text:
Crypto trading platform Robinhood has announced the addition of four new cryptocurrencies on its platform, but what the next Robinhood new listings are is still unclear.
With the Binance new listings and new Coinbase listings continuing to grow each month, pressure has been high on Robinhood to add any new crypto-assets for its users. And finally, it yielded. After a year-long campaign by the ShibArmy, Robinhood has finally listed Shiba Inu, sending the price of SHIB soaring.
The price of Shiba Inu rallied nearly 35% when the announcement was made public by the trading platform. Let's take a look at what new cryptocurrencies have been recently listed by Robinhood, and what's coming next.
What New Cryptocurrency Has Robinhood Added?
Trading platform Robinhood released a statement, adding that the platform has listed Cardano among its crypto offerings.
Apart from that, the platform has added three more cryptocurrencies. These are Solana, Polygon, and Compound, which are now available for users to trade and invest in.
The news of Robinhood listing SHIB was praised by the Shiba community, who have been non-stop commenting on the tweets of Robinhood for months, asking when it would list SHIB.
While much attention was given to SHIB's dramatic price rise, it wasn't alone in this. Against the market trend, both Polygon and Compound increased in price, spiking 7.2% and 26.2%, respectively.
Robinhood's official blog post addressed its recent decision of adding new crypto tokens. It cited heavy user interest as one of the elements that propelled it to list these cryptos. It said:
Over the past year, our crypto customers have consistently asked for two things: the ability to send and receive their tokens, and a broader selection of cryptocurrencies. We’re excited to add more choices for our customers as we work to make Robinhood the best place to invest in crypto.
The platform has recently launched a new cash card offer alongside introducing Robinhood advanced charts
Robinhood Future Listings: Which Crypto Is Next On Robinhood's Radar?
Robinhood's crypto additions have set the internet ablaze with speculation about which cryptocurrency token will bag the next Robinhood listing.
While Robinhood has been cautious in the past about adding new cryptocurrencies to its platform, the listing of these four additional coins suggests it is open to future cryptocurrency listings.
While many prominent cryptocurrencies are eyeing Robinhood, the speculation spree is especially strong with those with the top market caps. These include Polkadot, Cardano, Terra, and Avalanche. However, with Robinhood listing Compound, the now 83rd largest cryptocurrency, more tokens have a chance of getting listed.
It's been a while since Robinhood has added new crypto to their new listings.
It can be due to multiple factors as tbe current bear market is driving many crypto businesses out of the way.
The recent market-down scenario with the ongoing Celsius network lawsuit, and Coinbase being embroiled in bankruptcy rumors might be a few reasons why Robinhood may be acting a bit cautious on its part.


text:
Developer you can now take advantage and add more applications to the BlackBerry 10 platform using WebGL and HTML5/WebWorks application. With these tools you can take advantage of the ability to write immersive, high-performance, console-quality, 2D and 3D games accessible directly on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone. Goo Technologies, makers of the Goo Engine for GDC has taken a 100% […]
Last week I wrote about a new NFC mobile payment option we launched with some of our partners. Today, I wanted to take a moment to give you some more information about NFC (near field communication) and how it will turn smartphones into “smarter phones.”
Mobile Link RIM has made it easy for developers to get on board and to develop for BlackBerry and BlackBerry 10, with the push for tomorrow technology and the use of NFC. RIM is pushing the envelope for a new way and wave of ways of NFC to be implemented into gaming for the current and new platform. This short video shows a […]
The smartphone game development community is not one that I follow very closely, but some info was shared with the guys at BBOS from Rock n’ Roll Studios about the game development scene in Latin America . I would have never guessed just how difficult it is to get a game published and featured. It turns […]
If you are developer looking to explore BB10 a bit more you must tune into the Webcast that BlackBerry is having on the 13th of September at 8 PST/11 EST.
Mobile LinkAnders Jeppsson RIM’s Global Head of Gaming recently spoke about gaming on BlackBerry 10. During his talks Anders offered some great reasons why developers should develop for Blackberry 10. Hit the break for more.
The BlackBerry Developer Relations team (Alex Kinsella and Victoria Berry) will be in San Francisco this week at the Game Developers Conference! RIM has set up their BlackBerry Booth (#1909). Hit the break for more info!

