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What Businesses Can Learn From Amazon’s Mayday Feature
Amazon always seems to be at the forefront of new marketing campaigns (package delivery via drone, anyone?) and excellent customer service.
The newest Amazon feature is no exception to their marketing success. The Mayday button, which appeared on the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX tablets in September 2013, allows Amazon customers using a Fire HDX tablet to instantly connect with a customer service representative in a live video chat. Amazon initially marketed the Mayday feature with the promise that customers would receive help in 15 seconds or less. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?
Well, Amazon recently released their data regarding the wait time for Mayday, and it isn’t 15 seconds. According to the new data, the average wait time is 9.75 seconds. With 75% of Fire HDX customers now using the Mayday feature to access Amazon’s customer service representatives, that 9.75 second wait time isn’t just good news for Amazon–it’s proof that instant customer service is the most effective way to please customers.
This isn’t exactly brand new info, however. A 2012 study showed that when customers are forced to wait longer than they had expected, 48% of those customers will automatically assume that the business isn’t running efficiently, and a whopping 52% of customers would simply shop elsewhere. It’s harder than ever for businesses to earn customer loyalty, especially since technology has enabled consumers to locate competitors easily and compare prices virtually.
Sure, we all have some criticisms about the methodology of certain big companies (the drone delivery situation still seems a bit questionable) but the numbers here don’t lie. Instant customer service is undoubtedly becoming the norm for businesses, and Amazon knew that back in September.


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Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart posted gains in earnings and revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 as vehicle prices rise amid tight supply. Car-Mart beat earnings expectations of $3.20 per share, based on a consensus of four analysts. It also beat revenue expectations of $269.76 million.
After the markets closed Wednesday (Nov. 17), the buy here, pay here used car dealer reported earnings for the period ending Oct. 31 increased by 8% to $22.88 million, or $3.33 per share, from $21.18 million, from $3.05 per share. Revenue increased by 29.1% to $288.3 million, from $223.36 million.
“We continue to see solid productivity improvement and market share gains in an operating environment with historic supply and demand imbalances,” said Jeff Williams, president and CEO. “Unit sales were up almost 6%, the average retail sales price was up 21% and interest income was up 39%, resulting in top-line growth of 29% for the quarter. We believe productivity would have been even better had availability of vehicles at lower price points been at more normal levels.”
The company’s investments in vehicle inventory have allowed it to offer better quality vehicles to customers and keep dealerships stocked amid tight supply, Williams said.
“We anticipate ongoing and continuous improvements in this crucial area of our business with the ultimate goal being to increase the amount of field time allocated to operational efficiencies, unit volume productivity and growing customer counts,” he added.
Active customers increased by 11.1% to more than 93,231 in the second quarter, from 83,945 in the same period last year. Williams noted its new service contracts, which include longer terms, oil changes and roadside assistance, “have been well received by the market. These new products were designed to keep our customers on the road while centralizing administrative activities to increase efficiencies and productivity at the dealership level.”
Average customers per dealership increased by 5% to 613 in the first six months of the fiscal year. Williams reiterated that most of its dealerships can support 1,000 customers. On Oct. 1, Car-Mart announced opening its 152nd dealership in El Reno, Okla. The company also has plans to open a new dealership in Norman, Okla., in the coming weeks.
“We will also continue to look for acquisition opportunities and believe there are several excellent operators who would like to join our Car-Mart family,” Williams said. “The cost of operating in our industry continues to increase at a very high rate, and we believe we can provide an owner an attractive exit strategy.”
Following are other highlights from the earnings report in the second quarter, compared to the same period last year.
• Average retail sales price rose 21.1% to $16,179, from $13,365
• Vehicles sold increased by 5.7% to 14,824, from 14,022
• Same-store revenue growth was 28.2%, compared to 12.8%
• Net charge-offs rose to 4.8%, from 4.7%
• Accounts over 30 days past due rose to 4%, from 2.5%
• Average term length increased to 40 months, from 35 months
• Net finance receivables increased 43.9% to $748.2 million, from $519.81 million.
Through the first two quarters of fiscal 2022, earnings increased by 17.4% to $47.84 million, or $6.90 per share, from $40.74 million, or $5.88 per share, in the same period last year. Revenue increased by 38.3% to $568.63 million, from $411.27 million.
Shares of Car-Mart (NASDAQ: CRMT) closed Wednesday at $123.37, down $3.04 or 2.4%. In the past 52 weeks, the stock has ranged between $177.45 and $99.50.
Used vehicle prices typically decline in the fall, but October was the first month they rose in more than 25 years, according to the J.D. Power Used Vehicle Price Index. The index rose 11.2 points in October, from September, and hit a record-high of 207.5.
“New market disruptions continue to bolster used values as both consumers and dealers alike lean on this side of the market to satisfy demand,” according to J.D. Power. “In addition to all the ongoing challenges on the new side of the market, used vehicles remain in short supply. This has driven prices even higher as volume remains down nearly 30% compared with pre-pandemic levels at auctions across the country.”
Between January and October, used prices are an average of 37% higher, compared to the same period in 2020. According to J.D. Power, there are no signs of price softening. Used prices are expected to remain strong for the next year. Prices are expected to fluctuate as the new vehicle industry, especially production and inventory, continues to work toward recovery.

domain: news


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Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that it will launch a sports tier on its Max reside streaming service on October five. This new add-on, known as the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On, will give subscribers access to more than 300 reside games a year, which includes MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA Men’s March Madness and American Football events. It will also function reside pre- and post-game programming, on-demand content material and extended series. This is the initially time that Warner Bros. Uncover has created its premium sports content material accessible on the streaming platform.
The introduction of reside sports on Mac comes just in time for the Big League Baseball playoffs, with the National League Division Series starting on October 7th. Initially, the sport tier will be a free of charge add-on for Max subscribers till February 29, 2024. Right after this date, the price tag will be $9.99 per month. In addition, sports games will continue to be broadcast on the Warner Bros. linear network. Discovery, which involves TNT, TBS and truTV.
The move to bring reside sports to streaming solutions reflects the altering landscape of tv consumption, as classic cable Television is in decline. This modify prompted entertainment giants such as Warner Bros. Uncover to re-evaluate their company models in terms of supporting highly-priced sports rights and system improvement. In truth, final month, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced its plans to launch reside news on the Max platform, known as CNN Max, beginning on September 27.
JB Perrette, international president of streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery mentioned this new addition tends to make Max the most extensive streaming service, supplying entertainment, news and now sports all in one particular spot. The Bleacher Report brand, which was acquired by Time Warner in 2012 and continues to operate as a digital platform for sports news and culture, will be applied for a new level of sports. Louis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, expressed excitement at the chance to engage with sports fans via the highly effective Bleacher Report brand and content material on the Max platform, with the objective of expanding its audience and winning new fans.


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All guests are not alike and hotel brands need to know how to talk to each of them.
Eric Pearson, chief information officer at InterContinental Hotels Group, addressed the topic of “The Right Way to Talk to Different Demographics Across the Guest Journey” at the Skift Global Forum.
Pearson dug into his data to explain how the growing prosperity of the global middle class and continuing access to new markets is driving the demand for more personalized hotel stays. In addition to the demographic shift, as guest behavior turns more frequently to mobile devices, booking windows change as does pricing. And in words that may not be welcome at IHG, the world’s soon to be second larges hotel brand (if the Marriott-Starwood merger works), Pearson said “Big doesn’t beat small anymore. Fast beats slow.”
This is the latest Skift Global Forum 2015 video we have posted. Over the rest of the month we’ll release each of the three dozen-plus presentations from the 2015 Skift Global Forum. To keep track of them all, bookmark Skift Global Forum.
Watch the video, above, for the full 24-minute presentation.
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Having lost 16 consecutive games to the San Antonio Spurs entering Friday’s contest, the Golden State Warriors would probably have tried anything to get a win. It turned out, all they needed were sleeves.
The Warriors were the butt of quite a few jokes for introducing a jersey that resembles a T-shirt more than a traditional tank top, but the players were not complaining after their 107-101 overtime victory.
The criticism from fans focused largely on the jerseys’ looking like warm-ups, as did most of the jokes on Twitter that the Warriors had forgotten to remove their shooting shirts. But Paul Lukas, one of the world’s leading experts on uniform design through his work with ESPN and his Uni Watch Web site, said the jerseys were not the problem.
“I thought all along they looked good,” Lukas said. “I kind of dig the sleeves, personally. I think it opens up more possibilities for basketball design because the real problem with basketball uniform design is there is so little real estate to work with.”
Yet the combination of a gold jersey with striped shorts did not work for Lukas.
“I don’t know what they were thinking pairing up this nonpinstriped jersey with pinstriped shorts,” Lukas said. “I thought it looked ridiculous. No basketball player needs pinstripes. They’re all very tall. They don’t need to accentuate the vertical.”
But the jerseys will take the blame.
“I think a lot of people are going to ridicule the overall effect, and the sleeves are going to take the fall for that,” Lukas said. “If they had simply had plain gold shorts, I think they wouldn’t have looked as stupid, and people would have assessed the sleeves on their own.”
The jerseys did not set a basketball precedent. Lukas said many college uniforms in past years had sleeves, with Evansville wearing them as recently as 2002. This year, Adidas has a design in place, and Lukas said to expect at least a few teams to wear them during the N.C.A.A. tournament.
What the jerseys offer teams beyond anything else is a product to sell to fans who would otherwise be unlikely to buy a basketball jersey.
“A lot of people who will buy a baseball jersey or a football jersey aren’t going to buy a basketball jersey because a tank top has a more limited range of situations in which you can wear it,” Lukas said. “It is less forgiving for certain body shapes and sizes, and there’s a resistance to buying a tank top.”
Whether their jerseys catch on with other teams or fans, the Warriors certainly got people talking. Many recalled that Patrick Ewing during his Georgetown days wore a gray T-shirt under his jersey. Other uniform eccentricities like the shorts worn by the Chicago White Sox were also mentioned, but Lukas said people missed a much closer comparison. He likened the Warriors’ jerseys to the Cooperalls long pants that the Philadelphia Flyers and the Hartford Whalers tried in the 1980s.
“It’s something we’ve never seen,” Lukas said, comparing the Warriors’ jerseys to Cooperalls. “It challenges our conception of what a basketball uniform is supposed to look like.”
Cooperalls were eventually banned by the N.H.L. for being too slick, which resulted in players’ sliding too quickly into the boards. But Lukas listed them among his favorite uniform innovations and expressed hope that people will be patient with the sleeved N.B.A. jerseys.
But what could keep players from adopting the new look is something that Adidas and the Warriors may not have considered.
“One thing you have to think about is that these guys have carefully manicured tattoos,” Lukas said. “These sleeves are going to cover those.”
To some basketball fans, that may not be much of an issue.


