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Wall Street and Hollywood have each historically considered the other a fundamentally different culture. Having worked in both, I don’t share that view. Each has a comfort with risk not found in more traditional businesses.
Perhaps more tellingly, each has a marked tendency to overreact to short-term events while underestimating or even ignoring the significance of long-term trends. Note the recent alarums about second-week drop-offs, escalating ad spends, sagging tentpoles and presumably anemic film profits. Not to mention steady drumbeats claiming, wrongly in my view, that electronic “piracy” by consumers will destroy a little $12 billion business called DVD.
These concerns have arisen in the teeth of an amazing — and mostly unmentioned — degree of growth in underlying consumer demand for all types of entertainment. Struck by this strange confluence of negative rhetoric and positive reality, I set out to corral as much data as I could that supported the notion that, mirabile dictu, entertainment has been of late — and is likely to remain — a growth business.
Before I unleash a torrent of numbers on you, a few caveats are in order: this is frankly the “bull” case. It is one I think both valid and under-appreciated. But, unlike Fox News, what follows does not purport to be “fair and balanced.”
During the past three years — while nearly all other industries have struggled with a lingering recession, Sept. 11 and its aftermath, war in several locales and a bout of SARS –the entertainment industry has experienced robust growth in consumer demand for nearly all its products. By focusing on the demand side of the equation, I am by design looking primarily at the top line — revenue.
I am fully aware of a countervailing growth on the cost side, with resulting pressures on the bottom line. But other businesses, trying to squeeze higher profits from flat-to-declining sales, wish they could have some of enter-tainment’s high-class problems. Am I ignoring a few misguided mergers, growing debt levels, heightened competition or other ills to which at least some showbiz flesh is subject? No. I just happen to think excessive attention is being paid to the problems, while the good news remains strangely muted.
So let’s for a moment return to those heady days of soaring stock prices for the major media congloms — about three years ago — when steady growth for these companies was a near-universal prediction. Back in June of 2000, the combined market capitalizations of AOL Time Warner, Disney, News Corp., Viacom and Vivendi Universal aggregated precisely $600 billion. (Sony has been omitted only because of its heavy non-media component.)
Now, in 2003, Wall Street has marked the value of these five behemoths down to $254 billion. This 58% haircut in price approaches fire sale levels and would normally be occasioned by a comparable collapse in earnings à la the Internet or high-tech industries.
Quite the contrary. Back in 2000, our Media Big Five reported total EBITDA (a much-abused but still useful measurement of cash flow) of $22.9 billion. For the most recent twelve months ended March 31, 2003, total EBITDA had risen 14% over that 2000 figure to $26.1 billion.
How was it possible that these five companies had, in toto, managed quite respectable earnings gains? Only Disney shows a decline, with the blame for its 35% EBITDA fall-off mostly accruing to a sharp drop in profits at the Alphabet Network. The real reason for this unexpected earnings increase: strong growth in worldwide consumer demand for nearly every form of entertainment, at a level that producers of more mundane products could barely imagine.
Veronis, Suhler Stevenson’s annual survey of the media landscape calculates U.S. consumer per capita spending on all categories of entertainment. Comparing last year’s numbers to the level back in 2000, we see two-year growth in such spending of 19% at the box office, 22% for home video, 15% for basic cable and satellite subscriptions, and 18% for premium cable/satellite offerings. Only the woebegone music sector showed a decline, and it a surprisingly mild 6% drop.
That same study also calculated the time the average consumer spent at various leisure activities. Here, to get a little broader perspective, I compared the per capita hours spent in 1996 to those of 2002. While viewing of network affiliates declined at a modest 1% annual rate, hours spent eyeballing cable and satellite programming rose at a 7% per annum clip. And pre-recorded video? Thanks to DVD, its claim on consumers’ time grew at a torrid 15% compound annual rate over those six years.
Looking at the dollars actually received by U.S. movie companies, every sector of the feature film side of the business, both domestic and international, has yielded sharply higher revenues since 2000. Using published MPA data as a base, and adjusting for DreamWorks and the U.S. indies, I pegged total worldwide film revenues at $32.5 billion in ’02, up from $26.2 billion in ’00 — a two-year gain of 24%. Both the domestic and the overseas totals grew at roughly that impressive rate.
The star here was of course home video, where a tripling in DVD volume powered the overall home vid biz to a 35% jump — and that includes VHS, which dropped some 32%. (Did I hear someone say “cannibalization”?) But the basic fact is that Hollywood has learned how to make and market big-grossing films far more consistently. The industry released two $100 million-plus grossers in 1980; nine in 1990; and 26 in 2002. Inflation alone explains only a small part of these compelling stats.
So people are spending more money on movie ducats, on DVDs, on monthly cable bills — and they’re spending more of their limited leisure time viewing these media. And the advertisers who support much of Hollywood’s production are behaving like the proverbial drunken sailor. What is the Wall Street analyst to make of these undeniably positive trends? My modest suggestion is to realize that it may have been momentary madness that made Wall Street price these companies at 26 times EBITDA.
But doesn’t pricing them at a multiple of less than 10 realized EBITDA for the leading companies in a growing business seem excessively negative? And what do these trends portend for the managements of these companies? That they will not be forgiven by those analysts — or by their own corporate overseers — if they do not, at long last, bring a reasonable portion of this swelling tide of revenue down to the bottom line.


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HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, today announced that Stuart Ryan has been named General Manager (GM) of the Americas region. In his new role, Stuart will be responsible for maintaining a customer-focused strategy to generate growth throughout North and Latin America.
Stuart joined HERE in June of 2003 as a Product Manager, supporting the company’s Content Products. Over the past twenty years, he has held various leadership positions across the Product Management function in the U.S., Singapore, the Netherlands and Germany.
In 2018, Stuart joined the customer sales organization, as Senior Director of Business & Solutions Architecture, before assuming the role of Senior Director and Head of Sales of Transportation and Logistics in the Americas. Most recently, Stuart served as Vice President of Sales, supporting accounts for leading companies across transportation and logistics, technology, media and telecommunications.
“Stuart has extensive knowledge of HERE products and solutions, as well as a deep understanding of the needs of our customers and partners, having been with the company for nearly twenty years,” said Fred Hessabi, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies. “He has a proven track record of providing innovative location intelligence solutions that meet the needs of top global companies. I am thrilled to have Stuart at the helm to drive growth for HERE and our customers throughout the Americas region.”
“I am excited to take on this new role during such a pivotal time in our industry,” said Stuart. “Location has become a vital component across industries and enterprises, and I see a huge opportunity to build and grow with our customers. I look forward to this next chapter at HERE.”
About HERE Technologies
HERE, the leading location data and technology platform, moves people, businesses and cities forward by harnessing the power of location. By leveraging our open platform, we empower our customers to achieve better outcomes – from helping a city manage its infrastructure or a business optimize its assets to guiding drivers to their destination safely. To learn more about HERE, please visit here.com and 360.here.com.

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ITTF Signs Trophy Partnership Agreement with World Sport DesignPhoto: Courtesy ITTF
Table tennis players will be now fighting it out for World Sport Design trophies from 2016
The International Table Tennis Federation has signed a partnership agreement with Prague-based trophy company World Sport Design.
World Sport Design, who was also the Official Trophy Supplier of the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, will be the Official Trophy Supplier of the ITTF from 2016 to 2018, providing trophies for the ITTF Star Awards and ITTF World Tour Grand Finals.
On the cooperation, ITTF President Mr. Thomas WEIKERT expressed: "The trophies at the 2015 Grand Finals were very well-designed, and I am certain that World Sport Design will continue to outdo themselves and produce prestigious trophies fitting the Star Awards and World Tour Grand Finals. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership."
World Sport Design President Mr. Jiri SMIDL said: "World Sport Design specializes in creation of luxury sports trophies, medals and design sets handmade from glass, precious metals and other materials. This is the start of a long-term cooperation with ITTF, other national federations and sport event organisers. We anticipate the opportunity to deliver our design trophies to more events, with high quality awards to represent real and lasting value for the awarded."
The race to the 2016 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals is on, as the 2016 ITTF World Tour kick starts on 20 January 2016 with the Hungarian Open.


