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|By Marketwired .||
|July 22, 2014 03:11 AM EDT||
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/22/14 -- Naturally Splendid Enterprises (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NSP)(OTCQB: NSPDF)(FRANKFURT: 50N) is pleased to announce the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary in the state of Colorado in the United States of America. The name of the US Corporation is Naturally Splendid USA Ltd.
Naturally Splendid CEO Craig Goodwin states, "Forming a US subsidiary is an important strategic step for Naturally Splendid for several reasons. A U.S. subsidiary allows the Company to expand distribution of the existing 100% NATERA superfood brand to US retailers, as well as penetrate US markets more efficiently for the plant based omega products and technologies that we have exclusive marketing rights throughout North America for in an agreement that we secured with Boreal Technologies. As importantly, it is the first step in commercializing the cannabinoid technology that we are in advanced stages of negotiations on with Full Spectrum Labs as announced on July 16, 2014."
On January 1st 2014 Colorado became the first US state to open recreational marijuana stores and became the first place in the world where marijuana will be regulated from seed to sale. Retail marijuana will have a 25% state tax plus the usual state sales tax of 2.9%, making the additional revenue to the state initially amount to $67 million a year, with $27.5 million of it designated to build schools, state tax officials say.(i)
By making legalizing marijuana, Colorado has opened its doors to considerable research and development opportunities in the field of cannabinoids. A prominent cannabinoid present in marijuana and hemp is Cannabidiol (CBD) known for its multiple therapeutic, nutraceutical applications. More specifically, Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound in industrial hemp that potentially has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel "high" and can actually counter the psychoactivity of THC.
The reduced psychoactivity of CBD-rich cannabis may make it an appealing nutraceutical product for individuals seeking anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-fungal, anti-bacteria and/or anti-spasm effects without disconcerting lethargy or dysphoria. Because CBD is only sold as a medical marijuana product in Colorado, people have to be Colorado residents to obtain it.
The process to locate a corporate headquarters for the U.S. subsidiary of Naturally Splendid has already begun. The Company is fortunate that CFO Chuck Jenkins is very familiar with operating in the state of Colorado. Mr. Jenkins states, "Having worked for several years with a Colorado operating company, I have found the business environment, infrastructure and geographic location to be quite advantageous as a base for US operations."
About Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd.
Naturally Splendid's 100% owned NATERA line of hemp-based superfood products are carried nationwide by Canada's leading health food distributors and a network of retail stores across Canada including major retailers and specialty stores. Naturally Splendid's 100% owned "NATERA" line of products includes natural and flavored shelled hemp seeds as well as natural and flavored hemp protein powders.
Naturally Splendid has an exclusive sales agreement to market and distribute, in North America, the full complement of patent pending, plant-based omega products created by Boreal Technologies. The products include HempOmega and H2Omega, as well as the FlaxOmega, CanolaOmega, and ChiaOmega plant based omega products. These novel products utilize microencapsulation and liposome technologies and are available in both a powder format and an aqueous solution for increased flexibility in ingredient applications and stand-alone products.
For more information e-mail [email protected] or call 604-559-8051.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
J. Craig Goodwin, CEO, Director
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Naturally Splendid cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Naturally Splendid's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Naturally Splendid's ability to complete proposed private placement financing. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Naturally Splendid undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
20th Cloud Expo, taking place June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world. Cloud computing is now being embraced by a majority of enterprises of all sizes. Yesterday's debate about public vs. private has transformed into the reality of hybrid cloud: a recent survey shows that 74% of enterprises have a hybrid cloud strategy.
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As pervasive as cloud technology is -- and as persuasive as the arguments are for using it -- the cloud has its limits. Some companies will always have security concerns about storing data in the cloud and certain high-transaction applications will always be better suited for on-premises storage. Those statements were among the bottom-line takeaways delivered at Cloud Expo this week, a three day, bi-annual event focused on cloud technologies, adoption and associated challenges.
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SYS-CON Events announced today that Hitachi, the leading provider the Internet of Things and Digital Transformation, will exhibit at SYS-CON's 20th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. Hitachi Data Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., offers an integrated portfolio of services and solutions that enable digital transformation through enhanced data management, governance, mobility and analytics. We help globa...
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SYS-CON Events announced today that T-Mobile will exhibit at SYS-CON's 20th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 6-8, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc., is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The Company's advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to 67.4 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on ...
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With billions of sensors deployed worldwide, the amount of machine-generated data will soon exceed what our networks can handle. But consumers and businesses will expect seamless experiences and real-time responsiveness. What does this mean for IoT devices and the infrastructure that supports them? More of the data will need to be handled at - or closer to - the devices themselves.
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Web Real-Time Communication APIs have quickly revolutionized what browsers are capable of. In addition to video and audio streams, we can now bi-directionally send arbitrary data over WebRTC's PeerConnection Data Channels. With the advent of Progressive Web Apps and new hardware APIs such as WebBluetooh and WebUSB, we can finally enable users to stitch together the Internet of Things directly from their browsers while communicating privately and securely in a decentralized way.
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New competitors, disruptive technologies, and growing expectations are pushing every business to both adopt and deliver new digital services. This ‘Digital Transformation’ demands rapid delivery and continuous iteration of new competitive services via multiple channels, which in turn demands new service delivery techniques – including DevOps. In this power panel at @DevOpsSummit 20th Cloud Expo, moderated by DevOps Conference Co-Chair Andi Mann, panelists will examine how DevOps helps to meet th...
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The age of Digital Disruption is evolving into the next era – Digital Cohesion, an age in which applications securely self-assemble and deliver predictive services that continuously adapt to user behavior. Information from devices, sensors and applications around us will drive services seamlessly across mobile and fixed devices/infrastructure. This evolution is happening now in software defined services and secure networking. Four key drivers – Performance, Economics, Interoperability and Trust ...
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Building a cross-cloud operational model can be a daunting task. Per-cloud silos are not the answer, but neither is a fully generic abstraction plane that strips out capabilities unique to a particular provider. In his session at 20th Cloud Expo, Chris Wolf, VP & Chief Technology Officer, Global Field & Industry at VMware, will discuss how successful organizations approach cloud operations and management, with insights into where operations should be centralized and when it’s best to decentraliz...
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DevOps is often described as a combination of technology and culture. Without both, DevOps isn't complete. However, applying the culture to outdated technology is a recipe for disaster; as response times grow and connections between teams are delayed by technology, the culture will die. A Nutanix Enterprise Cloud has many benefits that provide the needed base for a true DevOps paradigm. In his Day 3 Keynote at 20th Cloud Expo, Chris Brown, a Solutions Marketing Manager at Nutanix, will explore t...
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Investing guru Warren Buffett has always been cautious about the tech sector. A rapidly changing landscape and fierce competition make it difficult to choose a winner for the long term. However, Buffett has been a bit more open to tech investments over the past few years and a recent regulatory filing showed that the Oracle of Omaha has been buying up shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).
Earlier this week, regulatory filings showed that Buffett increased his holdings of AAPL stock by 3% during the third quarter to a total 134 million shares. His purchase makes him the fifth-largest Apple stock holder.
To be sure, data on these purchases is somewhat outdated and it’s never a good idea to blindly follow anyone, even Warren Buffet, I think he is on to something. The AAPL stock price has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride so far this year as worries about iPhone sales weighed on investor confidence in Apple’s future.
However, even with the ups and downs, AAPL stock has still increased more than 45% so far this year, that, combined with the tech-maker’s strong financial position, compelling moat and strong brand position, make it a good long-term pick. As AAPL stock has declined 4% over the last five day, we are at a good entry point.
AAPL’s Big Pile of Cash
Apple’s fourth quarter results beat expectations and gave investors a reason to believe that The Fruit was on its way back to the top. Revenue came in at $52.6 billion, above analysts expectations of $50.7 billion. More importantly, AAPL topped forecasts of 46 million for iPhone unit sales, with the actual figure coming in slightly higher at 46.7 million.
Although the iPhone unit sales were only marginally higher than what analysts were expecting, Apple brought in a ton of cash as the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus became the firm’s best-selling products as soon as they were launched.
Guidance for the future was equally as impressive with revenue seen rising to somewhere between $84 billion and $87 billion in the first quarter.
That will add to Apple’s already strong financial position. The company is sitting on a big pile of cash, which bodes well for investors in several ways.
First, it gives the company purchasing power. Not only does Apple have the ability to spend on R&D to ensure that its products are cutting-edge, but the firm has the ability to acquire peers in the industry that are struggling. A huge cash reserve also makes for a strong safety net in the event of a macroeconomic meltdown. Geopolitical tension across the globe coupled with worries about economic certainty means that companies like Apple, which relies on consumers’ disposable income, could become vulnerable. Apple’s safety net of cash means the firm will be able to weather even the worst-case scenario.
Kind to Investors
The other reason having so much cash on-hand is a good thing is that it makes AAPL stock very investor-friendly. Apple’s respectable 1.5% dividend yield is an added bonus for investors, and the firm’s payout ratio of just 26 means it’s also very reliable.
A lot of Apple’s cash is actually held overseas though, and bringing it back to the U.S. would create a huge tax burden for the company. However, many are expecting to see Congress approve a tax reform bill that would allow AAPL to bring a lot of that money back.
From there, there’s a lot of speculation as to what Apple will do with the cash. It’s likely that the firm will use $100 billion of the near $220 billion it would have if the tax bill is passed to pay down its debt. The rest of the money could be set aside for strategic acquisitions, but many believe that at least part of that cash will make its way to shareholders either through buybacks or a one-time special dividend payment.
Bottom Line on AAPL Stock
AAPL stock has a lot of potential now that the firm’s iPhone sales have been reignited. The company has a history of being generous with shareholders and the new tax code could prove to be a major windfall for investors. Buffet significantly increased his stake in Apple over the past few months, and you’d be wise to follow suit.
As of this writing, Laura Hoy was long AAPL.