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Soon, Apple's grasp on Thunderbolt will loosen—next quarter, specifically. That's when DigiTimes says we can expect the interface to feature in ultrabooks from Acer, Asus, and Lenovo.
Those Thunderbolt-toting machines will be powered by Ivy Bridge processors, and they may well carry a price premium attached to their next-generation I/O. DigiTimes adds that, according to its sources, Thunderbolt "is only expected to be adopted among high-end notebooks or desktops in 2012." (The interface will reportedly go on to be "fully standardized by 2013.")
That's all the news the site has to share. We did hear at CES last week that Ivy Bridge will bring Thunderbolt into the mainstream, and absent an official announcement from Intel or its partners, this sounds like confirmation.
One thing's for sure: this is shaping up to be a momentous year for next-gen connectivity. AMD's Lightning Bolt is expected to surface in the market as early as the second half of the year, and it will no doubt complement those Trinity-powered ultrathins we've been hearing about. May the best interface win.
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In only a few weeks, Google has driven nearly 50,000 customers to our restaurant clients, which has resulted in over 21,000 orders.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 16, 2016
ChowNow, the leading online ordering and marketing platform for restaurants, announced today a partnership with Google that gives customers the ability to order directly from a restaurant’s Google business profile — enabling its over 5,000 restaurant clients to tap into the growing mobile food ordering market. When a customer Googles a restaurant from their mobile device, they can now “place an order” from the restaurant’s Google business profile and navigate right to the restaurant’s menu.
Today’s food ordering restaurant customer is on mobile, with 75% of consumers choosing a restaurant based on mobile search results and 64% of mobile restaurant searchers converting within an hour.* ChowNow is positioning restaurants to take advantage of these statistics and turn their mobile searches into transactions.
“We’re excited to equip our restaurants with the discovery power of Google search and make it easier than ever for their customers to place orders,” said Christopher Webb, CEO and co-founder of ChowNow. “In only a few weeks, Google has driven nearly 50,000 customers to our restaurant clients, which has resulted in over 21,000 orders.”
The release of this feature supports ChowNow’s ongoing mission of providing independent restaurants with access to top technology, giving them a competitive edge against bigger brands and offering yet another way for customers to place orders and for restaurants to grow their sales.
ChowNow is the leading online ordering and marketing platform that helps restaurants stay competitive and thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world by enabling customers to order directly from the restaurant’s website, Facebook page, Google search results, and custom-built branded iPhone and Android apps. ChowNow currently serves over 5,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and boasts a client list that includes distinguished chefs, regional chains, independent restaurants, and the U.S. military. ChowNow’s impressive arsenal of technology partners includes Google, Apple, Yelp, Uber and Postmates.
For press inquires, contact press(at)chownow(dot)com.


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IAAPA Expo 2023 was a monumental gathering of minds, innovations, and record-breaking achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the 36,000 attendees from over 100 countries. With a sold-out show floor featuring 1,100 exhibitors, including 200 first-timers, this year's event transcended expectations, setting the stage for groundbreaking insights, collaborative learning, and philanthropic endeavors.
At ROLLER, we were so glad to have had the opportunity to exhibit, speak, and be platinum sponsors of this event which is so important to the growth and development of the attractions industry. Here we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the show.
Exploring the vibrant show floor
The bustling show floor was a testament to the industry's health, with ambitious conversations and the presence of both familiar and new faces. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and delightful snacks, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest trends across the attractions industry.
In case you missed us – ROLLER was delighted to exhibit at booth 4829, taking up 1,600 square feet on the tradeshow floor. There we were able to chat with existing customers and new operators about some of our most recent news – the release of mobile F&B ordering and our latest funding round. Each day we had a social engagement at the booth, which provided an excellent opportunity for building and maintaining relationships, uncovering solutions to new challenges, and learning from this incredible community.
Educational empowerment for venue operators
The event exceeded far beyond the show floor, offering enriching EDUSessions, Learning Lunches, and EDUTalks. A staggering 16,357 participants engaged with 311 expert speakers, creating a dynamic platform for thought leaders to share valuable insights. The recorded sessions on the IAAPA Connect+ app ensure that the learning will continue to resonate long after the event concludes.
At ROLLER, we were pleased to speak on “How Data-Driven Tech Drives Business Growth and Helps Deliver World-Class Experiences,” which took place Wednesday, November 15 | 12:30 - 12:50 p.m. at EDUTalk Stage S220DE. There Greg Spittle, VP of Strategy at ROLLER, Chris McBoyle, Account Executive at ROLLER, and ROLLER customer David Lim, Franchise Owner of Bounce Inc, discussed how venue owners and operators can use data to reach more guests, drive more revenue, and grow their businesses without making sacrifices to deliver great experiences for their guests.
Innovation in guest experience & venue management
Taking innovation to new heights, IAAPA Expo 2023 orchestrated a breathtaking display of 1,600 drones in the air, achieving two Guinness World Records. This mesmerizing spectacle left attendees in awe and showcased the limitless possibilities of technology within the attractions industry.
IAAPA Expo is a place where companies debut new products and plans, and ideas are shared among industry contemporaries all week. Some reoccurring trends in venue management were:
1. Enhanced accessibility: Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions aimed at making attractions more accessible to a diverse range of visitors. From inclusive design principles to assistive technologies, the industry is actively embracing innovations that ensure everyone can partake in the magic.
2. Sustainable practices: A growing emphasis on sustainability echoed throughout the expo. Companies are increasingly integrating eco-friendly practices into their venue management strategies, from energy-efficient technologies to waste reduction initiatives. This shift reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship within the attractions landscape.
3. Interactive and immersive experiences: The era of passive observation is giving way to interactive and immersive attractions. From augmented reality installations to interactive exhibits, the industry is crafting experiences that engage visitors on a deeper level, fostering memorable moments that extend beyond the visit itself.
A heartfelt commitment to philanthropy
Beyond the grandeur of innovation, the event underscored the industry's commitment to making a positive impact. A remarkable $26,000 USD was raised for the IAAPA Foundation, demonstrating a collective effort to support industry initiatives and educational programs.
IAAPA Expo 2023 was more than just an event; it was a convergence of ideas and creativity on a global scale. From record-breaking moments to diverse insights and a commitment to philanthropy, the event encapsulated the spirit of the industry. With sore feet and happy hearts, attendees left feeling that it was a fantastic way to close out 2023.
Focusing on FEC growth & attraction diversity
Being a platinum sponsor at IAAPA Expo 2023 was more than just a badge and a booth; it was a front-row seat to an immersive experience that went beyond the boundaries of the show floor. One of the highlights was undoubtedly the FEC Reception, a high-energy affair that set the tone for IAAPA week. Imagine being in a room buzzing with over 400 FEC and LBE professionals, a gathering where the pulse of the industry echoed in every conversation and exchange.
From seasoned professionals sharing insights to newcomers navigating the landscape, the diversity of attendees provided a rich tapestry of perspectives. The opportunity to be part of this vibrant community allowed for meaningful interactions, where ideas were exchanged, partnerships were formed, and the collective energy of the FEC industry was palpable.
But it didn't stop there. Our engagement with the IAAPA Leadership team added a personalized touch to the overall experience. Interactions with both outgoing and incoming Chairmen provided a unique insight into the vision driving IAAPA and the pulse of the industry. These moments were more than just handshakes and photo opportunities; they were genuine conversations that underscored the sense of community and shared commitment to advancing the future of family entertainment.
As we reflect on our role as a platinum sponsor, it's not just about the promotional value or visibility. It's about being an integral part of a community that shapes the narrative of the industry. The IAAPA Expo 2023 wasn't merely a trade show; it was a collaborative space where innovation, passion, and expertise converged. Our sponsorship didn't just support the event; it became a conduit for meaningful connections, a catalyst for industry growth, and a testament to our dedication to the vibrant world of family entertainment centers.
Emerging trends in attractions & leisure
Several noteworthy trends emerged during the IAAPA Expo 2023. From the addition of more attractions to the emphasis on enhanced F&B offerings, companies demonstrated a keen interest in consolidating systems to understand their businesses better. The increasing prevalence of online booking systems signaled a shift towards a more streamlined and tech-savvy approach.
Expanding attractions portfolio
- One prominent trend that echoed throughout IAAPA Expo 2023 was the industry's collective focus on expanding attractions portfolios.
- Exhibitors and discussions alike highlighted a growing interest in diversifying the range of offerings within entertainment venues. Whether it's incorporating immersive experiences, interactive exhibits, or novel entertainment concepts, businesses are actively seeking ways to captivate audiences with a broader array of attractions.
Elevating F&B experiences
- Another compelling trend underscored during the expo was the heightened emphasis on enhancing Food and Beverage (F&B) experiences within attractions. Beyond the traditional fare, businesses are investing in gourmet offerings, themed dining experiences, and unique culinary collaborations.
- The recognition of F&B as a crucial component of the overall guest experience signals a shift toward creating memorable moments not just through attractions but also through culinary adventures.
Holistic business understanding
- IAAPA Expo 2023 revealed a noteworthy trend of companies seeking to consolidate systems and gain a more comprehensive understanding of their businesses. With an increasing array of technologies available, businesses are leveraging integrated systems that provide holistic insights into operations, guest behavior, and overall performance.
- This trend reflects a strategic move towards data-driven decision-making, fostering efficiency and informed strategies for sustainable growth.
Tech-driven online booking
- The prevalence of online booking systems emerged as a key trend, reflecting a growing demand for streamlined, tech-driven processes. Attendees showed a keen interest in adopting digital platforms that facilitate ticket purchases, reservations, and other transactions.
- This not only streamlines the visitor experience but also allows businesses to gather valuable data for personalized marketing efforts. The integration of user-friendly, secure online booking platforms is becoming increasingly integral to the attractions industry's evolving landscape.
IAAPA Expo 2023 was a convergence of industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts, showcasing the very essence of the attractions industry. The event left an indelible mark on the global attractions community with a vibrant show floor, educational empowerment, groundbreaking innovations, and a commitment to philanthropy. We can’t wait to see what next year has in store!


