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The railways deny that, saying oil traffic makes up a very small percentage of their sales. According to them, they’re hauling almost as much grain as they usually do at this time of year – maybe a bit less due to cold temperatures and avalanches. The problem, CP and CN say, is the unusually large volume of grain produced in 2013. They just don’t have the capacity to haul it all to the ports as quickly as farmers would like. They also blame a lack of co-ordination across the entire supply chain, pointing the finger back at the producers, port terminals and elevators.
But aren’t the railways doing exactly what they, as profit-maximizing companies, should be doing: maximizing profits. The old system of price caps to haul grain was eliminated years ago, but under the current Canada Transportation Act, the railways still face a “maximum revenue entitlement” from grain. They face no such restrictions in shipping bitumen or other commodities.
The spat between the farmers and the railways reached Parliament on March 7, and there was a clear winner. Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt ordered CN and CP to increase the number of grain hopper cars to elevators. The story here has little to do with economics and everything to do with politics, since farmers vote and railways do not.
Farming in Canada has always been an exceptional sector, enjoying a level of political clout that no other industry can boast. If anyone questions why, for example, we need supply management in dairy or special revenue caps for grain, they’re glared at and asked “Don’t you know where the food on your plate comes from? Do you want to go hungry?” Farming has always been framed by the notion that we’re all only one meal away from starvation.
Canadian agriculture manages to command a degree of sacredness that even the Pope would envy. If agriculture – from dairy protectionism in Quebec to maximum revenue entitlements on western grain – was truly opened to market forces, there would be outrage. Combines would roll onto Parliament Hill; ice cream would be hurled at an effigy of the Prime Minister. It would be chaos.
A century ago, it may have made good sense to protect agriculture through various measures such as the Canadian Wheat Board, price caps on freight rates, and supply management in dairy and poultry. But today, agriculture is one of the fastest-growing and most technologically advanced sectors of the economy – especially on the Prairies this year. Canada is a global leader in agricultural exports. Is it still so sacrilegious to suggest that perhaps they no longer require the economic protection they once did?
Rather than maximum revenue caps and orders for railways to haul more grain, Canadian farmers would be better served by another action taken this week by Ottawa: the free-trade agreement with South Korea. By removing trade barriers, Canadian agricultural products will find new global markets.
If the railways were allowed to maximize the revenue they receive from hauling grain, it might be surprising how quickly they’d find a few spare grain cars sitting around – and how immediately those grain elevators would be emptied.
This column originally appeared in The Globe and Mail on March 14, 2014.


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The first Google Pixel Watch launched in October last year with a Samsung Exynos 9110 chipset. A few months ago, first rumors surfaced that the Pixel Watch 2 would replace the Exynos processor with a Snapdragon W5-series chip. So far, however, it was unclear whether this would be the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 or the slightly more powerful W5+ Gen 1 version. According to a new report from Android Authority, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform will be the chipset of choice.
Thanks to the latest 4nm technology and an extremely energy-saving co-processor, the new chip should lead to better efficiency and thus a longer battery life for the Google Pixel Watch 2. In addition, the battery is also slightly larger at 306 mAh instead of 294 mAh in the first generation.
Apart from that, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is said to have a thick black frame like its predecessor. Nothing should change on the 1.2-inch, round OLED display with a resolution of 384 x 384 pixels. This time, however, Samsung Display will produce the panels instead of BOE as before.
Additionally, the Google Pixel Watch 2 runs the new Wear OS 4 with dynamic themes and support for seamless updates, which would be a first for a smartwatch. The Pixel Watch 2 will also feature an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) chip. This would enable a precise device search or unlocking a car with a digital car key. The seamless change of media playback to a docked Google Pixel tablet or an upcoming, UWB-capable Nest speaker would also be conceivable.
Google Pixel Watch 2 already certified in India
Last year, Google didn’t bring the Pixel Watch to India. That could change this year, as three models with model codes G4TSL, GC3G8, and GD2WG have already received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. It remains to be seen in which other countries Google will sell the new wearable.
More details about the Google Pixel Watch 2 are expected to come to light in the coming weeks. Various watch faces already leaked last week.

domain: news


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KUALA LUMPUR: The micro and small and medium enterprises (MSME), which account for 40% of the country’s GDP, is on the brink of collapse if the restrictions on business operations continue indefinitely.
The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) said on Wednesday its recent survey estimated 580,000 businesses, or 49% of the MSME sector, are at risk of failing by October, if they are not allowed to open up their operations by then.
The fallout from the failure of these businesses, which are mostly in the “first to close, last to open (FCLO)” category, would also mean more than seven million Malaysians are expected to be unemployed.
Assuming each worker has an average of two dependents, another 14 million people will be affected.
MEDAC minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this was the hard truth that needed to be voiced out so people would realise the dire situation faced by the local MSMEs.
He said there was an urgent need to come up with the right remedial actions to help these MSMEs.
He cautioned failure to resolve the matter would have a devastating impact on the country’s socio-economic landscape, which would subsequently affect the overall wellbeing and happiness of the rakyat.
“If we don’t do something to help them now, I am worried many of these MSME will fail and will not be around to help rebuild the economy once businesses are allowed to open,” he said.
Dr Wan Junaidi said the failure of these MSME businesses due to the prolonged restriction will create a domino effect, hitting the societies hard at the core, leading to a more serious social and economic impact.
MEDAC, on June 15 to June 28, had conducted a survey to gauge the impact of the MCO 3.0 on the entrepreneurship landscape in Malaysia. It recorded 6,664 respondents nationwide.
The survey revealed many businesses are now suffering a “business fatigue” syndrome and declining confidence as a result of lockdown. About one third of the respondents said that they did not receive the various assistance introduce by the government.
The findings of the survey, Dr Wan Junaidi said, included mental issues as nearly 60% of entrepreneurs suffer from at least one form of mental health condition during the lockdown.
The top three factors affecting mental health condition of the entrepreneurs include decline and loss of income, debt and financing issues as well as risk of business closure.
He also said more than 90% of these entrepreneurs have no insurance and 70% have no safety net should they lose their jobs.
“The impact of the lockdown is not only affecting the economic aspect but also the social aspect as well. I am concern the longer businesses are not allowed to operate, the longer it will take to recover.
“People are becoming increasingly unhappy. They are unhappy because of financial issues as well as not being able to socialise. It is time we look at other holistic measures on how to deal with this other than lockdown,” he added.


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Policy support, improvements in battery technology, more charging infrastructure, and new compelling models from automakers are a few key reasons why EV sales are surging. What's more, electrification is spreading to new segments of road transport, allowing for big changes ahead, according to BloombergNEF’s recent Electric Vehicle Outlook 2022.
Michael Torrance is joined by Colin McKerracher, who leads the BloombergNEF research team that constructed the outlook report, as well as Katie Shuter of the BMO Climate Institute. The three discussed this subject that is fundamental to the energy transition: Electric Vehicles.
In this episode:
Why charging infrastructure, battery raw material supply and battery recycling represent the key challenges to mass EV adoption, but also the greatest opportunities
The reason battery supply chain and manufacturing processes are being onshored back to North America
How EV ownership is a lot more affordable than most people think
Why used EVs are going up in value quite significantly
“It was a great privilege to be at COP28 representing BMO and helping advance the matter on c…
Corporate climate action appears to be reaching a new phase. More companies in the United States an…
BMO Arranges Green Financing to Fund New Lawson Centre for Sustainability, Trinity College's Mo…


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Mahindra to develop small car based on Verito Vibe platform
Mahindra will continue to develop the Verito Vibe platform in the effort to make a new small car for the Indian market. In this regard, Mahindra is already working with Ssangyong Motor Company to develop a small engine which we assume could be under the 1-litre displacement mark to avail the duty benefits.
2013 Mahindra at launch
Speaking to Ronojoy Banerjee of CNBC TV18, Dr Pawan Goenka, President Automotive and Farm Sector, Mahindra, stated that the company was looking at further developing passenger cars under the 4-meter size bracket.
Mahindra started off its passenger car business with a single product deal with Renault who also provided them with critical development knowledge. The Mahindra Renault Logan, however, failed to make the impact Mahindra or Renault would have liked to see. Nonetheless it set Mahindra on the path to expand its interest in the passenger car segment adding to its diverse, large and predominant SUV portfolio.
Mahindra, just around a year ago, then rebadged the Logan as the Verito; spicing it up with some cosmetic changes and features to distance it from the Mahindra Renault alliance and give it a slightly new identity.
Just a couple of months ago, Mahindra then came out with the Verito Vibe, which was a chopped up version of the Verito for the hatchback segment. Read the full first drive report of the Verito Vibe here.
Now to expand the portfolio further Mahindra is working on a new small car that will not just be all new in terms of design and packaging, but also offer a new smaller and more economical (both in terms of price and fuel) engine. This will provide Mahindra a much bigger consumer base in a market that is expected to grow significantly larger than where it is over the next few years.
Dr Goenka further added that Mahindra were nearly ready with electric versions of the Geo and Maximo, both successful commercial vehicles for Mahindra. The electric know-how comes from Mahindra's association with Reva, who also recently launched an electric hatchback - the e2o.
Starts Rs 6.48 Lakhs


