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Solo Brands CEO says his company has cracked the code to running 'high-growth and high-profit' DTC brands after successful IPO
CEO John Merris said Solo Brands isn't taking its "DTC" ticker lightly after going public Thursday. He said it has a duty to lead the sector.
Rent the Runway is an impressive business, says Galloway, but it has a long way to go to on profitability and rebuilding its active subscriber base.
The red-hot IPO market has raised more than $99 billion so far this year and just minted two new billionaires — here's a look behind the historic boom
29 IPOs have topped $1 billion in gross proceeds, according to data provider FactSet, and minted at least 19 new billionaires in 2021.
Special-purpose acquisition company IPOs raised just $6.8 billion in the second quarter compared to $92.3 billion in the first.
China intends to ban US stock listings for tech companies with vast troves of sensitive user data, report says
Chinese companies with less sensitive data, such as pharmaceuticals, are still likely to receive regulatory approval, The Wall Street Journal said.
China crackdown leads self-driving tech startup Pony.ai to put off plans to list in the US, report says
Pony.ai had aimed to list by October through a blank-check merger, Reuters reported.
Hong Kong's stock exchange has a record number of pending IPOs despite China's crackdown, says new CEO
The IPO pipeline is "significant and healthy," said the CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing.
JPMorgan has picked up its SPAC business in 2021, but it's still doing fewer SPAC IPOs than banks, including Citigroup and Goldman.
Retail investors bought $18.9 million in Robinhood shares during its IPO debut, less than other high-profile launches, data shows
This year's debuts of Coinbase and Didi Global pulled in more money from individual investors than Robinhood's hot-anticipated IPO.
Robinhood's direct-to-customer IPO fits with its theme of democratizing finance. But the company's motives don't perfectly align with those of users.
Nasdaq is spinning off its marketplace for private shares into a separate business as more investors clamor for a piece of pre-IPO companies
Nasdaq Private Market will receive investment from banks including Citigroup and SVB.
The VC firm earned its rep with Facebook and Twitter. In the last decade, its racked up an impressive number of multi-billion IPOs.
Psychedelics giant Atai is targeting a $2.3 billion valuation in its IPO. We pored over its 446-page filing to find 7 key takeaways.
Atai wants to use ibogaine, ketamine, and other psychedelic compounds as treatments for mental-health conditions.
$2.8 billion AI startup DataRobot just hired the CFO who helped lead Tableau to its $15.7 billion acquisition as it preps for IPO
The $2.8 billion artificial-intelligence startup DataRobot hires a veteran chief financial officer, two months after naming a new CEO.
A close look at the so-called Total Addressable Market estimates used by startups involved in SPACs shows why caution is advised.
Tyler Dickson, Citi BCMA co-head, said there's congestion in the PIPE market due to record SPAC deals and volatility in high-growth equity valuations.
Insider breaks down everything investors need to know about the Deliveroo IPO from investor interest, dual class share structure and how to invest.
The move comes a day after Robinhood said it is looking to allow its users to also buy directly into IPOs, including its own.
While Robinhood could easily implement this for its own IPO, it remains to be seen how other companies will react.
The SPAC and IPO market is heading for another robust year, which means big opportunity for financial PR experts.


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General Motors has again changed its plans regarding the end date for 2024 Chevy Camaro production, shaving some weeks off its previously-announced production schedule for the muscle car, GM Authority has exclusively learned.
According to insider sources familiar with the matter, the 2024 Chevy Camaro Convertible will end production on November 22nd, 2023, while the last 2024 Camaro Coupe will roll off the assembly line on December 7th, 2023.
In other words, production of the Convertible body style will end before that of the Coupe.
These November and December dates are notably earlier than the January 2024 timeframe The General provided as the discontinuation timeframe when it announced the 2024 Chevy Camaro Collector’s Edition. But even before that, GM Authority exclusively reported that the 2024 Chevy Camaro would get a condensed production run with less total units built than normal production years. In addition to that, GM also ceased offering fleet and government orders, along with discounts for GM employees for the model.
Though these consistent scheduling changes appear to indicate a continuing determination to wrap up production of the sixth-generation sports car as quickly as possible, it’s not clear why the Camaro’s discontinuation date continues to move up.
Production of the 2024 Chevy Camaro will be unusual in several other regards as well. As GM Authority previously reported, the Bow Tie will produce 60 percent more 2024 Camaro units motivated by the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT1 engine, providing fans with greater opportunity to acquire a vehicle powered by an atmospheric V8.
Back when 2024 Camaro production was set to stop in January 2024, our sources indicated that GM will produce 2,000 units of the 2024 Chevy Camaro in the Collector’s Edition configuration across the LT/RS, LT1 and 1SS/2SS trim levels. In addition to this total, 350 units of Camaro ZL1 units will be built as Collector’s Edition machines. Now that production will end earlier than January, it’s likely that these numbers will be negatively impacted.
As a reminder, engine choices for the 2024 Camaro include the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX gasoline engine, the aforementioned naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT1 gasoline engine, and the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine. Under the body panels the sixth-gen Camaro rides on the GM Alpha platform.
Production of the 2024 Chevy Camaro is currently under way after starting on August 7th, 2023 at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan. However, the ongoing GM-UAW negotiations might impact that in the days or weeks ahead.
Once production of the sixth-gen Camaro comes to an end, the Camaro nameplate will be put on hiatus, at least until the model gets revived as an EV, something GM has previously confirmed, albeit in a cryptic fashion.

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Private Capital Group LLC grew its stake in Starbucks Co. (NASDAQ:SBUX) by 2.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 19,969 shares of the coffee company’s stock after purchasing an additional 388 shares during the period. Private Capital Group LLC’s holdings in Starbucks were worth $1,485,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund raised its holdings in shares of Starbucks by 5,590.0% in the fourth quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 23,679,558 shares of the coffee company’s stock worth $368,000 after buying an additional 23,263,399 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of Starbucks by 0.7% in the fourth quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 13,579,438 shares of the coffee company’s stock worth $874,515,000 after buying an additional 100,049 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Starbucks in the fourth quarter worth approximately $807,368,000. Legal & General Group Plc raised its holdings in shares of Starbucks by 1.4% in the fourth quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 6,545,000 shares of the coffee company’s stock worth $421,405,000 after buying an additional 91,187 shares during the period. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP purchased a new stake in shares of Starbucks in the fourth quarter worth approximately $352,796,000. 74.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
SBUX opened at $78.90 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $94.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.60, a PEG ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.51. Starbucks Co. has a 52 week low of $47.37 and a 52 week high of $79.24. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.73.
Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 25th. The coffee company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $6.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.33 billion. Starbucks had a negative return on equity of 494.61% and a net margin of 11.87%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.53 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Starbucks Co. will post 2.78 EPS for the current fiscal year.
The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 9th will be given a dividend of $0.36 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 8th. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.83%. Starbucks’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 59.50%.
Several brokerages have recently weighed in on SBUX. BidaskClub upgraded Starbucks from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Saturday, May 4th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a “market perform” rating and issued a $80.00 price target (up from $70.00) on shares of Starbucks in a report on Monday, May 6th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Starbucks from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $86.00 price target on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Citigroup increased their price target on Starbucks from $81.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, May 6th. Finally, Stephens raised their price objective on Starbucks from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, April 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The company has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $73.88.
Starbucks Company Profile
Starbucks Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a roaster, marketer, and retailer of specialty coffee worldwide. The company operates in four segments: Americas; China/Asia Pacific; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and Channel Development. Its stores offer coffee and tea beverages, roasted whole bean and ground coffees, single-serve and ready-to-drink beverages, iced tea, and food and snacks; and various food products, such as pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch items.
Read More: What is a Tariff?
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I am honoured and privileged to announce that I have successfully graduated with an Mcom Business Management with specialisation in Marketing from the University of Johannesburg. The title of my study is “USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BIG DATA BY SOUTH AFRICAN RETAILERS TO SUPPORT MARKETING DECISIONS. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t through the support of my family, friends and everybody who contributed to my studies. A special thank you goes to my uncle – Shadrack Jiyana and his beautiful wife Sabi for raising me and instilling the importance of education in me.
As seen on social media, myself, Pat and Musa Kalenga will be hosting a symposium on the topic of big data and I will also be sharing the findings of my study. For those who have been asking me what a symposium is, according to the Oxford dictionary a symposium is conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject. And for those who have been asking what big data is, attending the symposium will give you the opportunity to understand what big data is and its role in decision making. It also an important topic as the University of Johannesburg and South Africa gears itself for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
A little bit about Musa Kalenga
Musa Kalenga is an author, marketer and entrepreneur. He is a lauded speaker and strategist who was recognized as one of the Top 200 young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian. Kalenga is an enthusiastic entrepreneur who is passionate about using technology to empower the digitally invisible.
As CEO and Founder of Bridge Labs, Musa addresses the problem of gaining access to appropriate online tools for entrepreneurs and Small to Medium Businesses by building technology to support growth in emerging markets. As a respected thought leader in the marketing industry, he is the Chief Future Officer at the House of Brave Group and he advises on future fit business strategy for organizations in a new digital world.
In attendance, will be the Director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Dr Diane Abrahams, Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence Prof Mercy Mpinganjira and other esteemed academics from the College of Business and Economics at UJ.
The symposium will take place on Tuesday, 8 May (9am -11:30am) at The School of Tourism and Hospitality – Kerzner Building, Bunting Road, Auckland Park. To attend, RSVP here.