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Wireless laptops at risk from hackers
LAPTOP users are revealing their company secrets every time they use the internet wirelessly, experts warned today.
Checks in restaurants, stations and cafés found dozens of unprotected computers hackers could access.
Richard Hollis, head of security firm Orthus, believes many companies are already capitalising on the security glitches to hack into competitors' PCs. He said: 'There is competitive intelligence being gathered.'
Wireless internet points have become increasingly popular in the past year and are common in coffee shops and even pubs in London.
However, if the network is unsecured, anyone logging on is able to see the files of any connected computer. Using software easily downloadable from the internet, it is also possible to eavesdrop electronically on internet users, capturing passwords and financial details.
Mr Hollis said: 'I'm walking into companies and commercial hotspots that are finding things on their networks they didn't put there and it's scaring the hell out of them. What if someone used such a network to attack a bank? The company would be liable.'
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Experts in materials work to develop new offerings for additive manufacturing
ROCHESTER, NY – March 11, 2016 – Today Kodak announced that they have signed a joint development agreement with Carbon (Carbon3D, Inc). The companies will work together on materials development to address new opportunities for Carbon’s innovative Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) technology.
CLIP eliminates the shortcomings of conventional 3D printing by using a tunable photochemical process to rapidly transform 3D models into physical objects. CLIP works by carefully balancing the interaction of light and oxygen to grow parts with excellent mechanical properties, resolution, and surface finish.
The joint development agreement aligns Carbon’s breakthrough material development capabilities with Kodak’s long-standing experience in material formulation and integration into complex systems to drive continued innovation of novel materials.
“We are excited to have Kodak as a partner as we continue to bring our technology to an array of industries including automotive, aerospace, athletic shoes and life sciences,” said Dr. Joseph DeSimone, CEO and Co-Founder of Carbon. “This collaboration further proves our dedication to the development of breakthrough additive materials.”
“Together, Carbon and Kodak are well positioned to develop and expand market opportunities for CLIP-based additive manufacturing,” said Kodak CEO Jeff Clarke. “Kodak is a world leader in materials development and we are excited to be working with an innovative and progressive company like Carbon.”
Kodak is a technology company focused on imaging. We provide – directly and through partnerships with other innovative companies – hardware, software, consumables and services to customers in graphic arts, commercial print, publishing, packaging, electronic displays, entertainment and commercial films, and consumer products markets. With our world-class R&D capabilities, innovative solutions portfolio and highly trusted brand, Kodak is helping customers around the globe to# sustainably grow their own businesses and enjoy their lives. For additional information on Kodak, visit us at kodak.com, follow us on Twitter @Kodak, or like us on Facebook at KodakNow.
Kodak Media Contact
P: (585) 802-1343
About Carbon3D, Inc
Carbon is working at the intersection of hardware, software and molecular science to deliver on the promise of 3D printing, enabling creators to think beyond the limitations of convention to design the parts and products that will drive the businesses of the future. Carbon’s Continuous Liquid Interface Production technology (CLIP) was introduced simultaneously at TED 2015 and to the scientific community on the cover of Science Magazine (Science, March 2015). To date Carbon has received $141 Million in funding. For more information please visit Carbon3D.com or follow Carbon on Twitter @Carbon3D


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A top Australian distributor over more than 42 years of hardware, software, cloud and emerging technologies, Dicker Data, has announced the opening of its landmark $74 million headquarters and distribution facility, located in Kurnell, Sydney’s south.
The construction of the 17ha Sutherland Shire facility commenced in November 2019 where development application (DA) approved 39,550m2 of warehouse space and 6,345m2 of office space. Completed in February 2021, Dicker Data reports being “officially operational from its new premises at 238 Captain Cook Drive.”
We’re told the facility “represents almost 80% increase in capacity with a 50% boost in warehouse space”, and that “this is a pivotal moment in Dicker Data’s history, enabling the company to accommodate more people and inventory, significantly facilitating the next phase of growth.”
Sitting at almost 29,000sqm, the new site currently comprises a 22,965sqm warehouse and office space of more than 4,310sqm.


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At least two European start-ups are venturing into Asia, and a Singapore-headquartered firm is looking to launch Southeast Asia’s first insect-based dog food brand in the fourth quarter of this year.
Pet chow companies that make dog and cat food from insects such as black soldier fly larvae are looking to gain a foothold in Asia.
At least two European start-ups are venturing into Asia, and a Singapore-headquartered firm that operates in Malaysia is looking to launch Southeast Asia’s first insect-based dog food in the fourth quarter of this year.
Insect protein incurs a much lower carbon footprint than beef, chicken or salmon as the six-legged creatures largely feed on low-grade food waste, grow quickly and do not need much space to be farmed. Animal agriculture is a significant generator of greenhouse gases and source of deforestation. While demand for meat has decreased amid the Covid-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruptions and reduced household incomes, it is expected to grow in the longer term in tandem with the global population, posing a threat to biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Insects are a rich source of protein, and 10 times less food and up to 15 times less water are needed to produce one kilogram of insects compared to beef, said European company Entoma Petfood’s co-founder Rachel Cantet.
Entoma, which launched in early 2018 and offers cat and dog food, has a new distributor in South Korea and is looking to find resellers in Asia, she said.
United Kingdom-based Yora, which launched its dog food last January, has made over £1 million (US$1.28 million) in sales so far this year, and is looking to launch cat food next year, said its sales and innovation director Will Bisset. Yora is currently in 16 countries and recently reached distribution agreements for Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.
It will launch in Taiwan and South Korea in August, and small-breed dog food is now available in Japan, said Bisset, who believes Asian markets will be as receptive to insects as Europe has been.
Source: Eco Business
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Xeikon consolidates its operations in Belgium
The consolidation to Belgium is the next logical step in the consolidation process to continue growing as a leader in chosen digital production applications
Advising label converters on how to stay ahead with digital production.
Oproeping tot bijwoning Algemene Vergadering van Aandeelhouders
Mit dem Ausbau des deutschen Vertriebsteams stärkt Xeikon seine Marktaktivitäten in den wachstumsstarken Segmenten Etiketten- und Verpackungsdruck.
Xeikon is set to launch ‘The Power of Dry Toner’ campaign during Xeikon Café North America taking place in Chicago, Illinois 14 – 16 May 2019.
Xeikon has signed a partnership agreement with Polish packaging and converting specialist Technograph.
Regional expertise underpins commitment and drive growth strategy.
This latest innovation has been developed for consumer goods markets – food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
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Texas Tech University receives $840,000 and a local business apologizes for alleging improper ties between the university and a federal judge under the terms of a trademark suit settlement.
The agreement Thursday that ended the trademark battle between the university and Red Raider Outfitter includes hundreds of thousands of dollars to be paid by Outfitter and its insurer, State Farm Lloyds, as well as choreographs all future public comment on the settlement.
Neither Tech nor the business are allowed beyond scripted statements to discuss the agreement, which was made available under Texas Open Records law.
Outfitter, a family-owned business operating for years, faced more than $3 million in penalties and attorneys' fees stemming from litigation over slogans and a mascot the business claimed the university could not trademark and therefore not require a license to use.
Major terms of trademark suit settlement
$190,000 from Red Raider Outfitter.
$650,000 from State Farm Lloyds.
$3,000 a year for license to use Red Raider name and Raider Red license in store signs and uniforms.
Affirmation of trademarks on slogan, trademark of Raider Red.Outfitter receives:
Sanctions against co-owner, attorney dropped.
Can continue to sell licensed merchandise.
The finding threatened to shut down the business, owners said, and the shop entered bankruptcy protection in December.
Outfitter will instead, within the next two weeks, pay the university $190,000. Its insurer will pay another $650,000, according to the terms of the agreement.
The business will also pay an annual $3,000 licensing fee to Tech to keep its name and a character similar to the university's mustachioed Raider Red. More than 3,400 articles of contested merchandise - unlicensed T-shirts and products bearing the now-protected university slogans and likenesses - will be donated to charity or destroyed. The business will no longer manufacture shirts that bear the "Raiderland" or "Wreck 'Em, Tech" slogans.
Outfitter removed Web sites and in-store signs that questioned the ruling in Tech's favor. And in a statement to be released by mid-March, the business will apologize for "any ill-will inadvertently caused" by a late November request for U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings to step down from the case.
The motion was supported by a sworn affidavit from store manager Stephen Spiegelberg alleging that Cummings received free football tickets and parking passes, among other favors, from the university, gifts prohibited by the state's judicial code of conduct.
"After gaining more knowledge that third parties failed to obtain properly, we no longer believe there to be an improper relationship between Texas Tech and Judge Cummings with regard to any alleged free tickets," a statement required by the agreement reads. "RRO further acknowledges and clarifies that nowhere in [its] Motion to Recuse did it allege any illegal or improper actions on behalf of Texas Tech or Judge Cummings."
The university issued statements Friday afternoon from store owner John Spiegelberg and senior associate athletics director Craig Wells.
Both spoke of moving on.
"We are happy that we were able to resolve this matter in a manner that addressed our concerns, protects our valuable trademarks going forward and allows Red Raider Outfitter to continue selling licensed merchandise," Wells said in the statement.
Spiegelberg could not be reached Friday.
"We are glad to put this matter behind us and we look forward to getting back to running our business," he said in the statement.
To comment on this story:
our Web site at 10:03 p.m. Friday.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


