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“In five years, Kickstarter looks largely the same — but the rest of the world looks a lot more like Kickstarter.”
From the editors of MAKE magazine, the Maker Pro Newsletter is about the impact of makers on business and technology. Our coverage includes hardware startups, new products, incubators, innovators, along with technology and market trends. Please send items to us at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Click here to subscribe to this newsletter!
Report: 3D Printing Industry Thriving; Low-Cost Printer Market Growth Slows
Wohlers Associates, a consulting group that covers 3D printing and additive manufacturing, released the 18th annual edition of its Wohlers Report. The results were bullish, as expected. The market for 3D printing in 2012, consisting of all products and services worldwide, grew 28.6% to $2.204 billion. This is up from $1.714 billion in 2011, when it grew 29.4%. Growth was 24.1% in 2010.
By 2017, Wohlers Associates believes that the sale of 3D printing products and services will approach $6 billion worldwide. By 2021, they forecast the industry to reach $10.8 billion.
It took the 3D printing industry 20 years to reach $1 billion in size. In five additional years, the industry generated its second $1 billion. It is expected to double again, to $4 billion, in 2015.
The only surprise: the growth of the low-cost (under $5,000) “personal” 3D printer market segment, which has averaged 346% each year from 2008 through 2011. In 2012, the increase cooled significantly to an estimated 46.3%.
Estimated numbers of under-$5,000 3D printers sold.
One reason for the slowdown, according to principal consultant and president Terry Wohlers (@TerryWohlers): much of the “low-hanging fruit” has been picked, since he believes that most of these machines are being sold to a relatively small cohort of hobbyists, do-it-yourselfers, hackers, and engineering students. Another factor: few industries, or industrial segments, can sustain growth of 300% after the first few years. “Growth of 46% is still quite good,” Wohlers said.
New Platforms, Marketplaces, and Libraries
It keeps getting easier to buy, sell, and share 3D designs. Four new services have recently come online with ambitious marketplaces for 3D designers and makers.
Online file sharing platform Teleport It 3D lets users “teleport” ready-to-print 3D designs to anyone with a personal 3D printer. The service pre-slices everything on its servers and uses email to notify the recipient that the file is available.
An airflow funnel, available via Azavy, for $12.
Azavy has launched an online store for buying and selling 3D-printed items with the goal of “crowdsourcing manufacturing.”
Sunglass just bulked up its Sunglass parts library, an application on this web-based platform that now gives engineers access to over one million 3D manufacturing parts.
FABfabbers is pursuing a “Github for 3D” model.
Cubify’s New “Draw” App Lowers the Bar to 3D Creation
There’s a new entrant in the race to make the world’s easiest 3D design creation software: Cubify Draw, a 3D printing app for Apple’s iOS devices from 3D Systems. The free app allows you to doodle a 3D design with your finger, enhance it, and upload the drawing directly to Cubify or have the STL file emailed to you for printing. Expect the average shoe size of 3D printing enthusiasts to continue shrinking as 3D design tools becomes more user-friendly.
3D Printing Meme of the Week
As the “3D-printed gun” story exited the main media stage, it was replaced by a new, sunnier 3D printing-related story: how doctors in Michigan were able to use 3D printing technology to create a complicated splint that could be used to help support a baby’s failing airways. The research, originally published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was picked up by literally hundreds of publications — from Time to Boing Boing to CNN — restarting the discussion of 3D printing’s future on a different trajectory.
Upgrade Your Maker Skills
Are you looking for a way to enhance your current maker skills, or learn entirely new ones? MAKE just announced a whole new way to learn: Maker Training Camps. These collaborative online courses are designed to help you learn a new skill or build a specific project. Camps use both Google+ Hangouts and online communities to make it easy to work with other students and teachers, and are generally between one and five weeks in length with a lecture, office hours, and a project each week. Costs range from free to $150. The first three courses, all starting June 1, are: Introduction to Arduino, Introduction to Raspberry Pi, and Design for Desktop 3D Printing.
Note: These camps are not to be confused with this summer’s free, virtual Maker Camp for teens, hosted by MAKE and Google+. This series kicks off July 8. All teens within your sphere of influence should be notified.
- NASA has funded a 3D-printed food project. The first device will be designed to print a pizza.
- The Obama Administration has launched a competition for three new manufacturing innovation institutes.
The 3D Print Barometer
Having a difficult time deciding whether to 3D print your project? Let Materialise help you out, via their 3D Print Barometer, an interactive guide that will tell you whether your part is a good candidate for 3D printing. It paints in broad strokes, naturally, but it’s a fun exercise.
Two questions from the 3D Print Barometer.
If you are planning a makerspace, or you’re already managing one, MAKE has launched a series that’s worth following: “Making Makerspaces” by Gui Calvalcanti (@robogui), founder of Artisan’s Asylum in Somerville, Mass.
Cavalcanti, who has taught a number of workshops on the topic with Artisan Asylum’s acting director Molly Rubenstein, has a gift for zeroing in on the right questions, in the right order.
His first post on the topic, for example, addresses the different varieties of hackerspace/makerspace/FabLab/TechShop. The spirited give-and-take in the comments prove that the distinctions are more than semantic.
The second installment dives into what he’s discovered is the #1 question that rises in the minds of people who are planning a makerspace: What to do about insurance?
How Much Should I Charge?
Another common maker question gets a thorough MAKE treatment: How much should I charge for my products? The author, DIY rocket scientist and student of business Stephen Murphey (@stephenmurphEy), starts with a little theory about “cost of goods sold” (COGS), but quickly moves on to harvest real-world pricing stories from hardware startups like Faraday Bikes, gTar, CameraMator, Brain Jr., Sifteo, Pocobor, and Custom Power Solar.
Reading through the strategies, it’s striking how many factors go into pricing decisions: from cost to competition to focus group data. It’s not neat, but Murphey delivers on his promise: to show how hardware startups really price their products.
Buy 3D Printer, Reduce Costs by 97 Percent
Open source optical chopper wheels.
The open source hardware movement + 3D printing = a cost savings of 97%.
That’s the equation in optical laboratory equipment, according to a recently published academic paper.
In this case, the open source hardware is laboratory equipment for an undergraduate optics teaching facility: things like lens holders and filter brackets. By using 3D printers and open source designs, Joshua Pearce, an associate professor of materials science and engineering and electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Tech, and his team point out how the cost of outfitting a lab can be dramatically reduced. They published a paper on their project in PLOS One from the Public Library of Science.
A standard commercial filter holder, for example, costs between $58 and $80. The cost to 3D print an open design of the same piece of equipment (filament + electricity): 40 cents.
The authors of the paper claim that 30 setups in an undergraduate optics lab would cost around $15,000 if the equipment was purchased from proprietary manufacturers. Using open source hardware designs and 3D printers, that drops to $500.
One probable result of this dramatic cost savings: “access to experimental setups in far more locations (e.g. high schools).”
Sounds like a big win for everybody.
New varieties of crowdfunding continue to develop, creating more specialized platforms for makers — if the new entrants can attract a critical mass of backers.
Wired recently surveyed the landscape, highlighting platforms with interesting variations on the now-classic Kickstarter model. Featured: CrowdIt, Crowd Supply, Christie Street, and the soon-to-launch Jump Start City.
Of course Kickstarter is still leading the pack, and co-founder Yancey Strickler (@ystrickler) talked to PopSci about the platform’s plans. Worth noting: the service does not intend to switch to an equity-based model once the SEC implements the JOBS Act.
“We believe the real disruption comes from people supporting things because they like them,” Strickler said, “rather than finding things that produce a good return on investment.”
Strickler also speculated on what Kickstarter will look like in five years.
“The ultimate goal is that in five years, Kickstarter looks largely the same — but the rest of the world looks a lot more like Kickstarter,” he said. “We’re already seeing that happen, in the sense that there are now things all around us that were created by us and by our peers.”
And, by the way, how’s that equity funding JOBS Act coming along in its journey through the SEC?
The latest advice from the front: Don’t hold your breath.
World Maker Faire New York
Let’s start the countdown now, with less than four months to go.
The exact dates: Sept. 21-22. The Call for Makers launches in June.
Featured Maker Faires
Also, start making plans to participate in the first Maker Faire Rome, Oct. 3-6, 2013. Event curators Massimo Banzi (@mbanzi) and Riccardo Luna(@riccardowired) are producing the event with World Wide Rome, a Rome Chamber of Commerce initiative, but the fair is really for Europe at large and will attract an international crowd from all over Europe and beyond. The Call for Makers is open from now until June 2. If you’re a maker, performer, or presenter, Maker Faire Rome wants to hear from you.
Mini Maker Faires
More than 40 of them currently scheduled for this year, around the world. Check the Maker Faire Map to find the closest one to you.
MAKE’s 2013 Hardware Innovation Workshop
If you missed MAKE’s 2013 Hardware Innovation Workshop, no worries — we recorded all the presentations, and our Maker Pro Newsletter subscribers will have early access. Here’s one to get you started: Rob Faludi kicked off the Workshop with an excellent talk called “Liking the Guests.” Check back next week for access to more content.