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Are Smartwatches the next frontier for exercise devices?
That’s the expectation for Trainr, a new app from downtown L.A. startup Focus Solutions Inc., recently released for Samsung’s Galaxy Smartwatch and its Galaxy Note 3 and S4 phones.
The app helps people monitor their exercise routines and can be placed within the “quantified-self” movement sweeping through the tech world of late.
But unlike run tracking devices such as Fitbit or Fuelband, which are essentially pedometers that add up a person’s steps, Trainr is designed to take on the more complex movements in exercise. Using the Smartwatches’ built-in gyroscope, it logs movements made in exercises such as pushups, squats, lunges and jumping jacks.
The free app is in beta and has a few rudimentary workout regimens built-in. Trainr begins with a diagnostic test that runs people through a few exercises to the point of fatigue. Those results are then used to recommend some pre-set circuits – the more fit a user is, the more times the app pushes him or her through the circuit.
Focus co-founder Cavan Canavan admits the app is still in its early days, but plans to expand the system to track weighted exercises such as bench presses or bicep curls. Future releases of the app will also measure a person’s progress and start tailoring the routines and may include premium workouts for subscribers.
It’s all part of the eventual goal of turning Focus’s app into a digital personal trainer, and one that really knows your personal fitness level.
“People walking into the gym for the first time often don’t know how to work-out,” Canavan said. “We want to bring the expertise of a personal trainer and hone it in an adjustable way.”
Not that the company sees itself as a competition to the personal training industry. In fact, Canavan, who previously worked for athletic shoemaker New Balance, brought the business from Michigan to downtown Los Angeles precisely to tap into the local community of celebrity trainers.
The company is part of the latest class of startups at LaunchPad, and has received seed investments from the tech accelerator as well as Kima Ventures.
The success of Focus Trainr, as it’s now devised, seems to rest entirely on the proliferation of smartwatches. It’s a very young category that only came into existence in a meaningful way this year with the release of Samsung’s watch, as well as one from Sony and the crowdfunded project Pebble.
But Canavan is sanguine about the device’s future, pointing to a study by research firm Canalys that projected 5 million smartwatches will be sold in 2014. And there’s the rumored Apple smartwatch, which category advocates said could legitimize the sector singlehandedly. Still, it needs to exist first.
He’s also banking on a critical mass effect for the app and its technology. The more people that use it, the more data it gathers and the more precise the technology can become. That, said Canavan, is what would lead to his even more ambitious goals, such as having the app monitor your form during an exercise. In effect, the exact thing people pay for in a personal trainer.
“We’re on a cusp of understanding what all these sensors are reading,” Canavan said. “Our goal is to get the information out of lab and into hands of general developers and consumers.”
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Dec 31, 2011 (LBO) – South Africa’s Sun City gaming and resort group will invest 800 million dollars in the biggest ever leisure development in Katana, north of the capital Colombo the island, a media report said. “Sun City of South Africa is now going to make an $800 million investment in a 200-acre private property,” Nalaka Godahewa, head of Sri Lanka’s tourism development agency was quoted as saying by Reuters, a news agency.
Sun City Resorts is run by South Africa’s Sun International Ltd. Reuters said a group official had declined to comment on the plan until next year.
Sri Lanka is promoting a tourist city in Katana with incentives for hotels, shopping and a convention centre in the site.
Sri Lanka is expecting 830,000 tourists in 2011 and 950,000 in 2011. This year the industry is expecting to earn 850 million dollars.
Tourism has been booming after the end of 30-year civil war in 2009 and has been attracting large volumes of local and foreign investments.


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Valentine's Day took a backseat to Fashion Week for industry folk yesterday. Sure, some celebrated with a late, late dinner after the shows ended, and some received chocolates, even if only in a gift bag. But, Moncler Grenoble proved to be the true Cupid of the evening, when all the models in its show started making out on stage for all the Brooklyn Navy Yard attendees to witness. We're not sure they made it the full seven minutes in heaven, but the models did lock lips for a long, passionate moment — a move you don't often see on the runway. Of course, this was no typical runway show. Moncler's puffer-clad, polar-vortex-ready models emerged from pods on stage that were configured to look like a beating heart, delivering on the brand's #lovefactory theme. Reminding us slightly of last year's "First Kiss" viral video by Wren, this latest lip-locking moment pushed the envelope even further by happening live. There's no confirmation from the brand on whether any of the models actually made a love connection with their kissing buddies. Now, that would make for an awesome meet-cute. Watch things heat up in the video below.
For all things Fashion Week around the world — including street style snaps, designer news, and the trends you'd actually wear — head over to Refinery29's Fashion Month hub.


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Following a tax official search of a drugmaker’s premises and a Supreme Court petition from a group of medical representatives alleging unethical marketing tactics by drugmakers, the marketing strategies of pharmaceutical companies are being closely examined.
Micro Labs, the maker of the Dolo 650, which is in the spotlight due to alleged unethical practices, claims to have spent a pittance – less than Rs 10 crore per year – on marketing and promotion of the brand.
Gilead Sciences announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Sunlenca (lenacapavir) injection and tablets for the treatment of HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral medications(s).
Epidiolex will be evaluated in phase 3 trials for 14 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and expected to alleviate symptoms associated with Doose syndrome (EMAS), a rare type of childhood onset epilepsy that accounts for 1-2% of all cases.
The decision of India’s largest online pharmacy PharmEasy to cancel its listing plans highlights the difficulties that start-ups face when it comes to accessing public markets.
Senior Pharmacists’ Organisation (SPO) in Kerala has asked the central government to increase the penalty for non-pharmacists dispensing medicines in the New Draft Bill 2022 for drug regulations.
Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA)
Department in Uttar Pradesh has set a maximum
limit for the storage and sale of these substances
to drug dealers in an effort to reduce the abuse
of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
as intoxicants in the state.
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Luxury fashion brand Armani has been ordered to pay €270m (£221m) to the Italian government in a tax dispute dating back to 2002.
It has been reported that Armani paid the outstanding amount after a restructure between 2002 and 2009 in which it brought subsidiary companies back onto Italian soil.
The tax liabilities are understood to have been owed by three subsidiary companies relocated to Italy as part of the strategy.
Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, which first reported the payment by Armani, said it was the only outstanding tax dispute involving the fashion brand.
Last year, Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, founders of Dolce & Gabbana, were found guilty by Italian authorities of tax evasion. The pair have denied the charges, which could lead to prison terms if they fail in their appeal, which is currently ongoing in the Italian courts.


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Art galleries and dealers appear to be targeted by cyber criminals with an email scam, fooling some organisations.
Attackers have broken into art dealers emails accounts and sent buyers duplicated invoices with changed bank account details.
According to the Art Newspaper, several galleries in London and the US have been affected.
Rosenfeld said to the Art Newspaper: “Around seven or eight hours after we had sent our invoice, the buyers got another email saying that the invoice we had sent out was in the wrong currency and that they should make payment to a different account.”
After agreeing on the sale of an artwork, The Rosenfeld Porcini gallery in London fell victim to a scam.
David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab, said: “Cyber criminals will take every opportunity to hijack online transactions for their own ends. So, it’s vital that we all take steps to reduce the ‘wiggle room’ available to them.
“Passwords are often our first line of defense when it comes to protecting online accounts, including e-mail accounts. Unfortunately, we often cut corners and use weak, easy-to-guess passwords, or re-use the same password across multiple accounts.
An ideal password should be at least 15 characters long and consists of a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols from the entire keyboard.
“If remembering passwords is too challenging, use a password manager application that will automatically handle all of this for you. In addition, you should set up two-factor authentication, especially where you use an account for financial transactions – and it never hurts to double-check the authenticity of an e-mail communication before handing over money,” added Emm.
Written by Leah Alger


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Fresh To Order
This eight-unit concept, based in Alpharetta, Ga., was founded in 2006 and has plans to add three to four more stores by year’s end.
“Incredible food, service and an unparalleled dining environment in under 10 minutes for around $10” is how Pierre Panos, founder and president, describes the concept.
A veteran fine-dining restaurateur, Panos says Fresh to Order has created an entirely new niche that he calls “fast-fine.” He added, “Fine dining shouldn’t leave you broke, and that’s our promise, offering fine-dining-quality food made from fresh ingredients at fast-casual prices.”
Rising revenues are evidence of Fresh To Order’s growing appeal. Stores average $1.7 million annually with year-over-year comparable sales growth of 10 percent.