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He will work with the online listings firm's marketing team and external agencies to deliver a strategic comms programme, the company said. The focus will be both corporate and consumer audiences, highlighting positive user stories and addressing reputational issues.
Gumtree general manager Morten Heuing said: "PR has a hugely important role to play in ensuring that Gumtree reaches its goal of becoming Britain’s number one digital brand. It is an impactful and powerful tool that, done well, will allow us to show consumers and the industry what we’re trying to achieve.
"Fergus is joining at a critical point in our evolution, and we are proud to have someone of his calibre joining the team. With Fergus leading the charge on comms, and with the developments we’re making to the platform, we believe we are at the dawn of new chapter in how Gumtree is perceived."
Before joining Golin, Campbell was a senior consultant at Blue Rubicon, where his work included launching the first global brand campaign for insurance provider Aviva and working on Cadbury’s takeover by Kraft and the company’s transition to Fairtrade certification.
Campbell, who joins Gumtree this month, said: "Gumtree is one of those brands where people think they understand what it is but, at best, they appreciate a tiny percentage of what the platform offers and, at worst, have a totally inaccurate impression of the reality. So to have an opportunity to bridge this perception gap, and work with such a talented and ambitious team, was too good an opportunity to pass up."
Speaking to PRWeek earlier this year, Heuing said Gumtree aimed to create a "proper" in-house PR function as he hailed the "powerful" impact of PR. He said focusing on positive stories from Gumtree users was crucial to counter negative reports of people using the website for scams.


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The soft drinks industry’s representative organisation the Irish Beverage Council recently published an analysis of the impact of a possible sugar tax on soft drinks as part of its pre-Budget submission.
This sets out the resultant economic damage to consumers, business and the Irish economy and also examines the international evidence which points to no resulting health benefits.
About 60% of the soft drinks market here is sugar-sweetened and the Government made a commitment to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks to help offset cuts in the Universal Social Charge as part of its Programme for a Partnership Government last May. It estimated that such a tax could yield over €100 million a year as well as having health benefits.
In publishing its Sugar Tax: all cost, no benefit report for the Finance Minister in advance of Budget 2017 – and prior to the above postponement announcement – the IBC pointed out that sugar taxes have never achieved the public health objectives of reducing sugar consumption or decreasing levels of obesity, overweight and related diseases in a number of other countries where such as tax was introduced.
Instead, the consequences of such additional discriminatory charges have increased grocery bills for families, spurred cross-border trade and smuggling, increased costs on businesses and threatened jobs.
“Industry has a crucial role to play in tackling the serious obesity problem in Ireland,” commented IBC Director, Kevin McPartlan, “However, it’s vital that the focus is on interventions that make a genuine and sustained positive impact. A sugar tax may be populist but it’s simply not supported by evidence. International experience proves beyond any doubt that sugar tax is singularly ineffective.”
The report finds that the proposed 10c tax on a can of soft drink would result in the average Irish household’s annual grocery bill increasing by €60 and the Irish exchequer losing revenue of €35 million per year.
“Some say a sugar tax should be introduced even if it does nothing to reduce levels of obesity as it would create revenue to fund public health initiatives,” continued Kevin McPartlan, “Even if we ignore the fact that Department of Finance officials have ruled out such an approach, the revenue lost to cross-border trade and the potential cost of lost jobs in the Irish soft drinks sector would greatly reduce and possibly even eliminate the net gain to the exchequer.”
Denmark, for example, introduced a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks but abandoned it after just 15 months as consumers simply travelled to Germany and Sweden to purchase soft drinks, losing significant VAT to the Danish economy.
A recent comprehensive report conducted by Food and Drink Industry Ireland found that through reformulating existing drinks and introducing new products, IBC members had removed over 2,500 tonnes of sugar and 10 billion calories from the Irish diet in the seven years to 2012. This was at no cost to consumers. Imposition of a sugar tax would threaten soft drinks companies’ capacity to continue investment in such initiatives, he pointed out.
Meanwhile the UK’s soft drinks industry has warned that a sugar tax will cost up to 4,000 jobs there.
Referring to a report on the subject carried out by Oxford Economics, the British Soft Drinks Association’s Director General Gavin Partington pointed out, “This research shows the soft drinks tax is not only ineffective in fighting obesity but will come at a significant price for the economy, costing thousands of jobs”.
However the UK’s decision to Brexit has also thrown the planned introduction of the tax in 2018 into doubt.