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Bad news for Netflix subscribers: just a year after Disney announced that Netflix would be the exclusive home for Disney films, the entertainment overlord is backing away from the deal. Disney plans to pull its films from Netflix, and start its own streaming service in 2019.
The move is a huge blow to Netflix, which has been the only place to stream new release Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars films. These films - currently including Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens - will stay on Netflix until the end of 2018.
CEO Bob Igor has however said that Disney may continue to license Marvel and Star Wars content to services such as Netflix, so there is a small ray of hope for fans who don't want to add another streaming service to their lives. Disney's slate of Marvel themed Netflix Originals - Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, et al - will also remain on Netflix when 2019 rolls around.
At present, we aren't quite sure how these changes will impact Netflix subscribers in Australia. Disney has said its new home-brand service will be the exclusive place to stream it's theatrical films in the United States, but has not commented on an international availability. However, if you want to be safe, we recommend streaming Aladdin at least once a week. Here are the best plans for doing so.

domain: news


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— General Motors is recalling about 98,000 cars in two separate recalls, the largest recall due to problems with the radios.
Chevrolet Spark / Chevrolet Sonic
About 51,000 model year 2015 Chevrolet Sonics and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sparks are recalled because of software problems connected to the radio and OnStar system.
The automaker says software for the radio can freeze in navigation mode for the OnStar system and cause warning chimes to fail. Those chimes include warnings for seat belts and keys left in the ignition switches of the cars.
Additionally, the screen for the radio can go blank and cause the loss of audio signals, yet the radio can be left in the "on" mode and possibly drain the battery.
GM dealers will update the radio software, but the automaker hasn't said when the recall will begin.
Owners of the Chevy Sonic and Chevy Spark can contact GM at 800-222-1020.
Chevrolet Caprice / Pontiac G8
Another 47,000 GM cars are recalled because of problems with the seat belts. The same problem caused GM to recall 470,000 model year 2011-2012 Chevy Malibu cars in May 2015.
The automaker says the cars have steel cables that can be bent where they connect the seat belts to the car at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat. GM says the cables can be bent by people when entering the cars. All that bending can cause the cables to eventually break.
The seat belts might fail to hold the occupants during a crash or any sudden stops.
The recalled Chevy Caprice cars were manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and the Pontiac G8 cars were built July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009.
General Motors doesn't know when the recall will begin, but its dealers will replace the seat belt tensioner assembly with new steel cables. The replacement assembly will reposition the cable out of the way so entering the vehicle won't rub the cables.
Owners of the Chevrolet Caprice and Pontiac G8 can call Chevy at 800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 15206.
Have a complaint about your GM vehicle? Let the world know by adding your complaint.
Read complaints about the Chevy and Pontiac cars named in the two recalls:


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[ Textile Policy schemes: government releases Rs 1.34 billion ]
[ 900 textile products to be benefited by GSP+ status: Baig ]
[ Ministry yet to notify GSP+ Facilitation body ]
[ Pak-EU business forum announced ]
[ Govt finalises SRO withdrawal plan ]
[ FCCI for uninterrupted gas, power supply ]
Textile Policy schemes: government releases Rs 1.34 billion [ top ]
Business Recorder, December 28, 2013
The government has released Rs 1.34 billion announced for different schemes and incentives in Textile Policy (2009-14), informed sources told Business Recorder. The amount was released against Drawbacks on Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL), Export Financing Scheme and Markup Rates, sources said. This was the first release in the current year, where the government has earmarked Rs 7.5 billion in Budget 2013-14 for implementation of different initiatives pertaining to Textile Policy.
No amount was released in the first quarter of the current fiscal year to the Textile Division. Textile Policy, announced in 2009 envisaging $25 billion exports, is going to expire next year. However, the policy failed to achieve the desired results due to multiple reasons, including government''s inability to implement the policy in letter and spirit, lack of power/gas and the global perception about the country''s low production capacity, sources maintained.
They revealed that due to meagre allocation by the government during last four years, most of the initiatives announced in the Textile Policy have not been implemented. Due to inadequate funds, some key policy initiatives have yet to be launched, which are not only causing resentment among the industrialists following huge pending liabilities under operationalised schemes, but is hampering projects'' execution and their timely completion.
The government has earmarked Rs 7.5 billion against the demand of Rs 30 billion for implementation of different initiatives of Textile Policy in the budget for 2013-14. Besides, the government has approved grant of Rs 363 million under the head of demands for grants and appropriation to meet current expenditure in next fiscal year. Due to financial constraints, textile sector''s pending liabilities against the government under different schemes announced in the policy have swelled to over Rs 14 billion. This included Rs 10 billion as DLTL, causing resentment among the industry.
900 textile products to be benefited by GSP+ status: Baig [ top ]
Business Recorder, December 28, 2013
Out of more than 6000 products falling under duty-free access to the EU markets under the GSP plus scheme, about 900 are textile products, said Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Chairman Pakistan Denim Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PDMEA). He was speaking at a gathering in honour of Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar for the historic achievement of getting GSP Plus status from EU. The Textile exports are estimated to be enhanced by about US $1 billion per annum.
He said the Governor Punjab was truly instrumental in getting this facility for Pakistan. He said the PDMEA is a representative body of all denim manufacturers and exporters of Pakistan producing about more than 600 million meters denim fabric per annum. Our denim fabric is about 65 percent of the total cotton fabric production, he said and added that Pakistan denim industry is the fastest growing industry and has become 3rd largest producer of denim fabric in the world after China and India. Pakistan is called Denim Hub in the world, he said proudly.
The present export of denim fabric and denim garments is about $2 billion with the investment of Rs 50 billion ie $5 billion, consuming 30 percent of cotton crop. The industry is manufacturing all world renowned brands like Levi's, Mango, Next, Jordache, Gap, Diesel, Zara, Marks & Spenser, H&M, etc. An impressive journey which was only started 15 years ago, he added.
He has also congratulate Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif for using Governor Punjab's old contacts with EU Parliamentarians as British Member Parliament wisely. He appreciates Prime Minister's timely decision of transferring additional 85 Million MMCFD gas to the industries from power sector. It may cause some extra load shedding but the industry will remain operational and would build up confidence of our exporters to take additional orders from EU to earn valuable foreign exchange for the country.
Ministry yet to notify GSP+ Facilitation body [ top ]
Business Recorder, December 25, 2013
The Ministry of Commerce & Textile Industry has yet to notify the ''GSP+ Facilitation Committee'' to ensure smooth export to EU countries despite the fact the new scheme would become operational from January 2014. Sources revealed to Business Recorder that after consultation with all stakeholders, the Ministry had decided to set up a GSP+ Facilitation Committee for removal of regulatory bottlenecks related to Customs, ANF, FBR, SBP, Labour Departments, etc.
However, delay in constitution of the committee may hamper the prospects of the scheme as after one week the scheme would become operational. Stakeholders are waiting for early notification of the GSP+ Facilitation Committee. Officials'' sources revealed textile division and stakeholders had proposed to the government to bring back textile sector to zero rating while all their drawbacks amount held by the government should be immediately cleared to fully reap the benefits of GSP+ scheme.
It has also been decided that the data of the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) would be shared by FBR and Textile Division to monitor exports on a daily basis under the GSP plus status. Textile Division would move a request to the FBR on urgent basis. The meeting also decided the role of Associations in attestation of ''Certificates of Origin'' for collection of shipment data on daily basis. It has also been decided that a new SRO be drafted, or amendments be made in SROs 492 & 410, so that the import of fabrics and materials would be allowed for re-export of value-added exports along with product diversification.
Pak-EU business forum announced [ top ]
DAWN, December 28, 2013
KARACHI: Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar on Friday announced the formation of Pakistan-EU Business Forum, a move that is aimed at reaping maximum benefits from GSP Plus.
Speaking at a luncheon meeting held at the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma), the governor spoke about difficulties faced in convincing member countries of European Union to vote in favour of Pakistan on GSP Plus.
He further stressed that Pakistani industry must prepare for compliance of 27 UN conventions necessary to reap benefits from the GSP Plus.
Earlier, Aptma Chairman Yasin Siddik pledged to double Pakistan’s textile exports from current $13 billion to $26bn in the next five years.
He said that Aptma has undertaken a number of initiatives to keep the textile industry at par with global standards and expectations in respect of sustainability, corporate social responsibility, gender balance, etc.
Textile exports were $14bn in the year 2010-11 but dropped to $13.1bn in 2012-13, he said. He attributed stagnation in the industry to a variety of factors that include infrastructure deficiencies and limited market.
Aptma foresees new investment of $1bn and creation of one million direct and indirect jobs annually in years ahead which is expected to boost GDP growth by 1 to 2 per cent and a doubling of the cotton crop from 13 to 26m bales.
“The EU’s duty free access status to Pakistan has opened the door to balance our trade deficit if the government ensures steady supply of raw material and uninterrupted energy,” he noted.
Availability of cheap financing, say at 3 per cent, would help to initiate captive power generation on appreciable scale and the government needs to make such an option available, he said.
He urged to improve the per acre yield of cotton to increase production from 13 million bales to 26 million by improving seed quality and developing remedy for cotton leaf curl virus, white fly and mealy bugs.
Govt finalises SRO withdrawal plan [ top ]
DAWN, December 28, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The government is likely to announce next week a plan for fiscal adjustments including gas levy on all sectors except domestic consumers and a road map for withdrawal of tax exemptions starting in April 2014. Total impact is estimated at about Rs125 billion or 0.5 per cent of GDP for current fiscal.
As part of the plan, the government’s economic team led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday decided to present to the prime minister on December 30 for approval a list of tax exemptions it planned to start withdrawing from April 1, 2014 to raise more revenue.
A senior official told Dawn that the government is required under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to announce by December 31 a detailed three-year road map for withdrawal of discretionary statutory regulatory orders (SRO) introduced in the taxation system since 1932 in a phased manner.
“Except for tax exemption on the income of the State Bank of Pakistan, import of crude oil and major products like furnace oil, unpacked essential kitchen items and life saving drugs, everything under the sun would come under tax net at the conclusion of financial year 2015-16 on June 30, 2016,” he said.
He said the SRO elimination programme was to be implemented over the next two years but it has been brought forward by a quarter because of expected shortfall in budgeted revenue target of Rs2.475 trillion and higher than anticipated expenditures. Under the entire programme period, the SRO’s worth Rs400bn will be withdrawn in three years.
The official said the prime minister would be given a comprehensive briefing on Monday on the latest economic situation and steps to be taken to meet commitments made with the IMF for approval.
These would include imposition of a gas levy worth Rs100 billion or 0.4 per cent of GDP on all categories excluding domestic consumers with effect from January 1 and withdrawal of tax exemptions under SRO with effect from April 1, 2014.
Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Tariq Bajwa apprised the finance minister on the efforts being made by FBR to achieve the revenue targets set in the budget…and a plan being prepared for withdrawal of SROs,” an official statement said. During the meeting a threadbare discussion was held on the existing SROs issued for concessions in Income Tax, Customs and Sales Tax.
The finance minister gave ‘broad guidelines’ to the FBR for finalisation of SRO withdrawal plan. The meeting was also attended by secretaries of finance and commerce and top brass of FBR and National Tariff Commission.
Under a commitment given to the IMF, the authorities envisage measures yielding about 0.75 per cent of GDP in each of the subsequent years over the next two years.
“The focus will be on eliminating exemptions and concessions embedded in the SROs and in the law, as well as on eliminating the power of the executive to grant preferential tax treatment through SROs. These steps will facilitate gradually moving the GST to a full-fledged integrated VAT-style modern indirect tax system with few exemptions and to an integrated income tax by 2016-17”.
The sales tax exemptions at present are estimated to have a revenue impact of more than Rs240bn besides over Rs150bn on account of customs duty exemptions besides other areas like income tax etc.
FCCI for uninterrupted gas, power supply [ top ]
The News International, December 27, 2013
FAISALABAD: Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) president Sohail Bin Rashid has said that the industries, particularly the textile sector, should be prioritised next to domestic consumers in supply of electricity and gas due to its importance. He said that the textile sector was the largest contributor to the national exports and employment provider in the country.
He said that the textile sector needed to be accorded priority in supply of electricity and gas after domestic consumers so that export orders might be completed on time. He lauded the efforts of the government due to which the GSP Plus status had been accorded by the European Union from January 2014.
He, however, said that uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity was essential to take benefit of the facility. He appreciated the decision of the government to provide gas to the industries and said that the industries were currently facing eight hours loadshedding daily due to shortfall in electricity generation.