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- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 05:31 06:45 12:35 15:51 18:20 19:34
Apple is looking to introduce new iPhone and iPad models at an event on March 15, according to a report from 9to5Mac.
The company may also introduce new band options for the Apple Watch at the event. An Apple spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apple last updated the iPhone, and introduced the iPad Pro, at an event last September. This time around, the update will likely not be as big -- especially if one considers screen sizes: The company is reportedly looking to introduce a new, smaller budget-priced iPhone dubbed the iPhone 5se at the event.
With a 4-inch screen, the device could sell for as little as $450. Effectively, the iPhone 5se would replace the iPhone 5s, which was introduced in 2013, but continues to be sold by Apple. The new device would mirror the look if the 5s, but come with more powerful chips and likely a better camera.
Apple may also use the event to introduce an update to the iPad Air dubbed the iPad Air 3, which may include some of the iPad Pro's features. The iPad has been a bit of a sore spot for Apple's business, with sales of the tablet falling below 2012 levels last fall. The company's most recent earnings report also showed that even the introduction of the iPad Pro couldn't stop falling iPad sales.
Then again, Apple isn't alone with a decline in tablet sales: New numbers from IDC show that tablet shipments declined by about 10 percent last year, with companies like Samsung and Lenovo also taking big hits.
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I'm no expert, but it's painfully clear there's a glaring omission in the current health care debate when we talk about costs.
I've heard little about trying to make people healthier as a way to bring down what will certainly be--and already is--an expensive undertaking. One reason health care costs so much is that it's pricey to keep treating people with chronic diseases for decades after they've been diagnosed. Many chronic diseases, we now know, are diet-related. Coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity top the list, not to mention the myriad obesity-related issues. Cancer and stroke are also linked to diet. Today, CNN reported there is $147 billion on overall obesity-related spending a year.
It's hideously ironic that the very food that is supposed to nourish us is killing us. But it's often a slow, prolonged and expensive death. And it's wholly unfair to place the cost burden of these diseases on those who got lucky in the birth lottery with new taxes. Instead, we need to revolutionize the way we eat and the way we think about food.
Organic, local fruit and vegetables and sustainably-raised meat need to take the place of deadly processed food products. And there's more: the very way we live needs to change. We don't exercise and we breathe in polluted air and we smoke a lot of cigarettes. We drive everywhere instead of walking or biking because it's faster, easier or, in many cases, the only feasible and safe way to get anywhere.
Completely re-engineering our cities is certainly not going to happen quickly and cheaply, but we can do something about this food issue immediately. We can educate people about what they eat and work to make organic, local produce less expensive and more accessible for those who buy cheaper, less healthful food because it's all they can afford. The large-scale effects of eating better might take time to realize, but it'd be a positive investment in our health care future. And it'd probably be cheaper than going on the way we are, paying for such a high percentage of our population to continue living with preventable diseases.
Consider yourself one of the educated. If you can afford real food, there are no more excuses.


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Singapore Airlines customers connecting to other Star Alliance flights will become the first to use a new digital service aimed at making transfers easier.
The Singaporean carrier has become the launch customer for the digital version of the Star Alliance Connection Service and will embed the service in its app.
The Star connection service was launched in 2017 to take the stress out of time-critical connections but until now has required dedicated support staff to help passengers transfer between their flights.
READ: AirAsiaX proposes restructure to avoid liquidation.
Information provided by the digital version includes the optimum route from the arrival to the departure gate, as well as the distance and time needed to get there.
In the case of critical connections, passengers receive a digital express connection card that allows expedited passage through certain checkpoints.
“We know that it can be challenging at times for customers to navigate through large, unfamiliar airports when connecting from one flight to another, especially when unexpected delays have an impact on the connecting time,” said Star Alliance vice president customer experience Christian Draeger.
“The digital connection service is designed to provide these travelers with easy and intuitive guidance at their fingertips, making transferring a smooth, frictionless and, now, touchless experience.”
The service uses UK-based Living Map’s Airline Accelerator, a technology positioning product that underpins customized customer routing within the airport terminal.
This initial release focuses on London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Terminal 2 and Singapore Airlines passengers connecting to or from any other Star Alliance member airline in the terminal will have access to airport maps via the SingaporeAir mobile app.
Android users get to use the digital service first with iOS following.
Star also has plans to roll out the digital service to other airports where connections are common for future adoption by other member airlines.
“Launching the Connection Service on the SingaporeAir mobile app, in partnership with Star Alliance, is part of our efforts to use digital technologies to provide a more seamless end-to-end journey to our customers,’’ said Singapore Airlines executive vice president commercial Lee Lik Hsin.
“As the world’s leading digital airline, we will continue to find innovative ways to enhance the experience for our customers and support their evolving needs.”


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March 1, 2024 — Canada on February 21 formally opened in the Philippines its first agriculture office for the vast Indo-Pacific region.
The new office is called the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO).
Canadian Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay was in Manila for the opening of IPAAO.
MacAulay said the Philippines was selected as site of the new office because of its strong relations with Canada and its strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region
“We have a great relationship with the Philippines, it’s a central location,” MacAulay told media.
The opening of the IPAAO coincides with this year’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The creation of the office is part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that was launched by the federal government in November 2022.
The strategy aims to position Canada for opportunities in the vitally important Indo-Pacific region.
Canada considers the Philippines an important partner under the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Online, the government explains that it places importance on “building upon Canada’s reputation as a stable and trusted supplier for agriculture, agri-food and seafood products”.
“The office will enhance market access, advance technical cooperation, identify new business opportunities for Canadian exporters to diversify their exports and support investment attraction efforts into Canada.”
The IPAAO is an initiative of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
In a media release on June 7, 2023, the government noted that the office will “consist of a mobile team that will work directly with Canadian diplomatic missions, Canadian stakeholders, foreign interlocutors and decision makers in the region to advance mutual trade objectives for the sector”.
The office’s work will “help position Canada as a preferred supplier in the region”.
In the same media release, the government noted that global agrifood and seafood imports into ASEAN markets have increased by 177 percent from 2012 to 2022 (from CA$72 billion to CA$200 billion).
Canada places great importance on the Indo-Pacific region.
In an earlier release on December 3, 2022, the government explained that the Indo-Pacific encompasses more than 40 economies.
The region's economies accounted for 24 per cent of Canada's total agri-food and seafood exports in 2021.
At present, the Indo-Pacific makes up more than one-third of all global economic activity.
It also accounts for 65 percent of the global population.
Moreover, the Indo-Pacific region is projected to account for more than half of the global economy by 2040.
Canada is one of the top exporters of agri-food and seafood in the world.
In 2022, the country exported nearly $92.8 billion in agriculture and food products, including raw agricultural materials, fish and seafood, and processed foods).
Canada is the fifth-largest exporter of agri-food and seafood in the world, behind the European Union, U.S., Brazil, and China.


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Primary Industries minister David Carter isn't convinced there's a gap between town and country – and at Fieldays 2012, he pointed out that much of our collective livelihood depends on the rural economy. So, is he worried about how to attract good talent into agriculture?
Idealog has been covering the most interesting people, businesses and issues from the fields of innovation, design, technology and urban development for over 12 years. And we're asking for your support so we can keep telling those stories, inspire more entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and keep pushing New Zealand forward. Give over $5 a month and you will not only be supporting New Zealand innovation, but you’ll also receive a print subscription, an Idealog t-shirt and a copy of the new book by David Downs and Dr. Michelle Dickinson, No. 8 Recharged (while stocks last).