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General Motors (GM) announced last month that it will offer prepaid debit cards or extended warranties to owners of certain SUVs for fuel economy numbers that are overstated by one to two miles per gallon. It’s estimated that 135,000 customers will be covered by the reimbursement program. The automaker said it had to conduct new emissions tests on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave because of new emissions-related hardware. GM claims that the new numbers weren’t reflected in calculations for fuel economy labels, causing the numbers to be overstated.
GM said buyers will get to choose between a prepaid debit card and a four-year, 60,000-mile protection plan, which the automaker said is designed for high-mileage customers or those who plan to keep their vehicle for an extended amount of time. Those who leased their vehicles will be offered the debit card. According to GM, the average value of the debit cards will be $450 to $900, though the numbers will vary individually. The maximum payout for certain vehicles will be $1,500, according to GM.
The automaker said it based its calculations on a fuel price of $3 per gallon and 15,000 miles of driving per year over a five-year period, which it says is the same assumptions used in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) formula to calculate future fuel costs on the window label. Dealers were notified of the plan on May 20. Letters will be sent out to customers starting on May 25. GM says about 135,000 customers are expected to be covered by the plan.
The announcement of the reimbursement program came about a week after reports circulated that GM had instructed dealers to stop selling the 2016 Traverse, Acadia and Enclave while it corrected their fuel economy ratings. A class action lawsuit has also been filed, claiming that GM knew or should have known that its automobiles were being advertised and sold with misleading ratings. It was alleged by Sean Tolmasoff in the complaint that the company should have compensated drivers who bought their cars before the miles per gallon ratings were updated. GM claims that its reimbursement program was a GM customer initiative, and that the framework for the program was created and approved before Tolmasoff’s suit was even filed. Based on our history with GM, I find that very hard to believe.
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Wal-Mart Managers Responding to Concerns
About “Islam is the Light” Doll
We know many of you are following the news about the Mattel doll that says “Islam is the Light.” The release below from “MAMA” (Moms Ask Mattel for Accountability) has good news.
We commend and thank “MAMA” for its activism on this issue, and thank those of you our members who have taken action on this. This is an excellent example of how different entities within the broader coalition of organizations are each playing a role in the effort to roll back the tide of radical Islam. It also illustrates how grassroots action can have a positive impact.
We also commend Wal-Mart and its managers for their positive response to the concerns that have been conveyed to them. Thank you Wal-Mart!!
On the other hand, the release below reveals that Target has not been responsive at all. To find out more click on the link below.
Moms Ask Mattel for Accountability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WAL-MART SAYS YES TO PARENTS - REMOVES "ISLAM IS THE LIGHT" DOLL
Parents Campaign Focuses on Target, Kmart and Toys R US
December 16, 2008 - Washington, DC: Wal-Mart managers are removing the Mattel doll that says "Islam is the Light" from store shelves, according to reports from parents and the media across the U.S. and Canada, as well as Wal-Mart employees. Many Wal-Mart managers have removed the controversial doll in the last two weeks, and others are removing it as soon as parents ask.
The Moms Ask Mattel for Accountability (MAMA) campaign to remove the doll began in late November on "Black" Friday, the year's biggest shopping day. The national MAMA campaign started as a response to parent concerns about the Mattel/Fisher Price "Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Cuddle and Coo Doll." The majority of "Little Mommy Cuddle and Coo" dolls on store shelves have an audio soundtrack that says "Islam is the Light," with no label or warning to parents on the doll's packaging that it advocates Islam to their young children, a practice known as "Dawa." MAMA has advised parents in the U.S. and Canada to ask retailers either to remove the doll from the shelves or to attach a label stating "NOTICE: This doll says "Islam is the light," an invitation to your child to join Islam." MAMA is concerned that an invitation to Islam is a material risk to young girls, because of the discriminatory Islamic law known as Shariah, and wants parents informed about the doll's statement before they purchase the doll.
"Parents are reporting that most Wal-Marts have already removed the doll, or immediately remove it when asked," said Denise Lee, founder of Moms Ask Mattel for Accountability. "And TV and newspaper stories are reporting the same policy changes. MAMA applauds Wal-Mart for taking the lead here in responding to parents' concerns, especially over the Christmas season."
Wal-Mart staff at the Wal-Mart customer "Urgent Assistance" complaint phones were helpful and frank about customer complaints about the "Islam is the Light" doll. Lee spoke with Wal-Mart "Urgent Assistance" employee Ben Werkheiser, who said "We have received quite a few complaints from customers." Werkheiser stated that removal of the dolls is "more or less left up to individual stores' decisions," and when asked if the dolls had been removed from most Wal-Mart stores answered "Yes, they've pulled them because people complained about it. We are mainly responding to customers' complaints. The dolls in most of our Wal-Marts have been pulled." Fellow Wal-Mart employee Maria McDonald stated "We have had many complaints with the doll...the calls we are getting are from customers. I personally have received a lot of calls from customers."
Wal-Mart employee Werkheiser offered advice to customers: "Contact store managers and let them know what's going on. Have them listen to the doll. Customers can call the home office, 1-800-WALMART." Although the Wal-Mart corporate office declined our request to provide an official policy statement, MAMA spokesperson Lee said: "The facts speak for themselves - Wal-Mart is saying YES! to parent requests for removal of the "Islam is the light" doll from the shelves."
A TALE OF TWO TOY STORES....
On the other hand, MAMA's requests to Target to remove the doll - or attach a label stating that it says "Islam is the Light" - met with a NO!
Amy Reilly of Target's Media Relations office called Lee and directed parents "To talk to Mattel if you have any issues with the doll." Reilly carefully stated, "We have not had a national recall on those dolls." When told of parents concerns about the doll Reilly stated, "The doll is a well selling doll." She said, for anything else "I would continue to try reaching Mattel."
"The difference is clear between two responses to parents' concerns," said Lee. "Wal-Mart is trying to help parents, and leaves the decision up to their managers. It appears from all the Target cases that parents have sent us (see "Cases" at www.labelthatdoll.com), that Target refuses to take action in response to consumer complaints, and local Target store managers aren't permitted to respond to their local community."
"The question is what will Target, Wal-Mart and other retailers do on December 26, when all those parents who bought that 'well selling' doll try to return it because it says 'Islam is the light'?" Lee said.
Lee noted that individual Kmarts have also been reported in the media as removing the dolls, but no nationwide policy has been released.
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P.O. Box 6884
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure.
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Samsung had a lifetime's worth of battery woes in 2016. Seeking to ensure it doesn't endure a repeat crisis in 2017 the company is looking to a variety of battery manufacturers to provide parts for the much-anticipated Galaxy S8.
The company is adding a familiar name to the current lineup of manufacturers providing batteries for this year's flagship phone -- namely Japanese tech giant Sony -- the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
Sony will be the third company to provide the lithium-ion batteries that will power Samsung's Galaxy S8, WSJ said, citing people familiar with the matter. The order placed with Sony is reportedly proportionally smaller than those placed with the other two suppliers, Samsung SDI Co. and Amperex.
Samsung was left red-faced last year after the disastrous launch of the Galaxy Note 7, which was proceeded by the phone being recalled twice and then discontinued due to battery issues that were causing the devices to overheat and catch on fire. It was a blow to Samsung both financially and in terms of its reputation. It's therefore not much of a surprise to see the company explore offerings from other providers.
Even though Sony is technically a rival of Samsung's in the mobile marketplace, the company provides high-quality components to several companies that make phones. Most famously, itApple used for the iPhone's much-lauded camera.
Neither Samsung nor Sony immediately responded to a request for comment.


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While email may not be changing as rapidly as some other digital disciplines, it evolves nevertheless. Gone are the days when a best-in-class marketer could rely on batch-and-blast techniques, where 100% of a brand’s email distribution list received emails that were 100% identical. Opportunities abound particularly in the realms of personalization and testing.
eMarketer principal analyst Mark Dolliver, junior analyst Blake Droesch, vice president of content studio Paul Verna, and senior analyst at Insider Intelligence Sara M. Watson discuss how social media might (actually) be regulated, social commerce, the ceiling for Disney+, Snapchat rolling out TikTok competitor "Spotlight," Spotify testing Snapchat-like Stories, Facebook paying UK publishers for news in 2021, why you should never trust a raven, and more.
Amazon’s ad revenues along with its retail sales have increased as consumers continue to shift to ecommerce at elevated rates.
US adults share a variety of personal finance concerns amid the pandemic-induced recession.
Though US law requires most public and private companies to make their websites and digital experiences accessible to people with disabilities, many are still missing the mark. But as the pandemic forces more people to work, study, shop, and conduct business online, it is empowering the disability community. Brands are turning to new technology and inclusive design to boost accessibility and extend their outreach.
eMarketer is pleased to moderate a Tech-Talk Webinar featuring Integrate's Sara Bochino, senior director of customer success, and Toni Schmelzle, senior marketing manager, team lead, US SMB acquisition at SAP Concur. They will share insight into their data story, including how SAP Concur partnered with Integrate to create a marketing strategy that drives value through relevant and reliable data.
Business Insider Intelligence research analyst Daniel Keyes and eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Andrew Lipsman discuss what shopping will look like next year: How quickly shoppers will return to stores, which brick-and-mortar stores will be left, and what the most popular payment methods will be. They then talk about consumers losing patience with Peloton, what shoppers want from returns experiences, and Facebook's new live in-app shopping feature.
Toni Schmelzle, senior marketing manager, team lead, US SMB acquisition at SAP Concur, talks with Rimma Kats, executive editor at eMarketer, about how the company shifted their strategy without the impact of bad data.
Singles' Day, which took place last month, registered another record-breaking year. Annual sales growth on leading ecommerce platforms Alibaba and JD.com rose 85.6% and 32.8%, to RMB 498.2 billion ($72.1 billion) and RMB 271.5 billion ($ 39.3 billion) respectively.
eMarketer is pleased to moderate a Tech-Talk Webinar featuring Merkle’s Brett McTammany, vice president of marketing technology, delivery lead insurance, Amazon Web Services’ Kevin Wall, solutions architect, and AAA Life Insurance’s Jennifer Hart, vice president of direct marketing, and Rafael Mejia, director of analytics and data management. They will share AAA Life’s data modernization story and the business case for adopting a cloud-first data marketing platform.
Start your day with info you can trust and data you can use.