domain: news


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By Paul J. Davies and Amrith Ramkumar
U.S. stocks fell Wednesday after downbeat economic data fueled fresh fears of slower growth in the world economy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 161 points, or 0.6%, to 25371 shortly after the opening bell. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%, dropping 4.3% below its April 30 record. It remains up 12% for the year. The tech-laden Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.6%.
Setbacks in U.S.-China trade relations have swung markets in recent days, with stocks rising and falling on shifting bets about the two sides eventually reaching an agreement. Many investors are worried about higher tariffs crimping economic and profit growth, leading to an uptick in volatility so far this month.
Those jitters have also increased focus on economic data points as analysts attempt to gauge whether a growth slowdown overseas will spread to the U.S. Data Wednesday showed U.S. retail sales fell unexpectedly in April even before the U.S. raised tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports and Beijing said it would raise levies on $60 billion of U.S. goods in response. U.S. manufacturing output also fell in April, missing expectations.
Figures also showed Chinese industrial production, retail sales and fixed-asset investment all slowed in April, the latest mixed data point concerning analysts who are uncertain how much stimulus measures will spur activity in the world's second-largest economy.
In one sign of heightened growth worries, bond yields slid with investors seeking safety in U.S. Treasurys. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell to 2.364%, according to Tradeweb, from 2.421% a day earlier and was on track to close at its lowest level since late in 2017. Bond yields fall as prices rise.
Still, some analysts expect an eventual trade deal and Chinese stimulus measures to boost the outlook for global growth moving forward. The Shanghai Composite rose 1.9% Wednesday following an upbeat session in the U.S. a day earlier, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Japan's Nikkei Stock Average also climbed.
Sebastien Galy, senior macro strategist at Nordea Asset Management, said investors in China seemed to react to the weak economic data by assuming that the government would bring more economic stimulus measures, sending stocks higher. The buying, he thought, was driven mainly by those who had been underinvested in the early part of the year.
"What seems to be happening is that many had missed the rally since December and were waiting to buy on a dip," he said. "With such a psychology, a shock that should be sizable seems to fade faster."
Some analysts are still bracing for more market swings ahead as investors get more economic data and trade signals.
Figures Wednesday showed Germany's economy expanded 0.4% in the first quarter, after Europe's largest economy narrowly avoided a recession late last year. Some analysts remain wary that a slowdown in business confidence around the world following the latest tariffs will hurt growth more in the future. The Stoxx Europe 600 edged down 0.6%.
Among individual stocks Wednesday, Macy's added 2.8% after the retailer posted stronger-than-expected sales growth in its latest quarter. Investors will also parse coming earnings from Walmart and other sellers of consumer goods for possible clues about how the companies plan to handle 25% tariffs on more than $40 billion of goods that are imported from China and directly purchased by U.S. consumers.
Write to Paul J. Davies at email@example.com and Amrith Ramkumar at firstname.lastname@example.org


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Shell Energy fined £1.4m for failing to flag end of mobile and broadband contracts
Shell Energy has been fined £1.4m for failing to alert more than 70,000 phone and broadband customers to the end of their contracts or tell them what they could save by signing up to a new deal.
The communications regulator, Ofcom, found that Shell’s UK broadband and phone business broke consumer protection rules designed to ensure that customers get a fair deal.
These rules, introduced by Ofcom in 2020, require providers to proactively prompt their customers before their existing contract is up and provide information to help them shop around and find a better deal.
Telecoms and pay-TV companies must issue an “end-of-contract” notification to customers – by text, email or letter – between 10 and 40 days before their minimum contract period comes to an end. They must also send notifications at least once a year to customers who are outside their minimum contract period, reminding them that they are free to leave or switch to a different deal. Both notifications must include “best tariff” information.
The regulator’s investigation found that Shell Energy broke its rules by failing to send the required end-of-contract alerts and annual best tariff notifications to some of its customers.
It found that 72,837 customers were affected by the firm’s failures between March 2020 and June 2022. In some instances, the company failed to send out end-of-contract notifications and annual best tariff notifications altogether. In other cases, customers were issued with notifications that included inaccurate or incomplete information. This was caused by a combination of manual errors, and systems and process failures at Shell Energy.
About 7,750 customers received an end-of-contract notification that contained incorrect information about the price they would pay once their minimum term period came to an end. Of these customers, 6,054 went on to pay higher charges than they were originally quoted, a total of £398,417.67 – an average of £65.81 each.
The Ofcom enforcement director, Suzanne Cater, said: “Every day tens of thousands of customers come to the end of their phone or broadband contract and can make significant savings by switching provider or signing up to a better deal. That’s why our rules, which demand that providers prompt customers with the information they need to take action, are so important.
“Shell Energy’s failings represent a serious breach of our consumer protection rules and they must now pay the price. This sends a message to the whole industry that we won’t hesitate to step in on behalf of customers if they don’t play by the book.”
The fine is payable to HM Treasury within four weeks. It is 30% lower than it would normally have been after the company admitted liability and agreed to enter into Ofcom’s settlement process.
In a statement, the firm apologised to customers. A Shell Energy Broadband spokesperson said: “Transparency and clarity for our customers is something we believe in strongly so we were extremely disappointed to have let some customers down in the past by not providing them with the notifications and accuracy we should have. As soon as we became aware of the errors we self-reported to Ofcom, rectified the issues, compensated customers and supported Ofcom in its investigation. We apologise to any customer who we let down.”
He said the firm had dramatically reduced complaints in the past year.
The company moved quickly to refund affected customers, Ofcom said. It decided not to issue refunds lower than £3 to former customers, and instead donated an equivalent amount to charity, which also includes unclaimed refunds. Ofcom has required Shell to make refunds available to these customers should they request it.
Last year, Shell’s consumer arm was fined £536,000 by Ofgem for overcharging thousands of customers on prepayment meters since the energy price cap was introduced in 2019.


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J. Cole Inks Deal with Canadian Elite Basketball League
J. Cole meant it when he said: “Can’t leave the game yet, I feel like LeBron.” Shams Charania reported on Thursday that J. Cole signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars, part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Last year, the Dreamville boss hooped in the Basketball Africa League. J. Cole reported for camp this week, as the season is set to tip-off on May 26.
Real Madrid Lands 20 Year, $380M Investment from Sixth Street
Real Madrid is currently sitting atop La Liga. As the club prepares for today’s battle with Real Betis, it announced that it has received a $380 million infusion from US investment company, Sixth Street. The investment includes approximately 30% of in-stadium operations, but excludes ticket sales. The news comes as Real Madrid currently finds itself in the headlines for its pursuit of PSG and French National Team standout Kylian Mbappe, a move that would shake up the European football world.
Coinbase Commits to the Future of the WNBA
Investing in women is always good business. On Thursday, Coinbase announced exclusively on Boardroom that it is expanding its investment in the WNBA ecosystem. The updated relationship includes partnering with the WNBPA, the New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, and Storm veterans Sue Bird and Jewell Loyd.
Endeavor Goes Deep with $47M Investment in Braves’ System
Endeavor is doubling down on its commitment to minor league baseball. Last December, the company formed a subsidiary called Diamond Baseball Holdings, which invested in nine teams across the minor leagues. Since then, Endeavor has faced scrutiny about the validity of its investments due to potential conflict of interest with its agency arm. Undeterred, it announced that it has invested in three teams in the Braves’ minor league system, worth upwards of $47 million.
Spike Lee Revives Mars Blackmon with NFT Collection
In 1986, a character took over movie screens everywhere that would change the path of film forever. She’s Gotta Have It’s Mars Blackmon introduced Spike Lee to movie-goers in the first-ever Spike Lee Joint. Twenty-five years after its release Lee gained ownership of the film’s rights, and capitalized on the opportunity to create a limited-release NFT collection. Spike sat down with Boardroom to discuss the classic film, the collection, and more.
Puma Runs on Dunkin’ with New Collab
Next week marks an important holiday on the calendar: Dunkin’s “Iced Coffee Day.” This year, sneakerheads are in for a treat for their celebrations, as Puma is collaborating with the coffee chain for a custom shoe featuring Dunkin’s signature hot pink and orange. The shoe will retail at $80-90, when the collab releases on May 25th. The brands have also donated the footwear to hospital partners across the United States.
TAG Heuer Website Opens Up Crypto Payments
What do Jimmy Butler, Naomi Osaka, and big wave surfer Maya Gabeira all have in common? Each is a TAG Heuer athlete. Now, the LVMH-owned company announced that it will accept 12 digital currencies on its U.S. website. LVMH CEO Frédéric Arnault is committed to the future of crypto and believes that it is positioned to transform the fashion world.