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Every decade or so the world becomes a little more connected. In 1991, the world found 2G. 3G came in 2001 and then 4G in 2009. Fast forward a decade.
We are now entering the 5G era, which means faster internet speeds and lower latency, improving the overall experience with anything you do on the internet. Around the world, governments and smartphone manufacturers are driving the widespread use of 5G due to the benefits of the technology. Meanwhile, some telecom providers are promoting a technology called 5GE.
So what is 5GE and how is it different from 5G? What is 5GE Mobile Internet?
5GE stands for “5G Evolution” and it all started with AT&T, the largest telecommunications company in the world, and the largest provider of mobile telephone services in the United States.
The US telecommunications company began promoting the 5GE term in 2018 to separate itself from its competitors in the 5G race. AT&T said that with this update, users could achieve network speeds of 400 Mbps in coverage areas. Therefore, 5GE was marketed as a true “evolution”, a big step forward from the old 4G technology. Many AT&T subscribers have been led to believe that they can go from 4G to 5G without upgrading to a new phone that supports 5G and without paying additional bills.
How fast is AT & T’s 5GE compared to 5G, 4G, and 3G?
The public soon began scrutinizing 5GE technology to verify AT & T’s marketing claims. It turns out that AT & T’s 5GE technology is simply an enhanced version of the 4G that most mobile network providers already call 4G LTE or LTE Advanced. This means that the 5GE that should have been “evolutionary” is 4G LTE.
AT&T 5Ge icon
So it’s not surprising that in terms of speed, 5GE is slower than 5G. As of now, the average of 5G is around 50 Mbps and 1 to 10 Gbps maximum. It is far superior to 5GE, or slightly 4G LTE, with an average speed of 30 Mbps and a maximum speed of 300 Mbps.
At 4g, it has an average speed of 15Mbps and a top speed of 100Mbps, while 3G has a top speed of 3.1Mbps.
After much controversy, in 2019, an AT&T executive came out to clarify that the reason behind labeling its 4G LTE service 5GE is to “let the customer know they are in an enhanced market or experience area” and when the 5G software o 5G devices there will be a network update to allow customers to switch to 5G. Since then, AT&T has stopped its 5GE ads to avoid further confusion.
How do you know if it is on 5GE or 5G?
Before you check if you are on 5GE or 5G from AT&T, you must first have a 5G-enabled phone. Most, but not all, newer smartphones are 5G compliant.
© Apple’s iPhone 12 mini lineup
Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup supports 5G, as are most Android-based brands, including Samsung’s Galaxy Note, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Tab series. Some manufacturers offer specific 5G models for new smartphones, giving consumers the ability to stick to existing 4G technology in areas without a 5G network (these devices are typically slightly cheaper than their 5G counterparts). Next, you need to have a 5G mobile plan ready to activate the technology. When you do this, it’s also important to check your carrier’s 5G coverage.
The nPerf network coverage map shows that AT & T’s 5G currently covers about 18% of the United States, while T-Mobile covers 40% of the country. Verizon follows with coverage of around 11% nationwide.
The cities that receive the broadest 5G coverage include Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Philadelphia. In the UK, 5G coverage is provided in four major cities, including London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bristol, via four major telecom providers.
After completing all the steps above, to find out if you are on 5G or 5GE, take a look at the upper left corner of the phone screen. There should be the word “5G” or “5GE” next to the name of your cellular network operator.
The power of 5G
5G doesn’t just dramatically increase internet speed. But with 5G connectivity, it is possible to connect a higher number of devices to the network, increasing the capacity of the IoT (Internet of things). More IoT means more information sharing from one user to another. It will also lead to the development of smart cities. IoT is one of the key technological developments that is already shaping our lives today; Check out our list of five tech trends that will change the way we live and work.
AT & T’s 5GE campaign may have been misleading, but that doesn’t change the fact that 5G is here to stay. Current trends indicate that 5G penetration will reach half of the world’s population in the next five years. This next-generation technology cannot be stopped. It’s time to upgrade and embrace 5G for a faster and more efficient future.


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China’s top life insurer is making a big investment in the country’s $25 billion homegrown competitor to Uber Technologies Inc., despite already investing in Uber’s global operation, according to people familiar with the situation.
China Life Insurance Co. is plowing more than $500 million into Didi Chuxing Technology Co., after Apple Inc. made a $1 billion investment in the firm, China’s biggest ride-sharing company, according to one of the people.
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Port Sunlight is celebrating 125 years. A festival will be held this weekend in honour of the global household goods and food manufacturer Unilever's milestone.
William Hesketh Lever originally set up business in Warrington in 1884, making Sunlight soap before expanding to produce some of the worlds biggest brands including PG Tips and Persil. Lord Lever 64 acres at Port Sunlight into a factory surrounded by a village for it's workers.
Today the grade II listed building still remains. At it's height there were 8000 employees at the site today there are 900 staff.
There are also proposals for a £40m production plant at Port Sunlight.
More top news
Lots of sunshine around on Bank Holiday Monday, but breezier. Thundery, heavy rain inbound midweek but drier by the end of it
A girl from Neston is doing a trike ride in memory of her sister. Georgie died in 2014, just five days after being born without a windpipe.
The latest weather update plus viewers' photos for ITV Granada


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BUSINESS in one Anglesey town is moving “against the tide” of shop closures and plummeting economic fortunes, say traders, as a number of new developments move in.
Menai Bridge, described by one business owner as having been in “hibernation”, is now “on the up”, according to locals.
A number of vacant premises have found new occupants, while new and existing businesses are being developed in the town.
Peter Owen, who has opened a new shop in the town’s former post office, said: “Menai Bridge seemed to be going through a hibernation; there were empty shops right in the middle of town, which was a bit worrying for the local traders.
“There are so many empty shops in places like Bangor, and Menai Bridge looked like it could have gone the same way.
“But things have picked up and the town is now thriving.
“People are amazed at how things have turned out, and feel more positive in general now that they’re seeing things happening in the town.”
Jack Harrison, of the town’s Chamber of Trade, said: “As far as I’m aware, only one of the properties which had become vacant in the square still has no tenant.
“The last thing you want in any town is empty shops, but ours now seems to be on the up.
“We have everything to be pleased about.”
A post office, cafes and a restaurant are among the new businesses in the town, while development is also set to take place at a pub and at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences.
Gaby Harris, owner of the newly reopened Cafe Aethwy, said: “Things have been going well since we reopened. We had a lot of regular customers who really missed the cafe, and they’re very pleased that we’re open again.
“The cafe is in the process of changing hands, but it should do well – we’re getting very good feedback from customers.”
County councillor Keith Evans said things were looking up for the town.
“There’s currently a trend for shops to close, but that ill wind doesn’t seem to have hit Menai Bridge.
“The town has really weathered the storm and is going against the tide, which is very encouraging.”


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It was in January of last year that my phone started going off. With reports of local grocery stores with mold problems. One of our leading grocery store chains; here in the Kansas City metro found themselves dealing with a big mold problem. Out of curiosity, I jumped into my truck and headed over to check it out. When I arrived, I found a very large section of drywall covered in mold. It was immediately apparent that mold was growing behind the freezers for some time.
For a brief moment, the topic gained media attention and the attention of the Jackson County Health Department. I tuned into our local newscast to hear the report. The news coverage included an interview with the on-site health inspector that advised to remedy mold problems with bleach. The information was both expected and outdated.
The EPA does not recommend you use bleach for killing and removing mold. Chlorine bleach is NOT registered with the EPA as a disinfectant to kill mold. Only EPA-registered mold and mildew disinfectants labeled as a fungicide and mildew will do the job. Which is further supported by NORMI; an independent organization that has been key to helping form mold removal requirements for states like Florida and Texas. The EPA estimates that businesses lose over $61 billion a year. Because of Sick Building Syndrome due to unresolved mold problems.
In our previous articles about Sick Building Syndrome and School Mold Problems, we have outlined the growing problem with mold-related illnesses and the increase of mold problems in commercial buildings.
More and more media outlets are beginning to discuss these mold problems. Even Dateline NBC featured a full-length investigation into local grocery stores with mold problems and health code violations throughout the United States that revealed disturbing results of the toxic environments that are present at our local supermarket. With one of the leading concerns by investigators being mold. During the interview, the investigator stated, “But it is not just filth and grime and pests inspectors worry about. Bacteria can grow just as easily in a refrigerated unit; when it’s not at the right temperature.”
The investigator continued, “But Dateline thermometers found food being kept either not cold enough or not hot enough at 4 out of the 18 stores we visited. Food like fresh fish on sale in Texas was at least five degrees too warm. We saw some fried chicken in Georgia cool enough to grow bacteria. It needed to be 30 degrees warmer.” To see the full article by Dateline that includes the results of national grocery stores with mold and health code violations just click here!
During the upcoming holiday season, as you plan to spend those precious moments and meals with your friends and family. We encourage you to take the extra precautions to ensure that your food is coming from a clean and toxic-free environment. There are two primary mold spores that grow on food, Cladosporium and the most common penicillium. To learn more about these molds and side-effects click here.


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A few months ago we reported on Westpac trialing a new NFC mobile payment system. ANZ yesterday announced a similar trial as part of a new banking upgrade program. ‘ANZ mobile wallet’ is a plan to use NFC technology on Android devices in order to make mobile payments.
25 members of the ANZ staff are current trialing the wallet system using the Samsung Galaxy S III, with the aim to roll it out to customers by mid 2013. The secure element used in this implementation is embedded in the phones SIM, as is becoming the standard in other similar NFC payment systems around the world including the Westpac trial. The trial is being conducted with partners Optus and Visa. Payments under $100 won’t require a PIN and receipts will be displayed on screen after each transaction.
The recent uptake of the new NFC technology by a number of banks is a massive boost to Australians, since Google refuse to roll out their own popular Google Wallet system outside the US. Until recently, Google’s own system was being used by some Australians by use of a ‘hack’ using the Prepaid Card option available to Google Wallet. But Google have now ceased the Prepaid Card option, thus rendering Google Wallet completely unavailable to anyone in Australia.