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Leading LED lighting manufacturers have announced large price drops for the next-gen tech, meaning we could all be using far less energy in a few years.
Aeon Lighting and Samsung have both aggressively been dropping the price of LED lighting units, with the former announcing a 40 per cent drop in the price of a retrofit lightbulb to replace 'normal' incandescent bulbs.
According to Digitimes, the industry has seen a price drop from £15 to £9.30 per unit, with further price drops to occur.
That price is unlikely to convince too many of us to start pulling out our inefficient bulbs (which actually emit 90 to 98 per cent of energy as heat rather than light, whereas LED manages to emit around 20 per cent in light).
But it does mean larger business will be able to see significant energy and maintenance savings by replacing the bulbs, which can last over 20 years and are so efficient that many can be powered by solar energy alone - and that will lead to further price drops to entice consumers to save polar bears.
The shift towards aggressive price drops in the LED lighting arena is in part explained by the apparently disappointing uptake in LED TVs, according to LED packaging firm Edison Opto.
The first commercially available LED TV was popped out by Sony all the way back in 2004 as part of its super high-end Qualia range, but recent pushes with the technology by the likes of Philips, Samsung and LG have yet to see a significant demand from users.


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Anti Trust Regulation
Facebook and Apple's PR war seriously heats up
Jan. 29, 2021
Trump made a mess of tech policy. Here's what Biden is inheriting.
Jan. 21, 2021
Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes announces $10 million fund to break up more than Facebook
The Facebook co-founder who has called for the destruction of the behemoth he helped create is putting his money where his mouth is.
Oct. 17, 2019
Apple tells developers to put 'Sign in with Apple' button 'above' competitors
They also recommend developers make the button "the same size or larger" than other sign-in buttons.
June 5, 2019


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May 25, 2018 — mark the date. That’s the day when the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation comes into force. So why is this a big deal? The EU already has a data protection law that covers how data collected from citizens of its member states is stored and used. To use a cliche — this time is different.
The GDPR has been described as the world’s most comprehensive privacy law, covering virtually every way that data might be collected and used, and not just in the EU. The International Association of Privacy Professionals — an organization that serves the data privacy community — estimates that companies around the world will need to hire more than 75,000 Data Privacy Officers to ensure they are complying with the law. To put that in context, the IAPP’s membership today stands at about 26,000.
The biggest change the GDPR brings to data privacy is that its reach is global. The EU’s own description of this is “it applies to all companies processing the personal data of data subjects residing in the Union, regardless of the company’s location” and “it will apply to the processing of personal data by controllers and processors in the EU, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the EU or not.” In other words, if your company is handling any data on a citizen of an EU member state, collected in the EU, then you are subject to the GDPR.
A DPO can be a great job to have. The GDPR specifies that a DPO can insist upon company resources to fulfill their job functions and for their own training. They must be given access to the company’s data processing staff; significant independence; and a direct reporting line “to the highest management level” of the company. They also have job security — the GDPR expressly prevents dismissal of the DPO for performance of their tasks.
But a Data Privacy Officer has their work cut out for them. For one, not only must they ensure their employer complies with the GDPR, the law also requires that compliance includes complying with any unique data privacy requirements of the 28 EU member states. And it gets better: the GDPR includes a right for citizens to obtain an explanation of decisions made by algorithms and a right to opt out of algorithmic decisions.
So if your company has any software products used in the EU that help or make any decisions about people, then any affected person can demand to know the logic and rules used by the algorithms and ask to be excluded from any actions taken as a result. The law does not specify any boundaries on this requirement today so everything from digital marketing, loans and mortgages, to screening and matching done by an ATS is covered. Any products that incorporate AI will be more difficult to deploy. The EU specifies that doing business using a “cloud” hosted by a third-party does not exempt a company from compliance.
Hiring a DPO is not optional for many companies. The GDPR requires that any company that meets the definition of a “data controller and processor” employ a Data Privacy Officer. The definition of a data controller and processor is one whose “core activities require regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale.” The IAPP considers this definition to cover:
- Any company with 5,000 or more employees.
- All companies engaged in transportation and storage (e.g., airlines); accommodation and food service (e.g., hotels); and professional, scientific and technical activities (e.g., accounting firms).
- All financial institutions.
- All companies involved in information services and communications.
The consequences of failing to comply with the GDPR are not trivial. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to 4 percent of annual global revenues or €20 Million (whichever is greater). That’s the maximum for a serious violation, but even failing to have proper records can result in a fine of 2 percent. Hiring an inept DPO can cost your company a lot.
The EU Giveth and the EU Taketh Away
So why not get excited about finding DPOs? For starters, it won’t be easy. Given the law’s complexity, ambiguity, and global reach, it’s unlikely there’s any single person who is qualified to be an expert on all or even most aspects of it. Second, with little over a year left before the GDPR goes into effect, there are already plenty of companies scrambling to find DPOs. The IAPP’s estimate of the number needed is conservative at best. Virtually every country in the world does business with the EU, so the actual number of DPOs needed could be twice as big. It’s a sellers market, so expect to pay big.
Some analysts that have studied the GDPR think that compliance with the law could eliminate as many jobs as it creates … jobs that could be far more productive than a DPO. Given how overzealous the EU can be in enforcement of its directives, most companies are likely to go overboard in ensuring compliance rather than risk a fine, diverting money away from more value producing activities and jobs.
In Gone With The Wind there’s a scene where Rhett Butler says, “I told you once before that there were two times for making big money, one in the up-building of a country, and the other in its destruction. Slow money on the up-building, fast money in the crack-up.” Economic and job growth in Europe has been stagnant and the EU may be unravelling, but it’s still creating opportunities for those that are up to the challenge.
image from bigstock


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Saskatoon tech company has grown by 400 employees and 84% since 2019
(SASKATOON, Canada) – September 23, 2022
Vendasta is proud to announce it secured a spot on The Globe and Mail’s 2022 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
Canada’s Top Growing Companies ranks Canadian companies on three-year revenue growth. Vendasta earned its spot with three-year growth of 84%. In total, 430 companies earned a spot on this year’s ranking.
“Vendasta is democratizing how small and medium sized businesses around the world access technology and software to market and run their businesses,” said CEO Brendan King. “When more businesses were pushed online during the pandemic, our partners and our staff made sure they had the support they needed to grow their enterprises.”
Since the Globe and Mail’s ranking was started in 2019, Vendasta has:
- raised nearly $160 million in venture capital funding over two rounds, breaking records for venture capital investment in Canadian prairie technology ($40 million in 2019; $119.5 million in 2021);
- grew its partner community to 65,000+ local experts serving 6 million local businesses, more than doubling its paid user base;
- welcomed 400+ new Vendasta employees;
- moved to its new Vendasta Square headquarters in downtown Saskatoon, Saskatchewan;
- introduced dozens of curated and critical third-party apps and services for partners and their local business clients in Vendasta’s award-winning Marketplace, including Quickbooks, JazzHR, and ActiveCampaign;
- provided a cost-free suite of Vendasta owned and operated products to drive software adoption and client retention for its partners;
- continued to provide industry insights through its Conquer Local podcast, securing several awards including the 2020 Finny Award for Corporate Content Strategy, and the 2021 Silver for the Best Sales Podcast by Sales World;
- and minted its Conquer Local Academy and Community, providing partners with a learning module system to upskill, and a forum and dynamic meeting space for them to collaborate worldwide.
Vendasta’s growth was helped in 2021 by the acquisition of AI-powered meeting and appointment scheduler CalendarHero. Appointments and scheduling are critical components for local businesses, and CalendarHero’s technology benefits both Vendasta partners and their business clients.
Vendasta also acquired search, display, and social advertising technology leader MatchCraft earlier this year. Their flagship AdVantage™ platform together with Vendasta’s end-to-end platform extend new offerings to both company’s customers and contributed to Vendasta’s growth.
Canada’s Top Growing Companies is an editorial ranking that was launched in 2019. It aims to celebrate the boldest entrepreneurial achievement by identifying and bringing the accomplishments of innovative businesses in Canada to the forefront. In order to qualify for this voluntary program; companies had to complete an in-depth application process and fulfill requirements.
The full list of 2022 winners along with editorial coverage is published in the October issue of Report on Business magazine. The list is out now and online http://www.tgam.ca/TopGrowing.
“Canada’s Top Growing Companies recognizes the tremendous ambition and innovation of entrepreneurs in Canada,” says Dawn Calleja, Editor of Report on Business magazine. “The next generation of Canadian businesses can draw inspiration from this ranking.”
“In an uncertain world, the success stories of the companies marked in this year’s Report on Business magazine’s list of Top Growing Companies are a beacon of optimism,” says Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO of The Globe and Mail. “The Globe and Mail congratulates them on their achievements.”
About The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail is Canada’s foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 5.9 million readers every week in our print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 2.3 million readers in print and digital every issue. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.
Vendasta’s core purpose is to drive local economies by democratizing technology for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). We accomplish this by providing a robust platform to local experts around the world—our channel partners. Partners use Vendasta’s technology to market, sell, bill, fulfill, and deliver digital solutions to their SMB clients. Our platform and marketplace are tightly integrated into an operating system delivered to SMBs, providing a single sign-on to digital products and analytics. Vendasta serves 65,000+ channel partners, who in turn work with more than six million SMBs worldwide. Explore Vendasta at www.vendasta.com.
Media Contact Information:
Director of Brand and Experience