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£72m support helps Fife businesses create almost 700 jobs during lockdown
Fife businesses got over £72m of Scottish Government funding during the pandemic, a new report has revealed.
And the organisation which administered the cash, was able to help create almost 700 new jobs, and support over 500 start-ups businesses.
The figures came from the board of Business Gateway Fife as it was presented with the 20/21 figures for the delivery of its core activities during the pandemic.
Mark Jones, chairman, paid tribute to the teams which took on the “mammoth task” of getting the region’s businesses through lockdown.
He said: “In a year like no other, some remarkable figures have emerged showing the mammoth task our Business Gateway and economic development teams faced to make sure businesses received the appropriate support and funding promptly.
“They have gone above and beyond to deliver this critical support to Fife’s businesses.”
The report shows the creation of 676 new jobs with a further 113 jobs through Financial Support to Business grants - and this at a time when many Fife businesses accessed UK Government furlough support for staff whilst redesigning and adapting their business models to pivot to new ways of working and customer requirements,
Business Gateway Fife and Fife Council Economic Development handled some 7,116 applications for support.
Business Gateway Fife supported 519 new business start-ups with a £19.9 million projected turnover.
Other significant highlights included events and workshops which were all moved online. Although they were delivered remotely, the 200 events attracted 1,269 attendees and showed no reduction in attendance.
The extremely popular and valuable Digital Boost programme supported 89 businesses through 1-2-1 support.
Fife’s growing and established businesses did not miss out as 1,257 received assistance with 85 able to kickstart growth projects through accessing Expert Help.
Councillor Altany Craik, convenor of Fife Council’s economy committee said: “I am really impressed by some of the figures, especially the immense Covid support grant payments that have been delivered to Fife’s businesses.
“These are unprecedented times and hopefully many of our businesses will have the ability and the confidence to bounce back from the disruption and trauma that the lockdowns and restrictions have caused.”


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CES PC News - PC Networking Options Flourish
A major step in making wireless networking more widely and easily available was the announcement by the HomeRF Working Group of the ratification of its Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP) version 1.0. So far, 13 companies including Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Proxim and Samsung have committed to develop products based on SWAP.
SWAP's goal is to allow developers to design a variety of products that wirelessly connect without restricting consumers to one brand or product line.
Networking options will likely expand as multiuser households become more mainstream.


text: China could hit Australian farmers with tariffs on imported barley amid escalating political tensions between the two countries. Australian grain organisations, including Grain Trade Australia, said it was understood China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)) was proposing to place new tariffs on all barley imported from Australia as a result of its ongoing anti-dumping and countervailing duties investigations. The yet to be finalised tariffs could include a dumping margin of up to 73.6 per cent and a subsidy margin of up to 6.9 per cent for all barley imported from Australia. Australian barley exporters and the Australian Government have been provided with 10 days to respond. It is understood MOFCOM would deliver its final determination on, or before May 19. The move to introduce tariffs on barley comes as political tensions between Australia and China intensify after Prime Minister Scott Morrison led calls for an investigation into the origins of coronavirus. WAFarmers grain section president Mic Fels said if the tariffs being mooted were applied, it could make Australian barley unaffordable in China. China is Australia’s largest barley export market and Australia is the largest supplier of barley to China. Barley is WA’s second largest broadacre crop in WA, after wheat, delivering about $1 billion in export grain and malt earnings a year. Mr Fels said grain growers would be looking closely at what the trade does this week and how prices were affected. “This anti-dumping action has been simmering for a long time and this is putting some numbers on it,” he said. “If it ends up playing out like this it would have a big effect on selling barley into China.” The probe by MOFCOM into Australian barley started a year ago after China alleged Australia was selling barley at lower prices than normal in the year to September 2018. Australian traders have vehemently denied the allegations. The grain industry organisations said in their statement barley exporters would continue to co-operate with the Chinese Government and work closely with the Australian Government. According to Grain Industry Association of WA, WA farmers will plant 1.86 million hectares of barley this year, up from 1.7 million hectares in 2019. Mr Fels said most farmers would have planted their barley for the 2020 season by now, but those who may not have finished may reduce their barley program in favour of other crops. The decision looms as Chinese demand for malt barley is weak because of lower beer consumption driven by COVID-19 restrictions, while feed barley demand has dropped amid fewer pigs after African Swine Fever wiped out herds.


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The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FreightWaves or its affiliates. In this installment of the AI in Supply Chain series (#AIinSupplyChain), we explore how artificial intelligence is being used to help beneficial cargo owners gain greater visibility into their supply chains in order to make it possible for their insurers to more accurately underwrite insurance policies. This article is most directly related to Commentary: Key supply chain innovation issues to consider in a world with VUCA and Commentary: Exogenous variables dominate a world with VUCA. According to IBM, "Supply chain visibility is the ability of stakeholders throughout the supply chain to access real-time data related to the order process, inventory, delivery and potential supply chain disruptions." Sometimes this definition is extended to include access to knowledge about the state of goods in transit.
I always know a new product is excellent when its makers describe it as "next-level." I hear you moan, on seeing the new, wondrous Ring Always Home Cam. Also: When is Prime Day 2020? Oh, how can you be such a killjoy? When Amazon's Ring describes it as "Next-Level Compact, Lightweight, Autonomously Flying Indoor Security Camera," surely you leap toward your ceiling and exclaim: "Finally, something from Amazon I actually want! A drone that flies around my living room!"
FedEx Corp. is looking at using small self-flying cargo planes to serve remote areas after experimenting with a technology startup on autonomous aircraft, said Chief Executive Officer Fred Smith. The effort builds on the courier's work with Silicon Valley's Reliable Robotics, which was founded by veterans of Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp. With approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Reliable Robotics demonstrated in June a fully automated remote landing of a Cessna 208 Caravan turboprop owned by FedEx. "This initiative deals with small turboprop airplanes and in this particular case the single-engine C208, which we're looking at putting in very remote and uninhabited areas as part of our network," Smith said Monday at FedEx's annual shareholder meeting. FedEx pilots shouldn't be concerned about robots stealing their jobs -- for now.
A fleet of 40 autonomous robots has been deployed on Arizona State University's Tempe campus, making it the latest institution to implement robot food-delivery from Starship Technologies, according to a university release. ASU's food-service provider, Aramark, has partnered with the delivery robot's creator, Starship, to provide the nearly four dozen robots that will serve ASU's on-campus community. According to the release, the robots will retrieve food and drinks from "on-campus retailers to be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes." Starship is already providing the food-delivery services to over 10 campuses across the country. The robots rolled out to Northern Arizona University's campus in 2019.
Shortly after receiving final FAA approval for drone deliveries, Amazon already has a rival. Walmart announced that it will start a pilot program with drone company Flytrex to deliver groceries and other household essentials from its stores in Fayetteville, NC. Flytrex had previously received FAA approval for food deliveries in North Carolina. The pilot program will mostly be used to gather information for a future service, so the Fayetteville skies won't be filled with drones just yet. "The drones, which are controlled over the cloud using a smart and easy control dashboard, will help us gain valuable insight into the customer and associate experience -- from picking and packing to takeoff and delivery," said Walmart senior VP Tom Ward.
Your future Walmart order might be delivered via drone. The retail giant announced the launch of an on-demand drone delivery pilot program in Fayetteville, North Carolina Wednesday with Flytrex, an end-to-end drone delivery company. In a blog post, Tom Ward, Walmart senior vice president of customer products, said the pilot focuses on delivering select grocery and household essential items from Walmart stores using Flytrex's automated drones. "The drones, which are controlled over the cloud using a smart and easy control dashboard, will help us gain valuable insight into the customer and associate experience – from picking and packing to takeoff and delivery," Ward said. Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox.
As physical retail struggles amid the global pandemic, storeowners are rapidly trying to adapt to new realities that also include growing competition from Amazon. But a French startup called Storelift believes it can create a new convenience store concept that leans on many of the same AI and computer vision tools used in Amazon Go stores to reinvent the shopping and checkout experience. This week, Storelift announced that it has launched its first two stores under the name "Boxy." The Boxy stores are repurposed shipping containers that can be plopped down in various urban neighborhoods that lack good shopping options. The founders believe their approach demonstrates how businesses can exploit new shopping niches with the help of sensors, data, and AI that allows them to optimize their inventory and reduce costs.
Bezos said in the 2013 interview that it would take four or five years to have those drone deliveries. It turns out that using remote-controlled aerial gizmos to drop stuff at our homes is incredibly difficult, prone to risk and potentially more trouble than it's worth. Like driverless cars, drone technology in populated areas is more complicated than most people expected, and it has been -- mostly for good reason -- tightly controlled in the United States by government agencies worried about drones straying into the path of airplanes, dropping out of the sky onto our heads or unwittingly spying through people's windows. It wasn't until this week that the F.A.A. gave Amazon permission to do drone deliveries. And drones might never be practical for deliveries when someone in a vehicle could do the same thing in a fraction of the time and cost. Drones are a great public relations jolt for Amazon, but let's not put too much stock in them for awhile -- maybe ever.
Getting an Amazon package delivered from the sky is closer to becoming a reality. The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday it had granted Amazon approval to deliver packages by drones. Amazon said that the approval is an "important step," but added that it is still testing and flying the drones. It did not say when it expected drones to make deliveries to shoppers. "This certification is an important step forward for Prime Air and indicates the FAA's confidence in Amazon's operating and safety procedures for an autonomous drone delivery service that will one day deliver packages to our customers around the world," said David Carbon, vice president of Prime Air.