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Educational publishing firm Pearson has said it will target further digital growth and the skills gap as part of its strategy to recover following the impact of the pandemic.
It came as the FTSE 100 company posted a 12% slump in sales to £3.4 billion in 2020, as textbook sales were affected by the pandemic’s disruption to schools.
Nevertheless, the group was upbeat in its outlook, forecasting year-on-year revenue growth amid easing restrictions across its key markets.
The company also revealed that operating profits jumped to £411 million for the year, from £275 million in 2019, as it benefited from the sale of its stake in Penguin Random House and lower-than-expected restructuring costs.
Pearson’s strategy overhaul will see it grow its direct-to-consumer model, while it also plans to continue to expand its online business which now covers around three-quarters of all sales.
The company has said it will reorganise its operations as a result of the new growth strategy, splitting the business into five new divisions.
In addition to its schools and college services, the group said it plans to tap into high demand for training and qualifications related to skills and businesses.
Andy Bird, Pearson’s chief executive, said: “Despite the significant challenges of 2020, it is thanks to the tenacity and commitment of colleagues around the world that Pearson has delivered a solid financial performance.
“This year, as we recover from the impact of the pandemic, we are focused on delivering revenue and profit growth.
“Following significant investments in technology and comprehensive restructuring, Pearson is moving at pace and ready to enter a new era as a digital-first company, focused on delivering sustainable revenue and profit growth for the benefit of all company stakeholders.”


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Smartphones have been a blessing for people who want to stay connected on the go. From accessing emails during the morning commute to using apps to find your way around, there's little doubt that a smartphone can be a seriously handy gadget. Of course, one of the most popular things to do on a smartphone is keep up with what your friends are up to on Facebook. After much speculation, the California-based social networking giant is expected to announce a Facebook-themed phone as soon as next week, Engadget reports.
Earlier this week, Facebook invited members of the press to "come see [their] new home on Android," at an event scheduled to take place April 4. Although there have been several rumors making their way around the internet, many experts agree that the big reveal will be an HTC smartphone with a new operating system designed to place Facebook at center stage.
According to the news source, the first thing users of the new device will see when turning on their handset is a Facebook home page, from which they can then navigate to other web pages and features. In addition, the phone's built-in camera and messaging platform will default to Facebook-enabled applications, making it easier than ever to share what's going on with your friends.
Although software will likely be the focal point of the event, the phone's hardware specifications could raise a few eyebrows, but the specifics remain to be seen. Until next week, HTC and Facebook fans will have to use their imaginations.
Of course, the launch of a new Facebook-themed phone could be the excuse you've been waiting for to sell your iPhone and migrate to a new platform. If Facebook's cryptic invitation has piqued your interest, the event will definitely be worth keeping an eye on.


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Forum of Russian users of software products TranzWare/TranzAxis RuTTUG 2021 was held on June 15-18 on the territory of the hotel complex Grand Hotel Polyana in Sochi. Such forums are held every odd-numbered year, this one is already the 6th in a row. The forum was organized by Compass Plus.
CCT company became a sponsor of the event and also presented its latest solutions. Alexander Sokolov, Development Director of Center of Corporate Technologies LLC, as one of the speakers, made a presentation “New Payment Reality”.
It should be noted that the forum brought together real professionals of the payment market in one place and was held in a warm and productive atmosphere.


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By James Kirby
A LITRE of milk is now cheaper than a litre of bottled water. Does that make sense? Yes, but only in a country where a handful of supermarkets rule with an iron grip.
Coles started ''the milk war'' with a sudden move to trump retail rivals Aldi, Woolworths and Franklins. But in the blink of an eye those competitors have responded, leaving us with cheap milk, horrified farmers and puzzled investors who cannot see the change making any difference to share prices.
Still the supermarkets press on. For them the voluntary trimming of profits on milk is a rounding error. And with more than half of all fresh milk sold now as supermarket brands, they may as well push to dominate demand. Inside retailing it's what they call a loss leader - you go in for the milk (now $1 a litre) and you come out with $50 worth of groceries.
It's an odd bit of marketing economics from the supermarket giants but no more than that. In fact, the move is bizarre in the context of what's happening in the real world, where food prices are going up again.
The riots across Egypt and North Africa - which have already brought down the government of Tunisia - are substantially to do with higher food prices.
Moreover, ''food inflation'' is once again a key item on the agenda at the World Economic Forum this weekend in Davos, Switzerland.
It's no mystery. Rising food prices hit the poorest first. It works like this in poorer countries: much more is spent on food, maybe 50 per cent or more of the household budget against maybe 10 per cent in the land where milk (in the supermarkets at least) is cheaper than water.
Earlier this week in India the government raised rates, citing a need to control food inflation, which is currently running at 15 per cent - in Australia the figure is closer to 5 per cent. Similar pressures are building in China.
The last time food prices started to rise rapidly markets were also running hot, but a much anticipated ''soft commodity boom'', which looked like taking off in late 2007 fizzled out as the GFC took hold.
But now poorer countries are back in the commodities markets bidding up prices to buttress food stockpiles. The problem is that every time a country tries to stockpile, prices get pushed higher elsewhere. Grain prices are now testing their highest level in 30 months - a point at which speculators are almost certain to enter the market looking for quick profits.
In common with 2007, the food industry blames biofuels - where crops are used to make energy. Paul Brabeck, the chairman of Nestle, one of the world's biggest food companies, said at the opening of Davos that the ''simple solution'' to food inflation was to terminate biofuel production.
But it could never be so easy. Regardless of temporary effects such as extreme weather, rising populations with rising expectations of what they can eat will continue to push prices higher.
Looming higher food prices were the reason BHP, our biggest company, made a play late last year for the world's largest fertiliser company, PotashCorp of Canada.
When BHP came calling, Bill Doyle, the man in the hot seat as the PotashCorp managing director, told it to get lost as he believed better days were just around the corner.
After reporting higher profits a few days ago, Doyle said: ''The reasons for higher food prices have reignited … we'll see higher grain prices for years.''
BHP missed the prize at PotashCorp but at least the move made sense; with artificially lower milk prices the supermarkets are simply throwing their weight around. It won't last long.


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March 5, 2020
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has supported OWAA for 70 years—making them OWAA’s longest continual Supporting Group.
As part of their ongoing support, ASA offers complimentary ICAST registration to current OWAA members like you. This means your media editorial badge registration fee will be covered in full, just for being a member of OWAA. Fees are normally $100 for pre-registration and $150 on-site.
ICAST 2020 will be held July 14-17 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Officially named the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), it is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. On average, there are 15,000 attendees, 650 exhibitors and 625 press representing 80 countries.
In addition to hundreds of exhibits, attendees can immerse themselves in all aspects of the fishing industry through demo events, cocktail receptions, and business development seminars.
How to register
To register, click here and select the dark blue “Media Editorial” box on the right hand side of the page. Let ASA know you’re a current member of OWAA by selecting OWAA in the company search field.
ASA is the sportfishing industry’s trade association and is committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. They give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA works to ensure that the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as to safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America.


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Digital and retail marketing agency Savvy swept the board with eight wins at the IPM Awards in London.
Savvy scooped a total five gold awards and three bronze awards across a range of categories including consumer services, retail and marketing.
The IPM awards celebrate promotional marketing excellence across the industry.
Catherine Shuttleworth, chief executive and founder of Savvy, said: “Our recent award wins are reflective of our areas of focus.
“The pace at which the retail landscape is changing is rapid, at the same time there is a seismic shift in shopper behaviour thanks to advancements in technology. This means we need to take a more connected shopper approach – a more
integrated approach to planning marketing campaigns that takes advantage of all the channels available to help drive shoppers through the path to purchase. It’s the way we now work with all our clients.”
The agency have also announced the launch of their new live brand experience division Savvy Live.
It launches at a time when the agency is delivering live brand experiences for global brands including campaigns for adidas, Britvic and Diesel, as an integral touchpoint in the connected shopper path to purchase that can create memorable live experiences to drive emotional connections, shape behaviour and influence purchase whilst delivering on scale.
Savvy is understood to beginning a recruitment drive to support the move.


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W has set up a music division called WVA by joining forces with the talent and brand partnership specialist.
The department will be led by W’s Kim Machray and VA’s Ronnie Traynor, with the aim of serving brands seeking to engage consumers through music.
W founder Warren Johnson pointed to the £100 million spent by brands in endorsements and tie-ins with musicians last year as indicative of a growing market, with record labels "seeking to make up for the lost golden days of CD sales".
He said that work would focus on "turning on its head" the practice of "involving an artist at the eleventh hour after an idea has been created".
"This is about ensuring brands and musicians have a more equal partnership so that they are really involved in the creation stage," he added.
"A lot of agencies don’t understand the need to be brave and give carte blanche to such talent within the creative process."
As well as looking for new clients, WVA will look to develop the two agencies’ existing relationships with clients already in the music space, including W Hotels, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Nando’s.
Recent work by W has involved a collaboration between Annie Mac and W Hotels, while Vision Artists has worked with musicians including Plan B, Rita Ora, and Charlie XCX.
Traynor said: "Instead of brands creating ideas and then trying to get artists to fit into them, they should be working together to find ways in which they can help each other. Talent must be integrated at the inception of a campaign idea, rather than the last people to be called on as part of the execution."