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Tourism drives Australia’s trade in services
Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, says that Tourism drives Australia’s trade in services.
Some amazing statistics:
- Tourism accounted for half of all services exports in 2015-16 with short-term visitor arrivals increasing to 7.8 million.
- New Zealand, China and the United Kingdom were the largest sources of international visitors.
- International visitors collectively consumed $34.2 billion worth of goods and services in Australia, with Chinese visitors the largest spenders at $8,405 per capita.
- Education exports increased 8.3 per cent to $20.3 billion of which the largest component, education-related travel services, rose 9.4 per cent to $19.9 billion.
- Exports of business services rose 8.2 per cent to $18.7 billion, with telecommunications, computer & information services increasing 13.9 per cent to $3.3 billion and technical and other business services rising 13.1 per cent to $3.8 billion.
- The United States remained Australia’s largest two-way services partner in 2015-16, accounting for 15.8 per cent of total services trade (valued at $23.0 billion), followed by China and the United Kingdom.
- Australia’s top services export market was China, up 21.3 per cent to $10.7 billion, followed by the United States, up 14.5 per cent to $8.2 billion, and the United Kingdom, up nearly 1 per cent to $4.9 billion.
On 24 March 2017, Minister Ciobo signed an agreement with China’s Commerce Minister Zhong Shan that will drive greater economic cooperation and greater trade and investment between our two countries.
CHAFTA has already delivered benefits after only one year. The obvious outcomes are:
- Wine sales were up 38 per cent to $470 million.
- Skin care products by 82 per cent.
- Value of fresh lobster exports quadrupled (400% increase)
- Increase in exports
- Creation of new jobs
China’s growing middle class and their increasing demand for the high quality goods and services that Australia offers, will continue to drive the growth of the Australian economy and creation of new jobs.
Australia’s top two way goods and services trading partners
Australians have been taking advantage of its position in Asia, as evidenced by the amount of two way trade occuring in Asian countries.
According to DFAT, China is the top two way goods and services trading partner for Australia., amounting to more than $150 Billion in 2015-2016.
China is the top of Australia’s export market as well as Australia’s import source
Source: DFAT February 2017


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As the global economy recovers from a two-year case of the trade flu, carriers and shippers alike are seeking more from their relationships.
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text: The city of Soeul, South Korea🇰🇷 has announced📢 that it will soon install traffic and pedestrian signs🚸 which alert passers-by of the danger⚠ of using smartphones📱 while on the street. They will be installed in 5⃣ areas: Hongdae, City Hall, Yonsei University, Gangnam Station, and Jamsil Station, and specifically target teenagers and young adults. South Korea🇰🇷 has the highest smartphone ownership📱 in the world and also happens to be one of the most active smartphone manufacturers worldwide with LG & Samsung at the top. Europe🌐, the US🇺🇸 and other cities too are following suit. Augsburg, Germany🇩🇪 is experimenting with traffic lights🚥 embedded in the sidewalks, so people looking at their smartphones👀 can notice them.


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A punt by battling ASX-listed consumer goods group Pental to have one of its main White King products be one of the 30 mini-collectables in the hugely successful Little Shop promotion by Coles has delivered a 50 per cent spike in actual sales of the item in the past two months.
Pental chief executive Charlie McLeish said the impact had been way beyond what the maker of White King bleach, Softly laundry wash and Country Life soaps was anticipating.
"It's been a ripper. I'm just glad that we took up the opportunity and not one of our competitors," he said on Tuesday.
"It's probably been 50 per cent growth."
Mr McLeish expected there would be a lasting impact on the White King brand as it was elevated more into the public consciousness, but acknowledged that conditions were still tough and margins were under pressure across the business.
The White King Power Clean toilet gel mini-collectible is one of 30 miniature plastic versions of grocery brands, which shoppers across Australia have been collecting with gusto since the promotion was launched by Coles, that has gained extra sales momentum more broadly as the craze took off in the community. Analysts believe Coles' decision to supply reusable plastic bags to shoppers and the launch of its Little Shop collectables promotion – where customers receive the free mini versions when they spend $30 – has contributed to a broad lift in sales.
Mr McLeish said on Tuesday the White King jump would also be a plus for Pental's planned acceleration into the China market.
The company is in discussions with a large Chinese distributor as part of its push into China, where it has been testing the water over the past 18 months with a revamped range of Country Life soaps designed for Chinese consumers. It hopes White King will take off as a brand, too.
The success of vitamins brands Blackmores and Swisse, and infant formula brands, had enhanced Pental's push and made Chinese distributors more responsive to other brands in other segments.
"We're more or less riding on the coat-tails of Swisse, Blackmores and the milk powder companies," Mr McLeish said.
Mr McLeish didn't want to divulge the cost of being part of the Coles Little Shop promotion, but said it was similar to a normal step-up in promotional drive, which happened from time to time.
"We had to pay for the manufacture of the collectables," he said.
The $41 million company's share price has tumbled to 30¢ from 68¢ in the past 12 months as big multinational players like Germany's Henkel – with its Bref range of cleaning products – has been an aggressive new entrant into the Australian market.
"That divides the market share for everyone."
Pental's total gross sales in 2017-18 slipped 8 per cent to $108 million. They had reached $111 million in 2014-15.
Pental on September 1 became the Australian distributor of Duracell batteries, the No.2 brand in the batteries market behind Energiser.
Duracell is owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, which acquired the business in 2014. Mr McLeish said there was extra zip internally in Pental now after the Duracell distribution deal.
"It's created more enthusiasm and motivation, it's a definite sign of confidence."
Pental operates a large manufacturing facility in Shepparton in Victoria, and about 20 per cent of its output goes into private label brands.
Pental makes a range of soaps and cleaning products for Aldi.
Mr McLeish said the private label component of Pental's business was on the increase. "It is rising, but not rapidly," he said.
Pental was previously known as Symex Holdings until a name change and restructure in 2013.
Coles' owner Wesfarmers is preparing to de-merge the Coles supermarkets chain onto the ASX.
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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen‘s label, The Row, will soon include menswear. “It’s definitely an older, masculine man,” Ashley said of the type of man that the sisters find inspiring. [WWD]
Fashion design newcomers, who until recently had the support of awards and grants, are struggling to keep afloat. [Read More
Despite his catch phrases, Project Runway winner Christian Siriano is struggling to transform his reality TV fame into sales. [WSJ]
Tom Ford on the rumor that he’s difficult to work for: "I don’t think I’m a megalomaniac, though you’d have to ask the people who work with me. Either we click Read More
Martin Margiela is fashion’s invisible man, hiding from fans and the press while nonetheless influencing designers like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. [NY Times]
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen‘s alter ego, Bruno, has been showing up at Paris and Milan fashion weeks. [Vogue UK]
Mary-Kate Olsen and model Read More
Topshop, which was scheduled to open in Soho this fall, has announced that it won’t open until March due to construction delays. [WWD]
London runways were all about prints yesterday. [Vogue UK]
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s clothing line, The Row, may expand into men’s wear. [Read More
As far as Fashion Week parties go, Thursday night’s Interview magazine relaunch party at the yet-to-be finished Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district will be hard to top. The Standard is still a construction zone—exposed wire, plywood laid down for walkways, DJs in hard hats—and the effect was very much early ’90s East Berlin, except Read More
Halston, the ’70s-tastic label revived last year by Jimmy Choo designer Tamara Mellon and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, has announced that it will show at the Museum of Modern Art during fashion week, even though designer Marco Zanini departed from the label recently. [FWD]
Model Agyness Deyn and her boyfriend, Strokes guitarist Read More
Police in the Hamptons tell Page Six that headband-wearing socialite Arden Wohl was arrested on Saturday night in East Hampton for writing "Ralphy Lip-Shits" (and here we are filling in a few letters the Post rendered tastefully in dashes!) in red lipstick on the facade of Ralph Lauren’s store there. But she showed American spirit Read More
Earlier this month, Ok! reported that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are trained to say the word "Prune" every time they smile for the cameras to achieve that effortless, pouty half-smile. And now that they’ve been found out, they’re changing up their technique!
Posing alongside co-star Olivia Thirlby at last Read More
Apparently that puckered smile that makes the Olsen twins’ seem engaged ("We’re happy to be here!") yet reserved ("Teeth are so crass!") has a name. It’s called "the Prune."
According to MNSBC, a source told OK! that "Every time they pose and smile, they say the word ‘prune.’"
Another unnamed source Read More
Last year, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) created a website called Meet the Trollsen Twins, featuring zombie-like renderings of the child actresses-turned-media moguls whom they nicknamed "Hairy-Kate" and "Trashley Trollsen." Users were encouraged to dress them in bloodied articles of fur clothing. The site’s tagline said it all: "Fur coats Read More