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Amazon line of smart speakers is switching up its look; the new Amazon Echo will be spherical. The price will be $100 (£90), which is what the company’s previous, third-generation Amazon Echo went for. The new Echo speaker will be available Oct. 22, and its fabric-covered body will come in three different colors: charcoal, glacier white and twilight blue. It’s.
For specifics about its design as regards sound quality, Amazon says, “Its 3.0-inch woofer, dual-firing tweeters, and Dolby processing delivers stereo sound with clear highs, dynamic-mids, and deep bass that automatically adapts to any room.”
While the woofer appears to be the same as the previous Echo’s, Amazon has packed a second .8-inch tweeter into the speaker, which should


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Health Canada is recalling a SHEIN trench coat for toddlers over possible lead exposure.
The product is listed as “Toddler Girl Ruffle Trim Double Breasted Polyurethane Trench Coat,” on the Health Canada site and contains higher levels of lead than is legally allowed in products sold in Canada.
“Lead is toxic if ingested, especially to children,” warns Health Canada. Some of the serious health effects of lead exposure include vomiting, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, and can impact the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system.
In rare cases, extreme exposure to lead can result in death. “Since lead builds up in the body, exposure to even small amounts of lead can result in large amounts of lead being present in the body,” says Health Canada.
The agency is advising consumers who purchased the product to stop using it and dispose or destroy the item right away. Health Canada says SHEIN will automatically issue a full refund.
SHEIN has reportedly sold 11 of the coats in Canada between the period of October 2020 to September 2021.
Health Canada says the company has not received any reports of incidents or injuries in relation to the affected product.


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The British Business Bank recently announced the launch of a £150 million investment fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland. The fund, which is set to launch this summer, aims to support the growth and development of Scottish SMEs by providing them with access to the capital they need to invest in their businesses.
The fund will be available to businesses across all sectors and it will provide funding for a range of activities, including the development of new products and services, expansion into new markets, and the purchase of equipment and machinery.
The launch of this fund is a welcome development for Scottish SMEs, as it will provide them with a much-needed source of funding at a time when access to capital can be challenging. It is also a testament to the importance of SMEs to the Scottish economy, as they play a vital role in driving innovation and growth.
According to the British Business Bank, the fund is expected to support around 300 SMEs in Scotland over the next five years, helping them to achieve their growth ambitions and create new jobs. This is a significant boost for the Scottish economy and will contribute to its long-term prosperity.
The £150 million investment fund is just one of several initiatives that the British Business Bank has launched in recent years to support the growth of SMEs across the UK. It is clear that the bank is committed to helping small businesses succeed and thrive, and this latest fund is a further demonstration of that commitment.
Overall, the launch of the £150 million investment fund for SMEs in Scotland is great news for small businesses in the region and will provide a much-needed boost to the Scottish economy. It is a welcome development and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the growth and success of Scottish SMEs.
(Source: British Business Bank and UKTN)


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IPrint Digital acquires National Outdoor Advertising
Creative agency IPrint Digital Jamaica Limited has snapped up a big and older rival in the advertising market, National Outdoor Advertising Limited, or NOA.
The deal to acquire 100 per cent of NOA from a foreign company called Fundamental LLC was finalised on Tuesday, but the terms of the transaction were not disclosed. JMMB Securities Limited acted as financial advisers to IPrint Digital.
NOA is a 50-year-old company specialising in signs, equipment and supplies, and is currently run by General Manager and CFO Karen James. Its services include large-format printing, vehicle graphics, identity signage, event display and printing. James said the combined operations would have more than 800 display "faces" across Jamaica, in a release announcing the acquisition.
IPrint is a 12-year-old company that is also engaged in signage production. Its founding partners are Richard Bair, Chairman Stephen Steele, Solomon Sharpe, Newton Barnes and Managing Director Katrina Kelly.
The companies said Wednesday in the joint release that aspects of the businesses will merge, but they would continue to operate under their separate brands. Kelly told the Financial Gleaner that it would be business as usual.
"We are operating two separate entities and we look forward to the synergies it brings," added Steele.
Efforts to ascertain the size of the combined entities were rebuffed.
"The stakeholders fundamentally chose to divest their holdings of NOA to an organisation they felt would continue it's legacy and drive growth," said Kelly. "We are not prepared to disclose the details of the purchase price or assets."
The combined operations now employ 120, with no adjustments expected to the current team. The plan is to expand in Jamaica. "With well over 800 advertising faces across the island, this provides the platform for growth in both physical and digital OOH," said James.
Digital OOH, or out-of-home advertising, is said to be a cost-effective way for promoting or marketing a brand or product using billboards and displays.
"As we see it, this union is the perfect merger, where competencies of outdoor media, print and fabrication converge under one umbrella," James said.


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NRG Signs Cody 'Clix' Conrod to their Fortnite roster.
Epic Games has contacted us with an official response to claims that they failed to pay some Fortnite pro players.
Professional and competitive Fortnite players are calling out Epic for failing to pay them their earnings while some Content Creators are missing their SAC money.
Everything you need to know about the DreamHack Open featuring Fortnite.
Ninja Battles is making the case for lowering the player count in Fortnite tournaments.
Bizzle, EmadGG, and Commandment take home the victory in Week 2 of Ninja Battles Fortnite
Zayt appears convinced that Tfue and other Fortnite pros are using macros for their double movement keybinds.
Fortnite pro, ZexRow, receives a fine and a final warning from his organization, TSM.
Ninja Battles has shown us that there's a massive opportunity in invitational Fortnite tournaments.
Mackwood, Zexrow, and Yung Calc take home $25,000 by winning week 1 of the Ninja Battles featuring Fortnite
Fortnite’s V16.10 patch is now live across PC, Xbox, PlayStation and more, with changes being made to the Primal Shotgun,...
The Fortnite Season 6 v16.10 update is expected to release this week. Here's what to expect in the patch notes.
Fortnite Season 6 is now live! Take a look at all of the major map changes, places to explore, the...


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Starbucks is taking the plunge and opening its first coffee shop in Italy.
The coffee giant will open the store in Milan in early 2017 'with humility and respect', the company said.
The first Italian branch will open in partnership with retail and real estate developer Percassi.
President of the company, Antonio Percassi, said: "We know that we are going to face a unique challenge with the opening of the first Starbucks store in Italy, the country of coffee, and we are confident that Italian people are ready to live the Starbucks experience, as already occurs in many other markets."
Starbucks Coffee Company chairman and CEO Howard Schultz said: "Now we’re going to try, with great humility and respect, to share what we’ve been doing and what we’ve learned through our first retail presence in Italy.
"Our first store will be designed with painstaking detail and great respect for the Italian people and coffee culture."
Milan is the first store the company will open in Italy and they plan to develop in more cities across the country.


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POSTED: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - 10:12am
UPDATED: Monday, October 31, 2011 - 12:57pm
Retailers are gearing up for the holiday with spooky displays.
The National Retail Federation says consumers are obviously eager to have a frightfully good time this Halloween, with seven in ten americans planning to celebrate in some form or fashion this year.
That's compared to about six in ten last year.
That means sales of decorations, candy and costumes should be up, especially with more adults getting in on the fun.
Halloween is close to a $7 billion industry, second in spending only to Christmas, and like Christmas, a chance for at least temporary employment.
Party City expects to add 14,000 employees next month.
"There's actually a lot of opportunities for those employees to stay on after Halloween. So, a lot of the temporary jobs do turn into permanent positions," says Party City "spooksperson" Ressa Tomkiewicz.
A month out from the spooky occasion, some retailers have already experienced scary good Halloween sales.
"Our Halloween is actually selling very well. We're selling out of decor very quickly and they're coming in to get it," says Sams Club store manager Bob Cutwright.
The average person is expected to shell out just over $72 this Halloween, compared to just over $66 last year.