domain: news


text:
Garnet & Black Spring Game Moved to Noon
March 27, 2017
The University of South Carolina football team will wrap up its spring drills on Saturday, April 1, with the annual Garnet & Black Spring Game. The game has been moved to a noon start to accommodate Gamecock fans wishing to watch both the spring game and the Carolina men’s basketball team in the Final Four.
Admission is free for the noon contest at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new football operations center and the lettermen’s flag football game have been postponed.
Parking for the Garnet & Black spring game will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Key Road lot will open at 8 am and is free to the public. The Fairgrounds lots (entrance through Gate 6 only) and Gamecock Park will open at 8 am, with spots available for $10 per vehicle. Fans should be advised that, as construction continues along Bluff Road, reduced lanes are in effect from National Guard Road to Rosewood and Fairgrounds Gate 10 off Bluff Road will not be opened.
The Williams-Brice Stadium gates will open at 10:30 am. Fans are asked to sit in the lower bowl of the stadium. The clear bag policy will be enforced for the game.
The 2017 spring game football schedule posters will be available in Gamecock Village, which will open at 8 am. Fans are allowed up to five posters per person while supplies last. Lettermen will once again be selling the official spring game program for $5.
The game will be broadcast live on SEC Network with Taylor Zarzour and Greg McElroy in the booth and Peter Burns working the sidelines. 107.5 The Game, the flagship radio station of Gamecock Athletics, will also have gameday coverage.


text:
When will Roblox release Q2 earnings?
Roblox will report second quarter earnings after US markets close on Tuesday August 9. The company will hold a conference call on Wednesday August 10 at 0530 PT, or 0830 ET.
Roblox Q2 earnings consensus
Bookings, which is what Roblox calls revenue, are forecast to fall 1.2% from last year to $657.2 million and adjusted Ebitda is expected to plunge over 57% to $71.4 million.
Roblox Q2 earnings preview
Roblox has found 2022 difficult as the boom experienced during the pandemic continues to cool off.
Wall Street believes Roblox ended June with just under 54 million Daily Active Users (DAUs), down 105,000 from the end of March but still almost 25% higher than the year before. The sequential drop in users will be caused by losses in North America and Europe and only partly countered by ongoing growth in APAC and the rest of the world.
Eyes will remain on the age range of users as Roblox continues to widen its appeal. The company was particularly popular with children under the age of 13 when it started out but has gradually enticed older users to its platform and these now account for the majority of users.
Although it is struggling to grow its user base, Roblox is improving engagement with existing users. The hours spent on its platform is forecast to keep growing across all regions compared to the last quarter, although the average bookings per user has been under pressure this year as people spend less money on in-home entertainment compared to when they were locked up during the pandemic last year. Roblox makes its money by selling its Robux virtual currency, which users purchase and use to buy access to games and style the avatars they use to traverse its platform.
Roblox has continued to introduce new features in an effort to improve engagement and entice users to spend more money. The most significant is spatial voice, which allows users to speak and listed to nearby users with a microphone. The introduction of voice chat capabilities is particularly significant for a platform that is popular with children, which has prompted Roblox to step-up its age verification process. Meanwhile, it has also introduced new features like layered clothing that provides more options for those wanting to personalise their avatars and tinkered with its cross-device capabilities in the hope of driving better retention rates.
The expansion into new markets continues and this is a deliberate area of focus considering this is delivering user growth at a time when more mature markets are struggling. Its new Roblox Translate service is making more user-developed content available into new countries, and it has also been ensuring its service is more reliable in markets like India, where a new data centre has resulted in latencies dropping by 50%.
More is on the way as Roblox continues to champion the metaverse. It is exploring some more advanced features such as physical-based rendering to improve visuals and what it calls Dynamic Heads, which track users’ expressions in real life using a camera and makes their digital avatars copy them.
We could also see more commentary on its growing ad business, which may have benefited as more marketing dollars shift away from social media. As a hub for creators, Roblox is in a perfect position for those looking to get their brand out there. This ranges from sponsored search results to boost a particular developer’s experience that they have developed on the platform to newer concepts such as in-game advertising in its metaverse.
Where next for RBLX stock?
Roblox shares have been rising in an uptrend during the past three weeks and have more than doubled in value since hitting all-time lows of $21.90 back in May.
The stock needs to recapture $52 to surpass the highs seen in late March and early April, and the fact the average volume at time has started increasing during the past five days suggests the recent momentum can continue. A break above here will reopen the door to the $60 mark.
However, it could prove a tough ceiling considering the recent rise has already pushed the RSI into overbought territory. Any renewed pressure could see the stock swiftly fall back toward the $36 level of support seen on numerous occasions this year, which is also in-line with the 50-day moving average. Notably, the 21 brokers that cover Roblox have an average target price of $38.50, implying it is overvalued by over 22% at present. A break below here opens the door to sub-$30 for the first time in almost two months.
How to trade Roblox stock
You can trade Roblox shares with City Index in just four easy steps:
- Open a City Index account, or log-in if you’re already a customer.
- Search for ‘Roblox’ in our award-winning platform
- Choose your position and size, and your stop and limit levels
- Place the trade
Or you can try out your trading strategy risk-free by signing up for our Demo Trading Account.