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Matzo in short supply for Bay Area Passover
Lots of theories, but no clear answers why this year different
The talk at Passover tables this weekend wasn't just about Moses leading Jews out of slavery. Jews also discussed the shortage of matzo.
Around the region, grocery stores reported having completely run out of their supplies of the essential staple for Passover, the weeklong observance that began Saturday evening.


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Ford is calling on policymakers, energy providers, local authorities, consumers, and the automotive industry to join forces on a nationwide electrification strategy.
The manufacturer believes that a coordinated effort led by the Government is required if the goal of phasing out petrol and diesel new car and van sales by 2030 is to be achieved.
Stuart Rowley, Ford of Europe president, said: “At Ford, we’re putting our plan into action. In the UK, the electrification transition is underway, but we will not achieve the Government’s 2030 target organically.
“We need a plan, supporting the rollout of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, in operation ahead of November’s critical COP26 climate summit.
“The scale of the challenge requires a partnership between all the key stakeholders and focusing on accelerating the development of the charging infrastructure at home, in the workplace and in public locations.
"It also should encourage consumers to purchase all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles through stronger incentives.”
Ford has committed to sell only electric cars in Europe by 2030, with all Ford cars sold in the continent by 2026 expected to be zero-emissions capable.
The Government recently set out the next steps towards the 2030 ICE ban, starting with a consultation this year on which hybrid vehicles will remain on sale from 2030 to 2035.
In 2020, Ford and its consortium partners received government backing for the introduction of 5G connectivity to speed up EV manufacturing.
The announcement follows as the first in its series of quarterly consumer sentiment reports, Go Electric, reveals a lack of awareness and hesitancy towards electrified vehicles and its ecosystems.
The report shows that 28% of respondents said they plan to buy an electric vehicle (EV) within the next five years, but more than one in five said they have no intention of purchasing an EV.
A fifth of respondents said they would not buy an EV until they have no other option.
Ford said the research suggests that consumer acceptance is an obstacle to overcome, with the report highlighting a lack of information around EV technology, as 61% surveyed said they did not feel they have enough information to make an informed decision on purchasing an EV.
When asked how confident they were about EV technology, more than half of respondents said they did not know the difference between electrified vehicle types, while four out of five said they would not be comfortable explaining EVs to a friend.
Ford called on the automotive industry and Government last year, to work in partnership to boost adoption rates of plug-in vehicles with a clear strategy for incentives and infrastructure.
Ford's action points for the UK to address
1. Comprehensive roadmap: an action plan led by the Government and agreed by all relevant stakeholders, which sets out the ‘how’ and ‘when’ of the switch to electrification
2. Charging infrastructure: charging points to be accessible for all with public charging points required across the UK
3. Incentivisation: a comprehensive regime of both purchase and usage incentives that encourage consumers to adopt all-electric and plug-in hybrid technologies
4. Information for all: a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure customers have confidence in the technologies


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Read and remember these stats so you can sound clever at the next Monday morning meeting.
Loss reported at Nintendo for the year ending March 31st
Uncharted games sold worldwide to date
Decline in like-for-like store sales at GameStop for its financial year ending January 28th, 2012
Money raised for GamesAid at this year’s MCV Awards
The day of November this year when Call of Duty:?Black Ops II will hit shelves
The number of extra countries Star Wars: The Old Republic will be available in across the Middle East and parts of Europe


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Bologna 2011 motor show
International Automobile Exhibition Bologna
A dose of Italian style greets those who attend the Bologna show
1 December 2011
SITTING in the shadows of the massive Tokyo motor show, it’s easy to lose track of the International Automobile Exhibition in Bologna, Italy.
But this Italian trade show is the only Italian expo dedicated to the international market, and what it lacks in sheer size it makes up for in Italian glamour.
Notable debuts have included the track-oriented Fiat Abarth 695 Assetto Corse and the hardcore Ferrari 599XX circuit car.
Most major manufacturers were present, with recently-revealed concepts and new production vehicles – most of which we’ve seen before at previous European shows like Frankfurt and Geneva.
Italian stallion: The Ferrari 599XX track day weapon was unveiled publicly in Bologna.


text: TM88 has officially unveiled his brand new website over the weekend TM88 World. The Atlanta super producer has also dropped the full visual to his 88 Will Kill Bill Vol. 1 directed by Unkle Luke. Watch the first volume above and peep his new website here. You can also peep the TM88 World documentary part 1 below.


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The historic Fiat plant in Rivalta, located near Turin in Italy, is set to become one of the Mopar brand’s global parts and distribution centers serving Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and additional world markets.
Prompted by the rapid global expansion of Mopar, the service, parts and customer-care brand for FCA vehicles, this project will transform a former vehicle production plant into an innovative, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable parts and accessories storage and distribution warehouse. The new facility will support over 5,000 locations, significantly improving delivery time to dealerships and workshops, increasing customer service quality as a result.
“As we grow the Mopar brand around the world, customer satisfaction continues to be one of our key global priorities,” said Pietro Gorlier, Global Head of Parts and Service (Mopar) and Chief Operating Officer of the EMEA region. “Delivery of the right part at the right time around the globe is at the core of what we do, so we continue to invest in our more than 50 parts distribution centers worldwide. In the case of Rivalta, we are proud to revive a building with a great industrial legacy and transform it into a state-of the art, forward-looking international parts distribution hub that will serve our markets in Europe and beyond.”
The Mopar brand continues to invest to meet an increasing global demand that saw over 47,000 tons of parts and accessories distributed in the past 12 months in support of more than 7,000 dealers and workshops throughout the EMEA region alone. In Europe, the brand offers a portfolio of more than 260,000 accessories and parts for all FCA vehicle brands. Mopar operates in more than 160 markets and has more than 50 parts distribution centers located in more than 20 countries.
The Rivalta Project:
The Rivalta project is set to optimize the Mopar brand’s global operation, with approximately 3.66 million square feet of space, of which 431,000 square feet will consist of new buildings. The vehicle storage and dispatch area will be strategically located to allow prompt access to main roads, ensuring significant advantages in terms of parts handling and logistics. By 2020, the new structure will also host the regional headquarters of Mopar.
Acoustics, indoor climate control, furniture design and the natural and artificial lighting of the facility are designed to guarantee the optimum work environment for employees.
The project will implement energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable features, including use of solar panels, fitting rainwater recovery systems and use of eco-friendly materials, in all cases carefully assessing resource life cycles, from production to disposal.
The new parts management warehouses will implement innovative solutions in terms of ergonomics of the work stations used by personnel.
From inception, the facility was designed to achieve the highest level in “World Class Logistics,” a prestigious world certification program with objectives that include the elimination of waste in customer service logistic processes. The Mopar brand was awarded Silver level certification for the facility in 2017 and is the only brand/warehouse in the region to have achieved this recognition.
New Mopar offices at the Rivalta facility add up to approximately 140,000 square feet. The headquarters will contain office space, conference rooms, a cafeteria, restaurants, a conference hall, a large parking area and landscaped outdoor areas available to workers.
The Rivalta plant started operation in 1967 and produced many of Fiat’s most popular models, such as the Fiat 124 Spider, Dino, Ritmo and Bravo.


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Last month, Google released their latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, after which, several manufacturers have revealed the list of devices which will be updated to the new operating system.
If you’re a Huawei user, there’s some good news for you — some bad as well if you’re device is not the list. The company has revealed the list of devices which will get the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update in the coming months, and the list is not small.
The Chinese company mentioned that it will update a handful of its devices to the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. It includes, Huawei P8, Mate 7, Mate S, P8 Youth Edition, P8 Max, the Chinese version of the G8 (Maimang 4), G7 Plus, Huawei G7, Honor 7, Honor 7i, Honor 6 Plus, Honor 6, Honor X2, Honor 4X, and Play 4C.
The new operating system will come with EMUI on top of the operating system so it’s unlikely that you’ll get the stock Android experience on the devices. As of now, there’s no word on when the company will start rolling out the updates for the above mentioned handsets, but the entire process is expected to start in November, so we can at least expect the newest Mate S and P8 to be among the first batch of devices which will get Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
We’ll update you as soon as the Chinese company starts the roll out.
Source: Phone Arena
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CA's 'material weakness' leads to more accounting woes
Six-year bookkeeping journey
CA this week extended its poor accounting streak, announcing that it will delay reporting fourth quarter and full year financial results. The delay stems from the software maker's failure to record sales commission expenses correctly.
Instead of reporting earnings per share of 2 cents in the fourth quarter as it once forecasted, CA now expects to post a 7 cents per share loss. Much of this swing comes from an extra $70m in sales commissions that, erm, weren't properly recorded. This accounting snafu builds on an ugly bookkeeping history at CA and a spate of recent executive departures.
"This increase in sales commission expense resulted from a new sales commission plan that did not appropriately align commission payments with the Company’s overall performance," CA explained in a statement.
CA will restate its third quarter earnings to reflect $26m in additional commission expense charges that should have been recorded in the past. In addition, it has delayed the release of fourth quarter and full-year figures and cancelled a June 8 conference with financial analysts. (Wouldn't that meeting have been fun?)
Beyond all that, CA has admitted to having some serious accounting woes.
"The Company also will report a material weakness in its financial controls relating to the forecasting, processing, and monitoring of sales commissions," CA said. "As stated above, the Company has not concluded its review of this matter and further adjustments may be necessary."
Last month, CA's former CEO Sanjay Kumar joined a number of former executives in pleading guilty to taking part in an accounting scandal that saw the company make use of the so-called "35 day month." This accounting method allowed CA to book extra revenue during certain sales periods.
When Kumar handed in his guilty plea, CA's new management proclaimed, "We are a dramatically different organisation than we were two years ago" with an "infrastructure that promotes integrity, compliance and good governance."
CA's current CEO John Swainson had a different message this week.
“Clearly we are disappointed that what would have been a solid year was impacted by execution issues relating to commissions, which adversely affected our fourth quarter performance and led to a restatement of our third quarter results," Swainson said. "We are making changes to ensure that these problems do not recur, and are confident going forward that our value proposition of helping customers manage and secure their enterprise IT environments is sound."
In recent months, CA has lost its CFO, COO and CTO. ®