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March 17, 2014
Sonoma Cider expanded distribution into Georgia, Michigan and Washington state, along with some additional agreements in California. …
Terra Fossil Wines teamed with Wine Business Institute of Sonoma State University and Oliver’s Markets to give $2 from each bottle sale in two stores to scholarships and use wine business students in a marketing campaign. …
Petaluma-based CamelBak introduced Relay, a water-filtration pitcher designed for high-speed operation. …
Zap, a Santa Rosa-based maker of electric and high-fuel-mileage gasoline vehicles, said its Chinese subsidiary Jonway Auto is launching a small electric sedan for city driving in China. …
Novato-based Radiant Logic said its RadiantOne VDS 7.0 won a Global Excellence Award. …
Napa-based Heritage Barrels is representing Paso Robles-based Vino Vessel’s complete line of concrete fermentation and storage tanks. …
August 5, 2013
SANTA ROSA — Automobile maker Zap (Bulletin Board: ZAAP) quietly reached an agreement in federal court to pay out as much as $2.14 million in refunds to buy back several hundred three-wheeled electric vehicles that were part of 2009 federal recalls.
June 6, 2013
[UPDATE] SANTA ROSA — Electric vehicle maker Zap (Bulletin Board: Zap), which has headquarters in Santa Rosa and production facilities in China, is facing up to $21 million in federal court civil penalties and refunds over 2009 brake recalls on hundreds of three-wheeled electric vehicles.
On Friday, Zap Chairman Priscilla Lu said a resolution of the matter could be finalized this month.
May 6, 2013
Allen Wine Group, LLP, a Calistoga-based wine industry business advisory service and CPA firm, now offers bookkeeping services. …
Nine Marin County communities recently qualified for national “Green Power Community” recognition by the Environmental Protection Agency due to the countywide switch to renewable electric service from Marin Clean Energy. …
Rohnert Park-based sheet metal engineering and fabricator ASM Precision, Inc., purchased and installed a new AMADA EMLK 3610NT punch and laser combination machine. …
Zap Jonway Automobile (ZAAP), manufacturer of electric vehicles and other new energy vehicles with operations in Santa Rosa and China, is exhibiting at the 15th International Shanghai Automobile & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition. …
The city of Santa Rosa earned the highest achievement for its economic development programming — the Award of Excellence — from the California Association of Local Economic Development. …
Healdsburg’s SHED, a multifaceted market, café, coffee bar, fermentation bar and “modern Grange” event center is now open to the public. …
April 1, 2013
Sonoma County BEST (Building Economic Success Together) kicked off the “100 in 100″ effort on March 18. …
Petaluma Educational Foundation has been seeing increased activity in its TEC initiative, short for “Transforming Education in the Classroom.” …
Riley Flanagan, an eighth-grade student at Sonoma Country Day School, hosted a wine dinner in Healdsburg to benefit the the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs). …
Santa Rosa-based Zap said it is adding compressed natural gas power to its line of alternative-energy vehicles. …
Viña Perez Cruz appointed Sebastopol-based Paul Hobbs Imports as its U.S. importer. …
DAOU Vineyards and Winery of Paso Robles has retained Napa-based Wine Spoken Here. …
Santa Rosa-based Food & Wine Trails announced six new “wine shore adventures” for 2013. …
February 7, 2013
SANTA ROSA — A Southern California judge invalidated actions at a contested year-end board meeting of ZAP (OTC: ZAAP), a manufacturer of electric and ultra-fuel-efficient vehicles, according to a new company regulatory filing.
January 2, 2013
SANTA ROSA — Directors of Zap Jonway (OTC: ZAAP) have been accusing each other of trying to take control of the 19-year-old Santa Rosa-based electric-vehicle company, according to competing filings with federal securities regulators this week.
August 6, 2012
Green business column items: Fast-growing electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors Inc. plans to open a service center in Marin County. It’s part of a plan by the Palo Alto-based company to double the number of repair facilities — currently 18 worldwide, including a large new one at the Fremont factory — by year-end, according to the company’s July 25 report on its second fiscal quarter. …
Novato-based fuel-cell electric plant developer G3 Power Systems (g3powersystems.com) launched like lightning in 2010 with significant projects but now is seeking U.S. Bankruptcy Court protection as it liquidates. …
Santa Rosa-based electric vehicle maker Zap Inc. is in a legal tussle with the owner of the building where the company had been assembling and distributing vehicles that arrived from manufacturing plants in China. …
June 7, 2012
SANTA ROSA — Zap Jonway (Bulletin Board: ZAAP), maker of gasoline and electric vehicles, on Thursday announced the departure of Steve Schneider as co-chief executive officer of the manufacturer’s Santa Rosa-based U.S. operations, effective immediately.
May 7, 2012
SANTA ROSA — A Chinese vehicle manufacturer recently purchased the Aptera electric roadster project, which underwent a highly visible shutdown in December amid a cash crunch, and has moved it to Santa Rosa with plans to start assembling thousands of the futuristic-looking vehicles locally by year-end.
January 9, 2012
NORTH BAY — A December report by the Next 10 public policy group showed that California brought in $840 million in venture capital invested in electric vehicle technology, 80 perent of the U.S. total.
September 19, 2011
SANTA ROSA — Zap Jonway last week announced two new rounds of credit financing from China Merchants Bank totaling $37.33 million for expansion plans in China as recent Securities & Exchange Commission filings indicate a shakeup in its U.S. presence.
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Don't look now but other schools are emulating the multiple uniform combinations look of the University of Oregon. The Ducks' variety of uniforms has been building over the past 15 years in the school's long history with Nike and it culminated with Oregon's national championship game appearance versus Auburn. Ironically, Oregon played a school--Auburn--who has done little, if anything, to its traditional uniform look over the past few decades. Auburn, like Penn State, USC, Oklahoma and Nebraska, has eschewed the changed uni look in favor of taking a more traditional approach to outfitting its football team.
Now that Oregon has successfully pulled off the multi-uniform approach, other schools are following suit as are other uniform and equipment providers. This year, Oklahoma State--another Nike school--has adopted the multiple helmet, jersey and pants look as have Arizona State, Wyoming and Washington State. Not to be outdone, Maryland has copied the approach with Under Armour as has South Carolina. And, Adidas is doing the same for North Carolina State.
Rob Mullens, Oregon's athletics director, said this of the school's branding effort, "We used to be ridiculed for being out there, but now you look across college football and it's the trend."
(Source: Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal)


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Sonata Software, the leading Modernization Engineering company, today announced the launch of Harmoni.AI, a Responsible-first AI offering with a bouquet of Industry solutions, service delivery platforms, and accelerators using generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Generative AI is one of the most recent artificial intelligence developments. The trained AI models generate original, human-like content based on massive training datasets and neural network technology.
Sonata’s ‘Responsible by Design’ approach ensures uncompromising ethics, trust, privacy, security, and compliance. It will amplify the potential of humans, enterprises, and communities to tap into the next generation of opportunities to create value from unparalleled innovations, connected ecosystems, and pervasive efficiencies.
“We are excited to launch Harmoni.AI, our Play Big move in a Responsible-first AI and generative AI space. We are seeing strong interest from our clients in enhancing customer experience, launching new business models, growing revenue, and enhancing productivity. Our responsibility is to help Enterprises leverage the most relevant use cases for their specific business needs within a governed framework. The key to success, therefore, as with any AI, is the guardrails that humans build around them to guarantee secure and trusted outcomes.” said Samir Dhir, MD & CEO of Sonata Software.
Sonata’s Harmoni.AI is a holistic “Responsible by Design” platform for generative AI. A Data Governance and Acceleration engine backs it with a choice of using Industry Leading LLMs and a consulting framework to enable effective adoption and faster time to market. Sonata has built 6 Service delivery platforms, Industry Use cases, and Acceleration BOTs. It is doing pilots with multiple customers, including Fortune 500 clients, particularly in the areas of Healthcare and Life Sciences, Consumer Products & Retail, Telecom, Media & Technology, and Banking and Financial Services.
Sonata has established Harmoni.AI Academy, to train engineers on ‘Responsible-First by Design’ approach and around 20% of its Engineers are involved on AI initiatives to enable clients to leverage the potential of generative AI in a trusted, secure, and governed framework.
For more such updates follow us on Google News TalkCMO News.


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Today Energy regulator, OFGEM, and the Energy Ombudsman secured free energy for Npower customers who have had their complaints backed by the Energy Ombudsman but have waited more than 28 days for the problems to be resolved.
The decision will see Npower writing off the debt of roughly 1,000 customers that have been affected. They will also receive free energy until the complaint is resolved. The majority of customers that this affects had complained about billing issues. OFGEM figures show that Npower received the most customer complaints on 2014.
Commenting on the announcement, Chief Ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith says:
“Ombudsman Services decisions are legally binding upon the energy companies and should be implemented within 28 days of a consumer agreeing to a decision. Failure to implement remedies is detrimental to the complainant, damaging to npower’s reputation and undermines the value of the ombudsman service. In May we introduced new requirements that mean that failure to implement remedies in full within 28 days are met with tougher financial penalties.
We are therefore pleased with today’s announcement and have worked very closely with both OFGEM and npower to ensure the best outcomes for consumers who have been affected by delays in remedy delivery. We welcome the efforts npower has already made to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion for consumers and are confident that they will continue to work to ensure that remedies are implemented within the required timescales.”


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Saturday, January 24, 2009
Was that the good Ford or the bad Ford?
Hopefully, Saturday's pronouncement from New Orleans that Ford Motor Co. does not need money from the federal government was a little good economic news in a month of deteriorating conditions. Speaking at the National Automobile Dealers Convention, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said his company had enough money to survive the downturn, at least for now, according to the Reuters international news service. "We don't want to borrow any more money," Mulally told reporters. "We have sufficient liquidity to fund our transformation plan, which means our business is in a relatively good shape." But no one knows whether that was an assessment by the good Ford, which plans to make itself more efficient by building more efficient, and therefore desired, automobiles, or if that was the other Ford, the one like the other U.S. automakers who were seemingly locked into building vehicles that were behind the times while sales plummeted year after year. And no one knows whether Ford will be back next year with its hand out, asking for some of the $17.4 billion in loans General Motors and Chrysler got in December. Ford has asked for a $9 billion credit line from the government, but has not received a replay. Mulally said his company was in better shape than GM and Chrysler because it borrowed $23 in 2006 by putting up most of its assets, and said he expects the U.S. economy to rebound later this year. "Right now, I think with everything planned in the fiscal and monetary policy, I am very comfortable that we are going to start to turn things around through the second half of the year," he said.