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BEIJING: China’s exports in November shrank for the fourth consecutive month, underscoring persistent pressures on manufacturers from the Sino-US war but growth in imports may be a sign that Beijing’s stimulus steps are helping to stoke demand.
The 17-month long trade dispute has heightened the risks of a global recession and fuelled speculation that China’s policymakers could unleash more stimulus as growth in the world’s second-largest economy cooled to nearly 30-year lows.
Overseas shipments fell 1.1 per cent from a year earlier last month, customs data showed on Sunday, compared with a 1pc expansion tipped by a poll of analysts and a 0.9pc drop in October.
Imports unexpectedly rose 0.3pc from a year earlier, marking the first year-on-year growth since April and compared with a 1.8pc decline forecast by economists.
The better-than-expected import data may point to firming domestic demand after factory activity showed surprising signs of improvement recently, although analysts have noted the recovery could be difficult to sustain amid trade risks.
China’s trade surplus for November stood at $38.73 billion, compared with an expected $46.3bn surplus in the poll and a $42.81bn surplus recorded in October.
China’s trade surplus with the US for November stood at $24.6bn, according to calculations based on customs data, easing from the previous month’s surplus of $26.45bn.
China confirmed on Friday that it will waive import tariffs for some soybeans shipments from the US.
Imports of copper rose 12.1pc on the previous month as an improvement in the manufacturing sector stoked higher demand for the red metal, customs data showed yesterday.
China’s official factory activity gauge returned to growth for the first time in seven months in November, with a private survey showing activity expanding at the quickest pace in almost three years.
But falling industrial profits and factory prices suggest persisting downward pressure on the sector.
Iron ore imports fell for a second straight month in November, pulled down by falling shipments from top miners in Australia and Brazil despite firm demand at mills.
Beijing and Washington are negotiating a first phase trade deal aimed at de-escalating a trade dispute but they continue to wrangle over key details.
A US House bill targeting China’s camps for ethnic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang and other bills supporting anti-government protesters in Hong Kong have also angered Beijing, further clouding prospects for a deal.
US president Donald Trump said on Thursday trade talks with China are “moving right along,” striking an upbeat tone even as Chinese officials held fast to their line that existing tariffs must come off as part of an interim deal. Earlier in the week, though, Trump rattled global markets when he said a deal might have to wait until after the 2020 election.
Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Friday that a December 15 deadline is still in place to impose a new round of US tariffs on some $156bn of China’s remaining exports to the US, but the president likes where trade talks with China are going, he added.
One Chinese official said that China will implement its own tariffs as a countermeasure if the December 15 tariffs go into place, which may dash any chance of a near-term trade deal.


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Alex Torres picked up a discounted flat screen from Target on Black Friday. A few weeks later, he'd learn that purchase may have cost him a lot more than he expected.
"I thought nothing of it, except for on Wednesday I was at a convenience store and they declined my card," he said.
Someone racked up $1,600 from his debit card. Alex is one of the 40 million Target customers who had their data breached by hackers. He was also charged hundreds in overdraft fees.
"There were 12 charges made at a Walmart at Davie, Florida," he said. "It is scary to think that technology is to that level now."
Fortunately for Alex, he was able to work with his bank to get his money back. Others are still dealing with the headache of that massive data breach.
It has a lot of shoppers keeping their minds on their money. This Saturday is like Black Friday, in that it is one of the busiest shopping times of the year.
Security expert Steve Hasselbach says that's not a bad idea, he also brought up this trick.
"Purchase prepaid cards, then take those out and use those prepaid cards to buy items you need," Hasselbach said.
Back at Target, the company says it has fixed the problem, though many believe the hackers will simply move on to the next store.
"To think that people can just spend other people's money and be okay about it, it's just disgusting," Torres said.
FOX 13 / WTVT-TV
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SPEAKER LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR THE GAMA INNOVATION CONFERENCE & AWARDS 2018
MANCHESTER – 18th October 2018: Gama, a global provider of business information and services specializing in product innovation, today announces the exciting line-up of international speakers that will take to the stage for the third edition of the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards.
Taking place in Manchester on Thursday 25th October 2018, the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards will bring together leading professionals from as far afield as Brazil, Australia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Canada for an inspiring morning of presentations and discussions on the theme of innovation in the consumer goods industry.
Responding to changing consumer needstates, bringing a retail brand to market, the future of food manufacturing and the keys to maximising engagement through social media will be among a diverse range of themes explored, as expert speakers reveal the myriad ways that creative innovation can drive growth in the FMCG space.
The line-up of speakers includes:
- The Lord Mayor, City of Manchester
- Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive, Food & Drink Federation
- Kevin Verbruggen, Head of Innovation & Global Brand Development, Weetabix
- Melissa Snover, Managing Director, Katjes Magic Candy Factory
- Paul Brown, Founder & CEO, Bol Foods
- Hugh Taylor, Head of Research & Development, Calbee UK
- Mike Blake-Crawford, Strategy Director, Social Chain
- Tom Warden, Editorial Director, Gama
2018 will also see the return of the one-of-a-kind Innovation Zone, where disruptive companies from around the world will showcase an array of game-changing launches to an international audience of FMCG manufacturers, retail buyers and industry experts.
Cesar Pereira, Gama Founder and CEO, commented: “I am delighted that the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards (GICA) is returning to Manchester for its third outing. Building on the success of our 2016 and 2017 editions, GICA 2018 will once again welcome an exceptional and diverse range of speakers, making it a unique opportunity to learn first-hand the secrets to success in the FMCG space from recognized industry thought leaders – as well as innovative newcomers. I have no doubt that everyone who attends GICA 2018 will come away with fresh inspiration and new insights to carry forward in their own business”.
The Gama Innovation Conference & Awards will be held at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Thursday 25th October 2018. For more information, please contact Sergio Costa at firstname.lastname@example.org.
– ENDS –
Gama is a global provider of business information and services headquartered in Manchester, UK and regional operations in Dubai, UAE. Gama provides high-quality news, research, analysis and partnering services powered by our worldwide network of over 100 specialists in more than 46 countries.


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To celebrate 20 years of Xbox, Microsoft has teamed up with Adidas to create a new line of sneakers inspired by the console’s history. Since first unveiling the partnership back in October, Adidas has released two pairs of limited-edition sneakers available for purchase. Now, the athletic brand is rounding out its collection with its third and final sneaker: the Adidas Forum Tech Boost, the first-ever Xbox sneaker available to purchase globally.
Inspired by the Xbox Series X, the new Forum Tech Boosts boasts a “bold” silhouette with “pops of neon green and tech-driven details.” Among these details are the insides of the shoes, which feature black netting against a green liner and are meant to remind the wearer of the Xbox Series X’s vents. The sneakers also include the modern Xbox sphere logo, which is based on the console’s power button and the Xbox Elite wireless controller. Last but certainly not least, the sneakers also have a translucent and green heel, which pulls directly from the Special edition Xbox 20th Anniversary wireless controller.
“We wanted to create a shoe that cemented a moment in time, but also felt timeless,” Xbox wrote in its official blog post. “This is a shoe that is meant to be played in, meant to be worn, and meant to be enjoyed by our community – one that’s always played in, and never played out.”


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Continuing a Lone Star state expansion, Brothers Produce Inc. has opened a Rio Grande Valley distribution branch.
The Houston-based foodservice distributor began working from a McAllen, Texas, cross-dock facility April 1.
In May, Brothers plans to begin distributing from an adjacent 20,000-square-foot cold storage warehouse, said Brent Erenwert, vice president.
Brothers plans to use the warehouse, which is expandable to 63,000 square feet, to serve as cold storage for Mexican produce, Erenwert said.
He said the company is transforming the facility into a Global Food Safety Initiative-certified operation.
The new facility joins other Texas locations.
“By having two big mother ships in Houston and Dallas, we will be able to channel a lot of products into the satellites and cover a wide range of mileage,” Erenwert said. “This nearly gives us full state of Texas coverage and will almost give us some of the biggest coverage of any foodservice distributor in the state as well as halfway through Louisiana.”
The McAllen operation allows Brothers Produce to distribute to customers in south, central, north and east Texas, the bulk of the state’s population, and to Lafayette, and Shreveport, La., Erenwert said.
Because many shippers favor the easier logistics provided by smaller storage operations, Erenwert said he sees regional demand for the cold storage service.
The company opened an Austin, Texas, location in September.
He attributes revenue growth to expanding coverage areas, and into more restaurant chain business.
Started in 1979, Brothers Produce distributes produce primarily to hotels, country clubs and other foodservice customers.
It sells about 20% of its products to retail customers, Erenwert said.
James Bos, general manager of the company’s Austin operation, oversees the McAllen facility.