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Launch Pad: Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera & Oppo N1 smartphone.
KKR & Co LP has agreed to lend about $100 million to Avantha Group to help it grow its businesses and improve its capital structure.
German luxury car manufacturer Audi today launched its state-of-the art showroom in the city to tap the customer base in north coastal Andhra districts.
While previous divestitures have involved peripheral operations in areas like chemicals, now Sony is ridding itself of a brand and a business.
With two back-to-back leverage buyouts within months maintaining equilibrium might prove harder for Sanjay Chakrabarty, the founding partner of CSP.
Biographies of Singh and Modi, Hillary's memoir, and a retelling of the Aarushi murder are some of the major titles that booklovers can look forward to.
Olympus Tells DOJ Of Possible FCPA Violations In Brazil: Olympus Corp. has turned over information to the U.S.


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The Norwegian Literature Abroad program, NORLA, honors Norwegian-to-English translator Lucy Moffatt with its annual prize, and lists this month’s international trade meetings.
Touting a record year for Norwegian literature on the world stage, NORLA’s Margit Walsø describes a market and industry unified in their mission: ‘We want our stories to be part of the international dialogue.’
Books from Norway is one of the latest projects from NORLA, designed to support Norwegian publishers and agents in selling foreign rights.
At a book trade event in New York, NORLA presented a selection of Norwegian writers and offered American publishers a closer look at Norway’s literary market.
From Sweden, Denmark, the UK, Australia, the USA, the Netherlands, and Norway, today’s titles include children’s books and an LGBT graphic novel.
With Spain, Slovenia, and Italy all pushing back a year to accommodate the change, Frankfurter Buchmesse announces that Canada will be Guest of Honor at the 2021 book fair.
The new report reveals that NORLA’s goals in its guest of honor program at Frankfurt were achieved, led by record releases in German, major media attention, and more than 100,000 visitors.
With in-person rights meetings on hold during the pandemic, FILI and other Nordic literary organizations guarantee 50-percent translation funding for approved grant applications.
At the 2020 International Publishers Congress in May, seven new research reports will be released on leading issues in global publishing.
Overall visitor numbers were up at the 2019 Frankfurter Buchmesse, where rights trade was brisk and events addressed timely topics including Brexit, feminism, racism, and climate crisis.


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Two months into the age of legal sports betting in New Jersey, a new era of online wagering has begun — but question marks remain over whether card issuers will be willing to play ball in processing transactions.
The U.S. sports-betting market is touted to be worth as much as $15.2bn annually, according to projections by PaymentsCompliance's sister publication GamblingCompliance, with online and mobile bets estimated to comprise at least half of that total.
But its success may rely on support from card-issuing banks, many of which have so far been reluctant to authorize such gambling transactions.
Some of the largest U.S. card issuers, including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo and American Express, do not generally allow their cards to be used for online gambling of any type.
The sheer size of the potential opportunity could go a long way to overcoming long-held concerns about perceived risks associated with such transactions, however, and several major firms have said they plan to review their policies on sports gambling transactions.
In March, before the landmark ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court permitting states to regulate sports betting, Chase began allowing its cards to be used for online advance deposit wagers on horseracing — and thoroughbred industry groups said they are working with other major issuers to reverse their current bans on such bets.
However, as online horse and dog racing wagers are classified under their own separate merchant category code (MCC), an issuer that accepts those types of bets can still decline to authorize other types of online gambling, including bets on other sports.
One potential step to encourage issuer acceptance would be to create a new merchant code specifically for online and mobile sports bets, therefore allowing issuers to develop an acceptance policy specifically designed for such bets.
Currently, mobile and online sports bets would be classified under Visa and Mastercard’s merchant category code 7801 — one of the three codes introduced in 2015 to identify legal betting transactions — which covers online casino betting.
Creating a more narrowly defined code to categorize sports wagers specifically could give issuers more flexibility and increase their confidence in allowing such transactions, according to C.J. Fisher, an attorney with Fox Rothschild in Atlantic City.
“Given the historical issues concerning payment processing and transaction acceptance with lawful internet casino wagers and perceived concerns surrounding the Wire Act, it is conceivable that a separate MCC could be created,” the lawyer said.
For now though, New Jersey sports bets will be handled under the same MCC as other types of online gambling, which experts believe could lead to complications.
Online sports betting began earlier this week when daily fantasy sports giant DraftKings launched its mobile sports betting app in New Jersey.
Users can load funds via Mastercard-branded credit or debit cards, or by interbank transfer, but users who previously used their cards to load funds for daily fantasy competitions could face difficulties in depositing funds to the sportsbook.
Because fantasy sports competitions are exempted from a 2006 federal law targeting unlawful internet gambling transactions and have been legislated in many states as games of skill, rather than gambling, they were categorized differently for merchant acceptance purposes.
According to Jerry Rau, president of Rau Consulting, a firm that provides guidance on payments in iGaming, sports betting and lotteries, that could change now DraftKings is also offering traditional sports betting.
“I think the card issuers will want to change the merchant ID code for daily fantasy sports, which will therefore lead to lower approval rates,” said Jerry Rau of Rau Consulting.
Additional safeguards designed to ensure compliance with the federal Wire Act — which specifically prohibits interstate sports gambling, but not casino, poker or lottery games — could also play a key role in earning issuer buy-in.
Those include measures that are already in place to govern online casino and poker bets — legal in New Jersey since 2013 — such as geofencing technologies that ensure the person placing a bet is physically located in the state.
“States legalizing internet and mobile sports betting, including New Jersey, have enacted requirements to ensure compliance with the Wire Act, such as requiring that servers be located within the state and geolocation software to ensure all wagers are made within the state,” noted Fisher.
Fisher added that most state bills legalizing sports betting have addressed the issue of intermediate routing of wagers across state lines by including “language stating that all wagers are initiated, received and otherwise made within the state and that the intermediate routing of electronic data does not determine the location of the wager.”
But that issue has drawn concern from some observers, who have warned that a sports betting transaction that even temporarily crossed state lines could theoretically violate the Wire Act – even though it would be permitted under the later 2006 law.
“Even with legal intrastate internet casino gambling in New Jersey, payment processing and transaction acceptance got off to a rocky start," said Fisher.
“Accordingly, I would anticipate similar reluctance with regard to online and mobile sports betting, particularly in light of the Wire Act.”
But the intrastate sports-betting model has been in operation for years in Nevada without running afoul of the Wire Act, and could easily be imported to other states, according to Joe Pappano, senior vice president for Worldpay Gaming.
“That is a repeatable model that can simply be adopted on a state-by-state basis to allow for sports gaming without violating the Wire Act,” he suggested.


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YouTube network Fullscreen appears to be the next item on shopping list created earlier this year when AT&T (NYSE: T) budgeted former Fox mogul Peter Chernin $500 million to assemble a collection of online-video assets.
And unlike the relatively inexpensive how-to craft network, Creativebug, the joint venture acquired two weeks ago, this purchase could use up a big chunk of what's currently in the wallet: According to Re/code, which first reported the near-deal, AT&T and the Chernin Group are closing in an agreement that would value Fullscreen at between $200 million and $300 million.
Representatives for Fullscreen, as well as the AT&T/Chernin Group joint venture named Otter Media, have not confirmed the negotiations.
Chernin is already an investor in Fullscreen, having earlier joined Comcast to put $30 million into the Culver City, Calif.-based multichannel network (MCN). Fullscreen has become a hot commodity in the wake of DreamWorks Animation's $33 million purchase of AwesomenessTV in 2013, and Disney's mega-deal for Maker Studios earlier this year. Disney put down $500 million to acquire Maker, but could end up paying as much as $950 million in total if all performance benchmarks are met.
According to the latest comScore rankings for ad-supported online video, Fullscreen drew an audience of 32.9 million unique viewers for June, just behind the 37.4 million garnered by Maker.
It has been speculated that Chernin was brought in with AT&T's proposed purchase of DirecTV (NASDAQ: DTV) in mind. As it seeks to make DirecTV a central component to a programming service that leverages wireless mobile devices, the theory is that it will be Chernin, who is well-connected in Hollywood--and not so much DirecTV--who liaisons the content relationships.
AT&T, Chernin name $500M joint venture 'Otter Media,' make first purchase
Report: Former Fox chief Chernin can make the AT&T-DirecTV merger work
AT&T's $500M OTT video venture with Chernin Group could center on mobile services


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Drones: flying high in the consumer market
Tuesday, February 14th 2017
The value of the drone market is rising fast. According to Goldman Sachs, it will be cumulatively worth $100 billion by 2020.
There are many potential applications for drones. Investment in them by the military and security forces is rising, while in the commercial market, usage of drones in construction, surveying, and oil pipe inspection, for example, is growing too.
Next-generation consumer drones
Photography and videography are thought to be the key applications for next-generation drones. Mainstream consumer usage is the dream, but safety concerns may prevent very early adoption. However, drones seem to be here to stay, and in increasing numbers.
To expand usage, with flight times of up to half an hour and travelling at speeds of at least 30mph to 40 mph, they will need to be safe and robust, as well as capable of being accurate in navigation to avoid buildings, trees, pylons and other flying objects. They will also need to be small and lightweight with high-precision performance.
Offering exactly these features, CML’s unique smart material technology will shortly ship in high-end consumer drones available to the global market. “We see drones as one of the most exciting new major emerging product trends," commented CML's marketing director Dominic Webber. "We’re delighted to be integral to the development of key components in this high profile segment.”