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This realisation has been intensified in the minds of many of my associates with the recent release by The Nielsen Company of its Global Aging Report. Briefly, it seems the study shows that though more than half (56 per cent) of Malaysian consumers want to retire before the age of 60, only 2 in 10 are financially ready.
After Malaysians, it seems that consumers in China (51 per cent) and Indonesia (49 per cent) are second and third most likely groups to retire before they turn 60. An average of 40 per cent of consumers in Asia Pacific plan to retire before the age of 60. This compared the global average of 30 per cent.
Nielsen's managing director in Malaysia says that the early retirement plans of consumers in Malaysia could be due to the company's Consumer Confidence Index in Malaysia hitting a 3 and 4-year high in the final quarters of 2010. Early retirement plans may be an indicator that the economy in Malaysia is robust but then again we must take note that the study also showed that Malaysians are skeptical that they can correctly envisage how inflation in the next 20 or 40 years could whittle away their savings and best-laid schemes. Especially as personal savings form more than half (51 per cent) of Asia Pacific consumers' retirement income plans.
Even in a mature economy such as the UK, retirement plans are now in jeopardy. Along with severe cost containment plans announced recently by the UK government, the number of Britons over 65 exceeds those under 16, reported The Guardian. As the country grows older, the demand is growing for people to be able to work beyond pensionable age. It would appear that the daily grind has produced very little reward for the 'baby boomer' generation -- babies born to couples reunited after the second World War.
However, to balance that dark thought, Nielsen's study shows that the senior market will be a force for decades to come. Among other benefits to the wider economy is the creation of more opportunities for the wealth management sector. Other industries could also realise benefits: I was impressed by how many of the tablet and other consumer IT products were being used by the older generations on a recent trip to the UK. One relative told me her iPad made her feel connected and alive in the world, even though she retired some years ago.
Another consideration is I have seen many of my parent's generation become different people once they retire. They start to mentally depart from the world and live somewhere else. The brain seems to tick over more slowly, there is a feeling that they've switched off and waiting to leave. As I said, the speed of change is the only constant. One of my early mentors told me that if you want to be a truly successful person you should only retire five minutes after your life is over. Perhaps best to live mostly in the moment and not retire from life?
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A mother turned her daughter and a friend in after they allegedly snatched someone’s purse at a local store, according to the Memphis Police Department.
The incident happened June 28 at a Walmart in the 7500 block of Winchester Road.
The victim told police two women grabbed her purse and ran out of the store, according to an affidavit.
On July 7, a woman called the police and said she saw her daughter and the daughter’s friend on the news and wanted to turn them in.
She later brought her daughter, identified as Homernisha Jones, and her daughter’s friend, identified as Autumn Duff, 18, to the police station.
Jones, 20, told police that she and Duff went to the Walmart and realized they needed money, records show.
The pair saw a woman put her purse in her cart and turn away.
Jones told police she grabbed the purse and they ran from the store. The duo then used the victim’s credit card to buy gas at a Marathon gas station, records show.
She said the pair then went to Citi Trends and bought clothes and shoes with the victim’s credit card.
The pair also allegedly used the credit card to buy food at McDonald’s.
Jones said in total the pair racked up around $500 on the victim’s credit card, according to the affidavit.
Jones and Duff were arrested and taken to jail.
They’re charged with Identity Theft, Theft of Property, and Fraudulent Use of Credit Card.
©2021 Cox Media Group