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In a recent conversation with press Bethesda have revealed that they don’t think the servers for Fallout 76 will ever be turned off. As the first online Fallout entry, Fallout 76 must be online at all times, and it seems as though Bethesda don’t think the game will ever have a need for its to be shut down in the future.
Pete Hines spoke to Gamespot and told them that he believes Fallout 76 will be live forever. He added that no developer completes a game and thinks it will be online for about ten years before being turned off. Citing World of Warcraft as an example for what Bethesda has planned for Fallout 76, he pointed out that Blizzard weren’t planning a final year for that game anytime soon.
The issue with running a game forever is the cost of keeping the servers live for the developer. Hines said that they plan to keep the game going forever, but they may begin to think about shutting it down if people stopped playing. While they see it as a massive undertaking, Bethesda is committed to making Fallout 76 a game that’s alive and showing no signs of slowing down.
Gamespot has pointed out that when it comes to video game preservation Fallout 76 may present a problem. If the game is always online but constantly evolving no older versions will exist outside of backups at Bethesda. Should museums want to offer visitors the chance to play the game they might struggle without aid from the developer.
Pete Hines went on to talk about how Bethesda isn’t moving solely to online-only games. He was keen to point out that Starfield, the sci-fi title that was announced at E3 earlier this year, is a single player title. While Bethesda will continue to produce these blockbuster single player experiences, they’re also going to continue making online titles such as Fallout 76, and The Elder Scrolls Legends.
Finally Hines said that there is no corporate level of management who declare what games must be single player and what must be online multiplayer, and in what order they will release. Hines said that the concept is silly because it doesn’t allow the development teams to make what they’re passionate about. The attitude Bethesda takes is that if a team wants to work on a project that is a certain way, they get to.


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The New York Times quotes P. J. McNealy, an analyst with American Technology Research in San Francisco, as saying that "recent sales figures indicate that Xbox will outsell PlayStation 2 in North America this month, by 275,000 units to 200,000, versus 100,000 for the GameCube. If so, it would be the first time any rival has surpassed Sony's console sales in North America in 45 months."
The article also mentions id's DOOM 3 and Epic's Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict as being only available on the Xbox, in console versions, because of the machine's superior graphics capabilities: "That is a crucial distinction, Id and a number of other game developers are beginning to say aloud. Some, like Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, say that Xbox is the only console that can serve as an adequate showcase for the artistry and complexity of his company's graphically complex games."
See Playing Catch-Up on the Console [free reg req'd].
Comment: it remains the case that overall, the Xbox is miles behind, and almost invisible in Japan. However, the article suggests that developer support for Xbox technologies could make the battle for the next generation a bit more equal.


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(Reuters) — Delta Air Lines is facing a proposed class action over advertising touting the airline as carbon neutral, according to a complaint filed on Tuesday in California federal court.
The complaint, filed on behalf of a California resident who purchased Delta tickets to participate in “more environmentally conscious air travel,” alleges violations of state consumer protection laws and laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive business practices.
Delta was not immediately available for comment.
The complaint alleges that Delta does not live up to advertising that touts the Atlanta-based airline as “the world’s first carbon-neutral airline,” saying it leads consumers to believe that Delta has not been responsible for releasing additional carbon into the atmosphere.
Global airlines have committed to “net-zero”; carbon emissions by 2050, in part through purchase offsets, which critics say do not lower actual emissions. Airlines also use sustainable jet fuel, made from less polluting materials such as used cooking oil, but that fuel makes up a fraction of jet fuel use.
In April, a Dutch court heard a non-profit organization’s arguments against European airline KLM for alleged “greenwashing” in advertisements.


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Samsung Electronics Co is pinning its hopes for a mobile revival on artificial intelligence. AI will lift the global smartphone market back to growth and Samsung expects to outperform that with sales of its latest flagship devices, mobile chief TM Roh said in an interview. South Korea’s largest company unveiled the Galaxy S24 product family, days after losing the crown of world’s biggest smartphone maker to Apple Inc and its iPhone. The new devices are replete with AI enhancements, from Samsung and Alphabet Inc’s Google, including built-in live translation of calls and a new search tool that lets users circle an image on the phone to get related information. Samsung also sprung a surprise by previewing the Galaxy Ring, an upcoming health-tracking gadget that shows its ambition to challenge Apple on another front.
Samsung is staking a lot on being early to integrate AI into the overall user experience and stealing a march on rivals like Apple and Xiaomi Corp. The company is targeting double-digit sales growth with its new flagship lineup, Roh said. Its sales of the Galaxy S24 models could be the best for that range in eight years and Samsung is positioned to grab half of the prospective market for AI-enhanced phones, according to KB Securities estimates.
The Korean firm, whose strength is usually in hardware, won’t go it alone. Samsung is leaning on Google’s Gemini AI suite with these initial features and it’s also worked closely with OpenAI backer Microsoft Corp. To handle the on-device processing of AI tasks, it’s using Qualcomm Inc’s Snapdragon chips with dedicated processors for such jobs. Samsung and Google also recently announced they’ll reduce duplication in competing with Apple’s AirDrop by uniting around a single Android Quick Share feature.
“What ultimately matters is the user experience,” Roh said in an interview with Bloomberg News in San Jose, California. “We are always open to collaboration with our partners on new areas of the mobile industry.” The company’s shares rose 1.1% in Seoul, following the showcase event at the SAP Centre in San Jose, Apple’s backyard. With an eye on attracting younger users, Samsung also highlighted enhanced camera zoom and editing features, including the option to convert regular video into slow motion by inserting frames with the help of AI. The Suwon-based company, also the world’s largest memory chipmaker, spent 2023 digesting insights from its users and tailoring new AI features and additions to enhance the appeal of its latest device generation. While AI and machine learning have long been used on phones, the rise of tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT has triggered a rush to deliver more sophisticated services directly on people’s devices. “The AI-related features can really bring convenience and could encourage consumers to switch their phones,” said Lee Changmin, an analyst at KB Securities. Some small-cap AI-related stocks in Korea already saw some gains before the S24 was unveiled and may move again after the launch, with the deciding factor being the quality of Samsung’s new added features.
Samsung’s plans are not limited to the new handsets, as the company intends to roll out AI features to some of its earlier models in the Galaxy S series in the first half of this year, 55-year-old Roh said. The company recorded double-digit growth between its Galaxy S22 and last year’s S23 generation, giving it confidence it can repeat the feat.
Its new Galaxy Ring health tracker will also be released this year, according to Hon Pak, head of Samsung’s mobile digital health team. The teaser to the device comes just as Apple is navigating a lawsuit around the oxygen-measuring features of its Apple Watch. Samsung intends to integrate the Galaxy Ring closely with its smartphones in order to make a stronger ecosystem proposition to consumers. Still, the global smartphone market has been in the doldrums for years and was again down last year.
Samsung’s own shipments declined by 13.6% in 2023, according to IDC estimates. Roh expects both to rebound in 2024, as the advent of AI injects some much-needed excitement into the category. Many consumers are also due for upgrades following a sales boom in 2021, with the typical upgrade cycle now being roughly three years, he added.
Roh, like some market estimates, expects the global smartphone shipments to expand by around 5% to 6% this year, though he hopes to outperform the consensus with Samsung’s new devices. After ceding ground to Apple last year, Samsung sees room to regain its position. That’s because AI — even while it risks consumer fatigue with excessive hype — is not a fad, Roh said. Like the era of the internet and smartphones, AI signals a seismic shift in our relationship with technology, which may reorganise the industry’s leadership, he said. “The S24 marks just the beginning of a new era when AI technologies go mainstream,” Roh said. “Hopefully it will help revitalie the global mobile industry.”


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A U.K. judge recently ruled that Apple has to pay for advertisements on its website and in British newspapers saying that Samsung’s Galaxy Tab doesn’t actually copy the design of the iPad. The order was given after the same judge ruled that Samsung didn’t infringe on Apple’s designs, noting that the Galaxy Tab wasn’t “cool enough” to be confused with the iPad. Ouch.
Apple advertise for one of its main competitors? Never! The Cupertino-based company has motioned to appeal the U.K. court’s ruling.
Should the original ruling survive the appeal, Apple might be forced to pay for advertising in several UK newspapers as well as on its own website advising the public that Samsung’s tablet does not infringe on Apple’s designs. Thus far Apple’s appeal covers grounds relating to the original claims of Samsung copying the design, but Apple would be within its rights to challenge the “penalty” Judge Birss imposed as unnecessarily punitive and an example of judicial overreach. Neither Apple nor the judges in any other previous or ongoing Apple-Samsung disputes has suggested a similar penalty for Samsung when it has lost.
Can you imagine Apple actually promoting a company like Samsung in any shape or form? I can’t either. It’s unclear if Apple will win the appeal, but rest assured that its lawyers won’t take this ruling sitting down.
Meanwhile, Apple has been granted an injunction that bans the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the United States. A U.S. appeals court just denied Samsung’s second attempt to get the ban lifted, and it looks like Samsung will have to design a workaround to keep from infringing on the design patent Apple is using to fight the case.