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On any given day, no matter how morose the mood is, watching Ted Lasso is sure to evoke a few laughs. The optimistic show has a huge fan following, and if you’re among them, you’re in for a surprise. Everybody’s favourite pretend football team AFC Richmond has landed a dream collaboration with Nike to bring us some iconic memorabilia. The sports brand has launched an official AFC Richmond jersey and team kits so you can hold onto those uniforms for longer. Since its launch on the Nike website, the gear has been an uber success and has already sold out in most sizes. But don’t you worry, the fascinating fan kit is still available for purchase online on Pro Direct Sport.
The merchandise includes the two-toned AFC Richmond home jersey priced at £75 as well as an orange shirt for the away kit at £25. Staying true to the series’ ethos, the jerseys boast a Bantr logo, remember the no-photos dating app that helped Rebeca and Sam Obisanya get together? That’s not all, the collection also includes team hoodies in navy, blue and grey priced at £54.95 and fleece sweatshirts available for £45 a pop. Oh and as is essential for any football club, you can also get AFC Richmond scarves for when it’s chilly.
This isn’t the first time the popular football show entered the merchandise market. The team also made its debut on FIFA 23 in 2022 and has a wide range of typical fangirl collectibles like mugs, posters and bottles. That’s not all, Ted Lasso also had a Build-a-Bear and an experiential addition. One of the most heartwarming segments of the show are the loyal fans who collect at the pub every game to support (and critique) the players.
Whilst in the show the pub is called Crown & Anchor, in reality the place sits pretty in a beautiful corner of Richmond by the name The Prince’s Head. Fans can book a three night stay at the pub from October 23-25 where Mae, the pub owner in the show played by Annette Badland would host screenings to celebrate the show. “The Crown & Anchor is an essential fixture for AFC Richmond…Time to give others the opportunity to experience the same camaraderie and sense of community that Coach Lasso inspires. After all, we're Richmond 'til we die,” said Badland.


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No personal info ‘compromised’ from weekend local bank scam
First National Bank of River Falls was targeted in a phishing scam Sunday. President and CEO Jeff Johnson said local police have been informed and that there’s been “no data breach into our customer information server.”
A large number of people in the area reported getting automated calls from a phone number in New York.
The call indicated that the person’s First National Bank debit card was “locked,” and that the person needed to press 1 to speak to the security department.
Once the person pressed 1, the automated voice asked the person to type in their 16-digit debit card number.
“Classic phishing scam,” Johnson said. “Many non-customers received calls as well, including individuals as far away as Black River Falls.
“This appears to strictly be the actions of a scam artist calling random landline and cellular phone numbers in an effort to get customer information.”
Johnson offered this advice -- both specific and general -- to avoid being scammed and what actions to take if victimized by a scam:
“We are requesting that all customers who typed in their 16-digit debit card number to contact the bank during business hours at 715-425-2401 in order to cancel the card and have a new card issued.
“We remind all customers that we will never call you and ask for your account information over the phone.
“It is apparent to us that the perpetrator does not have any sort of bank customer information, and that they are randomly contacting individuals.”


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It is one of the biggest names in cycling and one of Britain’s great brands — even if the last of its manufacturing was cleared out to the Far East a decade ago — but now Raleigh looks set to fall into Dutch hands.
Accell Group, the maker of Batavus and Sparta bikes and other cycling brands that are strong in the Benelux countries and Germany, revealed yesterday that it was in exclusive talks over a takeover.
René Takens, its chief executive, said that he expected to be able to announce a deal soon. Accell is carrying out its final due diligence investigations.
Raleigh maintains a headquarters in Nottingham, although manufacturing has long departed to Asia. It is owned by Alan Finden-Crofts, a Guernsey-based entrepreneur…


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Tyga's new piece shines bright.
The world-famous jewelry company took to Instagram this weekend to share a photo and video of the "Rack City" rapper's new piece, a ring in the shape of a dollar sign that's made out of the 14k white gold. The wow factor is strong with this one. Check it out below.
According to World Star, the ring cost an estiamted $50,000. The good news is, his recent bling receipts could be offset by his upcoming album, which is set to be yet another strong rap LP that drops this month. BITS 2 is set be released July 21st.


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Retired look at part-time work to make ends meet
A quarter of retired adults in the West Midlands are considering taking on a part-time job to keep afloat amid the cost of living crisis, a survey has shown.
The research from Churchill Retirement Living revealed the figure – and that 17 per cent are currently considering downsizing as a way to cut costs.
Regional marketing manager Bernadette Hennelly said: "The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, and it doesn’t discriminate by age.
"People in all walks of life are feeling the pinch and as the research has shown, those who have retired may not be as likely to have a mortgage, but they are certainly seeing the price of everyday goods and services rise like everyone else.
“As a result, people are looking at new ways of maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. It’s only natural to weigh up your options when finding yourself in living in the current financial landscape. And downsizing your home is one option that can make life a little easier financially by reducing maintenance and upkeep costs but maintaining a great quality of life and the opportunity to make new friends.
“It can be difficult to think about moving from somewhere you have lived for years, but actually it can be an extremely positive step to help you maintain your independence for longer.”
The research found that turning off electrics, buying own brand products and wearing additional clothing rather than turning up the heating are other ways retirees are bidding to save the pennies.


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MAUNSELL'S US parent Aecom this week announced that it was amalgamating the consultant's four British environmental businesses as part of a major push into Europe.


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Force Motors to supply Light Strike Vehicles to the Indian Army
Force Motors has been awarded a contract to supply the Indian Army with Light Strike Vehicles. These vehicles are being developed completely in-house over the last two years and have passed trials in the deserts of Rajasthan as well as the Himalayas. These vehicles use engines and transmissions from the Force Motors parts bin but have been significantly updated to suit the Indian Army's specifications. Equipped with four-wheel drive and differential locks from the Force Gurkha, the strike vehicles have been designed for quick ingress and egress in tough situations, good manoeuvrability, high speed and stability in extreme situations. These vehicles can be airlifted, are equipped with run-flat tyres and have the provision to mount rocket launchers and machine guns.
A spokesperson from Force Motors said that they were very happy that the Indian Army had reposed trust in the fully indigenous Light Strike Vehicle developed by their research and development team. The company thinks this is a small but significant step in creating fully indigenous specialist vehicles for the Armed Forces - a truly 'Make in India' initiative.
Force Motors already supplies other vehicles like the Traveller and Trax and the new engines for the 155mm Howitzer Guns (Bofors Guns). This is a positive step given the Indian Armed Forces heavy dependence on foreign defence tech, India is the world's biggest arms importer. Contracts like this and the one awardedd to Tata Motors will also help shore up credibility for Indian car makers in the lucrative international defence markets.
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The massively popular streaming service has just announced that it is raising the price of its most popular plan.
Customers in America will now have to pay $9.99 to stream in high definition to two devices simultaneously. It's a jump of $1 from the previous $8.99 fee.
For now, this price hike will only affect the US, Canada and parts of Latin America. But there's every possibility the company could follow suit in the UK.
Netflix previously raised its prices back in June and notified customers with an email that they would need to pay £7.50 per month.
The company explained in the email that the reason for the price hike was: "to continue adding more TV programmes and films, including great Netflix series such as House of Cards and Better Call Saul".
The continued price rise is likely to do with the success of new content such as Marvel's Daredevil.
The company is also producing documentaries, including a look inside the sordid amateur porn business .