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In the world of streaming services, it’s not uncommon for rumors to swirl about cancellations and shutdowns. Recently, there has been speculation about the fate of Disney Plus, the popular platform that has become a go-to for fans of all things Disney. With so much uncertainty in the air, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and get to the bottom of whether or not Disney Plus is really on the chopping block. So, did Disney Plus get canceled? Let’s take a closer look.
1. The Rumors: Did Disney Plus Get Canceled?
Recently, there have been rumors circulating on social media that Disney Plus, the popular streaming service, has been canceled. These rumors have caused confusion and concern among subscribers who have come to rely on the platform for their favorite movies and TV shows. However, it’s important to note that these rumors are completely false.
Disney Plus is still very much alive and thriving, with new content being added regularly. In fact, the platform has recently announced several new shows and movies that are set to premiere in the coming months. So, if you’re a Disney Plus subscriber, rest assured that you can continue to enjoy all of your favorite content on the platform without any interruptions.
- Disney Plus is not canceled
- New content is being added regularly
- Several new shows and movies are set to premiere in the coming months
2. Sorting Fact from Fiction: The Truth About Disney Plus
What is Disney Plus?
Disney Plus is a streaming service that offers a wide range of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It was launched in November 2019 and has since gained millions of subscribers worldwide. The platform offers a variety of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content that can be accessed on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Fact or Fiction: Disney Plus is only for kids
- Fact: Disney Plus offers a wide range of content for all ages. While it does have a large selection of family-friendly movies and TV shows, it also has content that caters to adults. For example, it offers Marvel movies and TV shows that are geared towards an older audience.
- Fiction: Disney Plus is only for people who are fans of Disney movies. While the platform does offer a lot of Disney content, it also has content from other brands such as Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
Overall, Disney Plus is a great streaming service that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney movies or the latest Marvel blockbuster, there’s something for you on this platform. So why not give it a try?
3. Understanding the Streaming Landscape: The Future of Disney Plus
The Streaming Landscape
Streaming services have become a staple in the entertainment industry, with more and more people opting for the convenience of on-demand content. The rise of streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu has paved the way for other players to enter the market. Disney Plus is one such player that has made a significant impact since its launch in November 2019.
The Future of Disney Plus
Disney Plus has quickly become a popular choice for families and fans of Disney’s vast library of content. With over 100 million subscribers worldwide, the streaming service has made a significant impact in the industry. Disney’s recent acquisition of 21st Century Fox has also given them access to a vast library of content, including popular franchises like The Simpsons and X-Men.
- Disney Plus has announced several new original series and movies, including Marvel’s WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
- The streaming service is also set to release several live-action remakes of classic Disney films, including The Little Mermaid and Pinocchio.
- Disney Plus plans to expand its reach globally, with launches in new markets like Latin America and Eastern Europe.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Disney Plus is well-positioned to remain a major player in the industry. With a vast library of content and a commitment to producing high-quality original programming, the future looks bright for this streaming service.
4. The Impact of COVID-19 on Disney Plus: A Closer Look
Disney Plus, the streaming service launched by Disney in November 2019, has been one of the few success stories during the COVID-19 pandemic. With people stuck at home due to lockdowns and social distancing measures, the demand for streaming services has skyrocketed. Disney Plus has been able to capitalize on this trend, as it offers a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Here are some of the ways in which COVID-19 has impacted Disney Plus:
- Increase in Subscribers: Disney Plus has seen a surge in subscribers since the pandemic began. In April 2020, the service had 50 million subscribers worldwide, just five months after its launch. By December 2020, that number had grown to 86.8 million. The pandemic has forced people to stay at home, and many have turned to streaming services like Disney Plus for entertainment.
- Delayed Productions: The pandemic has disrupted the production of movies and TV shows, which has had a knock-on effect on Disney Plus. Some of the original content that was planned for release on the service has been delayed due to the pandemic. For example, the Marvel series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” was supposed to premiere in August 2020 but was pushed back to March 2021.
The pandemic has had both positive and negative impacts on Disney Plus. On the one hand, it has led to an increase in subscribers as people look for ways to pass the time while stuck at home. On the other hand, it has disrupted the production of original content, which could have a long-term impact on the service. Nevertheless, Disney Plus remains one of the most popular streaming services in the world, and its success during the pandemic is a testament to the quality of its content.
5. What’s Next for Disney Plus? Plans and Predictions
Plans for Disney Plus
Disney Plus has already made a huge impact on the streaming industry, but the company is not resting on its laurels. Here are some of the plans that Disney has in store for its streaming service:
- More Original Content: Disney Plus has already released several original shows and movies, including The Mandalorian, WandaVision, and Soul. However, the company has no plans to slow down. In fact, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has said that the company plans to release 100 new titles per year on Disney Plus.
- International Expansion: Disney Plus is currently available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, the company plans to expand to even more countries in the coming years, including Eastern Europe, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
- More Integration with Other Disney Services: Disney has a vast array of entertainment properties, including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. In the future, Disney Plus will likely become even more integrated with these other services, allowing users to access all of their favorite content in one place.
Predictions for Disney Plus
While we can’t predict the future with certainty, here are some educated guesses about what we might see from Disney Plus in the coming years:
- More Interactive Content: With the success of interactive shows like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and You vs. Wild on Netflix, it’s likely that Disney will experiment with similar formats on Disney Plus. Imagine being able to choose your own adventure in a Star Wars or Marvel show!
- More Live Events: With the pandemic still affecting the entertainment industry, it’s likely that Disney will continue to experiment with live events on Disney Plus. For example, the company recently released a filmed version of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton on the service.
- More Partnerships: Disney has already partnered with several companies, including Verizon and Hulu, to offer special deals and bundles for Disney Plus. It’s likely that we’ll see even more partnerships in the future, as Disney seeks to expand its reach and appeal to new audiences.
6. Conclusion: Debunking the Cancellation Myth and Moving Forward
Debunking the Cancellation Myth
Cancel culture has been a hot topic in recent years, with many claiming that it stifles free speech and promotes censorship. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that cancel culture is not as prevalent or powerful as some may believe.
- Cancel culture is not a new phenomenon. People have been boycotting and protesting for decades in response to actions they deem unacceptable.
- Cancel culture is not limited to one political ideology. Both the left and the right have engaged in cancel culture tactics.
- Cancel culture does not always result in permanent consequences. Many individuals who have been “cancelled” have been able to bounce back and continue their careers.
While cancel culture may not be as pervasive as some believe, it is still important to consider the impact of our actions and words. We should strive to create a culture of accountability and empathy, where individuals are held responsible for their actions but also given the opportunity to learn and grow.
- We should prioritize education and dialogue over punishment and exclusion.
- We should seek to understand different perspectives and engage in respectful discourse.
- We should recognize that individuals are complex and capable of change.
By moving away from the cancellation myth and towards a more nuanced understanding of accountability, we can create a society that values both justice and compassion.
In conclusion, the rumors of Disney Plus being canceled are just that – rumors. The streaming service is still going strong and offering a wide range of content for viewers of all ages. While there may have been some bumps in the road, such as the temporary removal of certain titles, Disney Plus remains a popular choice for those looking to stream their favorite movies and shows. So, rest assured, Disney Plus is here to stay and will continue to bring magic to our screens for years to come.


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The Honda Fit that is:
While we’re fans of the sporting practicality that Honda’s five-passenger Fit has been offering to Americans for the last few years, we’re not sure that we’d be quite so happy with the package if we had to share it with three additional friends.Never heard of the Honda Fit before? US News chose it as the #1 car in their affordable cars category. Here is the Fit's official website and a look at the 2009 model.
That’s what Honda seems to be proposing, if French web site Le Blog Auto can be believed, with these scans of a new Fit variant called the Freed, stretched to accommodate as many as eight passengers. The Freed will apparently be powered by a 1.5-liter four making 118 horsepower and hooked up to a CVT transmission.


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WASHINGTON, D.C.- President Donald Trump hosted a White House event Monday, highlighting products made in each of the 50 states.
A speedboat built by Ranger Boats in Arkansas caught the President's attention.
"Good looking stuff, huh?" President Trump asked. "Anybody want to go fishing?"
President Trump toured a display of American-made brands on the South Lawn. He told business leaders his tax cuts, and aggressive trade policies are helping to boost manufacturing in America.
President Trump claims the U.S. has been cheated in trade deals over the decades. The President said his "America First" philosophy will pay dividends for American business.
"We're putting the trade cheaters on notice: no one rips off the United States of America anymore," says President Trump. "It's happened too much for too long. It's stopping."
In his speech, the President called out China, the EU, Mexico and the World Trade Organization as culprits who've benefited from the unfair trade practices.
It's something they hope to have in place sometime next year in…
That means there could be two candidates from the same party facing…
One of the biggest items on the agenda for Arkansas Advocates for…


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he MGA boss will be in attendance at this year's SAGSE, which is taking place in Buenos Aires between November 7 – 9, to share his regulatory experience with local gaming authorities. Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Cuschieri said: “The LatAm market is an interesting one and since we found the right opportunity to visit Argentina for the first time, I thought it was good to have a look at how the market is evolving there. It is always inspiring to learn about new markets and related experiences."
When asked about his views on the regulatory landscape in LatAm, Cuschieri didn't hesitate to praise Colombia's gaming authority, Coljuegos, for its efforts in moving the industry forward. “We support all efforts made by governments to open up the gaming market underpinned by robust and transparent regulation which protects consumers. The efforts by the Colombian authorities in this respect are commendable and should serve as an example for other LatAm jurisdictions," he noted.
It's worth stressing that Coljuegos president, Juan B. Perez Hidalgo, confirmed last week that the regulator plans to issue four more online gaming licenses in the coming weeks, in addition to the two that have already been granted by the regulator.
With fresh gaming legislation and a newly launched Licensee Relationship Management System, which is set to transform the way the MGA interacts with its current and prospective licensees, Malta continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's most innovative, cutting edge and forward-thinking gaming jurisdictions. "We received lots of positive feedback on our new Licensee Management System from all stakeholders and we will soon be launching additional features as we strive to become an 'all on-line' regulator," Cuschieri told Yogonet.
While LatAm governments cite consumer protection as one of the reasons for not embracing online gaming, the MGA chairman believes prohibition in gambling doesn't work. “I believe that prohibition drives the industry underground hence creating black markets. The best way to protect consumers is to put in place robust regulatory frameworks with effective enforcement mechanisms and responsible gaming legislation to protect consumers and establish the right structures to govern and supervise effectively. Integrity is key when it comes to any regulatory system and in gambling regulation, integrity is mission critical,” he argued.
In the coming months, the MGA will focus its efforts on the implementation of the new gaming legislation and the new Fourth Anti Money Laundering Directive's supervisory mechanisms. In addition to this, Cuschieri said he's working on other projects that will see the MGA “raising the bar in its regulatory performance”.