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With major indices such as the S&P 500 back to record highs, stocks are arguably becoming more expensive than before the coronavirus market crash. Indeed, the recent market sell-off is making investors take a hard look at the value of their holdings, causing them to wonder if they overpaid for certain stocks by buying at the peak.
Furthermore, the concern about overvaluation and over-speculation has led many to ditch high-growth companies and go bargain hunting. Three of the cheapest stocks right now are an ad-tech company, a healthcare conglomerate, and a pharmacy giant. Let's take a look at why they are ideal choices for value investors.
One of the cheapest stocks in the entire tech sector is French ad-tech company Criteo (NASDAQ: CRTO). The company is engaged in the business of ad retargeting, which is delivering advertisements to consumers who are unsure about making a purchase on retail websites in an attempt to persuade them back into buying. The practice is not without controversy, as retargeters rely on retrieving a consumer's cookies across multiple websites to deduce possible shopping behavior, leading to privacy concerns.
Recently, Google announced it would disable advertisers from accessing third-party cookies on its Chrome browser over the next two years, similar to Firefox and Safari. As a result, Criteo's revenue and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) plummeted by 18% and 30%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2020.
There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Currently, Criteo is working on rebranding itself in designing integrated media platforms for e-commerce websites, featuring its AI traffic analytic engine to optimize revenue. About 20% of the company's sales now come from this new venture.
Remember, Criteo's core business is still generating $180 million in net revenue and $39 million in adjusted EBITDA. The company's market cap is only $750 million. In other words, Criteo is trading for as little as 10 times price-to-earnings.
At the end of the day, the company is still profitable on a free cash flow basis, and management expects a turnaround by the end of 2021 as the company begins to shift away from retargeting rapidly. If investors are looking for a cheap tech stock that has the potential to reinvent itself quickly, Criteo is not a bad option.
Bayer (OTC: BAYRY) is a healthcare conglomerate with operations in crop science, global pharmaceutical, and consumer health. In the second quarter of 2020, the company's sales saw a 3% year-over-year decrease to 10 billion euros due to patients deferring elective treatments in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite this setback, the company still generated more than 1.4 billion euros in free cash flow to maintain its impressive dividend yield of 4.5%. Bayer is trading for just 15 times earnings and 1.4 times sales.
For the full year, Bayer expects to bring in 43 billion euros in revenue and 6.60 euros in earnings per share, both representing slight increases from last year. Each share of Bayer's American Depository Receipt (ADR) represents one-quarter of Bayer's ordinary shares. Considering Bayer's valuation is dirt cheap, and the fact that the company has nine drug candidates in phase 3 clinical trials, now is a good time for healthcare investors to buy some shares.
3. CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), one of the nation's biggest pharmacy chains and a large health insurer, is encountering significant tailwinds in its core business due to the impact of COVID-19. In the second quarter of 2020, the company's revenue and earnings per share increased by 3% and 51.7% to $65.34 billion and $2.26, respectively. That's a staggering amount of increase in net income for a large-cap company.
As it turns out, CVS's retail pharmacy business only grew slightly compared to last year. The center of attention instead falls on the company's health insurance business. As mentioned previously with Bayer, fears of COVID-19 led Americans to largely defer elective procedures during the quarter, leading to a big win for health insurers. For the three months, CVS paid out 70% of the health insurance premiums it collected in reimbursements instead of the 84% it paid out in Q2 2019.
Simultaneously, the number of members enrolled in health insurance plans grew from 22.8 million last year to 23.6 million as of June 30. CVS also witnessed a roughly 5% increase in pharmacy sales in July. The company is trading for just 9.5 times price-to-earnings and 0.3 times price-to-sales.
CVS is also improving in terms of financial health. By 2022, the company's financial leverage, measured by net debt-to-EBITDA, will likely fall below three times. The company also has $13 billion in cash, investments, and access to credit facilities to cushion any material business headwinds in the short term.
For the entirety of fiscal 2020, CVS expects it will generate up to $11.5 billion in cash flow from operations, which is more than enough to cover the $660 million it pays out in dividends per quarter. The stock currently has a yield of 3.35%.
10 stocks we like better than CVS Health
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David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and CVS Health wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
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Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Zhiyuan Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares). The Motley Fool recommends Criteo and CVS Health. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.


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With the move to edge-to-edge screens and narrower bezels, there’s just no room to put a fingerprint sensor on the front of a phone anymore. Phone makers have moved their fingerprint sensors to the side or back, or removed them entirely.
But things don’t have to be this way. At CES 2018, Chinese phone maker Vivo showed off the world’s first phone with a fingerprint sensor embedded underneath the touchscreen.
SEE ALSO: The best tech of CES 2018
Vivo’s been working on putting a fingerprint sensor underneath the screen for the last couple of years, and now it’s finally made one that’s ready for production. Read more…
More about Gadgets, Android, Security, Ces, and Smartphones


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Since introducing SAP HANA, the game-changing in-memory platform, on December 1, 2010, customer and partner demand for this breakthrough technology has surged. Today, SAP Executive Board Member Vishal Sikka announced that leading independent software vendors are adopting the open SAP HANA, and unveiled that SAP HANA is at the core of the SAP platform roadmap. Read the press release.
SAP HANA Opens Up to Wider Industry and Partner Adoption
More in Business Technology Platform
Perspective — While it may not be possible to avoid these weather-related disasters altogether, some data experts say that the technology exists to anticipate the severity of such events.
Feature — After three years of collaborating virtually, SAP AppHaus Network partners came together to share ideas and test new innovation methods.
Feature — Since launching SAP Process Automation, we’ve seen tremendous growth in customers embracing automation in impactful ways.


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Qatar-hosted quarter final takes place on United Nations’ International Day of Human Rights.
The vast majority of companies still doing business in Russia have adopted a comms strategy of saying nothing at all, according to new research.
A new survey says 84 per cent of consumers expect brands to take action during crises and international events – and they will be ‘very vocal’ if brands don’t meet their expectations.
With COP26 under way, 'subvertising' activist groups have been targeting ad agencies, condemning them for escaping scrutiny for their role in destroying the environment. The problem isn't black or white, so how should agencies work with their polluting clients?
H&M recently saw some of its products banned in China, but should the brand be more worried about its connection with China’s consumers?
A great many brands find themselves facing consumer ire and losing their celebrity endorsers in China as a boycott that began with H&M continues to spiral.
Top news, insights and analysis every weekday
Sign up for Campaign Bulletins


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NewsOn April 19th and 20th 2016, the municipality of Groningen as the lead beneficiary of the REFRAME project, in the city of Groningen hosted the project’s kick-off event. Central aim of the REFRAME project is to build new regional food chains and thus to create new innovation potential for food related SMEs in rural areas of NSR.
In recent years, there has been considerable variation in the price of milk for Sweden's dairy farmers. Many dairy farmers have chosen to shut down their farms and milk production. Some of them, on th…Read more
n 2015 the United Nations agreed upon a global vision defining a set of 17 sustainability development goals. Development initiatives globally should be assessed in particular with the Paris Agreement …Read more
Iconic food production is a production that in market perception is linked to a location. European Mediterranean countries have a very strong tradition for linking food production to branding of regio…Read more
REFRAME is about local food – about promoting local food in the different partner regions. REFRAME aims at creating better conditions for local producers to make profitable business on a regional mark…Read more
ProjektAcceleratoren can be regarded as a platform which takes steps towards creating better conditions for food related companies so that they can get new knowledge, inspiration and attract new empl…Read more
The REFRAME project aims at establishing regional cooperative arrangements between regional suppliers and large-scale consumers. At the moment, however, regionally produced food is only a small part o…Read more


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After a slightly rough launch for last year’s Halo Infinite, 343 Industries could be about to upset fans once more. It seems that their legacy Halo title, The Master Chief Collection, could add microtransactions in the near future. As a rework of the existing Spartan Points currency, players would be able to purchase more to unlock skins, nameplates, attachments, and more. It’s not guaranteed yet, but the thought of more Halo microtransactions may not sit well within the community.
Will Halo: The Master Chief Collection Add Microtransactions?
As per the latest post on the official Halo Waypoint site, it seems that optional purchases could be on the way to this collection of remasters. According to Writer Alex Wakeford, 343 is “internally exploring a potential new feature for the future in the form of purchasable Spartan Points.”
At the moment, it’s hard to say how that would impact the game. 343 rationalizes it as a chance for completionists to purchase items they may have missed. Equally, they believe it lets newcomers skip grinding, able to instantly grab any items they may want. Of course though, it raises questions around pay-to-win mechanics, with paid players ultimately getting better items as a result.
However, right now it seems like any new Halo microtransactions would be cosmetic. The various items listed in the post include decals, armor, and skins. None of these have tangible gameplay advantages in The Master Chief Collection. Therefore, if it doesn’t affect the game’s balance, it’s likely to be less of a contentious issue. Nonetheless, it isn’t entirely going ahead just yet. Wakeford says that it’s currently an “exploration in advance,” and as such not confirmed. If it does happen though, he says it’ll roll out later this summer.
The wider Halo community will no doubt have a lot to say about potential microtransactions in The Master Chief Collection. While they don’t seem to break the game’s balance, some will feel cheated after spending hours grinding for a specific item – only for someone to purchase it instantly.