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It's the Geek Girl Countdown of the top technology stories of 2012. Today we're wrapping up the countdown with the top gadget of 2012.
It's the Geek Girl Countdown of the top technology stories of 2012. Today's story: Apple takes down Samsung in a patent lawsuit
Apple Maps is back for iPhone users.
Here we go again, iPhone 5S rumors have started.
If you're expecting a bright and shiny iPhone 5 this Christmas, you might be in for a wait.
You know what they say, there's always a scapegoat. And it looks like Apple has found theirs.
Apple may introduce more new products at the event tomorrow, which could include a Mac Mini and a revamped MacBook Pro.
On this week’s edition of the Geek Girl Report, I’ll take a look at some of the best anti-virus software for Macs.
On this day one year ago, the digital world was shaken to the core when Apple CEO and tech visionary Steve Jobs passed away. And amidst all the mourning, there was one lingering question on people's minds: what's going to happen to Apple without Jobs at the helm?
On this week's edition of the Geek Girl Report, I'll give you my hands-on impressions of the brand new iPhone 5.


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Local Etsy sellers join in strike against platform
Thousands of people are joining in a strike against online marketplace Etsy, after sellers say they feel the company is taking advantage of them.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Etsy’s sales sky rocketted during the pandemic as a result of people starting to shop online more. Now it recently announced it’s hiking it’s transaction fees by 30%.
Many sellers say this feels unfair to the businesses that made Etsy get so much attention during the peak of COVID, by using the platform to sell their goods. Several people say they’re losing money and time given up for hard work to the platform.
Now, over 70,000 people have signed a petition to put their sites into “vacation mode”, or to not buy on the site, boycotting the company’s decision.
Etsy Seller Caroline Lotzer of Rockford is one of these people. She says although her site is not big, she feels it is her duty to stand against the platform for other sellers who use it to profit their everyday lives.
“Etsy is great because people who are creative can go and make things they love, and give them to other people that love them too,” said Lotzer. “But, you need to treat your sellers like a community, and not just people who get you money.”
Other sources I spoke with say they do not believe Etsy is going to lower the transaction fee despite the backlash they are facing. The company’s CEO also says the increase is geared towards funding improvements in seller tools, customer support, and marketing.
Copyright 2022 WIFR. All rights reserved.


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The man accused of refusing to leave an Airbnb rental in California may also be behind a Kickstarter campaign that is going off the rails.
Maksym Pashanin, identified by local television station KESQ as the man squatting in a Palm Springs condo, posted a strange comment on the page of the Kickstarter campaign that is raising money for his game Confederate Express.
"Ok guys, what's the latest deets on the drama?" Pashanin, identified with a yellow "Creator" tag, posted on Saturday. "10/10 would squat again."
Backers of Confederate Express, a "strategy-oriented tactical RPG," which raised nearly $40,000 on Kickstarter, were promised their finished game in June. In response to complaints from antsy backers in the projects's comments section, Pashanin provided sporadic updates. He later apologized for the delay on July 16 by offering fans free copies of his other game in development, Knuckle Club. The only problem: Knuckle Club isn't a finished game, yet — it's currently trying to raise money on Kickstarter, and has received just over $800 of its $25,000 goal as of press time.
Airbnb host Cory Tschogl has accused a verified Airbnb user named "Maksym" of failing to pay rent after staying in her 600-square-foot condo for more than 30 days (the company collects monthly payments for longterm reservations). When Tschogl threatened to turn off the power after Maksym refused to vacate following a 44-day stay (the length of his original reservation), he threatened to sue for jeopardizing his work, which he does at home.
Under California rental law, a squatter obtains tenant rights after living in and paying rent for a unit for 30 days.
Airbnb did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


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Being mothers, Lara Díaz and Julia Oliver found it difficult to find children’s shoes that were respectful of the growth of their feet and that, in addition, were made with ecological and biodegradable materials. After seeking advice from a podiatrist and contacting a designer with more than 30 years of experience, this pair of friends began working on the creation of their own line of children’s footwear. They explain that more than a year and a half passed from when they had the idea until they finally put the first pair of Muris on sale, at the beginning of April 2023. “We delayed the release to the market because we wanted to be sure of having a first-class product. Julia Oliver notes.
The term you died comes from the Mexican community known as tarahumaras, rarámuris or, what is the same, the one with light feet. This is precisely the goal pursued by the entrepreneurs, that children have practically the same sensation as if they were without shoes thanks to lightweight footwear that protects the feet while imitating the sensation of walking barefoot. On the other hand, the toes are wider and do not contain plastics, to maintain freedom of movement, enhance the child’s autonomy and eliminate any type of element that hinders the development of the foot, according to the firm.
The designs are created in Barcelona, where the company is based, and manufacturing is carried out in Portugal from biomaterials produced from grape residue. “We tried to manufacture in Spain, but it was more complicated,” admits Lara Díaz. They have started with 20,000 pairs of shoes this year, of which they plan to sell 40% in Spain and the remaining 60% in other European countries, especially Portugal and the Nordic countries. At the moment, they sell exclusively through their online store.


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Wakefield, QC - A subdued and introspective crowd of eight people gathered Saturday night in the town of Wakefield to view the latest in Wakefield fashions and sample some freshly baked granola-flaxseed muffins. Introducing her new line of eco-friendly fashions, Wakefield resident and fashion designer Nula Santros addressed the quiet and liberal crowd with a speech exemplifying the importance of buying eco-conscious, hand made clothing, and shunning traditional normal fashion sense in favour of a more hippie/gypsy looks that the area has become known for. “Don’t be fooled into wearing something just because a well-groomed, clean scented, hairless-armpit woman is wearing it.” Santros explained.
The new line of clothes designed by Santros utilize fairly traded materials such as used burlap grain sacks, recycled tarpaulins and curtains from an abandoned motel outside of Chelsea, QC. The materials are then hand crafted into frumpy, shapeless, androgynous outfits that can be worn with accessories from the Wakefield area such as hand-knit Alpaca wool Rastafarian hats, boiled wool footwear and jewelry made out of chakra stones. Shunning any fashion sense or latest trends in normal society, the new line of clothes by Santros will maintain Wakefield’s reputation as an ultra left-wing, communal area.
The event originally had 10 people in attendance but two people had to leave to attend a protest down the street against a proposed home renovation where the house in question was going to be renovated to actually look nice. The remaining eight people then watched as various models from the area sporting Santros’ fashions walked up and down a runway to the soothing sounds of Native American throat singers and Ravi Shankar. After the fashion show, the audience was treated to some organic muffins that weighed 5 pounds each and encourage regularity for up to 4 weeks. Santros hailed the event as a success and was surprised at the number in attendance. “I didn’t think we’d have as many people as we did here tonight considering this town’s lack of interest in fashion, so I’m pleased.” Santros beamed.