text:
A serendipitous event in early 2002 led Eric Boyd down the path to discovering the beauty of decorative concrete.
Two months before graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, he and two other students opened their own design-build firm. One of the first jobs they landed was a kitchen remodel where the client asked for concrete countertops, somewhat of a novelty back then.
“The only one I knew making them was Fu-Tung Cheng, who had just come out with a book my buddy had,” says Boyd.
After trying to research countertops on the Internet with little success, Boyd ended up calling Cheng, who hooked him up with pigments and other ingredients and talked him through the project.
Before Boyd knew it, someone else who had seen the countertops wanted one, followed by another customer. Soon, he and his partners outgrew their 400-square-foot shop. “No one else in the area was making concrete countertops,” he says. “We became our own fabricators and just fell into the concrete thing.”
Now, 11 years later, the 37-year-old works with Mills Howell, a brother of one of the founding partners. They oversee five employees at an 11,000-square-foot warehouse shop and a nearby 1,500-square-foot showroom in uptown Charlotte under the moniker of Reaching Quiet Design. The company name, which was taken from an obscure band they liked, was selected because of its Zen-like overtones.
Boyd, who is co-owner and lead designer in the business, estimates 85 percent to 90 percent of their work today is concrete-related. The rest is in wood and metal.
Finding a niche
When it comes to decorative concrete, Boyd says he’s not interested in applications like floors or faux rocks or acid staining. His company mainly creates countertops, bars and sinks in its studio by hand with the help of nonautomated machinery.
“Our basic countertops are usually wet-cast,” he says. “If it involves a lot of 3-D elements like most of the work we produce, we use GFRC (glass-fiber reinforced concrete).”
In fact, he’s currently working on getting an online store together where his company will offer GFRC items such as side tables, vanities, sinks and tiles to consumers nationwide.
His niche also involves creating sustainable things that have a positive impact on the environment, Boyd says. He uses materials sourced within a 500-mile radius, with the concrete made from locally quarried sand and rock combined with locally made cement.
More important than the green aspects of his creations, he says, is the fact that they are individually made to stand the test of time. “We strive to create products that will last for generations,” Boyd says. The firm designs and fabricates most of its work by hand and continually blurs the boundaries between architecture, interior design, and product and furniture development.
Boyd says his company is usually involved with projects from conception to completion, an approach practiced by many fabricators today. “We are much more than just a producer of slabs. Nowadays, we offer a more design-oriented package,” he says. “Because we’re part of the consultation process, we wind up doing things an interior designer wouldn’t think of and we end up with a better project.”
Boyd is well-connected to other big names in the concrete countertop family. He maintains a friendship with Fu-Tung Cheng, who still mentors him from time to time. He has been pals with Brandon Gore in Arizona for many years and has been influenced by many others in the business, including Blue Concrete’s Shawn Hays, Jeremy French and Jon Schuler.
Boyd gets his supplies mainly from Blue Concrete, which carries pigments that can be custom-blended to match any Benjamin Moore color available. He also likes their ICT First Sealz, a reactive sealer that he claims gives concrete some of the same characteristics as quartz. “After a month or so, you have a product that can withstand substantial abuse,” Boyd says. “Bleach is one of the only products we’ve seen that can change the concrete’s appearance.”
Thanks to social media sites such as Facebook and individual blogs, Boyd says, so many people in the decorative business know each other and hobnob together at conventions. Rather than keeping what they have learned to themselves, many are reaching out to their peers through social media to save them from making mistakes they can avoid.
“Up until four or five years ago, everyone (except a few like Cheng) kept their secrets to themselves, but that’s really changed. Many of us have realized we’re not all competitors. We are really such a small industry, and it’s to everyone’s benefit in the long run if we all do a good job, share our knowledge and boost the public’s perception of decorative concrete,” Boyd says.
Pearls of wisdom
For those artisans just breaking into the business, Boyd offers some friendly advice. “Learn as much as you can about the products and business and make informed decisions. Test all the products before you use them on a job to determine what’s comfortable for you and what looks you like.”
And above all, he continues, don’t grow too big too quickly. “And I’m saying that from experience. I would love not to have an 11,000-square-foot warehouse in the city. I would rather have a barn out in the country for my workshop and a showroom in the city.”
Right before the bottom fell out of the economy a couple of years ago, Reaching Quiet relocated from a 2,000-square-foot shop to its current 11,000-square-foot warehouse and also leased a showroom. The move increased its monthly overhead by $5,000.
“We had so much work coming in just from word of mouth that we got cocky,” he says. “We put all our profits into the new showroom without much thought. And then the next six months … nothing. But somehow, we managed to pull through when a lot of other businesses failed.”
If you need more help, he suggests, first hire an apprentice. Keep it as small as you can and even turn down jobs. “I’m convinced there’s a lot to be said about staying small.”