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AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) -A United Supermarket manager is being recognized throughout Amarillo after an act of kindness for a family.
A month ago, Shelley Patel was leaving to go grocery shopping and wanted to be able to take her eight-year-old son Shay, who has cerebral palsy, but she knew the store didn’t have special shopping carts for him.
That’s when the manager of United Supermarkets on Gem Lake Road, Tyler Perdue, stepped in.
Now, a picture has been shared thousands of times on Facebook of Tyler, Shay and a shopping cart for the disabled.
Patel posted it as a thank you after Tyler heard about Shay and went out of his way to find the Caroline Shopping Cart for people with disabilities for people to use at the store.
“I posted it on social media as a simple thank you, you know thank you for being a good human being. And if I start crying, I’m sorry. It’s just hard to find people like that,” said Patel.


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The furlough scheme has been extended as England prepares to enter lockdown once again following Boris Johnson's announcement yesterday (October 31).
Speaking at a press conference yesterday evening, the PM told people across England they would be asked to stay at home for a 28-day nationwide lockdown, starting this Thursday (November 5).
The PM said people would only be allowed to leave the house for a limited number of reasons when the lockdown comes into effect.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential retail will close from Thursday until December 2 across England, but unlike in the lockdown during the first wave of the pandemic, schools, colleges and nurseries will remain open.
A key announcement came as Boris Johnson confirmed the Government would extend furlough payments at 80% to December and for the duration of the new national lockdown measures.
Why was furlough extended?
The job retention scheme was originally due to end today (November 1), but the PM made the last-minute decision to extend it in the face of tighter national restrictions.
He told a Downing Street press conference that he was sorry about the hardship that businesses have already endured this year.
He said: “That’s why we are going to extend the furlough system through November. The furlough scheme was a success in the spring and supported people in businesses in a critical time. We will not end it, we will extend furlough until December.”
What will be available?
Furlough will be payable at 80% up to a maximum of £2,500 for the duration of the package of tougher national measures. The support will be available across the UK.
Business premises forced to close in England will also receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under a Local Restrictions Support Grant.
A further £1.1 billion will be given to local authorities – distributed on the basis of £20 per head – for one-off payments to support businesses.
How long will the measures last?
The measures will be different to March in that they are now strictly time-limited, ending on December 2.
The PM said this is when the Government will seek to “ease restrictions” and go back into the tiered system.
What other measures are being put in place?
Mortgage payment holidays will no longer end today as previously planned, the Government announced.
Borrowers who have been financially hit by coronavirus and have not yet had a mortgage payment holiday will be entitled to a six-month holiday.
Those who have already started a mortgage payment holiday will be able to top up to six months without this being recorded on their credit file.
The Financial Conduct Authority is to set out more details on Monday.
Business grants are also to be made available for firms who have to shut in England due to local or national restrictions.


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Reliance Cement has started production of its cement plant in Butibori, MIDC, Nagpur. Reliance Groups marks its entry into cement market. Initially, Reliance Cement will cater the need of Vidarbha region only.
"The commissioning of the Butibori unit is a landmark event in the cement industry, marking the entry of one of the largest business groups of India into the sector. Reliance's foray in the cement industry is a natural extension of its interests in power and infrastructure businesses. Reliance Cement aspires to be amongst the top five cement companies in India in the next five years," said the vice chairman of Reliance Cement, Sumit Banerjee.


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Panzer discovered the buffeting wind that hit the Panzermobile had actually been a collective sigh of relief. Our kitty boy told you back in January that Apple had appealed their conviction of ebook price-fixing to the U.S. Supreme Court. According to a post by Andrew Albanese, the Supreme Court rejected Apple's appeal, finally bringing the case to a close. This means Apple will now be responsible for paying $400 million in refunds to ebook buyers.
|Okay. Clean up your mess now.|
Panzer says, "Hmm ... If you humans would have listen to this little kitty and paid the money to the ebook buyers three years ago, you could have saved most of those attorney fees."
Note: This is a long post with links to other posts included in it. You'll need a thermos of tea and six muffins for your reading. If you want to read Panzer's post from January too, add two more muffins.
To read the post about the Supreme Court decision, tootle over to Apple appeal
To read Panzer's post about Apple's appeal, tootle over to Apple Supreme Court appeal


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High Street retailer GAME says that this coming Black Friday period will be its biggest yet.
Black Friday this year falls on November 27th, with GAME’s deal continuing through to the following Monday, November 30th.
As a part of this, GAME is sending Black Friday Daily deals straight to consumer’s inboxes between Sunday November 22nd and Monday November 30th. Gamers can sign up for these here.
The retailer’s Black Friday push also features Gamer Claus (pictured), the star of its Christmas campaign this year. GAME launched its festive push at the end of October with a campaign spanning TV, print and radio.
This month, High Street retailer also has plans to open three new GAME stores in London, Manchester and Southampton.
These Black Friday plans follow GAME having to issue a profit warning last year due to Black Friday having a negative impact on its financials.


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The Honda Odyssey recall in 2014 is for a problem affecting the ability for the side-curtain airbags to deploy due to an electrical problem.
In a related report by The Inquisitr, Toyota recalls in 2013 have affected engines, brakes, and airbags, causing Toyota to lose its good reliability rating. Then a Honda minivan recall in 2013 affected the 2007 to 2008 Honda Odyssey models. A manufacturing flaw in the power liftgates allowed pressurized gas to escape from the struts. Under certain conditions, the flaw could have caused certain Honda Odyssey models to brake hard in an uncontrolled manner. The worst part about that recall was that the part was not available until 2014.
Officials are saying the newest Honda Odyssey recall affects 1,501 vehicles sold of the 2014 models in Canada. But 24,889 of the vehicles sold in the United States are effected by the problem.
This is how the problem is described:
“During assembly of the electrical coupler for the passenger side curtain airbag, the shorting terminal, which is used to prevent deployment of the airbag before it is assembled into the vehicle, may have been damaged. A damaged shorting terminal may cause the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) indicator to illuminate as well as prohibit the side curtain airbag from deploying during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.”
The good news is that this particular problem was discovered via warranty repairs and no crashes or injuries have been reported so far. The Honda Odyssey recall will allow minivan owners to bring their minivan to a dealer and have the repair done free of charge under warranty. All owners will be contacted by mail by May 16 but if you want to determine if your particular vehicle is effected by the recall you can go to www.honda.ca/recalls or by calling 1-888-9HONDA9.


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Agents and operators need to keep badgering councils for additional grants that have been made available for local businesses hit by the pandemic, ABTA says.
ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said Government data shows there could be as much as £300 million in unspent Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding available to travel companies across England, as of the end of August 2021.
He said company owners need to ‘be persistent’ in claiming what they are entitled to, adding: “We know from the stories of members that have been successful that perseverance is important.”
There is no restriction on the number of grants a business may receive and Government guidance to councils – updated in June – encourages local authorities to focus their support on ‘those sectors that remain closed or are severely impacted by the extended restrictions, even if those businesses have already been in receipt of Restart Grants.’
Mr Petherbridge said: “The majority of our members have been starved of cash over the last 18 months.
“Although it is easier for people to travel, without financial support some companies will find it difficult to get through these next few months, which is why we are urging them to pursue the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.
“The level of funding left does vary from council to council and each local authority is ultimately free to make their own decisions, but we would encourage members to look into whether funding if available.”
Agents who are members of ABTA can find out how much unspent grant is available in their local authority’s pot in the ABTA MemberZone.
“If the funding is available, we would urge members to get in touch directly with their local authority and to be persistent – providing evidence on how your business has been restricted over recent months and highlighting the guidance from Government that urges support for travel companies,” he added.
ABTA has previously written to every council in England to urge them to target support to the travel industry.
This week, Chief Executive Mark Tanzer has also written to Business Minister Paul Scully and Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston to ask them to remind councils of the Government’s updated guidance, as well as to urge local authorities to prioritise travel companies within the £1.5bn discretionary business rates relief scheme, funding for which is due with councils in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the budget on 27 October ABTA has reiterated its case for a dedicated grants scheme for travel businesses and called for the extension of business rates relief. It’s also urged the Government not to increase related taxes on consumers and businesses, including APD and corporation taxes, as the sector looks to get back on its feet.


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5 Things You Need To Know
– The Sant Antoni Town Council has participated in the tourism fair Fitur 2024 to promote the campaign ‘Sant Antoni 365. A sun all year round’, aiming to position the town as a year-round destination.
– The campaign focuses on promoting the town in northern Spain leveraging the direct air connections between Ibiza and these regions throughout the year.
– A new promotional initiative titled ‘Sant Antoni, a place to celebrate’ has been launched by the Mayor, Marcos Serra, and the Tourism Councillor, Miguel Tur, to highlight the beauty of Sant Antoni’s Mediterranean lifestyle and the diverse experiences it offers.
– The Town Council has also introduced the official Tourism website ‘Visit Sant Antoni’ and hiking routes as part of its efforts to promote tourism diversification.
– Sant Antoni has also participated in the presentation of the Ibiza Pride 2024 event and the sponsorship of cycling events, aiming to promote LGTBI tourism and sports tourism. Meetings were also held with various tour operators, agencies, and tourism journalists during the fair.
For a deeper read, the best article we have found on this news item is here.