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Delivery startup Gopuff is cutting 10% of its global workforce and closing 76 U.S. warehouses, according to a letter to investors.
The layoffs impact about 1,500 employees who will be notified throughout Tuesday, the letter said. The company is also closing 76 warehouses, about 12% of its network, across the U.S. while expanding services at other higher-performing sites.
“As part of our efforts to remove overhead and drive operational efficiencies, we have made the incredibly challenging decision of reducing our global workforce by 10%,” the letter said. “While difficult, this restructures us to align more closely around business priorities while accelerating our path to profitability.”
The current cuts are an effort to help the company be profitable by 2024, it said in a letter to investors.
Gopuff also said it will focus on improving its core business, which is instant delivery, and increasing international investment, especially in the U.K.
“These shifts are not only accelerating our timeline to profitability, they are taking us back to our roots of keeping profitability at the core of every decision,” the letter said. “We remain committed in our ambition to building a generational business and feel confident as ever in Gopuff’s performance and ability to capitalize on the moment before us.”
Gopuff last year was valued at $15 billion. The company had reportedly been eyeing a 2022 public listing, but has since put those plans on hold amid a broader slowdown in market debuts.
The news was first reported by Bloomberg.
Gopuff is one of the so-called fast delivery companies, which often promise orders to reach your door in 30 minutes or less. Firms like it been heavily subsidized by venture capitalists. But a dramatic shift has seemed to occur in recent months in the rapid delivery segment as VCs move away from a growth-at-all-costs model that once boosted companies like Uber.
This post has been syndicated from a third-party source. View the original article here.


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Verizon launches MediaTek-powered smartphone
Jessie Shen, DIGITIMES
Verizon Wireless has launched the first-ever MediaTek-powered CDMA/LTE smartphone. The LG Stylo 2 V marks its debut as a certified smartphone chipset provider for Verizon, according to MediaTek.
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Fruit and vegetables consumption extends lives
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that eating fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk of death. The study looked at 451,151 participants from ten European countries, following them for over ten years. Researchers found that consuming produce was negatively associated with mortality. Specifically, daily consumption of fruit and vegetables can decrease risks of mortality by 10 percent, and delay mortality by 1.12 years. They also found that for every 200 gram increase of produce consumed, risk of death goes down by 6 percent. Cardiovascular disease was especially decreased by eating produce, and participants who smoked or had high alcohol consumption benefited a disproportionately high amount from eating a healthy diet. Interestingly, there was a stronger correlation between longevity and eating fresh fruit and vegetables than for cooked produce.


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CARS reached out to leaders in the automotive repair and service sector of the automotive aftermarket to ask them about their thoughts about the industry over the next 12 months. We wanted to know how things will change this year, what’s the biggest challenge and how they can seize the biggest opportunity. We will present their answers in alphabetical order over the coming weeks…
J.F. Champagne, President | Automotive Industries Association of Canada
The combination of lingering inflation, high interest rate with labour shortage will be challenging for auto repair shops in order to continue to service their customers while remaining profitable. How to properly price their services to remain competitive while being limited by the on-going staff shortage will likely remain front of mind.
This year will also provide opportunities for auto repair shops who are looking to grow and expand as some business operators seek to retire and sell their operations.
Labour shortage will continue to be the No. 1 challenge for auto repair shops. Business owners and managers looking to attract and retain high performing employees will need to offer competitive compensation that includes benefits and flexibility in a positive working environment that takes into consideration the needs of new Canadians likely to fill these positions.
Organizations who will make meaningful changes in order to create an environment welcoming to women will likely benefit as well.
I believe there will be opportunities for acquisitions for auto repair shops looking for growth as business owners look to retire in an environment that remains challenging.


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Screendragon Makes London’s Top 100 Creative Tech Start-up Companies for 2018
Screendragon is delighted to be recognized as one of the top creative tech start-up companies in the UK. The accolade comes from Tech London Advocates – a coalition of over 4000 experts from the tech sector and broader community who have committed to championing London’s potential as a world-class hub for tech and digital businesses. The group consists of technology entrepreneurs, established digital giants, journalists, government figures and vital suppliers to the industry.
Screendragon Founder and CEO, Jan Quant had this to say about the recognition:
“We’re proud to be named as one of the Top 100 Creative Tech start-up companies in the UK for the second year running, particularly amongst such tough competition. The recognition by Tech London Advocates is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving the working efficiencies of agencies and in-house marketing teams. The capabilities that we’re delivering through our platform are in many cases, world firsts and so it’s great to receive recognition for being a genuine leader in our field.”
We look forward to joining other leaders from the industry at the world’s leading Createch Conference, Createch 2018. You can find out more about this great event by Tech London Advocates and the Creative Industries Council here.


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The USDA estimates that potato growers harvested 434.22 million cwt of potatoes during 2023. That is 35.48 million cwt more than the 2022 crop, an 8.9% increase. It is the largest U.S. potato crop since 2000. USDA made several changes to its June 30 acreage estimates for the various states. At 959,800 acres, the official harvested area exceeded USDA’s June forecast by 17,900 acres. That is 48,400 acres more than last year’s crop. USDA puts this year’s national average potato yield at 452 cwt per acre, 15 cwt more than the 2022 average yield.
The USDA increased its estimate of Michigan’s planted area by 1,000 acres, relative to the June estimate. The harvested area was set at 47,500 acres, which is 2,000 acres more than growers harvested in 2022. At 410 cwt per acre, this year’s yield estimate is 5 cwt below the 2022 yield. That puts this year’s Michigan potato crop at 19.48 million cwt, which exceeds 2022 production by 592,000 cwt, or 3.1%.
Thanksgiving table potato movement has been strong. U.S. packers shipped 2.196 million cwt of table potatoes during the week ending Nov. 11. That is up from 2.105 million cwt shipped a year earlier. Michigan packers shipped 103,442 cwt of potatoes during the week ending Nov. 11. That is up from 84,234 cwt during the same week in 2022. Last week’s Michigan shipments were 92.6% russets, 4.8% yellow potatoes, and 2.6% round white potatoes.
USDA reports that Michigan packers are selling size A russets in 10-pound bags for $11.50-$16 per 50-pound bale, unchanged from last week. They are selling size A russets in 5-pound bags for $12.50-$17.00 per 50-pound bale, also unchanged. Wisconsin packers are selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags for mostly $11-$12 per 50-pound bale, down from $12 per 50-pound bale last week. They are selling russet 40-70 count cartons for mostly $11-$13.50 per 50-pound box, down from $12.50-$14 per 50-pound box a week ago. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Norkotahs is $16.95 per cwt, down from $17.45 per cwt last week.
Wisconsin packers are selling 10/5-pound bales of size A yellow potatoes for mostly $16 per bale, unchanged from a week ago. They are selling 50-pound cartons of size A yellow potatoes for mostly $16 per 50-pound box, also unchanged. Red River Valley packers are selling size A yellow potatoes in 2,000-pound tote bags for mostly $22 per cwt, unchanged from last week. They are selling yellow creamers in 50-pound cartons for mostly $30 per 50-pound box, also unchanged.
– Report by North American Potato Market News


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Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business – Research. Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are showing that they are highly adept at breaking into foreign markets, according to a new report jointly released by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and the Office of the Chief Economist of Global Affairs Canada (OCE-GAC).
The report, Indigenous-owned Exporting SMEs in Canada, finds that, based on CCAB survey data, nearly a quarter (24%) of Indigenous SMEs operating in Canada export. The rate of participation of all Canadian SMEs in foreign markets is 12%. This should be viewed as a great point of pride for the estimated 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses operating within every single one of Canada’s provinces and territories. The data also shows that non-exporting Indigenous SMEs were twice as likely to report competition as an obstacle to growth than exporting Indigenous SMEs. Similarly, 42% of non-exporting Indigenous SMEs reported overall economic conditions as being a greater obstacle to growth compared to 34% of their exporting counterparts. This suggests that Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized enterprises that export appear to be able to overcome competition and tough economic conditions locally, allowing for growth.
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and the Trade Commissioner Service are both committed to the success of Indigenous enterprises at home and abroad. Networking programs, numerous resources, and business insights when it comes to navigating international markets are just a couple ways these organizations can help indigenous businesses reach their full potential.
“Indigenous-owned businesses have exceptional growth potential in export markets,” says JP Gladu, CCAB’s president and CEO. “Recognition of this potential by OCE-GAC sends a powerful message to the federal government about the need for new policies and programs to address the challenges slowing international expansion by Indigenous SMEs.”
The most popular destination market of Indigenous exporters is the United States, with approximately 21.5% of Indigenous SMEs selling goods or services to our southern neighbour. Interestingly, one in seven exporting Indigenous-owned businesses do not export to the United States, rather these SMEs are in other international markets. Indigenous SMEs have demonstrated that they are engaged in global exports and do not just export to the U.S. due to its proximity. The ability for these businesses to expand into the global market is an indicator of their success. In fact, Indigenous-owned SMEs exporting and operating out of Australia, South America, and Canada alike have the potential opportunity to foster and develop global indigenous relationships and prosperity for their communities.
For almost 125 years, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has been helping companies navigate international markets. Canadian trade commissioners, located in more than 160 cities worldwide, can provide Canadian companies with key business insights and access to an unbeatable network of international contacts.
The Chief Trade Commissioner, Ailish Campbell, says the Trade Commissioner Service “is ready to do all that it can to assist export-ready Indigenous businesses that are looking to sell their products and services around the world.”
Internationalization is a strategy for business growth and there is a myriad of information available for businesses who believe global trade is the next step for the success of their company. For more information visit the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business at www.ccab.com or visit the Trade Commissioner Service at https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/.
Access to the full report can be found at https://www.ccab.com/research/ccab-collaboration-series/indigenous_export/