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The PC game 'Myst' is getting the Hollywood treatment and becoming a television show.
17 Recent Stories
MSI’s GS60 Ghost is the best way to game on the go today. It’s got enough power to run any game and make it look good, and it’ll do it in style.
Nvidia's Shield is a handheld gaming device that tries to do a lot of things at once. It plays Android games and media like a phone or tablet, but also streams high-quality games from a PC that work with its attached controller. While the Shield does many things well, it certainly isn't a product with mass-market appeal due to several factors.
Valve completed its weeklong trilogy of announcements Friday, revealing the Steam Controller that's intended to "bridge the gap from the desk to the living room." The dual-trackpad controller with a touchscreen in the center -- which is capatible with older, current and upcoming games on all versions of Steam -- piggybacks on the Valve's two previous announcements this week.
In the second part of its cryptic announcement series, Valve Software announced it is creating its own hardware for living room gaming -- called Steam Machines -- and is asking 300 Steam users to beta test the products it currently has in development. Valve did not reveal anything about the Steam Machines, only that several different models exist, all designed for gamers to enjoy PC gaming through their television.
Gamers will be able to share their Steam digital libraries with friends and family so they can try out games, Valve Software announced on Wednesday. Valve's Steam Family Sharing program will allow Steam users to authorize a trusted family member or friend's computer, and that person will then be able to view the gamer's entire Steam library. The friend can then download and play any of those games, earning her own achievements and storing it all on her own save file.
Anything is possible in a video game. You want to take over the world? Do it. You want to kill zombies? Do it. You want to drive a Ferrari? Shoot electricity out of your finger tips? Hook up with someone way out of your league? You can do it, gamer. If your dream is to explore the recesses of space, battle aliens and discover new civilizations, you're in luck.
Gaming is big in China and only getting bigger. And while mobile gaming is important, the PC is still by far the most popular gaming platform for the nation's young gamers (see this infographic for more information on Chinese gamers and their preferences). So what are people playing on the PC these days? QQ Games compiled a list that measures which games got the most play in Internet cafes by gathering data from the Shunwang gaming platform used in many net cafes.
In 2007, ArenaNet announced it was going to stop working on its popular free-to-play, massively multiplayer online PC game Guild Wars, and focus on the game's sequel. Guild Wars 2 was released Tuesday, meaning players waited five years -- a long time in the gaming world -- to get their hands on the sequel to a fan-favorite MMO. According to ArenaNet founder Mike O'Brien, they had a distinct vision that they wanted to get right before the game launched.
Sid Meier, the creator of the Civilization game franchise, tells Mashable there was no way for his team to test a game that spanned 10 years -- a scenario that Reddit user Lycerius posted about on Tuesday. "I can't say that we ever thought anyone would play a game of Civ for that long," Meier says. Lycerius posted earlier this week that he had been working on the same Civilization II game gradually for a decade.
With the annual E3 gaming show just around the corner, it bears looking at one industry that owes a lot to hardcore gamers: the auto world -- specifically electric vehicles, or EVs.
Expect work productivity to drop today. Wolfenstein 3D is being released as a free in-browser game by Bethesda Software to mark the 20th anniversary of the game's release. Wolfenstein 3D, which can be played here, is considered one of the earliest first-person shooters, and the game that made the genre popular on PC. It was developed by John Carmack at id Software and published by Apogee Software in 1992.
The latest World of Warcraft expansion has topped all previous sales records in its first 24 hours, not just for WoW but for all PC game titles. Dubbed World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, the game's final count for copies sold is -- are you sitting down? -- 3.3 million in the expansion's first day. That means more than one out of four WoW subscribers bought the expansion within 24 hours of its release.
The third major update for the astoundingly popular online role-playing game World of Warcraft, launches Dec. 7. Titled Cataclysm, the expansion radically alters the game's existing content in addition to throwing in new regions, quests, races, learnable skills and player vs. player battlegrounds. The previous two World of Warcraft expansions sold millions of copies and dominated PC and Mac gaming sales charts for months.
Dead Rising was actually the reason I broke down and bought my (first) Xbox 360. I played through that game about a dozen times and unlocked almost everything in it before moving on to Mass Effect. I've since gone through a few Xbox 360s, but Dead Rising 2 has maintained its place on my most wanted list. It's set in Fortune City, NV, which is basically a fictional version of Vegas.
When it comes to innovation and accessibility, the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are collectively the most exciting gaming platform since the early 90s. Who would have thought a cell phone would become the most diverse and innovative video game console? For this, credit can only partially be given to Apple. Though Apple created the platform, the initiative and passion of thousands of individual game developers (and relatively small development studios) have made iPhone gaming what it is.


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Fellow Robots, a privately-held Silicon Valley robotics company, has teamed up with Nihon Unisys, Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-Ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Shigeru Kurokawa), to provide Autonomous Service Robots for use in retail establishment Yamada Denki Co. Ltd. (Headquarters: Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture; President & CEO: Noboru Yamada) in Tokyo area starting February 1, 2016.
The autonomous robots are Fellow Robots second generation retail robots called NAVIITM. NAVII shows and guides customers to products and service locations by understanding and speaking multiple languages. NAVII can also help store employees by checking current inventory information.
“Service robotics is a rapid growing industry, and we are excited to partner with Nihon Unisys to expand our robot technology to Japan,” said Fellow Robots CEO Marco Mascorro. “Robots are enhancing store employees with specific tasks, providing an additional layer of support by helping customers with simple questions, enabling more time for them to focus on delivering project expertise.”
Check the video here


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What are things that are not vegan?
What You Can’t Eat
- Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
- Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
- Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
- Cheese, butter.
- Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
- Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Do vegans secretly eat meat?
A new survey says more than a third of vegetarians eat meat when they’ve had too much to drink. … What’s more, they’re sneaky about it, with 69 percent saying they don’t fess up.
Is Coke a vegan?
Coca-Cola does not contain any ingredients derived from animal sources and can be included in a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Are McDonald’s fries vegan?
The classic fries at McDonald’s
Good news: McDonald’s famous fries are actually vegan in Australia! They are not, however, vegan in the U.S.A. at this stage.
Can vegans go back to eating meat?
If you’ve ever tried and failed at cutting out meat, you’re not alone: Turns out 84% ofÂ vegetarians and vegans revert back to their omnivorous ways, according to a new study by the Humane Research Council. More than 50%Â said they went back to eating meat within aÂ year.
How do vegans stop craving meat?
5 Unexpected Foods to Satisfy Meat Cravings
- Craving ribs? Try avocado. …
- Swap chicken for PB sandwiches. If the amount of protein in the human diet falls below 15 percent (more or less), we start craving it. …
- Instead of toasty bacon, go for toasts. …
- Create umami bombs. …
- Make a meaty plant-based meal.
Is Brad Pitt a vegan?
Brad Pitt is said to have been a vegan for years, although his ex Angelina Jolie isn’t.
Why is broccoli not vegan?
“Because they are so difficult to cultivate naturally, all of these crops rely on bees which are placed on the back of trucks and taken very long distances across the country. “It’s migratory beekeeping and it’s unnatural use of animals and there are lots of foods that fall foul of this. Broccoli is a good example.


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Doritos, the popular snack brand, has cut ties with transgender influencer Aless Gibaja in Spain. This decision is the result of online boycott threats, seemingly due to Gibaja’s controversial past. Twitter users signaled allegations of Gibaja engaging in abusive behavior, even though these allegations are not entirely clear and no legal charges have been filed against the influencer. As a measure to protect its brand image, Doritos decided to end their collaboration with Gibaja. The company has often expressed commitment to upholding values of equality and respect for all.
Copyright © 2024 OnlineInvestingDaily. All Rights Reserved.


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Shakedown runs for new Porsche
Porsche’s new 911 GTE has completed its first shakedown runs ahead of its introduction to the World Endurance Championship next year.
The German manufacturer withdrew its factory squad from the series this season to concentrate on development of its new model, despite winning both drivers’ and makes’ titles last season.
The new car is based on the facelifted 991-shape 911 road car, which has hit the market this year, but no further technical details have been released at this stage.
Porsche is not revealing whether the new GTE contender will be normally aspirated like the existing 911 RSR introduced in 2013 or turbocharged.
The first GTE class 991 carried over the fourlitre normally-aspirated flat-six engines of its 997-shape predecessor rather than adopting one of a new generation of direct injection powerplants introduced in the road cars.
A Porsche spokesman said that no further technical details would be communicated until the official launch of the car towards the end of the year.
The 2017 911 RSR has been tested by a number of Porsche’s roster of GT drivers at the company’s Weissach test track.


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A new, locally-founded food delivery service, called Ordr, is setting up for their mid-September launch; promising to revolutionize the local dining scene with its commitment to affordable, reliable, and community-focused food delivery services.
Ordr will serve as a gateway to seamless dining convenience, connecting hungry customers with a diverse selection of local restaurants through its user-friendly platform. With lower service fees, dependable drivers, and a dedication to supporting the Lafayette community, Ordr aims to create a win-win situation for both restaurants and customers. Whether you’re craving your favorite dish or seeking a reliable driving opportunity, Ordr has you covered.
“Order. Receive. Deliver. Repeat. Welcome to the future of food delivery.”
The Ordr journey began with a shared frustration and a burning desire to make a difference. Recognizing the challenges faced by both restaurant owners and customers with existing food delivery platforms, the Ordr founder set out on a mission to bridge the gap. The result is a platform that offers lower service fees, personalized delivery options, and a celebration of the unique flavors of local restaurants.
“Being born and raised here in Lafayette adds a personal touch to our journey,” said founder Kyler Folse. “We’ve experienced firsthand the joys and challenges that this community faces. That’s why we’re dedicated to building a platform that serves every aspect of people involved in Ordr—restaurant owners, drivers, and customers.” Folse continues stating, “By offering fair pricing, empowering local businesses, and ensuring reliable and friendly service, we’re striving to enhance the lives of everyone who chooses to be a part of Ordr.”
Ordr’s commitment extends to a triple-win scenario, ensuring competitive commission rates for restaurant owners, fair compensation for drivers, and affordability for customers. By optimizing operations and minimizing overhead expenses, Ordr says that they will deliver a platform that provides exceptional value for everyone involved.
“Our restaurant partners keep more profit and our drivers earn more pay.”
According to a multi-platform cost comparison study performed by Ordr, the savings that Ordr pass on to the restaurants and their customers are staggering.
Ordr will launch this month, mid-September, in Lafayette and is actively seeking to partner with more of Lafayette’s finest restaurants to provide a diverse and delightful selection for customers.
If you’d like to join Ordr as a restaurant owner, driver, or customer, you can check out their website at http://ordrtogo.com to sign up.
The link to the Apple app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ordr-food-delivery-carryout/id6450954588
The link to the Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.customer.ordr&hl=en_US&gl=US