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Over the past six years, Yarnorama has seen fire, floods, family emergencies, and more. But through it all, it’s been an oasis of fiber in Paige, nestled between Austin and Houston. In the past year alone, the store has expanded to include:
- Additional Louet looms for testing and classes
- Full ranges of 8/2 cottons, tencel, linens and more
- An expanded hand dyeing studio for more production
This week they are celebrating their anniversary and looking forward to year seven with a party on Saturday, March 29th. The party will last throughout the day starting when the store opens at 10 a.m. but the fun really gets going later in the day. Along with your current knit, crochet, spinning or weaving project, bring a dish to join in the pot luck around 4 p.m.
The store had to cancel their Christmas party at the end of last year, so those who had planned to participate in the White Elephant washcloth exchange will have their chance on Saturday as part of the festivities. If you hadn’t already, you can join in the fun by bringing two unwrapped, handmade washcloths. They can be knit, crocheted, or woven, as long as they are handmade by you, you’ll get to trade in your pair for another made by someone else. Washcloths are quick to knit up, so there’s plenty of time to cast on and off before Saturday.
There will also be flash sales throughout the week, giving everyone ample opportunity to celebrate six strong years in the ‘playground for the fiber obsessed’.


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Oklahoma City's Bricktown set to get its first full-service hotel
Bricktown is about to gain its first full-service hotel with a hop of the Renaissance flag one block east from where it has been planted for the past 19 years.
Tulsa hotelier Andy Patel is preparing to start construction later this year on the 10-story, 182-room Renaissance Hotel on a surface parking lot at the southeast corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenues. Patel bought the property for $2 million in 2014 and initially sought to build a nine-story Canopy by Hilton, a new select-service brand.
The brand, however, was claimed instead by hotelier Champ Patel, who is to start construction on his property in east Bricktown later this year.
“It is much more a luxury hotel brand now,” said Andy Patel (unrelated to Champ Patel). “Renaissance is changing direction from being convention-style properties to a luxury lifestyle hotel. I don't think we have anything like what this will be in Oklahoma. It caters to corporate travel. It's a full-service hotel with an upscale bar and restaurant.”
Patel also plans to start construction “very soon” on a 133-room Fairfield Inn and Suites at SW 5 and E.K. Gaylord, immediately east of a $283 million convention center being built as part of MAPS 3. The new Renaissance hotel, meanwhile, will open along a 2.3-mile streetcar loop that is to start operations in late 2018.
The new Renaissance hotel also is immediately east of a surface parking lot that may be developed by Don Karchmer and Jim Tolbert into a parking garage. Plans for the garage have changed from eight to six stories, and no construction schedule is set for the project.
The new Renaissance hotel is among 23 hotels either built, being built or under design in the historic entertainment district. The number of limited-service brands has generated concern from Mike Carrier, president of the city's convention and visitors' bureau, and on Wednesday he welcomed the addition of a full-service brand.
Full service hotels include restaurants, bars, meeting space and room service — amenities not typically provided in limited service hotels.
Downtown is home to five full-service hotels.
“A lot of the national information we see with reports on trends is that the hotel segment that has the highest unmet demand in the industry is the full-service segment,” Carrier said. “It's the segment that has had the least amount of construction the last several years. Business travelers in general are still looking for full-service properties.”
Carrier said the downtown hotel market, despite recent rapid growth, continues to outpace all other areas of the city.
“When you look at the dispersion of hotels across the city, downtown was underserved by the hotel market,” Carrier said. “Once the Skirvin hit the market with such success, it was a sign to other hoteliers to want to be downtown. Look at the majority of corporate business — it's downtown.”
Carrier added that downtown, which only had one hotel in the mid-1990s, has become a key draw for tourists.
“Leisure travelers are very interested in being somewhere they can walk to with activities,” Carrier said. “Downtown, you have the boathouse district, Bricktown, the resurgence of the central core, the gardens, the art museum and Automobile Alley.”
Patel, meanwhile, hopes to draw 50 percent of visitors who stay at the current Renaissance Hotel once the flag is relocated (representatives from the hotel did not return phone calls on Wednesday). Patel believes the worst of the energy downturn that hit the city over the past two years is over.
“I'm very optimistic the economy is coming back,” Patel said. “Oklahoma City also doesn't rely only on oil anymore. It's diversified. And travelers are making downtown their first choice on where to stay.”


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This article is more than 1 year old
WStore profitable in early 2002
More stores soon
Corporate-focused e-reseller WStore says it expects to break even in the fourth quarter of this year and will enter profitability in the first quarter of 2002.
The reseller's revenue jumped from £5 million last year to an anticipated £14 million this year and is expected to grow to around £20 million next year, reckons MD Tony Price.
The site currently features two primary stores, one flogging hardware kit (mostly Compaq desktops) and the other selling a range of software. It expects to add a consumables store soon, with Price hinting at a possible acquisition in that space.
The site includes a custom-built Microsoft software-purchasing wizard that attempts to automate the labyrinth that is The Beast's licensing system for corporate (and academic) buyers, much like License Online tried to do, once upon a time. ®


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Aug 18 - Aug 19 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
We are now inviting consignments for the 40th annual New England Auto Auction™ August 18 and August 19, 2017. Early consignment allows consignors to take advantage of our diverse marketing plan which exposes vehicles to interested buyers all over the world. To learn more about consigning your fine automobile, please contact New England Auto Auction™ coordinator Toby Stinson at email@example.com
The Owls Head Transportation Museum is pleased to announce that our 39th Annual New England Auto Auction™ set a high sales record for the second consecutive year, grossing $3,136,238.50 including a 10 percent buyer’s premium. Additionally, the 2016 NEAA™ boasted the largest inventory of any previous sale, with 223 lots crossing the block on Saturday, August 20. Vehicles were sold to collectors all over the world, and the strength of phone and absentee bids was unprecedented.
The top lots of the day included a rare 1875 Abbott-Downing Concord Stagecoach which brought $203,500, a 1965 Porsche 356C Coupe at $88,000, a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette at $83,600 and a 1954 Cadillac Series 62 at $78,100 (all prices are inclusive of a 10 percent buyer’s premium). Of the 223 lots to cross the block, 163 found new homes, generating a 74 percent rate of sale.
For the first time, the New England Auto Auction™ was conducted inside the Museum’s Main Gallery, allowing an upgraded auction experience for all attendees. The relocation of the auction fostered an elevated auction experience and received an overwhelmingly positive response. Subsequently, the New England Auto Auction™ will be conducted inside the Museum going forward. Previously, the auction was held in the Museum’s outer pavilion, a separate space on the OHTM campus. Hosting the auction inside the Museum allowed bidders and spectators to enjoy the comforts of close proximity to all facilities, concessions, and the Museum’s dynamic exhibitions and gallery spaces.
Mark your calendars for August 18 and 19, 2017, and stay tuned for details about the Museum’s 40th Annual New England Auto Auction™. Many thanks to our sponsors, bidders, consignors, and spectators for another tremendous year!


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Despite the challenging business environment, Cruise Planners, a travel-selling franchise organization with 123 employees in Coral Springs, FL and 2,500-plus franchisees throughout the United States, is upbeat about the future of travel and cruise sales.
The franchise organization has taken many steps to adapt to the current crisis. It’s steadying its financial picture, continuing to market but with different messaging, retaining 90 percent of its home office team members (now working remotely) and giving franchise owners emotional support, business guidance and tools that are helping them weather the tough times.
In a presentation Thursday to reporters, Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder, and Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner, stressed that Cruise Planners hopes to position the organization and its advisors to jump right back into vacation selling when travel opens up again.
Tracking Sales – Still Up for 2021: When looking at what’s on the books for 2021, compared to what the organization had on the books at the same time in 2019 for 2020, cruise departures are trending 15 percent higher. Europe is the top destination, account for nearly 38 percent of the mix, with European river cruising comprising half of that business. The Caribbean is the second most booked destination at 23 percent of the mix.
But how much of that business consists of future cruise credits (provided to customers who have opted for that option when their cruise this spring was cancelled) compared with new bookings? Fee says it’s a combination of both, and that a large volume of them are not necessarily future cruise credits; the clients simply might have opted to go ahead and book. That said, Fee says, “I don’t think it’s the bigger percentage, but we are seeing people book for 2021.”
Slashing Home Office Costs: “Obviously, we’ve all had to look at every single line item on our financials,” Fee says. “We had to be very sure that we were cutting all those unnecessary costs. We did a very small layoff, but we kept 90 percent of our home office team members. So, we think again, we’re in a better situation than most.”
Cruise Planners also has applied for the government’s Payroll Protection Plan, she said: “So, that will help us, carry us for at least a couple of months. We just think we’re in a good position—because we know that others are going to have to ramp up to where we are and, as you can see, we’re full mode at this point. We’re running our business, albeit from home but we are running our business.”
Getting into the nitty gritty, Fee notes that she and Garcia are not taking any salary right now; the executive team has taken sizable pay cuts; other employees still on the payroll have also taken cuts; and the company has temporarily suspended certain employee programs. It’s also offered the headquarters team voluntary furloughs and some people with children now at home have taken advantage of that in order to take over “teaching” those