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The COVID-19 pandemic is having big impacts in strange places such as the used car market.
Used cars are worth more than ever, and in some cases, worth more than when they were originally bought.
Experts say the reason used cars are hot right now is because of supply and demand.
A lower supply of vehicles but a steady higher demand is driving up the prices.
The pandemic stopped new car production for nine weeks, so there are fewer new cars, increasing demand.
If you need extra cash and can get rid of one car, now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity.
An Edmunds survey shows used cars increased in value by nearly $2,000 from June to July.
The average value for a used car in July was $14,000.
Right now, dealers are willing to pay more for your used car, but there is no telling how long this situation will last.
"There is a pretty good demand for used cars. We live in a world of supply and demand, so it is a fantastic time if you have a mood to trade or sell," W.C. Smith, Houston Auto Dealers Association chairman, said. "If you've got a vehicle you maybe been upside down on, have some negative equity, now is a real time."
Eyewitness News heard from a pickup truck owner who could get more for his 2-year-old full-sized truck today than he paid for it when it was new.
If you plan to sell, don't go in blind. Check out websites, such as www.edmunds.com/appraisal, that help you determine how much your car is worth so you have an idea of what it will sell for.


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This is a computer-generated rendering of the American Airlines A321XLR aircraft that will feature the new Optiq 4K IFE screens from Thales. The new seatback IFE screens are expected to make their debut on passenger-carrying A321XLR flights in 2023. (Airbus)
American Airlines will feature a new line of 4K in-flight entertainment (IFE) seat-back screens developed by Samsung and Thales on a fleet of Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft that the Texas-based international carrier currently has on order.
American will become the launch customer of the Optiq displays that use Samsung's proprietary Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode (QLED) technology, a key next-generation feature of the Thales AVANT IFE system. The 4K displays are expected to make their debut in 2023 on the fleet of 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft that American ordered in 2019, according to a Dec. 13 announcement from Thales.
The 787-9s to feature the Optiq displays are also expected to enter service in 2023, based on adjustments to American’s Boeing 787 orders that the carrier reported in its first-quarter 2021 results. A total of five Boeing 787-9s will feature the new displays.
"AVANT will be integrated with American’s high-speed connectivity system to provide digital services and real-time health monitoring & reporting," according to Thales. American is equipping the A321s and 787s it has on order with Viasat in-flight connectivity.
Every Optiq display also features a Bluetooth connection option for passengers with Bluetooth-capable headphones. Thales first announced the new Optiq display technology as the result of a partnership with Harman International—a Stamford, Connecticut-based Samsung subsidiary that makes audio electronics—in June.
Thales first unveiled its new Optiq displays featuring Samsung's QLED technology in June. (Thales)
Samsung describes its proprietary QLED technology as a “display device that uses quantum dots (QD), semiconductor nano-crystals which can produce pure monochromatic red, green, and blue light. Photo-emissive quantum dot particles are used in RGB filters, replacing traditional colored photoresists with a QD layer.”
In a Sept. 30 article, consumer electronics publication CNET details the fundamental differences between QLED and OLED display technology and notes that Samsung has been using quantum dots to augment its LCD television displays since 2015. The QLED TV display branding was first launched by the company in 2017.
"American Airlines has trusted Thales as an in-flight entertainment supplier for more than a decade and now to equip its new A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the latest AVANT IFE solution,” Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President Avionics, Thales said in a statement. “As air travel begins to recover, Thales continues to invest in digital innovations that create value for our customers. We’re truly excited to provide these solutions to American and its customers."


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Scientists at Oxford University are developing a technology that could tell you what a wine tastes like, without ever opening the bottle.
Human taste buds are incredibly sensitive, and only about 1 to 2 percent of the molecules in a bottle of wine determine the difference between a great bottle and an average one!
We know what these molecules taste like all together once we’ve opened the bottle. But the scientists behind the company VeriVin, want to go one step further. They hope that by shining lasers through a bottle and using some quantum know-how, they can "look" at the liquid on the inside, and tell you all about it - without popping the lid!
It means that in the future we could tell if any bottle has gone bad, or if it's really what it says it is. Without taking the cork out!
This tech is rich and floral with a hint of lasers.


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The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), has released its annual Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles list and revealed that the most commonly stolen vehicles in Quebec are pickup trucks.
“While SUVs topped the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in recent years, car thieves appear to be expanding their market,” said IBC in a release.
The report indicates four of the 10 stolen vehicles are pickups and three are SUVs.
According to the report, this year’s 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in IBC’s Quebec region are:
Whether whole or in parts, pickups, SUVs and other luxury cars often end up in containers in the port of Montreal or Halifax, headed to the Middle East, Western Africa or Eastern Europe!”, explained Anne Morin, supervisor of public affairs at IBC.
To help eliminate auto theft, IBC says motorists can keep their vehicles safe by taking the following steps:


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CHICAGO–The Board of Directors of Cushman & Wakefield announced the recent appointment of Richard A. McGinn as an independent member.
“Richard is a highly accomplished executive who brings expertise in global business operations and strategic investment knowledge to the Board,” said Brett White, Executive Chairman & CEO of Cushman & Wakefield.
McGinn is a prominent leader in the global communication systems, networking and technology industries, bringing more than 45 years of business management, financial and investment experience.
He previously served as CEO of VeriFone Systems, Inc., one of the world’s largest point of sale terminal vendors and a leading provider of payment and commerce solutions, and CEO of Lucent, a multinational telecommunications equipment company. While at Lucent, McGinn oversaw and directed engineering, research and investments of more than $4 billion annually, and was involved in the acquisition of, or investment in, more than 30 technology companies.
McGinn was a founder and Investor of Sky Capital from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, he was a General Partner of M.R. Investment Partners from 2010 to 2014 and of RRE Ventures from 2001 to 2010. McGinn holds a Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College.


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Butterfly exhibit headed to Polaris mall
Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus will debut Butterflies!, a conservatory tour that features living caterpillars and butterflies on Saturday.
The exhibit runs through June 24 and admission is $5.
Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.
The event has a guided tour, butterfly feeding, and hands-on exhibits with butterflies and crafts. In addition, butterflies will be available for adoption.
In addition, a story time will be held for kids on 10:30 a.m. Saturdays with Eric Carle's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.


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Profits were up 30 percent and revenue up 17 percent in the fourth quarter for medical-device company Kinetic Concepts Inc.
KCI had healthy returns from sales and rentals of its wound care V.A.C. and related products domestically, but business is booming in international sales as the company continues a major push into Europe and Asia.
Fourth quarter profit was $66.5 million, or 93 cents a share, on revenue of $433.6 million. That compares to profit in the fourth quarter of 2006 of $51.3 million, or 74 cents a share, on revenue of $371.5 million.
For the full year, KCI posted a net profit of $237.1 million, or $3.34 a share, on revenue of $1.61 billion. That compares to 2006 profit of $195.5 million, or $2.76 a share, on revenue of $1.37 billion.
Catherine Burzik, CEO of KCI, said “we strengthened our business fundamentals, resulting in solid financial performance.” The Clocking In Corporate Translation Service interprets that as: the company revenue grew more than expenditures, which means more profits.
The one area of expenditure increases that outstripped revenue growth as a percentage was research and development. KCI spent $18.3 million on R&D in the fourth quarter, up 57.5 percent from the same period last year. R&D for the year was up 37.7 percent to $50.5 million as the company tries to get more products in the pipeline.


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The Shareholders of Paytm’s parent company, One97 Communications, have finally given their approval to raise Rs 12,000 crore via a fresh issue of shares. The approval came after an extraordinary general meeting hosted on 12 July with Paytm’s current employees, ex-employees and investors. According to media reports, this is the first step in the fintech giant’s approach toward one of India’s largest IPOs to ever enter the open market in recent years.
The company’s existing shareholders will also be able to sell their stake worth Rs. 4,600 crore directly into the market. This is expected to generate a combined amount of Rs 16,600 crore, and Paytm is aiming for a valuation of between $24 billion and $30 billion. This is a significant increase from its prior 2019 valuation of $16 billion, which came after it secured $1 billion from its existing investors, Softbank and Ant Financials. As of now, the firm’s primary owners include the Alibaba and Ant Group, which control 38 percent of the company, while SoftBank Group, owns only 18.73% of the company, and 17.65 percent is owned by the Elevation Capital Group.
Paytm is likely to file its draft red herring prospectus, and the company is expected to launch its initial public offering (IPO) by the end of November. According to insiders, the company could file its DRHP with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as soon as this week.
The EGM also approved a declassification request for Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma, to be raised as a Promoter in the company in accordance with the SEBI guidelines, which require promoters of publicly traded companies to own at least a 20% ownership. However, Sharma currently owns 14.6% of Paytm and will remain the company’s Managing Director and CEO.
This action takes into account the fact that Paytm is also being listed as a Professionally Managed Company (PMC). To do so, it must comply with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) regulations, which stipulate that no single entity can own more than 25 percent ownership of the company. Considering Paytm is a Professionally Managed company, no stakeholder can have “special rights,” according to SEBI norms, so companies must be listed in India in this respect.
One97 Communications restructured its board of directors earlier this month in preparation for its upcoming IPO, replacing Chinese citizens with Indian and US nationals. The company appointed Ant Group’s Senior Vice President, Douglas Lehman Feagin on its board of directors after the exit of Ant Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jing Xiandong.