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On his maiden visit to Goa, Gujarat governor Acharya Devvrat stressed the need for organic farming. Devvrat said that efforts must be made to ensure that farmers venture into organic farming using natural products and urged the state government to uplift farmers to make them self-sufficient.
He was participating in a daylong event at the Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, organized by the directorate of agriculture. The event was organised to popularise the concept of natural farming in the state.
“I have 200 acres of land in Haryana where earlier I would use chemical fertiliser and urea instead of organic products. Scientists world over say that chemical farming is responsible for 24 percent of global warming and that organic carbon below 0.5 percent is detrimental to the land. As a result, North India is heading towards destruction due to chemical farming,” he said.
Devvrat has been a strong proponent and practitioner of natural farming. “More than 300 crore healthy bacteria are found in a single gram of the dung of Indian origin cows. Scientists have said that non-lactating cows are able to generate more healthy bacteria compared to milch cows,” he said.
Speaking at the event, chief minister Pramod Sawant said that there is a need for Goans to realise the vision of Atmabirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goem by returning to their roots. “The horticulture corporation can stop depending on other states for vegetables if the focus is laid on growing our own crop – including indigenous variants of greens which are slowly dying out,” he said.
Incidentally, last month Goa became the ninth state in India to join ‘save soil movement’ promoted by Sadhguru whose Isha Foundation is making all efforts to conserve soil for future generations. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant signed an MoU between the government and Isha Outreach to help farmers in exchange of ideas to preserve soil and nature. This would facilitate farmers to practice agriculture and horticulture using organic methods that seek to produce food in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way by maintaining the same level of quality and productivity as conventional farming.


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Ribose, sometimes call D-ribose on labels, is a 5-carbon monosaccharide that is present in the body and is part of both DNA molecules and the body’s cellular energy pathway that includes ATP. Bioenergy has been manufacturing its branded form of the molecule for more than a decade and has marketed it on its sports nutrition and heart health benefits.
According to a recent review article in the journal Advances in Bioscience and Clinical Medicine, D-ribose is a key part of healthy mitochondrial function. “D-ribose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide found in the cells and particularly in the mitochondria is essential in energy production. Without sufficient energy, cells cannot maintain integrity and function. Supplemental D-ribose has been shown to improve cellular processes when there is mitochondrial dysfunction,” the authors wrote.
The ingredient has been extensively studied. The company says there are more than 110 studies that support the ingredient’s effects. A search on ‘D-ribose’ on the PubMed database brings up almost 1,400 studies mentioning the ingredient.
Marianne McDonagh, Bioenergy’s vice president of sales, said the new approval will boost the market for the ingredient. McDonagh said the company is forecasting that the market for the ingredient in Europe will grow by as much as 20% with the new applications that the approval makes possible.
“Before EFSA took over for all Novel Applications, Bioenergy Ribose has been sold in Europe for dietary supplement applications only. With the success of Bioenergy Ribose in dietary supplements, we as a company made the decision to broaden our market to food & beverage in Europe, and our approval process began,” she said.
D-ribose is a common ingredient in many dietary supplements positioned in the sports and energy categories. But not all of the products on the shelf with this ingredient on the label are sourcing the ingredient from Bioenergy. McDonagh said Bioenergy, which is based in Ham Lake, MN, has taken an approach of education rather than litigation to deal with this knockoff ingredient problem.
“Most of the products out there contain Bioenergy Ribose, but there are still some products that contain the non-branded material, and unfortunately, are putting out inferior ribose products on the market. We have done a great job at identifying who is infringing on our patents. Since we don’t believe in being confrontational in the industry, we have chosen to show the facts and simply point out why our product is better. This approach has worked out quite well for us over the years, and shows our strong commitment to transparency as a company and in our Bioenergy Ribose brand,” she said.


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Jefferies Group LLC Reiterates Buy Rating for Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA)
Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA)‘s stock had its “buy” rating reissued by Jefferies Group LLC in a research note issued on Monday. They currently have a $83.00 target price on the specialty retailer’s stock, up from their prior target price of $77.00. Jefferies Group LLC’s price target points to a potential upside of 13.59% from the stock’s previous close.
Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. BidaskClub lowered Murphy USA from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Murphy USA from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $83.00 target price for the company in a research report on Saturday, July 1st. William Blair began coverage on Murphy USA in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. They set a “market perform” rating for the company. Stephens boosted their target price on Murphy USA from $76.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered Murphy USA from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. Murphy USA presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $83.00.
Shares of Murphy USA (MUSA) traded up 0.26% during midday trading on Monday, reaching $73.26. The company had a trading volume of 71,437 shares. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $69.43 and a 200 day moving average of $67.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.26 and a beta of 0.67. Murphy USA has a 52 week low of $57.13 and a 52 week high of $80.44.
Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 1st. The specialty retailer reported ($0.08) earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the Thomson Reuters’ consensus estimate of ($0.08). Murphy USA had a return on equity of 18.37% and a net margin of 1.10%. The company had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $3.06 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.08 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 20.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Murphy USA will post $3.50 earnings per share for the current year.
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In other news, Director James W. Keyes purchased 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $65.20 per share, for a total transaction of $260,800.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 9,650 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $629,180. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP John P. Corrigan purchased 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $65.01 per share, with a total value of $65,010.00. Following the acquisition, the senior vice president now directly owns 2,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $130,020. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 7.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Russell Investments Group Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the fourth quarter worth about $2,002,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the fourth quarter worth about $211,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the fourth quarter worth about $19,206,000. King Luther Capital Management Corp raised its stake in shares of Murphy USA by 5.1% in the first quarter. King Luther Capital Management Corp now owns 22,164 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $1,627,000 after buying an additional 1,080 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Highbridge Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Murphy USA during the fourth quarter worth about $2,686,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.25% of the company’s stock.
About Murphy USA
Murphy USA Inc is engaged in the marketing of retail motor fuel products and merchandise through a chain of retail stores. The Company operates through the Marketing segment. The Marketing segment includes its retail marketing sites and product supply, and wholesale assets. As of December 31, 2016, its retail stores were located in 26 states, primarily in the Southwest, Southeast and Midwest the United States.
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“Comments are free but facts are sacred".
Charles Prestwich Scott
• In 2007 out of all provinces Kamphaeng Phet residents were the heaviest in debt at Bt49,465.70 per family per year while Phuket residents were the least in debt at Bt484.40 per family.
(Community Development Department)
• Upon completion Ocean Tower 1 at Jomtien Beach, Pattaya will be Thailand’s tallest residential building. It will have 91 stories and will be 327 metres high.
(Bangkok Post, February 13, 2008)
• The current ex-farm price of pork in Thailand is 59-61 baht a kilogramme with the retail price at 115-120 baht. Last year the price was 44-45 baht ex-farm and 115-120 baht retail.
(Bangkok Post, February 18 2008)
• 2,835 people have fallen ill from dengue fever this year with 4 fatalities. In 2007 there were around 60,000 cases with 29 fatalities.
• There are four types of dengue fever in Thailand.
• 4,373 new companies were registered in Thailand in January.
• Over 4.1 million Thais are expected to travel overseas this year, an increase of 10.2 per cent from last year with Laos ,Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea being the most popular destinations.
(Kasikorn Research Center)
• Thailand's exports of agricultural products to Australia in 2007 almost doubled from the previous year with a trade surplus of 2.4 billion baht. Major agricultural products exported to Australia were canned tuna, rice, frozen shrimp, pet food and tropical fruits.
(Office of Agricultural Economics)
• Thailand’s Value Added Tax (VAT) is 7%.
• Thailand’s internet penetration rate is around 15%. Malaysia’s is over 60%.
(Vicahi Bencharongkul, Benchachinda Holdings)
• There are 167 local pharmaceutical makers in Thailand. Imported medicines account for 70% of total pharmaceutical sales.
(Thai Pharmaceutical Club)
• Thailand has 300,000 hotel rooms.
• There are at least 20,000 new cases of lung and breast cancer each year in Thailand.
(Public Health Ministry and National Health Security Office)
• Thailand is the 12th largest food exporter in the world
(Bangkok Post, February 27 2008)
• Koh Samui airport handles around 600,000 passengers a year with a maximum of 36 flights per day. Following the upgrade the airport can now handle 16,000 passengers a day.
(Bangkok Post, March 3 2008)