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Can AT&T Beat the Competition?
Early Thursday, S&P 500 (NYSE:SPY) and Dow (NYSE:DIA) component AT&T (NYSE:T) reported its third-quarter results. Net income fell to $3.62 billion (61 cents per share), compared to $12.34 billion ($2.07 per share) last year. Although net income declined 70% from last year, investors should keep in mind that AT&T posted a large tax gain last year that inflated earnings. Investors should be more concerned with AT&T activating only 2.7 million Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones in the third quarter, which makes it the lowest quarterly number in nearly two years. Last year, the company activated 5.2 million iPhone units, which beat estimates by 400k. However, AT&T’s 43.7% profit margin from wireless services beat estimates of 41.9%.
“Mobile broadband growth continues to be robust, execution was strong across the business, and we delivered another solid quarter,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T (NYSE:T) chairman and chief executive officer. “Smartphones, connected devices and tablets all posted impressive gains. Our first LTE 4G markets are up and running with terrific speeds. And we continue to work toward a successful completion of our planned T-Mobile USA merger. The next waves in the mobile Internet revolution represent tremendous growth potential, and we are laying the groundwork required for that future.”
Looking at the chart above, shares of AT&T are relatively flat this year, but still outperforming Sprint (NYSE:S) and MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE:PCS). Verizon (NYSE:VZ) has outperformed the field with only a 3% capital gain year-to-date. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint all sell the iPhone.
Although AT&T’s (NYSE:T) iPhone numbers for the third quarter slowed, the company expects a strong holiday powered fourth quarter. For the first time, AT&T is offering the iPhone 3GS for free with a two-year contract. Plus, the new iPhone 4S has been a huge success in the short amount of time its been on the market. AT&T has already activated more than one 1 million iPhone 4S units. The slowdown in the third-quarter could have been caused by customers waiting for the new iPhone 4S (NASDAQ:AAPL).
AT&T (NYSE:T) is seeking to expand its business by merging with T-Mobile. However, it will have to fight the U.S. Justice Department in court over antitrust issues. The combination of the country’s second- and fourth-largest wireless carriers would violate antitrust law and “substantially lessen competition,” the US said in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington. The Justice Department asked U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle to block the deal, the largest announced acquisition of the year according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It will be interesting to see how AT&T responds to increasing competition if it is not allowed to merge with T-Mobile. The iPhone (NASDAQ:AAPL) is currently making its way to smaller wireless carriers. On Wednesday, it was announced that C Spire, a regional carrier formerly known as Cellular South, will become the fourth US wireless provider to sell the iPhone. C Spire serves less than 900k customers.
Don’t Miss: Did iPhone 4S Trip Up Apple Earnings?


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To mark the 10 year anniversary of B&T‘s 30 Under 30 Awards, we’ve embarked on a journey to hunt down our first ever winners and find out what they’re up to now.
In 2010, ten of these individuals were already principals of businesses (mostly agencies).
There were eight suits, five strategists, four creatives and three client-side marketers.
We’ll travel to New York, San Francisco, Massachusetts, London, Singapore and across Australia.
The talented 20-something year olds have become highly successful CEOs, MDs, group heads, investors, founders, creative directors, heads of marketing and, perhaps most importantly, parents.
We’ve already sat down with CHE Proximity boss Chris Howatson.
Next on the list is innovation expert Nic Hodges who now runs a strategic growth advisory for startups and media companies.
Then: head of innovation & technology, Mediacom
Now: founder – Blonde3; VP of Growth – inkl
After studying and working in Industrial Design, Hodges completed a Masters in Multimedia while working for a mobile tech start-up.
He then joined what was at the time a fledgeling digital agency, Sputnik. Working as designer, coder and builder he left in 2007, the year it won B&T‘s Interactive Agency gong.
Nic then moved into big agency world, starting at M&C Saatchi Melbourne as digital art director and moving the following year to Sydney, taking up a role initially as creative director of NetX.
The agency had just moved in with Clemenger BBDO where Nic turned the separate digital offerings into one strong integrated agency.
Over the next two years, the agency more than doubled digital revenue and picked up several international awards.
Andy Mallinson, Nic’s former NetX boss and then marketing director at Fitness First said: “Nic is a genius.
“A master of all trades and Jack of none. He has that rare talent in a digital creative of being both conceptual and technical.”
How do you think being nominated affected your career, if at all?
Advertising and media have always been an industry that’s embraced young folk relatively well.
We’re really lucky in that sense, and at the time I was lucky that people had faith in me to lead a significant and critical part of the business.
So in a sense, 30 Under 30 didn’t cause any huge external change.
Internally, however, the recognition gave me real confidence in what I was doing, and my ability to be a leader in the industry.
What’s been the biggest change in your life since then?
The last ten years have been a continuous period of change – that’s the nature of the things I’m fascinated by and the work I love doing. I’ve managed to remain based in Melbourne, but have been fortunate to work around the world with an increasing focus on media companies and start-ups.
These days I run my own strategic growth consultancy, which thankfully keeps the change coming thick and fast.
What words of wisdom would you have shared with your 29-year-old self back then knowing what you do now?
Most people won’t. So it’s those that do who change everything.
What are you most proud of?
There’s certainly not “one big thing” that I’m most proud of over the last ten years. The most rewarding part of what I do is the work with startups.
I work with founders for anything from a few hours to a few months to help them understand how to market and build a brand.
The leaps and bounds that these founders can make in such short periods are absolutely phenomenal.
What do you see as the biggest challenges that face young people in advertising, marketing and media these days?
Not robots. There’s never been more complexity, and more thinking required to create effective and interesting work in this industry.
The jobs aren’t about to be automated, and in fact, the biggest challenge is knowing what to focus on.
Conversely, what’s the biggest opportunity for those under 30 now?
It’s really related to that challenge of knowing what to focus on and knowing what’s next. I feel like many young folk I speak with today are either trying to be generalists or specialists.
I think there’s a danger in both – and I’d say the biggest opportunity is to aim to always be a specialist in 3 to 4 areas, and always be evolving what those things are.
What can the industry do better to attract and retain young talent?
The competition for talent used to be other big businesses. Increasingly it’s smaller, faster growing, and more interesting businesses.
Demonstrating the career opportunities and the variety that comes with this industry is something that I still don’t think is done well enough.
The experience and opportunities in the industry are huge, but it takes a while to realise that.
Entries for B&T‘s 30 Under 30 Awards for 2019 are now open. For all the details, click here. Tickets are also available for B&T Bootcamp, a day of speed mentoring and masterclasses aimed at up and comers in the industry.
A new global report on the damaging effects of promoting fossil fuels has singled out Australia as being uniquely compromised by agencies lobbying for oil, gas and coal. The joint study by Australian organisations Comms Declare and Clean Creatives lists the 90 advertising, marketing and PR agencies that have hampered cuts to greenhouse gas emissions […]
Freedom Foods and 72andSunny Sydney have launched the first advertising campaign for Australia’s Own range of plant-based beverages. The campaign introduces a new visual world and identity for the brand and captures the healthy, positive feeling you get when spending time in nature and when consuming Australia’s Own certified-organic, plant-based beverages. As well as featuring […]
Nine creatives from APAC are among the 94 finalists from 27 countries in The One Club for Creativity’s prestigious Young Guns 19 competition, celebrating international creative professionals age 30 or younger. The finalists from APAC are: Hiu Ching Kung, graphic designer, Hong Kong Lam Ieong Kun, graphic designer, illustrator, indego design, Macau Raxenne Maniquiz, graphic designer, illustrator, Santa Maria (Philippines) Kiyotaka […]
OOH transit company Adflow has announced the success of the first phase of its regional expansion program. Adflow’s regional footprint has increased by 60 per cent to now include 65 regional locations. With 9.1 million people living regionally in Australia (growth of 1.1 per cent experienced in the 19/20 Financial year) and most regional centres […]
Freshworks, a leading software company, has started trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, marking an important milestone for the company. The company priced its IPO at US$36 per share (AU$49.76), raising about US$1 billion (AU$1.4B), resulting in a total market capitalisation of AU$13.7 billion (US$10B). Freshworks, which was founded in India, has strong roots […]
Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is the biggest player in the holiday shopping game and Google’s most recent research suggests consumer interest for the peak sales season starts much earlier than retailers may realise. The pandemic has fundamentally changed buyer behaviour over peak sales season, with Google suggesting that global consumer interest in Black Friday […]


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Mobile and cloud are both significant tech trends on their own, but the two also form a symbiotic pair that makes the sum greater than its parts.
A new report suggests that the public cloud may be being utilized by Chinese hackers to get at American data.
Despite serious security concerns, many companies are leaping headfirst into the cloud.
Microsoft's SkyDrive began malfunctioning Tuesday, a day after Google's Gmail got tripped by a network breakdown.
A 25-minute outage for online retail mega-giant Amazon is yet another hiccup, and still not a reason to abandon the cloud. However, there are other caveats to using cloud services.
Druva chose to build the new private cloud edition of its inSync endpoint data protection using OpenStack because of its object storage functionality, but the increasingly popular cloud platform still needs to improve in some key areas, according to CEO Jaspreet Singh.
Foreign customers are in panic over U.S. spying, and that's bad for business
Lenovo opens its Reach consumer cloud service for public preview. Reach is a "cloud-desktop" service through which applications can be launched without downloading and installing them locally on mobile devices and PCs.
There are many benefits to utilizing cloud servers and cloud storage, but make sure you also consider the caveats and pitfalls to determine if it’s right for you.
Qualys unveiled a new tool at Black Hat this week, announcing availability of the beta version of its new Web Application Firewall (WAF).
Stories Tagged: cloudcomputingNext Page


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