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Apple | Jun 6, 2018 | Master3395
Not only in Russia - international users are also affected.
According to Telegram Manager Pevel Durov, Apple has blocked updates for the app in the App Store. A quick search in the app store shows that Telegram has not been updated since March - around the same time that Russian authorities banned the app in the country.
In the Google Play Store, the app was last updated on May 26th.
In a post on Telegram - read at the bottom of this case - Durov writes that Apple has prevented Telegram from updating the iOS app since the Russian authorities ordered Apple to remove the app from the App Store.
The background for Russia's banning of the app is because Telegram refused to hand over encryption keys to its security services.
"We believe we did the only possible by preserving users' privacy rights in a troubled country. Unfortunately, Apple did not find our side, writes the Telegram boss.
Apple has not commented so far and it is uncertain why a possible Russian blockade affects international iOS users.
Features cease to work
Apple has previously blocked VPN services in Chinese App Store after pressure from the authorities in the country, something the company has been heavily criticized for.
What do you think that Apple is blocking Telegram updates?
Keywords: app, apple, appstore, russia, telegram
Jan 19, 2019 | Category: Apple | Comments
And the new iPod Touch is actually underway.
If the rumors are true, the iPod Touch series will get a newcomer if not too long: Apple says, according to several sources, what is being the seventh generation of the iPod Touch that over the years has been loved by many.read more…
Jan 17, 2019 | Category: Microsoft | Comments
Microsoft will stop free support by 2020.
It has been known for a long time that the official support for Windows 7 is nearing the end. January 14, 2020, is the date, then Microsoft will no longer provide free support to users of this OS and security updates will stop. You will still be able to use Windows 7, but in many ways, you will be left to yourself, at your own risk.read more…


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Following Epic Games’ wild success with, Fortnite the company is bringing Battle Royale to mobile devices!
In a release Thursday The Fortnite Team said “We believe this is the future of games. The same game on all platforms. Console quality graphics and action. Play when you want, where you want.”
Players will be able to ride the Battle Bus this upcoming Monday Monday, March 12.
Unfortunately, for the time being it’ll only be available for iOS users Android will be coming soon.
The game will support Cross platform playing between PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, and iOS and Android.
You’ll be able to join the sign-up at www.Fortnite.com. When receiving you’re email invitation you will receive an email with a link to download the game from the App Store. If you don’t receive an invite right away, don’t worry.
Players who receive invites from Epic Games will also get codes to share with others.
Requirements you’ll need to participate are an iOS 11 on at least an iPhone 6S/SE, iPad Mini 4, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad 2017 devices.
For more information click here.


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More than ever in 2011 Canadians were faced with choices when picking a reward option on their credit card, from free groceries, to gas station points to travel reward miles, there was something for everyone.
Cash is King
The card that grew the most in popularity in 2011 was definitely the cash back reward credit card. Card companies including MBNA, Desjardin, HSBC along with Canada’s big five banks, all offer their version of a cash back card with refund rewards ranging from 1-5%. Here customers get a monetary reward for each dollar they spend on their credit cards.
MBNA, for example, offers 5% cash back on qualifying net retail gas and grocery purchases for the first 6 months and 3% after that. It also gives 1% cash back on all other qualifying net retail purchases. Recently we did a bit of research and found that the average Canadian household can save $562 in the first year by using a cash back credit card for their purchases. Over 5 years, that savings builds to $2,382. (Check out our handy Cash Is King Infographic)
Changing Rules for Credit Card Providers
Looking back this year, the credit card landscape has changed dramatically. Particularly since late 2010 when new credit card rules fully came into affect.
The new rules attempt to make the credit card industry more transparent by mandating that a minimum 21-day interest-free grace period be given on all new credit card purchases when a customer pays the outstanding balance in full. Also, credit card providers have to provide information on the cardholder’s monthly statement on the time it would take to fully repay the balance, if only the minimum payment is made every month. For example, a balance of $1,000 on a credit card that charges 18% could take more than 10 years to pay off. And companies must give customers more notice if their interest rate will be rising.
Also, during the application process companies must provide a summary box on credit contracts and application forms that sets out key features, such as interest rates and fees. All these rule are good for a consumer who is conscious of their financially situation.
But there is still mounting evidence that Canadians are getting into more debt than they can handle.
Consumer Debt Levels Soar
A new Statistics Canada survey shows as Canadians struggle in these tough economic times they are taking on more debt. The latest survey released in December 2011 shows the average household debt in Canada hit a new record high of almost 153% of disposable income in the third quarter, a sizable jump from 150.7% the previous quarter.
According to Stats Can, the ratio of household credit-market debt – which includes mortgages, consumer credit and loans – to personal disposable income has climbed to 153% in the third quarter from 147% in the first quarter. That’s the highest level since Statscan started gathering figures in this category in 1990. Economists predict the number for the Q4 could be even higher as Canadians have shown no sign they are paying debt off.
A Plea for 2012
Rewards are great but at what cost? One of the bi-products of these attractive credit cards is Canadians are more likely to put more purchases on them. This coupled with lower interest rates is creating the perfect storm for debt addicted Canadians. Going into 2012 it’s important to understand the rewards being offered on our cards and if they are worth it.
The best way to tackle our debt problems is to start paying off our loans. Start with the highest interest loans, like credit cards and store cards. Work your way down to the line of credit and your mortgage. Its a simple message that we have all heard before.
Also, Canadians have to stop spending. This week skip the Boxing Day sales, focus on how you’re going to tackle your debt in 2012, make a financial plan or a budget and start putting it to work right away. Make a small commitment to yourself to save money, such as I’m going to take my lunch to work, I’ll take the bus rather than drive or instead of that luxury Caribbean holiday this year the family is taking a road trip somewhere in Canada. The beauty of getting yourself on the path to financial freedom is you can start right now.


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Jeff Bezos wealth exceeds $171 billion during pandemic
Jeff Bezos is an American businessman and the founder of Amazon. He has stepped down as the CEO of the company as he aims to focus on other projects.
Andy Jassy will step up to replace him in the role while Jeff will become the Executive Chair.
In a letter sent to staff, Jeff said: "I’m excited to announce that this Q3 I’ll transition to Executive Chair of the Amazon Board and Andy Jassy will become CEO.
"In the Exec Chair role, I intend to focus my energies and attention on new products and early initiatives.
"Andy is well known inside the company and has been at Amazon almost as long as I have. He will be an outstanding leader, and he has my full confidence."
READ MORE: Capricorn February horoscope 2021
Jeff Bezos net worth: He is the founder of Amazon
The move will allow him more time to focus on the Bezos Earth Fund, his Blue Origin spaceship company, The Washington Post and the Amazon Day 1 Fund.
The statement added: "As much as I still tap dance into the office, I’m excited about this transition.
"Millions of customers depend on us for our services, and more than a million employees depend on us for their livelihoods. Being the CEO of Amazon is a deep responsibility, and it’s consuming.
"When you have a responsibility like that, it’s hard to put attention on anything else. As Exec Chair I will stay engaged in important Amazon initiatives but also have the time and energy I need to focus on the Day 1 Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, Blue Origin, The Washington Post, and my other passions.
"I’ve never had more energy, and this isn’t about retiring. I’m super passionate about the impact I think these organizations can have."
Jeff Bezos net worth
The tech giant has a staggering sum of money in the bank, with Celebrity Net Worth valuing him at $188billion, or around £137billion.
He was once believed to have a higher net worth, and he was reportedly the first person to ever be worth $200billion dollars, Forbes reported in 2020.
He is well known as the founder of the online tech giant Amazon.
Jeff has a degree in electrical engineering and computer science.
The tech giant worked on Wall Street before he founded Amazon in 1994.
The company began as an online bookstore and now offers a range of products.
As the CEO, Jeff reportedly had a salary of $1.68million or £1.2million.
The website has continued to expand and Amazon has now become the largest online sales company.
Jeff has been the richest man in the world in the past.
In 2013, he purchased The Washington Post in a deal worth $250million, or around £180million.
He has also built his fortune with investments in various other fields.