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Hyundai Motors Company has been reported to be working on a new type of fuel cell that would give its consumers longer range for travel that would outlast even the more expensive brands of vehicles. The new fuel cell would be integrated in the upcoming model of the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell that is set to hit production in 2018. Hyundai claims that the new fuel cell would be 30 percent better than the current version of the fuel cell sports utility vehicle.
The Second Generation Fuel Cell Would Be Better Than Its Predecessor
The current version of the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell can reach up to 426 kilometers in a single full tank while the sports utility vehicle that is currently in development will offer a range that can reach up to 560 kilometers. Hyundai might be doing upgrades or minor changes to its current Hyundai Tucson platform in order for the new fuel cell technology to perform at its optimum. A new dedicated platform could be made for the new fuel cell instead of using its current vehicle platform and design.
Longer Travel Range Than Toyota And Tesla
Hyundai's second-generation fuel cell is reportedly going to be better than other manufacturers fuel cell range. The Toyota Mirai could be the closest comparison to the Tucson Fuel Cell. The Mirai has a recorded range of only 500 kilometers, which is lower to the Tucson's 560-kilometer range. The famous Tesla Model X has the same 500-kilometer range as the Toyota Mirai, however, it is still possible for Elon Musk to have his developers improve the range of the Model X before January of 2018.
Cheapest Among The Competition
Aside from a better range, the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is priced cheaper than the other two comparisons. The Toyota Mirai has a starting price of $57,000 dollars and the Tesla Model X starts at $80,000 dollars. Currently, the Hyundai Fuel Cell has an American currency conversion of $50,000 dollars that can still go lower after subsidiaries provided by the United States government.


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Recent reports from the U.K. reveal a significant rise in retail sales during January. What’s interesting about this fact is that the retail industry didn’t achieve these higher sales by making compromises. The special offers weren’t any more special than last year’s; there weren’t any more clearance sales than at the same time last year; and the weather was no better. Still, shoppers decided to do their thing and buy more.
Australian retailers experienced exactly the same trend, with Christmas and January sales booming. And, not surprisingly, signals indicate that the same trend is happening on the Internet, not just in Europe, but all over the world.
Now, if we didn’t have a special association with September 11, I would honestly have no idea why sales, weaker than ever in December, suddenly redoubled in January. But perhaps the reason for this is obvious.
Consumers have started to change their behavior. This behavioral change, reflected in higher spending, demonstrates a shift in the global population’s general outlook on life. The values that drove consumers a year ago have undergone a shift that parallels the global community’s altered life values.
In the article I prepared three weeks ago, “Instant Gratification,” I discussed the observable post-September 11 fact that people desire to live their lives now, while they can. And this paradigm shift has its manifestations in even the most superficial of commercial contexts: reluctance to save up points in frequent flyer accounts, the tendency to use gift vouchers straight away, and so on. The consumer now wants instant gratification. And January sales figures illustrate the fact that the need for instant gratification has taken another step. Saving money may no longer be a personal aim. Its accumulation may no longer be a source of happiness. People wish simply to enjoy their lives.
If this is the case, how will it affect the millions of e-commerce sites desperately vying for customers? Well, first of all, it’s my belief that the virtues of the hard sell are now doubtful. Hard selling will recede for a while. On the other hand, consumers will seek a brand’s solid values — such as trustworthiness, reliability, and quality. Consumers want meaning in their lives, and brands will need to contribute to this need by promising and delivering enhancements in the quality of life.
Consumers no longer demand a plethora of reduction coupons, special frequent flyer offers, and the rest of the promotions battery. These techniques don’t enhance the quality of life here and now. Consumers want to see instant value from brands.
So next time you take a look at your brand, your site, and your communications, keep all this in mind. Will your consumers feel your brand is adding an instant, positive dimension to their lives? Will they feel your brand is adding value to their lives? If you feel this to be within your brand’s capacity, it’s likely to appeal to an audience that is currently on the lookout for new values, new meaning in life, and new brands. These are people who are prepared to question everything that’s gone before in their lives, including the brands they’ve patronized over the years. And this questioning has been prompted by world events: once-solid, immutable icons, values and brands have been destroyed or brought into disrepute.
Good luck with your brand’s transformation. But remember: Consistency will be the key factor in the success of your branding over the next couple of years. It will go a long way to ensuring your customers come — and stay. Why? Because consistency fosters trust, and trust is the essence of strong brand building, both off- and online.
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Tata Recalls Nano To Install Fire Safety Measures
Tata Motors has announced the recall of some of its small car Nano to install safety measures after getting reports of the vehicle catching fire.
"Yes, customers have been informed. Some have been already recalled," Tata Motors Managing Director, India Operations, P M Telang said.
When asked about the number of vehicles to be recalled, Telang said, "We don't know exactly how many vehicles will be recalled as we have to check how many Nanos have to be rectified."
There are about 70,000 Nanos on the roads now.
One day back, Tata Motors Group CEO and Managing Director Carl-Peter Forster had said that the auto maker would introduce additional safety features in the small car in the wake of reports of the car catching fire.
"The company has taken up several corrective measures and will now offer cover tool on catalytic converter to prevent the car from catching fire. It will also install fuse in electrical components to avoid short circuits," he said before.
Tata’s Nano faced six incidents of the car catching fire including an incident in August. However, the car was then declared ‘absolutely safe without any manufacturing defects’.


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LONDON, ON, November 13, 2015 — This years bonus for the 2015 Fall Dream Lottery is a chance for ticket purchasers to win 1 of 12 holiday cash prizes of $2,000 Cash. 12 Winners win $2,000 cash everyday from December 13-24. To be eligible for this bonus tickets need to be purchased before Midnight, Friday, November 20, 2015.
ONTARIO, November 12, 2015 — The 2015 Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Welcome Home Sweepstakes is nearly over. Their final ticket sales deadline is November 19. This year’s grand prizes include: the Oakville Grand Prize Showhome Package — valued at $4.2 Million; the Kawarthas Lakefront Cottage Package — valued at $785,000; the Entertainment District Condo — valued at $501,302; the Downtown Condo — valued at $411,800; and the Ferrari Grand Prize — valued at $351,102. They are offering so many prizes, vehicles, vacations and more prizes! And don’t forget their 50/50 and the December cash giveaways.
SUDBURY, ON, November 10, 2015 — The final draws happened on November 9. The Kinsmen Club of Sudbury announced their list of winners for the 32nd Showcase Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize winners are Barbara & Duncan McPhee, Garson, ticket#04940. They have won a showcase home from Clemchar Homes worth $635,000, plus a bonus package valued at $54,206. The total value is $689,206. Or if they don’t want the home there is a cash option of $400,000.
See the full article here.
ONTARIO, November 10, 2015 — The VIP prize is a luxury trip for 2 to Australia and New Zealand or take $30,000. To be eligible for the VIP prize, tickets must be purchased by November 17. The Winter 2015/16 Heart&Stroke Lottery has 7 incredible Grand Prizes including 2 prizes of $1 MILLION each. Plus thousands of other cash and electronic prizes to be won.


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The S&P/ASX 200 index has returned to form and is on course to finish the week on a high. In afternoon trade the benchmark index is up 0.25% to 7,026.4 points.
Four shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are ending the week in the red:
The Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) share price has crashed almost 11% lower to 83 cents. Investors have been selling the infant formula and baby food company’s shares following the release of its second quarter update. Although its sales grew by 21% on the prior corresponding period to a record $14.54 million, a sudden decline in its China sales appears to have spooked investors. Sales in China sell 32% during the second quarter.
The Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR) share price is down over 4% to $1.43. This appears to be down to profit taking after a strong gain on Thursday. The gold miner’s shares raced higher yesterday after the release of its quarterly update. That update revealed that production at its Gruyere operation came in at the top of its guidance range.
The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price has tumbled 10% lower to $5.25 following the release of its second quarter update. Investors have been selling the sports betting company’s shares despite it reporting quarterly turnover of $297.3 million. This was a 169% increase on the prior corresponding period. Also growing strongly were its Gross Win and Net Win. PointsBet’s Gross Win climbed 134% to $28.9 million and its Net Win rose 117% to $18 million.
The Splitit Ltd (ASX: SPT) share price has crashed 10% lower to 61.5 cents. Investors have been selling the buy now pay later company’s shares after the release of its fourth quarter update. Investors appear concerned by a decline in Active Shoppers during the quarter. Today’s update revealed that Splitit’s 12 Month Active Shoppers fell 6% quarter on quarter to 118,000. It also posted a 7% decline in quarterly revenue to US$433,000.
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Returns as of 6th October 2020
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The YouTrip Travel Intent Survey 2020 was conducted to uncover the outlook on travel recovery and understand post-COVID-19 travel behaviour Singaporeans.
The new feature optimizes the platform’s wide audience reach through digital marketing and media optimization.
Indomie is the number one chosen brand in Indonesia Urban. It is also the only Asian brand among the Global Top 10 brands.
Both these campaigns have been very well received and with more than 10 million Malaysian consumers reached, as on date and counting.
The startup company introduces NanoSeptic technology to ensure safety and cleanliness, the first in food and groceries delivery in Malaysia.
This win for Edelman Malaysia comes on the back of similar regional recognitions the agency has earned earlier this year with a global award at MAA GLOBES.
Show Me My Home is a key initiative under the recently signed Joint Business Plan between P&G and Shopee.
The entire campaign proceeds will be donated to aid the needy amidst the prolonged community COVID-19 quarantine in the Philippines.
The rise of SHAREit as a digital marketing platform can be attributed to its diverse user base with over 1.8 billion users.