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Saturday tickets for The American Express and Luke Bryan concert have officially sold out
At approximately 2:05 p.m. on Friday, the final ticket was purchased for Saturday's golf and concert at The American Express tournament. It is officially a sellout.
The $50 ticket includes a concert by country star Luke Bryan after a full day of golf by PGA players on three desert courses. Tournament officials capped the ticket sales at 22,000 sold.
It's the first time any day's session has sold out since they added concerts in 2017. No one can confirm it, but it is believed to be the first day ever sold out in the tournament's history.
The announcement came around 3 p.m. just as Friday's golf was winding down and music fans had already crowded around the stage for Friday night's musical act Stevie Nicks.
Tickets are still available for Sunday's golf-only round at The American Express and can be purchased on site or at the tournament's website.


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Blizzard Entertainment has announced that World of Warcraft will be adding glowing hand customizations to Nightborne characters in patch 9.1.5, which is due out later this week.
Do people refer to your Nightborne character as “Ol’ Glowyhands,” “McGlowhands,” or “Captain Glow of the Hand Brigade” in World of Warcraft? No way, your hands aren’t glistening. Your eyes are bright, but your hands are devoid of any light-emitting properties. This is clearly an untenable situation, so it’s a good thing Blizzard has revealed that Nightborne player characters will be able to customize their hand glow in patch 9.1.5.
While there is currently no clear glimpse of what this customization will look like, the official announcement of this forthcoming customization says that it is a difficult thing to figure out, but the team is confident in their ability to deliver on this new customization choice. The fact that it exists at all indicates that fresh effort is being put into these choices rather than rushed adaptations of old functionality. So maybe your pals will start calling you “Handyglow of the New Hampshire Handyglows.”
Due to a lengthy series of controversies in the MMO and gaming sector over the past several years, including the Blitzchung boycott, huge layoffs, labor conflicts, and executive pay debacle, Activision-Blizzard is regarded a problematic business in the MMO and gaming industry. The company was sued by the state of California in the summer of 2021 for fostering a work environment that was riddled with sexual harassment and discrimination, and the company’s disastrous response has added to Blizzard’s ongoing pipeline issues and the widespread perception that its online games are on the decline. Multiple state and federal authorities are investigating the business as of autumn 2021.


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Volks USA will be delaying the release of the full-choice system planned to be launched in July due to some technical problems. The website hopes to have the system up and running in August.
The June 2014 Collection and Dolpa 31 Collection will be arriving this month. The June collection features Girl’s yukata and wedding dresses and casual clothing for various dolls. The Dolpa 31 collection features dressy casual and lolita clothing and separates. The outfits are now displayed on the website.
Due to accidental orders being placed outside the US, Mexico and Canada, the website for Volks USA will no longer be viewable outside these countries.


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Last week, the FTC filed its first lawsuit involving COVID-19 disease claims, but the Commission took an approach it had largely abandoned in consumer protection cases, by filing for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in federal court and simultaneously filing an administrative action. Although COVID-19 claims are new, the procedural approach taken by the FTC is one that it has not used in years.
On April 24, the FTC filed a Complaint for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, in FTC v. Marc Ching. The Complaint alleged that the defendant, Marc Ching doing business as Whole Leaf Organics, disseminated false or unsubstantiated advertisements that its product, Thrive, treated, prevented, or reduced the risk of COVID-19. In addition, the defendant marketed a cannabidiol (CBD) product that it claimed could treat cancer.
The defendant had been the recipient of a warning letter from the federal Food and Drug Administration in November 2019, which warned the defendant that it was making unapproved new drug claims in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by claiming that its CBD products are intended for use in the mitigation, treatment, or prevention of diseases. According to the complaint, the defendant did not remove the unapproved drug claims from its website.
The case underscores the aggressive stance the FTC takes in combatting false or unsubstantiated claims about COVID-19, and we previously blogged about the many warning letters the FTC issued here and here. In addition, the case demonstrates the importance of heeding regulators’ warnings.
The case is also interesting because of the procedural approach taken by the FTC. The FTC went into federal court to obtain the injunction under Section 13(a) of the FTC Act, not Section 13(b). Section 13(a) authorizes the FTC to obtain a preliminary injunction pending resolution of a parallel administrative proceeding brought before an FTC ALJ. The FTC’s federal court complaint has no mention of monetary relief. Instead, the complaint states that the “Commission has already initiated that administrative proceeding, pursuant to Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45, by filing an administrative complaint on April 22, 2020.” The administrative hearing, in turn, “will determine whether Defendant’s representations violate Sections 5 and 12 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 45 and 52, and will provide all parties a full opportunity to conduct discovery and present testimony and other evidence regarding Plaintiff’s allegations.” If the FTC ultimately decides to seek redress, the FTC would have to bring a separate claim under Section 19 of the FTC Act after the administrative proceeding was fully concluded, and in that claim show that the conduct was such that under the circumstances, a reasonable man would have known it was dishonest or fraudulent.
Although the FTC continues to make frequent use of Section 13(a) in the merger context, it has not used this dual-track enforcement strategy in a consumer protection case in decades. Instead, the FTC typically seeks monetary relief, such as restitution and disgorgement (in addition to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief), when filing a lawsuit in federal court under its Section 13(b) authority. As we discussed in a recent webinar and discussed here, Section 13(b) explicitly authorizes only preliminary injunctive relief, but the FTC has long taken the position that the statute also implicitly authorizes a court to issue equitable monetary relief pursuant to the implied equitable power of the court.
Why the FTC took this somewhat forgotten path here is unknown. It may relate to travel and resource issues facing the agency because of the current pandemic and a decision that litigating the merits in its own building is easier than doing so in California. That the Commission chose this path while the Supreme Court is deciding whether to grant the petition for certiorari in the Credit Bureau Center case, which challenges the FTC’s use of Section 13(b) to obtain equitable monetary relief, is noteworthy.
What is clear, however, is that the FTC is serious about bringing enforcement actions against companies making false or misleading claims regarding COVID-19, and the Commission is willing to use whatever tools are necessary in these actions.