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It’s lastly occurring: Murderer’s Creed goes to Japan. After a sequence of earlier stories and leaks, Ubisoft lastly made the information official throughout Saturday’s 2022 gaming showcase.
It was only a brief tease, however we received a fast animated glimpse of a ninja slinking by the shadows in feudal Japan. Referred to as Mission Crimson in the intervening time, Ubisoft confirmed the sport would be the subsequent main entry within the sequence’ newest open world RPG flip. Improvement is being led by Ubisoft Quebec, the studio that beforehand helmed Murderer’s Creed Odyssey. It’s additionally being directed by Jonathan Dumont, one of many many senior figures inside Ubisoft to be accused of bullying and different poisonous habits throughout a office reckoning on the firm in 2020. The corporate has beforehand claimed that anybody accused of misconduct had been totally investigated and sanctioned the place applicable.
Followers have been hoping for an Murderer’s Creed recreation based mostly in Japan for years, and it seems the French writer has lastly relented. How precisely the sequence’ evolving open world RPG formulation will play on the market stays to be seen, however now it looks as if Sucker Punch’s critically-acclaimed stealthy sandbox Ghost of Tsushima will formally have some competitors.
The rumors across the recreation, codenamed Mission Crimson, started swirling earlier this summer time. Bloomberg later reported that the sport can be a part of Murderer’s Creed Infinity, a brand new platform meant to include a number of time intervals and worlds to assist gamers transfer between them extra seamlessly.
Mission Crimson is only one of three new Murderer’s Creed video games coming, nonetheless. There’s additionally Murderer’s Creed Mirage, which started as a DLC enlargement for Murderer’s Creed Valhalla earlier than reworking right into a smaller standalone recreation to assist fill gaps in Ubisoft’s launch calendar. Mission Neo/Hex, in the meantime, is a 3rd recreation seemingly set in Europe throughout the period of witch hunts that can also be coming additional down the highway.
Learn Extra: Let’s Rank The Murderer’s Creed Video games, Worst To Greatest
Ubisoft seems to be banking exhausting on the continued success of its largest franchise. The Division 2 and Watch Canine Legion didn’t precisely propel both of these sequence to new heights, and the French writer has but to discover a multiplayer dwell service recreation that may replicate the success of Rainbow Six Siege. In the meantime, Murderer’s Creed Odyssey and, extra just lately, Valhalla, had been each glorious, and have been multi-year gross sales juggernauts for the corporate. Hopefully, doubling down on that formulation doesn’t run it into the bottom.
Earlier in September, Ubisoft introduced that Chinese language conglomerate Tencent is shopping for a 49.9 % financial stake within the funding automobile that has allowed leaders at Ubisoft to retain management on the firm. Everybody, it appears, is betting massive on Murderer’s Creed.


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Well, as they say, when it rains, it pours.
In addition to publishing images of the Pixel 2 XL and Google Home Mini, DroidLife has also shared official renders of the HTC-made Pixel 2. According to the website, the smaller of the two Pixel smartphones will be available in three colour options: ‘Kinda Blue,’ ‘Just Black,’ and ‘Clearly White’
DroidLife says the Pixel, with 64GB of internal storage, will start at $649 USD (approximately $796 CAD), while the 128GB model will cost $749 USD (approximately $919 CAD).
What do you think of the Pixel 2? Tell us in the comment section.


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Lobsters have always been more or less “a specialty date food” for the most part that guys like me and my wallet sometimes dread when taking our special lady friends out on the town. Unfortunately, the current prices in 2021 so far have been going through the roof, at least nationally in the US – thus making my (and perhaps other men’s and women’s) wallets and bank accounts cry for mercy when their date chooses “the good stuff”.
According to some reports coming out of Maine, lobster prices have kept on rising since after the more recent re-openings of business going back to pre-pandemic status. Restaurateurs in the area have cited that they are competing with the “food processor companies” that buy live lobsters to extract the meat and freeze it for food-service customers, driving demand up to fever-pitch. They’ve also cited that the pandemic shutdown of last year has part of the blame, as well as “quaranteeners” that love to experiment making home-cooked meals. And since lobsters are one of the ingredients that most buy in quantity for said “experiments”, this also caused that increase in demand. As it is right now, some of your favorite restaurants are probably making use of preprocessed frozen lobsters rather than having a “fresh” one right in their kitchens.
And before someone comes out swinging that preprocessed frozen lobsters are “bad” – the grade high-quality restaurants are getting are anything but! The thing to know about some preprocessed frozen lobsters is that there are many levels of quality for said processed lobsters. Take lobster rolls, for example, a favorite dish in Maine – the most desirable meat is for that dish is so-called “CK” – that means it’s the meat coming from claw-knuckles, those are big meatier chunks from these two parts of the lobster. “Broken CK” on the other hand, contains the same parts but not in discrete chunks, is sold cheaper. The cheapest grade would be “CKL” (meaning claw-knuckle-leg) and this one also means that it contains the meat from the legs.
Simply put, what restaurants do for dishes like lobster rolls, is to select the highest grade possible. So despite a few “unrefined” people might be complaining about “frozen lobster” meat, the grade is certifiably high enough to be as close to prime material as possible. Allegedly, the current price of the finest “CK” grade lobster meat is $46 per pound and climbing.
Comparing prices to some of the restaurants in Maine also sees that trend, where some places used to have them at least within the 18 to 20 dollar range – some are now going beyond that. A classier seafood restaurant that “usually” sells their lobster menus hike their prices up to at least $24 to $34 – or more – a meal depending on where you’re having it.
Only time will tell if the price will level off and go back to pre-pandemic prices, but that is yet to be seen as prices fluctuate year to year. Not bad when you consider that lobster once used to be prison food since the 1600’s, eh? Now lobsters are in such demand that it’s now a luxury food.


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David Teel, President and CEO of the Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA). TTIA represents an array of travel and tourism-related business in our state, including hotels, airlines, attractions, campgrounds, convention and visitor bureaus, advertising firms, restaurants, travel agencies and tour operators.
Mr. Teel shared his thoughts on the current state of the travel and tourism industry and its importance to the Texas economy.
What are some of the new destinations and travel hot spots here in Texas that are keeping the industry growing?
David Teel: This year in particular, 2012, has been one of the most robust years in my days in this industry that I’ve seen. We had the new Pleasure Pier come on-line down on the seawall in Galveston.
It’s really a kind of throwback to the old boardwalk kind of experience. And it’s on the site of what used to be the old historic Flagship Hotel. So the foundation is still there and what was unique about that was that in its day the Flagship was, I think, the only hotel, at least in this country, that was built over water. Of course, the last hurricane down there kind of did away with that, but Landry’s moved in and refurbished that … The Pleasure Pier has been going great. It’s been very popular there and it’s added a new dimension to the landscape there in Galveston, which they’ve needed after that last hurricane.
It’s a welcome addition to their tourism. SeaWorld, of course, added their Aquatica Water Park – a major addition to an already significant attraction. The Schlitterbahn resort hotel on South Padre Island, they went in and bought what I think was the old Holiday Inn down there and put in a 221-room hotel and indoor waterpark that’s pretty much adjacent to their outdoor waterpark.
What should every Texans know about their state’s travel and tourism industry?
David Teel: I think people should know that we are predominately a small business/entrepreneurial industry.
That means that a lot of those half million to a million jobs that we talked about are driven by small business. Yes, we have some huge employers like the airlines and the SeaWorld’s that employ thousands of people.
But it’s still all about the small businesspeople — people in our communities throughout the state who are hiring workers, who are communicating with consumers and generating travel. And that travel not only generates revenues for those businesses, it’s creating jobs in those communities and there’s a domino effect with the tax revenues that are generated of that business.
There’s no better tax for a Texan to have than one that’s paid by somebody else. And that’s what travel-generated taxes are. It is such a value to a community because you’re bringing visitors into a community and those visitors are helping keep your property taxes lower, your sales tax rates lower because they’re providing additional revenues that help fund your schools, pave your roads and pay for public safety.
A lot of times people see us as just being a fun, family entertainment-driven industry, but, in fact, we’re business – as much a business as anybody else.