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Bottled Suffolk Water? County Thinks It'll Sell
By JOHN T. McQUISTON,
Published: December 7, 1991
HUNTINGTON, L.I., Dec. 6— Perrier, Poland Springs and Great Bear may soon be making room on supermarket shelves for Pine Barrens Pure, bottled and marketed by the Suffolk County Water Authority on eastern Long Island.
Michael LoGrande, chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority, thinks there's a big market out there for the 10,000-year-old glacier water pumped daily from the pristine aquifer beneath the sands of Suffolk's pine barrens. He envisions sales of more than $80 million a year in Suffolk County alone, but he has a ways to go to convince shoppers to put down money for something they can get out of their own tap.
"How could I serve that to my guests?" asked Miriam Skells, loading a six-pack of Evian into a shopping cart filled with snacks for her husband's 50th birthday party.
"It's probably all the same stuff, but I like the little bottles," she said as she hurried on down Aisle 13 at Waldbaum's supermarket here. Started With a Joke
Shoppers are now paying about $1 per gallon for bottled water, which represents one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the United States, with consumption of about 2 billion gallons in 1990, more than double the volume since 1986. Mr. LoGrande said that he and the authority's controller, Charles Stein, were talking one day about the increase in the consumption of bottled water and speculated, at first jokingly, about bottling county water.
"But he said, 'Look, don't laugh, it may be a good source of revenue,' so I agreed to give it some thought. It was never our intention to bottle the water per se, but we have a very extensive testing system that enables us to provide unchlorinated water for bottling," he said.
"And at $1.18 cents per thousand gallons, it's the best deal in the county," he added. "But we're always looking for ways to hold that rate down, and bottling water would help."
Dr. James Pierson, a consultant for the authority, concluded that sales of bottled water in Suffolk, with its population of 1.3 million, should number 12 million gallons in 1992. His study also determined that by 1999, sales of the water in the entire metropolitan area could possible reach 300 million gallons.
Only one other municipality in the United States sells its own water in bottles -- Memphis Light, Gas and Water, in Tennessee.
Pure Memphis, advertised as "the flavor of the South," went to market in October 1990 and has been so successful that several private companies are now bidding to acquire the bottling rights, said Tommy Jackson, supervisor of energy services for Memphis Light, Gas and Water, a city agency.
"We sell it in upscale-looking packages of blue-tinted plastic," he said. "We started by giving it away to promote our water quality for economic development purposes. But the novelty caught on and we began marketing it."
Geary Campbell, a spokesman for the International Bottled Water Association in Alexandria, Va., said there were 475 private bottling plants in the United States and 600 different types of brand labels.
And that means a lot of competition for a new product whose working name is Pine Barrens Pure. Sarah Kearny, for one, would need convincing.
"It's exciting to drink water that comes from Ireland," she said, putting two liters of Tipperary into her shopping cart at Waldbaum's. "Drinking Suffolk water would be like never leaving home."


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Here is this week’s news round-up for home business, micro business, sole-traders, freelancers, self-employed and any one who is interested in small business news from Canada:
- Media Advisory – Minister Takhar to participate in small business roundtable discussion in Toronto: >TORONTO, April 2 – Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar is participating in Direct Engagement’s Peer-to-Peer Roundtable, “Fostering a Climate for Success,” tomorrow morning in Toronto.
- Alberta-B.C. free trade deal celebrates anniversary Small Business welcomes the first year of TILMA: Edmonton – In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA), which came into effect on April 1, 2007, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business commended the Alberta and B.C. governments for their work so far in implementing the agreement.
- Exporting: Tied to home: Female-owned businesses export less, and it’s not just because they’re smaller.
- Sharpen your pencils: 30 days to tax deadline: Ultimately, you are responsible for having your return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency no later than April 30. If you have a business that is not incorporated you have until June 15 to file a return (tax liability is still due by April 30).
- Home Depot brings smaller urban-format store city : Home Depot officially put its name on the burgeoning Cambie-Broadway retail corridor Thursday by opening a new urban-format store at Seventh and Cambie.
- Get tough, coalition pleads: nterprovincial Trade – Some of Canada’s most influential business groups are recommending a get-tough approach to interprovincial trade through a tribunal empowered to open the clogged channels of commerce within Canada.
As always this list is not exhaustive, but I hope it will give you a little overview. — ST.


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3D Realms Airs Bombshell Gameplay Video
See an extended look at the game's combat and RPG elements.
3D Realms has released ten minutes of new BombShell footage, providing an extended look at the isometric-view action game.
The video was released during QuakeCon 2015, and shows off a variety of weapons and equipment, including the "Ion Maiden," "Mother Flakker" and "Bubble" Shield.
Starting out as a Duke Nukem character concept, Bombshell stars a cyborg mercenary named Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison. The game is being developed by Interceptor Entertainment and published by 3D Realms.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email firstname.lastname@example.org


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There was some good news coming out of Marks & Spencer for once on Friday as it upgraded its profit outlook after shoppers went online to buy more of its revamped clothing offer and also bought plenty of its foods.
Department store Liberty has filed its results for the year to the end of January and said that it was "significantly impacted" by the three separate Covid lockdown in the UK that dented footfall to its London flagship.
ASOS has seen another good trading period with the four months up to the end of June seeing healthy revenue growth, despite volatile demand, increased global supply chain issues and continued Covid restrictions.
A potential UK retail jobs crisis is looming. The number of EU nationals seeking work has collapsed since Brexit, according to a new report from jobs website Indeed, with the decline hurting lower-paid sectors.


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After an already busy period for the platform, LOOT.BET announced another milestone, having secure GLI-19 certification. In recent months, the LOOT.BET platform has grown rapidly, since the acquisition of LOOT.BET’s parent company by React Gaming, then known as Intema Solutions. With GLI-19 certification, LOOT.BET is officially recognized as complying with the strict requirements of the “Applicable Technical Standards” demanded by the betting industry.
This is a historic moment for LOOT.BET, giving the already popular platform a boost in terms of legitimacy and what it can offer other organizations. This certification is issued by International Gaming Labsthe leading provider of independent certification, assessment and testing services for the gaming industry. In a nutshell, it’s a rating that backs up Technical capacity of LOOT.BET as an operator in space.
Succeed the deal
As part of the agreement with HHRP inc.which opened the doors for LOOT.BET to operate in the Philippines, the GLI-19 certification should be secured. It was a stipulation of the agreement which was finalized in May 2022, and in a relatively short period of time, the owners of LOOT.BET, react to the game, certainly checked that box. In a statement, Leigh Hughes, CEO of React Gaming, spoke positively about the certification:
This is great news for React Gaming, as the GLI-19 certification opens many doors in the B2B market and will allow us to offer our LOOT.BET solution as a white label in a large number of countries with significantly fewer regulatory constraints. The certification essentially confirms to countries that require GLI-19 that the LOOT.BET platform operates according to established technical standards.
This was a key part of the deal with HHRP Inc., as it essentially unlocks the Philippine company’s ability to operate the white-label solution in the country. This in itself is a big step forward for LOOT.BET, as HHRP Inc. is one of only four companies currently holds an online gambling license in the Philippines. With a current population floating around 109 million, this will undoubtedly open up a huge base of operations for both LOOT.BET and HHRP via the white label platform.
It is quite recently that LOOT.BET acquired a gambling license in the Isle of Man, which was part of the original acquisition agreement in February 2022. This is an extremely prestigious and sought-after license, which works hand in hand with the certification GLI-19 to fully prove how legit a LOOT.BET platform is.
If that wasn’t enough, we are just weeks away from a partnership between LOOT.BET and Oddin.gg, an industry leading esports odds feed provider. It was once a fledgling platform, but today LOOT.BET is hugely popular, with over 500,000 active users and a wide range of competitive markets and advanced features.
For users who want to learn more about the platform, feel free to check out our full LOOT.BET review.


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America, fuck yeah:
Video footage shows the moment two women buying a rifle failed to notice a baby falling off the shop counter.
The customers can be seen admiring the gun inside a pawn shop while the infant sits on top of the glass counter beside them.
But while they are busy talking to each other, the shop assistant behind the counter leaps forward and tries to grab the baby as it slowly topples head-first towards the ground.
Luckily store manager Bill Reel noticed the child seemed “unsteady” and raced forward to catch it just before it hit the concrete floor.
The younger woman can be seen clutching her hand to her chest in shock as the father-of-four hands the baby to the other woman, believed to be the grandmother.
A little heavy-handed as far as metaphors go, but I’ll allow it.
This kid has no fucking chance they should just allow the clerk to keep it.


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While Bethesda now has a new home with their recent acquisition by Microsoft, their big IPs are no doubt going to continue on. One of those is, of course, Fallout. The sci-fi series got a breath of new life when the company took over the IP and launched the now legendary Fallout 3. Since then the company has built on that, becoming something of a sister series to their other open world franchise, Elder Scrolls. If you’re hoping for a Fallout 5 soon, though, it sounds like you’ll be waiting a very long time.
Speaking to IGN, Bethesda’s Todd Howard was asked about a potential new Fallout title, he squashed any chance of it happening soon. Specifically, he was asked if there was a new possibility of the game being developed externally and not by the main Bethesda Game Studios, which seemed like it was a no-go. He did say that there were basic ideas (something that’s been alluded to since 2018) for a new game, but said it would have to come after Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6.
“We’ve worked with other people from time to time, I can’t say what’s going to happen,” he said. “You know, we have a one-pager on Fallout 5, what we want to do. Again, if I could wave my hand and have that out, [I would]. You know, I’d like to find a way to accelerate what we do, but I can’t really say today, or commit to anything, what’s going to happen when, other to say that our cadence is Starfield and then Elder Scrolls 6.”
It’s probably no surprise since Elder Scrolls 6 is said to just be in the design phase and the studio being hard at work on Starfield, which is planned to release next year. There is the ongoing Fallout 76, something the company has kept updated fairly well, if you need a Fallout fix. But as far as a Fallout 5, or whatever it’ll be called, it’s going to be a very long wait.