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The tech product tipped to singlehandedly boost the U.S. economy has finally been unveiled, as Apple CEO Tim Cook launched the iPhone 5 in San Francisco on Wednesday.
No “never-before-seen” features emerged but plenty of enhancements have been added to the slimmer, bigger screened handset.
The eyes and ears of many a business development officer, chief technology officer and product manager will have been keenly trained on the launch, as Cook described the updates as the most significant since the product’s original debut in 2007. 20 per cent lighter and 18 per cent thinner than its predecessor, the iPhone 5 was quickly described by one observer as “like a piece of fine jewelry.”
Features to fight competitors
The competition, however, is fierce. Phones running Google’s Android OS are set to bag 60.3 per cent of smartphone sales (up from last year’s 46.5 per cent) while Apple is forecast by Gartner to claim 22 per cent of the market (up from 18.9 per cent). Apple’s response has been to expand the screen size for the first time from 3.5 inches to 4 inches, allowing for a fifth row of homescreen icons and capturing more information from websites without the need for scrolling.
Other features include an improved camera, 4G connectivity, a revamped processor (“A6”, which, games developers will note, is reputed to be twice as fast as the old A5), and a new dock connector to keep up to speed with developments in wireless connectivity. But perhaps the biggest new development is yet to make its appearance – the new operating system, iOS6, due to be rolled out on September 19th and widely anticipated to be accompanied by an avalanche of new updates.
But there was also some rain to dampen this parade. In a tersely-worded statement, Taren Stinebrickner-Kaufmann, who heads the corporate accountability watchdog “SumofUs.org”, criticized Cook for failing to address news that unpaid “intern” labor by Chinese students was used by Apple supplier Foxconn to produce new USB cables for the phone.
She said, “Apple is hoping the buzz around the iPhone 5’s release will drown out criticism, but as demand for iPhones has increased, so has the demand for faster and cheaper production, and factories churning out phones are also churning out forced unpaid overtime, wage cuts, and hazardous working environments.”


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Under the planned transformation, government departments will share responsibility for export industries in “priority markets and sectors”. UKTI meanwhile will become the control hub, allocating resources and monitoring progress of industry exports.
The reboot comes after the budget for the Department for Business, Innovations and Skills, the governing department for UKTI, was cut by 17% last autumn despite the government setting a target of tripling growth of exports to £1tn by 2020.
“To improve the UK’s export performance we need to get the whole of government mobilised and working towards the same goal”
Education exports will be the shared responsibility of another department, but a spokeswoman has said the integration of sectors is yet to be confirmed.
“Full details behind the transformation of UKTI are not yet finalised, but will be announced in due course,” she said.
The reorganisation is headed by the business secretary, Sajid Javid, who is also leading the cross-government Exports Implementation Taskforce.
“To improve the UK’s export performance we need to get the whole of government mobilised and working towards the same goal,” he said in a statement last week.
“By putting a refocused UKTI at the centre of a co-ordinated cross-government approach relevant departments will share expertise to get UK businesses exporting.”
UK education exports total £18bn but universities minister Jo Johnson announced last year that the government aims to increase the amount to £30bn by 2020, contributing to the government’s overall goal of increasing exports to £1tn in four years.
UKTI will also pass on some export service provision to the private sector.
“Where export services can be provided by the private sector, with no or little value provided by government’s involvement, the government ultimately intends to exit that market and will focus instead on fostering an invigorated private sector export support marketplace,” the department said in a statement.
In a further bid to do more with less, a digital platform is being developed to provide businesses with export information, support, and advice.
“The use of new, lower-cost, digital technologies will help us do more for businesses, more efficiently”
“We want to make the UK the easiest country in the world to do trade with by making it easier, faster and simpler for more UK businesses to start exporting, generating a more vibrant export support marketplace, and giving more financial support to exporters,” commented trade minister Lord Maude.
“The use of new, lower-cost, digital technologies will help us do more for businesses, more efficiently.”
Last year, UKTI launched its five-year GREAT exporting campaign to drive up the number of new exporters. According to the government, the scheme has already generated more than 4,750 applications for export opportunities.
In September, English UK received significant funding from the programme to launch its ‘English is GREAT: Speak to the World’ campaign in Brazil which supported English is GREAT pavilions at education fairs and travelling classrooms around the country.
In further government efforts to boost exports, Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced 24 Trade Envoys covering 50 ‘high-growth and emerging markets’ including Angola, Iran, Nigeria and Taiwan.


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Today, the Senate passed the massive Food Safety Modernization Act, giving the FDA broad powers to police potentially unsafe foods before large-scale outbreaks occur. The House passed its version of the bill last year, and Congress still has to iron out differences between the two bills before it can be made law.
Small farmers have been concerned that the bill is aimed at larger producers who are responsible for most food safety issues, and would create far too great a burden in paperwork and cost to implement on a small scale. A big concession was made to small farms last week when the Tester-Hagan Amendment was passed, limiting federal oversight to farms with more than $500,000 in gross sales yearly. Farms with less than $500,000 in sales are still subject to state and local legislation but do not have to comply with these new stringent federal laws overseen by the FDA.
Although small-scale farmers are very happy about this, larger players in the agriculture industry have griped about the changes. On the side of small farms, Roland McReynolds wrote in an opinion piece in Food Safety News yesterday:
The effect of changes won to S. 510 by sustainable agriculture advocates, including and in addition to the Tester-Hagan Amendment, is not to exempt small and local food producers from the need to manage pathogens, but to foster the development of multiple climate-, scale- and market-appropriate models for promoting safe and healthy food in a sector of the farm economy largely ignored heretofore by research institutions. Before we won the inclusion of Tester-Hagan, we fought for the Stabenow amendment, which would create incentives for universities and trade groups to tailor research and training to the unique conditions of small and diversified farming operations, so that those growers can have access to the best, most up-to-date, most relevant information. Tester-Hagan increases the leverage for these farms and food producers to demand increased training and research resources for the local food sector.
Read more about S510, the Food Safety Modernization Act:


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EU warning on energy competition
The European Commission has warned eight countries to increase energy competition or face legal action at the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia and Estonia have so far failed to comply with EU rules.
The commission demands countries separate the production of electricity or gas from its distribution to allow more competition.
States have until 3 March to comply.
"Opening energy markets for competition is key to competitiveness of the EU economy as a whole," the Commission said in a statement.
EU countries, such as the UK and France, increasingly import and export electricity and gas to each other, leading the commission to argue that all states need to follow the same rules.
The changes are designed to allow consumers greater choice of energy supplier, as in theory, any company could buy electricity and gas on the wholesale market and sell it to consumers and to strengthen national regulators.


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Folks, its finally here. Today, at the big Apple event, iPad 2 was unveiled and it surely brings serious competition to the upcoming RIM and Android tablets. iPad 2 packs a dual core A5 processor which is faster than iPhone 4’s A4 while still runs on low power as its predecessor. The machine is 33% thinner than iPad and even slimmer than the iPhone 4 and hosts both front and rear cameras for shooting videos and doing Facetime. It also contains gyroscope with same 10-hour battery life and standby time of almost a month. Surprisingly, it also comes in white!
iPad 2 will be available on both AT&T and Verizon networks and come in same 16, 32 and 64 gig models with Wifi only and 3G options. it will be available in US on March 11 while 26 more countries will get it on March 25.
Check out some pictures taken via Engadget’s live coverage which pretty much highlight all the main features of iPad 2:
Check back for more coverage of the Apple event right here on iThinkDifferent!


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Sany opens facility in China
Equipment World Staff | August 30, 2012
Sany has opened a new excavator factory near Shanghai, China, which can produce an excavator every five minutes.
The $818.5 million facility, which uses a computerized production-management system, is located at the 10.7 million-square-foot Lingang Industrial Park with 5.9 million square feet of manufacturing space. The facility features 43,000 square feet of gardens, reflection pools, bamboo stands and marble patios; the gardens include palm trees, flowers, grass and fountains.
The factory, which will primarily produce 20- to 30-ton excavators, will automatically transport excavator structures and components through underground tunnels in an effort to optimize production.
For more information, visit sanygroup.com.
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