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Exame Informática again awarded the companies that stood out the most for the positive impact they have on the country’s economy. For the 6th consecutive year, Go4Mobility, is part of the ranking of the 200 “Biggest in Technological Portugal”, occupying the 105th position.
“What are the largest technology companies in Portugal? Which companies have grown the most in terms of employment, turnover or exports?
Which companies had the best overall performance?” These were some of the evaluation parameters.
Go4Mobility has more than 14 years of experience in mobile communications, messaging, digital services and has over the years become a central player in this market.
We provide solutions in a targeted and interactive way with a portfolio of trendy mobile entertainment. As well as innovative and valuable mobile payments and billing solutions.
We are a trusted partner for the Wholesale Bulk SMS Business, we hold an SMS Gateway with high levels of throughput, effective, secure and with direct links to various operators and local partners.
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At this level it is clear that even a modest switch to renewable power could take a big step towards the government’s target of securing 3pc of the UK’s electricity supply from renewables by 20201. And doing so could be very good for business.
A report from management consultancy Bain & Company, Hidden Treasure2, clearly shows that switching to renewable power is the quickest and most cost-effective way for most organisations to cut their carbon footprint3.
That’s a two-for-the-price of one deal, because uptake of renewables helps quoted companies to meet investor’s sustainability criteria and compels companies to make transparent their energy consumption. But what about profits? Here are the key reasons why considering renewables makes sense.
It reduces carbon footprints
Thanks to a change in government guidelines, switching to renewable power can very quickly reduce a firm’s carbon footprint and its energy bills4. Companies can now set the renewable power they buy against their carbon targets. Businesses generating their own renewable power may offset this against the number of allowances they are required to buy under the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme5.
These government incentives have encouraged large-scale consumers from all sectors to begin to switch to renewables, including the University of London, the real estate company Land Securities and retailer Arcadia6. Marks & Spencer’s sustainability programme improved energy efficiency in its stores by 34pc per square foot, helping save £22m from its energy bill between 2007 and 20147.
It costs less than you think and returns outweigh costs
The switch to renewables is relatively inexpensive, adding less than 1pc to power bills, according to Bain & Co. It is an investment that brings far more in benefits than it costs and particularly opens the door to demonstrate that a business is engaged in the environmentally friendly approaches at the heart of many CSR and employee engagement campaigns.
These campaigns have an increasing resonance among staff and customers, and a sustainable energy supply subsequently often forms the basis of a company-wide energy saving programme8. According to the Carbon Trust, investing 1-2pc of your energy spend on an employee energy-saving campaign can save up to 10pc of your energy bill.
British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company Unilever says it has saved more than £280m since 2008 by adopting eco-friendly measures. It plans to continue its path towards a 100pc renewable-powered business by 20309. In addition, Nordic owned furniture retailer IKEA’s Sustainability Report 2015 showed a saving of €133m (£115m) through energy efficiency measures since 201010.
It ensures energy security
“Because we want to be energy independent, we’re making the switch to renewable energy” states IKEA’s website. In its 2015 Financial Year report11 nearly 76pc of the energy used in its 19 UK and Ireland stores came from renewable sources.
With solar panels on the roofs of 10 of its stores and ownership of two wind farms, IKEA sells any surplus to the grid. It aims for “100pc renewable energy – producing as much as we consume – by 2020”. This would give IKEA cost-free energy for its business – and as anyone who has ever set foot in IKEA knows, they own some fairly large premises.
It could make energy a profit centre
A business can now be an energy generator as well as a consumer. Self-generation of renewable power to cover a firm’s own needs and selling the surplus to the grid in effect makes energy a profit centre rather than a cost.
Across Europe, E.ON has had the technology to flexibly manage large power plants for some time. The next step that the company is taking is to offer consumers decentralised generators that can be managed through a ‘Virtual Power Plant’ (VPP) digital interface, allowing unused energy to be sold back to the grid.
E.ON teams in Germany have developed a project with Bioenergie Gellersen, a group of 11 farmers around Kirchgellersen in Northern Germany.
Together the farmers own and operate a 1MW biogas combined heat and power (CHP) plant. This produces more energy than the group needs, so E.ON has been helping the farmers generate revenue from spare capacity – the first time that E.ON has been able to provide a VPP developed in-house to small onsite generators.
As the German government offers a renewable energy subsidy, Bioenergie Gellersen will benefit from this reward for renewable generation and the provision of flexible energy.
E.ON hopes that the project will form the basis for an array of VPP tools, including IT systems, customer portals, communication hardware, trading interfaces, products and contracts that could be rolled out to customers with their own on-site needs, those demanding flexible industrial energy loads, or interested in investing in wind or solar PV.
While the equipment to tap into solar, wind or other alternative energy sources isn’t free to install, prices are falling quickly, and the potential contribution towards shrinking energy bills and even profitability makes renewable power an attractive proposition that ticks all the boxes of corporate, social and civic responsibilities.
It helps with corporate social responsibility
Indeed, being seen to be environmentally friendly yields commercial benefits. It builds investor confidence and supports company valuations.
Companies that buy renewable power demonstrate to stakeholders that they support regulatory and public policy initiatives towards a low-carbon economy. Corporate investments in sustainability retain and win new customers. A survey of 1,000 UK consumers found that two thirds would recommend a brand either because it invested in its own renewable energy projects or bought most of its energy from renewable sources, reports Cleantechnica.
Being seen to invest and use renewable energy enhances corporate reputations and may save money by opening access to energy subsidies such as feed- in-tariffs. Such benefits should be hard to ignore.


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Collin Leow, assistant country manager at market research firm GfK Asia, told ZDNet Asia that an estimated 11,000 3G-enabled handsets were sold in the first half of 2005.
He added that of the 3.5 million mobile phones estimated to be sold this year, 48,000 or 1.3 percent will be 3G-enabled units. In 2006, Leow projects that out of the 4.04 million mobile phones, 60,000 or 1.4 percent will be 3G-enabled handsets.
According to Maxis, it has garnered 7,000 3G users since the launch of the service in July this year. The mobile operator also claims that interest in Malaysia is strong, according to a sample research study it has conducted. The study showed that 40 percent of Maxis' 850,000 GPRS users expressed strong interest in migrating to 3G, said a Maxis official.
For rival Celcom, which launched its 3G service in May, it is too early to tell with any certainty. The operator, which claims to have 500,000 GPRS subscribers, told ZDNet Asia that it was unable to predict the take-up rate of its 3G services.
Leow pointed out that most Malaysians are typically not early adopters, citing SMS as an example where mobile phone users did not adopt the service till much later.
"It's still too early to tell if 3G will be successful. If WAP and GPRS technology are anything to go by, I would not put too much high hopes on the success rate of 3G mobile services," he added.
And even for the more tech-savvy, Leow reckons there would have to be strong reasons for them to adopt 3G services, especially with the proliferation of Wi-Fi hotspots in the country. He pointed out that tech-savvy Malaysians, who probably have a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop, PDA or smartphone, can easily--in some places--surf the Internet for free at Wi-Fi hotspots without having to subscribe to 3G services.
According to industry observers, mobile operators seem to think that the availability of cheaper and good handsets would be the single biggest reason for mobile users to move to 3G. But until 3G handset pricing drops to below RM1,000 (US$265), it will be a slow migration. Today, most 3G handsets are retailing above RM1,500 (US$395) to RM2,800 (US$738).
Leow said that despite factors such as the availability of cheaper and parallel import models that affect pricing, the price of 3G handsets will not erode at the same rate as non-3G phones. Prices of non-3G phones have fallen between 15 percent and 20 percent on a monthly basis.
Leow added that in terms of industry developments, what's worth taking a look at is WiMax, the 802.16 wireless broadband standards. WiMax has a range of up to 30 miles and can deliver broadband speeds of up to 75 megabits per second, which is more than 20 times the speed of the fastest wired broadband available commercially.
"While Malaysia has just launched its 3G services, albeit later than scheduled by its two leading mobile phone service providers, our neighbor across the Causeway is already talking about the replacement and competition to 3G services that is already operational throughout the island," Leow said, referring to industry talk that WiMax could be the next standard in wireless communications in Singapore.
Cordelia Lee is a freelance IT journalist based in Malaysia.


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Yesterday Max Lynds and Sue McKay were invited to join a small group of producers to preview the anticipated move to a State Based Marketplace for 2022. Approval from CMS is expected by mid-August. These are details we wanted to share with members:
Welcome 2021 New Members!
Welcome new members who joined NAIFA-Maine so far this year!
Belonging to your professional association sets you apart from the competition by ascribing to a Code of Ethics, voluntarily investing & participating in a performance-driven networking group, and serving your industry through advocacy and community service.
1 min read
NAIFA-ME Connects Producers and Lawmakers at Virtual Legislative Breakfast
NAIFA-Maine’s virtual Legislative Breakfast on March 9 featured video conference meetings connecting NAIFA members with state lawmakers whose policy decision impact the businesses of insurance and financial professionals as well as the consumers they serve. Legislators in attendance included:


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Want to join the conversation?
$IR expects revenues to grow 1-2% in 2016. The company expects continuing EPS of $5.47-5.57, including a $0.05 loss for restructuring and $1.52 from the gain on the sale of Hussmann. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $4.00-4.10 in 2016, compared with prior guidance of $3.95-4.10.
$NFLX a monster move, going up. Expect making some money on Monday.
$AMD down more than 6% even after posting above consensus third quarter results.
$MCD stock rose more than 2% after it posted better than expected 3Q16 results, driven by global same-store sales growth. Meanwhile, earnings and revenue were lower than last year, hurt by refranchising efforts.


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The world of digital marketing continues to evolve, and as it does, it becomes more important to team up with local experts who can offer proactive solutions for a rapidly changing landscape.
In the age of the modern internet, Google has set the standards — and established the rules — that help define both online marketing and web traffic metrics and metrics.
But Google is about to completely overhaul many of these standards and tools, and for those who want to stay ahead of the game and continue to get the most out of their marketing budget, now is the time to start planning for the reset. massive on the horizon. .
Kat Ginn, head of digital advertising at Sky-Hi News and Summit Daily News, is working with customers to help them ‘future-proof’ themselves for a series of privacy-related changes that will see Google Chrome remove cookies altogether online – the digital breadcrumb currently used to track web visits and help advertisers stay in touch with customers.
“Cookies were used to track what people searched for and were used to target our ads, based on people’s online behaviors, demographics and various content,” Ginn says. “From soon on, we won’t have as much capacity to do that.
The disappearance of cookies is part of an industry-wide movement to protect user privacy and security online, and also in response to the popularity of ad-blocking software, particularly on newer smartphones. . Cookies have been the standard third-party data storage system for decades, but that’s all about to change.
“We’re working on developing marketing plans to help businesses grow with these changes and be ready when the changes happen — and not have to backtrack,” she says. “We are developing advertising campaigns that will work, right now, rather than people eventually reacting to these new analytics systems.”
Kat worked with Sky-Hi’s marketing team to help clients master new tactics and tools to deal with these changes, with free one-on-one personal consultations, plus up to $600 in ad impressions. free to help people. on the way to the transformation to come.
From unique digital display advertising to personalized marketing efforts, Sky-Hi News and Summit Daily News clients can continue to effectively reach local and national audiences.