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ICI has announced the first stage of a new restructuring program aimed at delivering £30 million of sustainable bottom line savings by 2005. The initiative will have a dramatic affect on ICI's paint operations, as more than have of the predicted savings will come through initiatives within that business.
ICI said it will reduce its headcount by more than 700 jobs over the next two years, including 460 paint staff. The company's plans include "intensive productivity improvements" at each of its 10 main manufacturing sites across Europe, including rationalization of solvent-borne production facilities and restructuring of all European supply chain support functions to take overall supply chain productivity to world-class levels.
Some 15,740 people currently work for ICI's paint business.
ICI To Cut Paint Jobs
By Jason Lawton
Published May 1, 2003
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Tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has seen impressive growth in recent years, aided by cheaper air fares, an expanding consumer class and increased exposure brought about by improved internet connectivity. Although these developments have led to significant economic benefits for countries across the region, they have also had some negative consequences, particularly for the environment.
Around 133.1m visitors travelled to countries in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2019, up from 129.2m in 2018 and 125.7m in 2017. While this figure was expected to reach 155.4m by 2022, it is likely that Covid-19 will dampen visitor numbers. Nevertheless, it is important for stakeholders in the tourism industry to ensure that any future expansion is managed as carefully and sustainably as possible in order to minimise disruption to natural heritage and local communities.
Leading the Way
Countries that have a long track record of attracting foreign visitors offer both positive and negative examples of sustainable tourism. The Philippines is the sixth-most visited country in the ASEAN region, attracting visitors to its beaches despite the logistical challenges of travelling to some destinations in the archipelago.
However, overdevelopment has had a detrimental impact on some parts of the country, most notably Boracay, one of the country’s best-known beach resorts. In April 2018 the government announced that the island would be closed to visitors for six months due to the impact of unchecked development, insufficient wastewater treatment and overcrowding. An emergency task force found widespread environmental violations, with litter and sewage being pumped directly into the ocean. At the same time, illegal fishing had reportedly decimated up to 90% of the island’s coral reefs.
Open for Business
The destination reopened in October 2018 and, despite some criticism of the decision, the rehabilitation appears to have had a positive impact on the island and surrounding environment. The maximum number of tourists was capped at 19,000 per day in order to prevent the environmental effects of overcrowding. In 2019 some 2m people visited Boracay. Additionally, the authorities have taken a series of measures to protect the area, including a ban on cigarettes and alcohol on the beach and in some public areas, a ban on single-use plastics, and the introduction of strict environmental accreditation procedures for restaurants, hotels and resorts. Airlines have also been told to reduce the number of flights to Godofredo P Ramos Airport, which serves the island.
While emergency measures appear to have been successful in Boracay, long-term plans to foster sustainable practices in the tourism industry are preferable to short-term solutions after damage has already been done. In light of this, the government revised the National Tourism Development Plan 2016-22 to improve environmental protection guidelines. Additionally, rehabilitation programmes have been proposed for other resorts in the archipelago, including Manila Bay, El Nido and Panglao.
In Indonesia the authorities have also recognised the need for a sustainable approach to tourism amid fears of saturation in Bali, the country’s best-known tourism destination. The 10 New Balis strategy was launched in 2016 in an attempt to replicate the island’s economic success in other destinations, as well as to ease the pressure on Bali, which suffers from issues such as water shortages due to the high number of visitors.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the alternative locations had already become attractions in their own right, but would benefit from better access and more amenities. The destinations earmarked by the ministry to receive infrastructure investment include Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur Temple in Central Java and Mount Bromo in East Java. Since the policy was announced, the government has embarked on an airport expansion initiative as a means of supporting growing tourist numbers. For example, Silangit Airport in North Sumatra was upgraded in 2017, which enabled it to gain international status. In February 2019 local media reported that there were plans to further expand the airport to almost five times its current size.
In other parts of the region, where the tourism industry is nascent, there are opportunities to adopt best practices at the outset and avoid the mistakes of their neighbours. Myanmar’s tourism industry expanded rapidly between 2011 and 2015 as a result of economic and political reforms, but growth has slowed in the years since, largely a result of international criticism for its handling of violence in Rakhine State and the resulting drop in Western visitor numbers. Consequently, the authorities in the country have focused their attention on attracting tourists from Asia: Myanmar granted a visa exemption for tourists from China, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao and South Korea in October 2018. This approach has already seen some success, with the number of Chinese visitors to the country increasing from 198,256 in the first nine months of 2018 to 325,193 in the same period of 2019.
However, the approach has attracted some criticism, particularly regarding the proliferation of low-cost tour packages from China. These tours typically involve groups of visitors being taken to shops believed to be aligned with Chinese companies, with tourists often paying in Chinese yuan rather than Myanmar kyat. As a result, little to none of the money spent in this way contributes to the Myanmar economy. Tourism stakeholders in Myanmar have urged officials to take action on the issue and to ensure that local businesses see more benefits, making tourism growth more sustainable and inclusive.
Myanmar could also reap benefits from diversifying its destinations, as some of the country’s most popular sites have been under increasing pressure from visitors. As the tourism industry has opened up, most visitors to the country continue to be concentrated in the “big four” destinations of Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. Predictably, this rapid growth has brought with it environmental concerns, particularly at Inle Lake, which has seen a significant fall in water levels and quality due to overdevelopment in the surrounding area.
The government has taken steps to diversify the locations on offer, promising to promote other parts of the country and providing licences for businesses to operate in previously hard-to-reach places, such as the Myeik archipelago in the country’s south, remote Chin State in the west; and Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State, in the east. However, there is a risk that previously undisturbed areas could suddenly receive a significant influx of visitors, so any such developments should be handled with care.
Although the concept of sustainable tourism is a relatively new one in a country that had largely remained closed to visitors until recently, there have been encouraging developments in this area. For example, the Myanmar Responsible Tourism Awards, which have been held annually since 2017, aim to promote the activities of tourism businesses that are operating in a sustainable way.
Another country in the Asia-Pacific region with a relatively new tourism industry is Papua New Guinea. Its remoteness, lack of infrastructure and security concerns have meant that the country has struggled to attract tourist numbers to rival its Pacific Island peers, among which Fiji is the most popular destination. Nevertheless, there has been progress in recent years; such as the country attracting 195,000 international visitors in 2018, around half of which came from Australia.
There exists potential for further growth, with ideas for expansion including agro-tourism initiatives inspired by the Cameron Highlands, as well as celebrations of the country’s unique culture, festivals and rituals. PNG’s remoteness also lends significant potential to adventure activities such as diving, snorkelling and trekking, while its biodiversity offers opportunities for wildlife watching.
The country’s tourism sector is receiving support from the World Bank through the PNG Tourism Sector Development Project, which was launched in 2017 and aims to implement an integrated approach to tourism in East New Britain and Milne Bay. The two regions were selected due to their considerable tourism potential, as well as the ability to contribute to the country’s broader economic growth. The $20m project has also provided support for community-led tourism companies as a means of creating jobs in the industry. Although such programmes can act only as a starting point, they nonetheless are an encouraging indication that the country’s authorities recognise the need for tourism to be sustainable and inclusive.
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Calabasas plastic bag ban seems to carry weight – Calabasas Real Estate News
Calabasas plastic bag ban seems to carry weight
By Sylvie Belmond
The Calab asas City Council is debating the pros and cons of the plastic bag ban, which affects all retail stores in the city. The ban went into effect last July.
While larger stores, such as Albertsons and Rite Aid, had to comply right away, smaller retails stores had until Jan. 1 to conform to the ordinance.
Though stores will no longer provide free disposable plastic bags, customers have the option to buy recyclable paper bags for 10 cents each.
To help with the transition, the city worked to educate residents about the benefits of the ban and to promote the use of reusable bags.
But some shoppers are still unaware of the ban and aren’t happy about the 10-cent fee to purchase paper bags, Alex Farassati, environmental services manager for Calabasas, said in a report.
According to the report, more than 330,000 paper bags were sold between July 1 and Jan. 1, totaling about $32,000 in revenue for large shops. Store managers believe the sale of paper bags will drop in 2012 as residents become accustomed to carrying reusable bags when they run errands.
The shops have also sold a large number of reusable bags.
Overall, stores are reporting a smooth transition to the ban on plastic. Merchants believe shoppers have adjusted well to the ban and most are amenable to the change because they believe it will benefit the environment.
Resident Dale Reicheneder initially opposed the ordinance because he considered it an intrusion. But he said the law has forced him to change old habits and decrease his consumption of disposable plastic bags.
“I learned from it and I think I’m better for it,” Reicheneder said.
Other speakers endorsed the ban in front of the City Council, describing how it protects local creeks, beaches and the environment.
Calabasas officials made a prudent decision, said Kirsten James, water quality director with Heal the Bay, a nonprofit environmental organization.
“It is making a difference, and we need to continue on this path,” James said, adding that fewer bags have been found in local waterways since the ban went into effect.
Sarah Paulson Sheehy, a representative for the California Grocers Association, said her organization has no qualms about the prohibition on plastic bags.
Although the transition at some stores hasn’t been seamless, “we as an association are comfortable with the ordinance,” she said.
Rick Crandall, an environmental department representative for Albertsons, said his company is happy with the approach the city took.
“Most customers don’t understand that bags have never been free,” he said. The costs are always passed on to consumers, who pay for them one way or another.
But not everyone is so agreeable.
In October, a lawsuit was filed challenging Los Angeles County’s plastic bag ordinance. The suit alleges that the 10-cent charge for paper bags is a special tax that cannot be enforced without voter approval.
“It’s inappropriate for a city to establish the price an establishment should charge for anything,” Calabasas resident Thomas Hanson said.
Martin Goldstein, who lives just outside the city limits on Mulholland Drive, said he no longer buys large quantities of goods from Calabasas stores because it’s too inconvenient.
Stores should be able to supply plastic bags if they choose, Goldstein said.
Paul Mac, who owns a gas station in Calabasas, asked officials to better educate consumers who don’t live in the city.
“We get a lot of transient customers. When they purchase items and bring them to the cashier and learn there is a 10-cent charge, at times they get rude or leave the store,” Mac said.
Alicia Weintraub, a member of the Calabasas Environmental Commission, suggested the city develop the capability to field complaints. That would take the burden of angry customers away from store employees, she said.
“The problem is that some store employees get harassed by customers who oppose the ban,” Weintraub said.
Because the ordinance for smaller stores only went into effect four weeks ago, it’s too early to evaluate its impact, Farassati said.
The Environmental Commission will revisit the ordinance in about six months.


