack of dawn to irrigate and coax the fragile berries into maturity this summer, they are hoping this latest marketing venture will pay off in other ways besides more sales, said Weston.
"They're politicians, so maybe when it comes to getting something for the cranberry industry in the future, they'll remember (the gift bag products)," he said.
In the interest of bipartisanship, Weston said he hopes the company works just as hard to get product visibility at the Republican National Convention in New York City next month.
Harwich grower Linc Thacher also said he hopes Ocean Spray will have a presence at the GOP convention, but the Democratic convention in Boston is good.
"Any time we can introduce the products to any new people, it's wonderful," he said. "I think we've got to be in the limelight. And you know how these politicians talk."
Ocean Spray has arranged a similar promotion at the Republican convention, but details have not yet been sorted out, Perry said.
(Published: July 23, 2004)


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Volvo readying Range Rover Evoque rival
According to reports, Volvo is planning to launch a compact SUV, called XC40, based on a bespoke platform known as the SPA (Scaleable Platform Architecture) in about the next five years.autos Updated: Jul 05, 2013 12:04 IST
According to reports, Volvo is planning to launch a compact SUV, called XC40, based on a bespoke platform known as the SPA (Scaleable Platform Architecture) in about the next five years.
The first product that will be rolled off the new platform is reportedly going to be the replacement for the XC90 next year. The smallest model based on the platform will be the next-generation S60.
Volvo insiders say an XC40 would "fit the brand and sell in numbers". In recent times, the company’s best-selling models have been the XC90 andXC60. With downsizing trends across the world, and the success of models such as the Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque, the absence of an XC40 is a significant gap in Volvo’s line-up.
More details have also emerged about the engineering behind the SPA. It is constructed in five sections, with the section roughly between the centre of the front wheels and the A-pillars — which carries the engine and transmission — being the same size on all models underpinned by the platform.
Volvo sources confirmed that the SPA will be able to accommodate both mechanical four-wheel drive and electrically driven rear axles for hybrid versions. The SPA will only take Volvo’s all-new four-cylinder engines.
First Published: Jul 04, 2013 17:16 IST


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There's no two ways around it: The PC is slowing down with age.
Intel's upcoming "Bay Trail" Atom processor is aimed at the low-end market, and promises to deliver convertible PCs and notebooks with all-day battery life at budget prices.
Intel announced new server chips on Tuesday, including the latest Xeon E3, which is the first server processor based on the company's latest Haswell microarchitecture.
To make server upgrades easier, Intel introduced a rack reference architecture that speeds up data throughput while reducing energy and maintenance costs in data centers.
Hewlett-Packard in the future will offer customized Moonshot servers at different prices and also offer configurations with ARM and Intel Xeon processors.
After years of incremental improvements, Atom chips are poised for a big jump in performance and power efficiency with a new generation of low-processors that have shipped to server makers for testing.
The second-generation Nexus 7 tablet, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, will be launched around July, according to two unnamed sources in a Reuters report.
Hewlett-Packard next week will unveil a class of hyperscale servers as part of Project Moonshot, the company's attempt to build densely packed low-power servers that can scale performance quickly.
Renesas Electronics' latest system-on-a-chip has eight ARM processing cores to help next-generation, in-car infotainment systems handle multiple streams of 1080p video and augmented reality apps.
Graphics processors with 3D transistors could come to smartphones and tablets through a technology collaboration between Imagination Technologies and contract chip maker TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.).
Exploring methods of computing without silicon, IBM has found a way to make transistors that could be fashioned into virtual circuitry that mimics how the human brain operates.
Nvidia wants graphics processors to create avatars with realistic human faces, and power visual searches in which images can be identified to produce matching search results.
Warren East, the outgoing CEO of UK chip design company ARM, has never displayed the bravado of his counterparts across the Atlantic, and that was on show Tuesday when he explained his surprise decision to leave the company on July 1.
Nvidia wants to bump up graphics and application performance on tablets and smartphones with the two new Tegra mobile processors.
Simon Segars will become ARM CEO when Warren East retires July 1, the company said Tuesday.
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DENVER (CBS4)– It could be called a Blockbuster move. The movie rental company is moving its headquarters to Colorado along with 150 new jobs.
Gov. John Hickenlooper joined DISH CEO Charlie Ergen and Blockbuster’s president at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Englewood.
The new Blockbuster Worldwide Headquarters will relocate from Texas to the Denver suburb at9601 Meridian Blvd.
There are about 900 Blockbuster stores remaining across the U.S.
DISH, a Colorado-based satellite television provider recently purchased Blockbuster.


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Android 5.0 teased at Google I/O
Latest Android version to feature design upgrades and notification improvements
Google teased the latest version of its Android mobile operating system at yesterday's I/O conference, showcasing a new design and a number of new features.
Android 5.0 - dubbed Android L for the moment - promises the ability to add the illusion of depth with what Google called material design, which is supposed to mimic real-world design.
It will also feature a grid-based lay-out that should make it easier for developers to port apps to devices of varying screen sizes. Google said that there will be a unified set of style guidelines for every screen size.
Other design features include new animation capabilities, such as real-time ripple effects and shadows. Google gave an example of ripples that radiate from buttons on the dialler when they are pressed.
In terms of functionality, Android L streamlines the notification process, Google said. Instant notifications are shown on the lock screen so that users can access them without unlocking the phone - all that's required is a simple swipe down to expand the notification. Google also said that important notifications could rise to the top of the lock-screen notification list.
Google has also added a functionality that allows notifications to be acted upon from within open apps, meaning that the user will not have stop what they are doing in the event of a notification.
The lock screen itself has also had a going-over, with Google allowing authentication via signals such as Bluetooth, location and even voice prints. For example, if the device is in the vicinity of a Bluetooth watch, a user will be able to simply slide to unlock, rather than having to key in a passcode, which will only be required if the watch can't be detected.
At its I/O conference, Google also unveiled new design elements for mobile Chrome, a number of capabilities for Android Wear - the operating system optimised for wearable technologies - and Android Auto, a way to used Android services in the car. Google also announced Android TV, a user interface for smart TVs, and a new API for Gmail.