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It’s Friday. I really wanted to write about something fun today. I can’t.
I’m just stunned at the cost of things. The shortages of things. How’d we get here?
Let’s start with baby formula. I mean, baby formula??!!
How’d we get here? According to the Wall Street Journal, the baby formula shortage started in Washington. The shortage began after Abbott Laboratories shut down a plant in Michigan after four babies who had consumed formula fell seriously ill.
Abbott has a huge part of the baby formula market in this country. The others are having trouble making up the gap.
The FDA Commissioner was asked by Congress yesterday why the agency didn’t do something about this months ago when the problem was discovered? Few answers.
Relief is on the way. The White House is moving forward with plans to fly in formula from other countries. It could take weeks though for things to get back to normal.
Gas prices. How’d we get here? Let’s start with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That pushed crude oil prices higher.
CNBC says crude prices were already on the rise before the war. Remember during the early days of the pandemic, oil prices hit record lows? Negative. We weren’t driving. The need for gas fell off the cliff.
Now, the world is open again and that has led to a surge in demand. Energy producers were just not ready after cutting back during Covid.
The cost of everything else. How’d we get here? You can blame the cost of fuel on that too. Specifically, diesel.
Target CEO Brian Cornell says, “We did not anticipate that transportation and freight costs would soar the way they have as fuel prices have risen to all time highs.”
Even if you can afford it, can you find it? Supply chain. How’d we get here? Fox Business reports that consumers are struggling with not only higher prices, but shortages in common goods.
In fact, 41% of purchases were hindered by supply chain shortages. This comes from a report by Morning Consult.
The report says, “While bottlenecks have loosened for a handful of product types due to fortified supply chains and cooling goods demand, consumers reported increasing difficulty obtaining products in categories such as grocery, housing-related items and vehicles.”
But why? Why can’t I find sugar free Vitamin Water? Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China’s Covid lockdowns. That’s according to CNN.
Supply chain disruptions are driving prices up. It might be 2023 before things improve. Simply put, we got here because problems have just piled on top of one another.
The pandemic really did a number on us. Our health. Our economy.
I’m sure I have oversimplified this explanation of how we got here. That said, we are here. Now, we gotta get out.
One thought on “How’d we get here?”
Baby formula shortage, gas prices, Ukraine, inflated prices, recession, mass shootings, and a nation divided over the abortion/right-to-life issue. And then today you threw another monkeywrench in the cogwheel with the story about Bradenton ending their curbside recycling program. Is this a harbinger of things to come with other communities too? In my own county (Pasco) we ended the recycling of glass over a year ago. Apparently there is very little market for recycled glass and the glass clogs the sorting machines anyway. Not cost feasible. And your news story made the point that over 50% of items in recycle bins are sent to the landfill anyway because the entire bin is contaminated if just one item in the bin is dirty. We do not have the personnel nor the technology to separate clean items from dirty items. Instead, residents are expected to clean each item before disposing of it – which is a waste of clean drinkable water. It seems to me that nationwide curbside waste recycling programs were enacted by legislatures across the country under pressure from loudly vocal (and often militant) environmental groups with the necessary research. Are they really cost effective? Are they really making meaningful impact on cleaning up our environment and reducing waste? Are they really there just to make the public ‘feel good about themselves’ and falsely believe they are doing our environment some good? I think it is time we go back to the drawing board and re-examine why we are in this garbage mess in the first place. Yesterday I bought two bags of groceries and used my own reusable canvas totes to bring the groceries home. BUT those groceries were already packaged and re-packaged in plastic and cardboard and styrofoam containers. Do we really need all this packaging? Recently I bought a LEGO toy as a birthday gift for a grandnephew. It was packaged in a cardboard box which in turn contained hard plastic containers to hold the parts, which in turn contained plastic bags for all the little plastic pieces. Then to compound the overpackaging sin I myself wrapped the gift in wrapping paper. I think this is a big story that I hope Fox 13 will follow up with. I think what happened in Bradenton is a harbinger of what may happen with recycling programs all across the country – particularly because municipal budgets are very tight and money may best be spent elsewhere.


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Publisher D3p has announced that Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head is set to arrive on DS this autumn.
The game is the follow-up to last year’s original, and once again features all the characters from the popular Aardman Animation, including Shaun, Timmy, Shirley, Bitzer, as they attempt to rescue the farmer’s missing toupee.
Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head is the highly anticipated sequel to the first Shaun the Sheep game, bringing the personality and humour of the series to life once more” said D3 Publisher’s European MD Adam Roberts.
With all new gameplay elements and the familiar sheepish humour the series is known for; Shaun the Sheep: Off His Head can be enjoyed by pre-schoolers, tweens, teens and adults alike.”
Aardman licensing manager Rob Goodchild added: We are delighted with this brilliant new offering from D3. Our in-house creative team have collaborated closely with D3’s development team to create a fantastically farcical storyline, which really captures the essence and, above all, the humour of the show.
With 40 new episodes in production and some exciting new product launches across 2009 and 2010, we are expecting a strong cross-category performance for the Shaun the Sheep brand as a whole.”
The Shaun the Sheep TV show has been sold in over 150 countries, and is shown on the BBC in the UK. Aardman are currently working on a second series of the cartoon, while a pre-school spin-off series called Timmy Time is also in development.


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Apple is said to be planning a major iPhone screen upgrade for 2017, replacing the existing LCD screens with OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology.
The newer OLED technology has so far been used predominantly in TV screens in the UK, praised for the sharper image offered.
If rumours are to be believed, Apple will start introducing OLED screens across the iPhone family from around April 2017. It’s worth noting that Samsung already use OLED technology in a few of its higher end handsets including the Galaxy S7, putting pressure on Apple to keep pace.
Where traditional LCD screens use a backlight to illuminate the pixels, in OLED screens the pixels actually illuminate themselves. The means the brightness can be adjusted on a pixel-by-pixel basis, giving much more control compared to LCD.
The result is much greater contrast, especially with deep blacks. If you love watching movies on your iPhone, you’ll undoubtedly notice a significant difference.
OLED screens are more difficult to make, which also means they’re more expensive to produce. It’s not clear yet if this will be reflected in the price of the first iPhone to use the technology, or if Apple will be able to reduce costs elsewhere to absorb it.
Leaked photos also indicate an edgeless front screen planned for the iPhone 7, making the entire face a display. Further rumours suggest there may also be an all-glass version of the iPhone available; marking a return to the iPhone 4 which came with a glass back.
This rumour appears to be supported by one of Apple’s aluminium casing suppliers confirming at a shareholder meeting that Apple would be ditching the metal back next year.
As 2017 will mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple will be under pressure from investors to impress in order take advantage of the milestone. iPhone sales worldwide have slowed compared to the growth they saw in the early days, although Apple still sells an eye watering number each month. In the first 3 months of 2016 alone, an estimated 74 million iPhones were sold.


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Retail investors withdrew a record amount from UK funds at the end of last year as sub-prime troubles and the market turmoil hitconfidence.
Net retail outflows of investment funds surged to £377m in December 2007, up from £332m the month before. A year ago, in Dec-ember 2006, net sales were running at £1.7bn, according to the Investment Management Association. For the year as a whole, net retail sales fell to £9.5bn from £15.3bn in 2006.
"In November and Dec-ember, as the impact of the credit crunch began to be felt, investors significantly re-evaluated their portfolios and the industry experienced its first overall retail outflows in 15 years," Richard Saunders, the chief executive of the IMA, said yesterday.
Sales of individual savings accounts in December, however, came in at £17m, reversing the withdrawals seen in the previous two months. However, the monthly figures were still sharply down from the £106.6m net sales seen in December 2006, and on an annual basis ISA sales fell by £600m to £1.7bn.
Peter Hicks, the head of IFA Channel at Fidelity International, said individual investors were now delaying taking action until the markets settled. "Since the run on Northern Rock in September last year, we have seen a clear change in investor sentiment," he said. "Many savers are now choosing to sit on their hands rather than commit fresh money to the market. But we have seen no rush for the exits following the latest bout of volatility. Too many investors are tempted to redeem when prices fall, but this action simply turns a paper loss into a real loss. It is better to ride out the storms."
The IMA's figures showed that "cautious managed" funds were the most pop-ular sector last month, accounting for sales of £129.8m. However, investors moved out of the "UK All Companies" sector, which saw net outflows of £260m in December. The sector, nevertheless, accounted for a quarter of ISA sales last month.
Property funds, meanwhile, saw net outflows by both retail and institutional investors rise to £537m in December, compared with £494m in November.
In recent weeks, some commercial property funds have restricted withdrawals.Reuse content


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MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Grandiosa will be christened in Hamburg, Germany in November 2019.
The announcement was made on 29 April 2018 when MSC Meraviglia made her maiden call into Hamburg to commence her new season in Northern Europe.
MSC Grandiosa will be the first of two Meraviglia-Plus class cruise ships built for MSC Cruises. These two new vessels build upon the success of the Meravliglia class ships and will offers even more public spaces, along with a series of exciting innovations.
MSC Grandiosa and her sister ship, due for delivery in 2020, will be 16 metres longer than MSC Bellisima and MSC Meraviglia. The 177,000 gross tonne MSC Grandiosa will become the new flagship of the MSC Cruises fleet when it launches in November 2019. The ship will accommodate up to 6,300 passengers.
MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vag, said: “We are delighted to announce the christening of MSC Grandiosa here in Hamburg. Since our last christening in Germany of MSC Magnifica in 2010, as a company we have embarked on a journey of strong growth and the German cruise guest has embraced our brand and our offering in a strong way so it is only natural that we would look to christen in Germany our next flagship and the first of the Meraviglia-Plus ships to come into service, MSC Grandiosa. We hold a special relationship with Germany overall and we are looking forward to celebrating with our German partners next November as well as welcoming our international guests to this historic port, rich in Maritime tradition and heritage.”
MSC Grandiosa will be the first MSC Cruises ship to be christened in Germany since the christening of MSC Magnifica in 2010.