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Classic pay-TV recorded a decline in revenues in Germany in 2020 from €2.4 billion (2019) to €2.1 billion.
More than half (51%) of all households worldwide will own a smart TV by 2026, corresponding with 1.1 billion homes, according to Strategy Analytics.
US data provider Nielsen has acquired TVTY, a TV attribution provider and ad monitoring company based in Paris, France.
The growth of TV and video market is sharply down now that the pandemic is out of the equation year-on-year, according to research by Telecompaper.
The pandemic has boosted the take-up of smart TVs in Russia.
Eighty two percent of US TV households now have at least one internet-connected TV device, according to new consumer research from Leichtman Research Group (LRG).
Broadcasters’ revenues for live football matches to their domestic leagues and the UEFA Champions League will reach $10.5 billion in the 2021/22 season in the top five European countries.
The world’s top 50 pay-TV operators will account for 853 million of the 1.02 billion global subscriber total by 2026.
AVOD expenditure for TV episodes and movies will climb by 144% between 2020 and 2026 to reach $66 billion across 138 countries.
Global pay-TV revenues for 138 countries are set to fall from last year’s total of $173 billion to $143 billion in 2026.


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Safety agency says Chrysler recall too slow
Thursday, July 3, 2014
DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s road safety agency is accusing Chrysler of moving too slowly to fix some Jeep SUVs in a recall announced more than a year ago.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in a letter released Wednesday, is asking the automaker why it’s taking so long to fix as many as 2.5 million older Grand Cherokees and Libertys with gas tanks mounted behind the rear axles. The tanks could rupture in rear collisions, leak fuel and cause fires.
The letter is the latest skirmish in a long fight between the automaker and agency over the safety of the SUVs, all built before the 2008 model year. Initially NHTSA wanted the company to recall 2.7 million of them, but Chrysler refused, saying they were as safe as similar vehicles. They eventually worked a deal to recall 1.56 million, with 1.2 million others placed in a campaign to be inspected for hitches. Last year NHTSA said a three-year investigation showed 51 people had died in fiery crashes in Jeeps with gas tanks behind the rear axle.
In the letter, NHTSA said Chrysler will send notices to owners of 1.5 million Grand Cherokees from the 1993 to 1998 model years, and to another 1 million owners of 2002-2007 Libertys.
But the letter says production of the trailer hitches didn’t start until May of this year, and the pace is so slow that it will take Chrysler 4.7 years to get enough hitches if all owners respond to the recall. If only half respond, it will take Chrysler two years to get the parts, the letter said.
“For many owners, a recall remedy deferred by parts availability easily becomes a defect remedy denied,” NHTSA wrote. “The agency has no intention of allowing Chrysler, or any other manufacturer, to delay recall completion to the detriment of safety.”
Chrysler has until July 16 to respond to the agency’s request for information or face up to a $35 million fine, the agency said.
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The data point - 40% of subscribers would switch for better billing experience
Sep 25, 2022 | By PYMNTS.com
Subscription brands may be headed for a lesson in the meaning of “essential” as inflation-squeezed consumers are forced to decide between needs and wants and the holidays loom.
According to the September edition of the Subscription Commerce Tracker®, a PYMNTS and Vindicia collaboration, because so many consumers have purchased recreation or entertainment subscriptions during the COVID episode, “subscription merchants are at risk of subscriber churn. One study found that cable and satellite TV subscribers spend over $1,600 a year on channels they do not currently watch, making this an attractive area for cost cutting, especially since, as the study found, cable bills have grown 52% in the past three years.”
It’s going to end up costing some subscription brands customers, especially those whose billing practices and policies are misaligned with shifting consumer mindsets.
Get your copy: The Subscription Commerce Tracker®
What’s becoming clear to consumers as they become inflation calculus experts is that not every service they signed up for during the pandemic is going to make the cut with household budgets being squeezed on must-haves from groceries to gasoline to home energy.
Per the latest Tracker, “Consumers make a variety of monthly payments, both essential and nonessential. Recurring payments for nonessential services are at risk of being on the chopping block, with insurance payments, for example, potentially taking priority over the cable bill.”
A key strategy subscription merchants and brands are using to keep their place in the consumer mix is simplifying the recurring payment experience, giving one less reason to churn out.
We found that “as many as 40% of consumers are interested in using service providers that offer an improved billing experience, and for a substantial number of consumers, there is a willingness to switch providers to obtain this. Moreover, 23% of consumers are at least very willing to pay an extra fee to access an improved payment experience,” per the Tracker.
See it now: The Subscription Commerce Tracker®


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Wednesday, 24 September 2014 11:55
The Client-Advisor Relationship Must NOT Be Overlooked, Says Industry Veteran
Shocking stats continue to make news regarding America's preparedness for retirement, including the fact that one of five citizens near retirement age have zero money put away for the golden years, according to statistics recently released from the Federal Reserve.
About 20 percent of pre-retirees have nothing stocked away, and 31 percent of the total population also has no money for retirement.
"This issue is making news regularly, and financial planning for retirement advertisements have spiked in recent years, in case you haven't noticed," says Rodger Alan Friedman, author of "Forging Bonds of Steel," (www.forgingbondsofsteel.com/).
"If nothing else, I hope the increased focus is lighting a fire under those who are near retirement, and I hope future generations are taking notes."
Wednesday, 24 September 2014 10:48
Advance Health Care Directive - A written document in which one person (the principal) designates another person (the agent) to make medical decisions on the principal's behalf when the principal is unable to make medical decisions for him or herself. The principal may also direct which decisions should be made in certain medical situations. This document was formerly known as a "Living Will."
Beneficiary - A person for whose benefit an estate plan is created.
Conservator - A person who has been appointed by the Court to make health care and/or financial decisions for an incapacitated adult.
Wednesday, 24 September 2014 10:31
The Internet — the Superhighway — is where billions of dollars are spent on the purchases of numerous products and services. Billions of dollars for payments of bills are also paid via the Internet. Spending money on the Internet via credit cards will become a way of life for many, however, not everyone has access to a traditional credit card due to poor credit (FICO). Most people who do not have a traditional credit card only have a debit card connected to their bank account. It is time to become proactive about credit because the time is coming — and that time is sooner than you think—when debit cards will no longer be an acceptable form of payment. Today, it can be challenging when attempting to use a debit card for a car rental or to pay for a hotel room.
Due to the economic depression, high unemployment rate, business failures at an alarming rate, unemployment benefits running out with no extensions . . . many will no longer have access to a bank account or debit card. Then, what are your options? You are back to keeping money under your mattress; you are cashing your checks at cash checking outlets and purchasing money orders and postage stamps to pay your bills.
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