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KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 – McDonald’s Arabia announced that imports of halal chicken to its 369 restaurants across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region had reached 12,000 tonnes in 2012, a 12.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
This is due to an increase in the demand for chicken meals. In a statement, McDonald’s Arabia said imported chickens are prepared using strict halal procedures in Malaysia, which is the main exporter of high-quality halal chicken to all McDonald’s restaurants in the region.
It said that this information was revealed after a delegation from Kuwait visited Malaysia to observe the systems that McDonald’s imposed on suppliers to ensure that food is prepared based on halal procedures. These included visits to Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), an official authority that supervises halal procedures, and two
certified halal slaughter houses where chickens are prepared daily under Jakim’s supervision and the Mac Food factory.
Meanwhile, Yousif Abdulghani, Managing Director of McDonald’s Middle East and Africa, said all products served in McDonald’s restaurants in the Middle East are halal as all ingredients are inspected and approved by local authorities and halal officers before export and by customs officials at ports of entry.
“Ensuring that all ingredients and produce are halal is McDonald’s top priority,” he said, adding that customers can be sure that the food they enjoy is halal, with the same taste worldwide. Since their launch in the GCC in 1993, the company has offered high quality halal food to all customers through qualified suppliers. It ensures 100 per cent supplier eligibility before adding any source to its database of approved suppliers.
Suppliers should adhere to social responsibility policies on animal welfare, animal feed, prohibition of deforestation, usage of antibiotics as growth promoters and halal procedures, the statement said. McDonald’s also offers an ‘open-door’ programme for the public to take a closer look at the quality standard of the products and procedures implemented at the restaurants. Halal certificates are displayed at McDonald’s restaurants and on the website — www.McDonaldsArabia.com.


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Mobile farmers market returns with new rules
The Mobile Farmers Market in Franklin and Clinton counties has returned to make stops around communities and sell fruit, vegetables and baked goods, with new COVID-19 rules, including strict physical distancing.
The Mobile Market will continue to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and, new this year, will also let consumers use farmers market vouchers.
A program of the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity and the North Country Healthy Heart Network, the Mobile Market made its debut in 2018 and has been expanding since.
“It is perhaps more important now than ever to ensure that our communities have access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” Richard Lavigne, JCEO’s food services director, said. “For those who are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection, bringing the market directly to their communities and helping to limit travel is essential.”
This year, the market will include a Family Fun Challenge, a series of activities that encourage families to be creative and learn about local food programs.
Mobile Market Bus #1 — fresh veggies, baked goods, salad bar — schedule: ¯ Mondays: Saranac Lake Adult Center, 10 a.m. to noon; Tupper Lake Adult Center, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
¯ Tuesdays: Waverly Town Offices, 10 a.m. to noon; Malone Court House, noon to 2 p.m.
¯ Wednesdays: UVM Alice Center Nursing Home, 10 to 11:15 a.m.; UVM Alice Hyde Hospital, 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
¯ Thursdays: Citizen Advocates, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Malone Court House, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
¯ Fridays: Malone Chamber of Commerce, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Malone Social Services, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mobile Market Bus #2 schedule: ¯ Mondays: Churubusco/Summit Park, 10 a.m. to noon; Ellenburg Municipal Center, 12:15 to 2 p.m.
¯ Tuesdays: Westville Center, 10 a.m. to noon; Fort Covington/Rainbow Park, noon to 2 p.m.
¯ Wednesdays: Trails of Malone, 10 a.m. to noon; Owl’s Head, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
¯ Thursdays: Catherine St. Housing, 10 11:15 a.m.; Elm St. Housing, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; Sawyer St. Housing, 1 to 2 p.m.
¯ Fridays: Lyon Mountain, 10 a.m. to noon; Brainardsville, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
These schedules are subject to change.


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Man charged with cheating iPhone buyers
He allegedly convinced 12 people that he would sell them iPhone 7s.
Between Sept 11 and 16, Cai Jiaxiang, 30, allegedly induced them to transfer cash totalling $9,640 to his bank accounts even though he had no intention of selling them the phones.
Cai was charged in court yesterday with 13 counts of cheating. He is also accused of one count of giving false information to a police officer on Sept 18.
Cai allegedly started his crime spree on Sept 11, when he told one Mr Loh Jun Wei that he would sell him a 128-gigabyte iPhone 7 Plus for $1,450.
Mr Loh then allegedly transferred $100 to Cai's bank account.
According to court papers, Cai targeted 11 other people after that, and each of them allegedly transferred between $100 and $4,610 into his bank accounts.
He allegedly gave false information to the policeman at Toa Payoh Neighbourhood Police Centre at around 11.30pm on Sept 18.
Cai was offered a bail of $20,000 and will be back in court on Oct 11.
For each count of cheating, he can be jailed up to 10 years and fined.
For lying to the policeman, he can be jailed up a year and fined up to $5,000.


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Tue, Dec 18, 2012
Entered Chapter 11 On December 7th Due To Product Liability Litigation Costs
Precision Airmotive said in a letter to its customers dated December 13th that it had entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In the letter, the company said the move was taken as the result of "product liability litigation costs incurred with respect to our former carburetor line and does not reflect upon the viability of the business itself."
The company said in the letter that it continues to be financially viable and stable, with a record of on-time product delivery. "It is our desire and expectation to maintain this high standing with our customers-which is why we have voluntarily chosen to take this action," the letter states.
Precision Airmotive said it "fully anticipates delivery of product to continue per agreed upon terms." The company said that the filing will allow it to "restructure and emerge as an even stronger and healthier organization," and that the move is "in the best interest of both Precision Airmotive and our valued partners."
On its website, the company says it is the Original Equipment Manager (OEM) of RSA Fuel Injection Systems. "Because we are the only manufacturer of this time-proven fuel control, engine manufacturers around the world rely on our expertise and engineering excellence to design systems for new generations of aircraft. Precision's engineers have updated the existing RSA Fuel Injection System and supply these systems for installation on new Cessna Aircraft currently in production."
Also: Daher Delivers, Aviation Progress, Tecnam P2012, D.B. Cooper, MH370 Search, T-45C Accident, Piper We previously reported that studies indicate many complaints about airport n>[...]
It’s So Simple to Operate, Anyone Can do it… And we’re Not Kidding The drones were up and flying at the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas in January 20>[...]
Aero-News Quote of the Day "During the holiday season, it's especially important to give back. Knowing so many families were provided transportation to doctors because of Miracle F>[...]
Aero Linx: German Business Aviation Association (GBAA) The German Business Aviation Association is a registered association representing the interests of corporate aviation and of >[...]
Flight Level A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For e>[...]


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The US government’s plan to impose heavy punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is met with incomprehension by German business representatives. “This shows that the friendly pose Trumps at the World Economic Meeting in Davos was nothing but a marketing gimmick,” says Michael Hüther, director of the employer-oriented Institute of German Business in Cologne, the “World on Sunday” (18 February 2018). Now it must be examined whether the future US import policy for steel and aluminum is compatible with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“If not, the federal government must react and show a clear edge,” says Hüther. On Friday evening, the US Department of Commerce announced that it considers protective measures in favor of domestic steel and aluminum manufacturers a national security issue. President Donald Trump must now decide by mid-April if he will follow the proposals.
According to industry representatives, the consequences could be considerable for the European steel market. The exports of German steel manufacturers such as ThyssenKrupp, Salzgitter or Dillinger Hütte towards the USA are low. But the planned punitive tariffs would divert steel supplies from the Far East, so the fear: “The EU steel market is the most open in the world,” says Hans Jürgen Kerkhoff, President of the Steel Industry Association. “The industry would be overwhelmed when other countries foreclose their markets.”


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Finance Minister Grant Robertson has no plan to fix the severe labour shortage that is crippling New Zealand businesses and will see many more close their doors for good, National’s Shadow Treasurer Andrew Bayly says.
“Grant Robertson is sitting by idly and watching as unpicked fruit rots on the ground, dairy farms cry out to get the workers they need to milk their cows, the manufacturing industry struggles, and restaurants are at a point where they have no option but to switch off their lights in protest.
“Businesses throughout New Zealand are doing it tough with some shutting up shop completely because they simply cannot access enough skilled labour to function.
“Reports that 2000 MIQ rooms are sitting empty each day is a slap in the face to those businesses desperate to get more workers from overseas and through MIQ.
“It is difficult to understand why the Government has not made these rooms available for overseas workers, especially when the Labour Party Leader promised at the election to set aside 10 per cent of MIQ capacity for that exact purpose.
“Hundreds of skilled workers could go through MIQ and enter the workforce at a time when a shortage of skilled labour is the single biggest barrier facing employers across every sector.
“Businesses have been pleading with the Government to do something about the shortage for well over a year now.
“Today, thousands of restaurants around the country will switch off their lights in protest of the Government’s inaction, with some shutting down completely over the next two weeks. But even this isn’t enough for the Finance Minister to take the problem seriously.”
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