text:
News and Rumors
Virgin Mobile has added another Android smartphone to their no-contract roster, announcing the Samsung Galaxy Reverb. Due in September, the handset is a mid-range model with a somewhat reasonable $250
Verizon is set to carry the LG Optimus Vu in the near term, offering the 5-inch smartphone as the name Intuition According to a screen grab picked up by Droid Life,
While this isn’t groundbreaking news, it seemed like it was worth getting a chuckle over reporting. Verkkokauppa.com, a Finnish retailer, has revealed the ZTE Blade III, complete with pictures and specs.
Watch out Asus, Archos is gunning for you and your tablet form factor. Today, as expected, Archos introduced its next series of Android tablets in the Gen10 ARCHOS 101 XS.
U.S. Cellular has begun selling a new Android-powered Samsung smartphone online and will later release it in retail stores later in the week. Called the Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G, it
Gameloft is taking a very slow, controlled approach to their latest game, stringing us along with bite-sized glimpses of Wild Blood. Today sees the developer providing the first in-game footage
Sony today announced that they are releasing their Dynamic Android Sensor HAL (DASH) sensor framework as an open source GitHub project. Essentially this means that custom ROM developers and other mobile
Nikon today announced a 16-megapixel Android-based camera in the form of the recently rumored S800C. Featuring a 10X optical zoom and Wi-Fi support, the camera runs 2.3 Gingerbread under the
While other carriers have started offering pooled data plans, T-Mobile is doing a little something different. Late last night (or early this morning) T-Mobile announced that they will be soon
As some readers know, Russian tech site Mobile-Review has revealed and extensively previewed a number of Xperia (prototype) handsets ahead of their official announcements. They have done it again with the
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cf6YyGdsgNM[/youtube] The Android-oriented congress Droidcon 2012 is taking place during November 22-23 in Amsterdam, Holland just like it did last year. The good folk from Droidcon are still accepting papers
MetroPCS has unraveled a bunch of new “goodies” for it’s current and future customers! First on the list, and available as a promotion, is the carrier’s new 4G LTE. Customers
The first retail outlets to receive Google Play Store gift cards are expected to be Target, GameStop, and RadioShack, according to Google. No longer a rumor, the pre-paid card option
If past history is an indicator, the next Nexus release should be arriving in the late fall or early winter. As such, we ought to be getting a slew of
Swiftkey has announced a new update to their popular keyboard application for Android, releasing v 3.0.1 into various distribution channels. The key details for this release include a pair of


text:
An anonymous reader writes: A new report from The Information (paywalled) says Google is working on an operating system called "Brillo" that would be a platform for Internet-of-things devices. It's supposedly a lightweight version of Android, capable of running on devices with extremely limited hardware — as little as 32 MB of RAM, for example. The company is expected to launch the code for Brillo at its I/O event next week. This is particularly relevant now that Google has acquired Nest, Dropcam, and Revolv — a trio of "smart home" companies whose devices could potentially by unified by Brillo.
Attend or create a Slashdot 20th anniversary party! DEAL: For $25 - Add A Second Phone Number To Your Smartphone for life! Use promo code SLASHDOT25. Check out the new SourceForge HTML5 Internet speed test. ×


text:
Contractor Keltbray has achieved substantial savings across the group since introducing COINS ERP software, according to group supply chain manager Darren Aldridge.
Keltbray has grown its turnover to £428m in recent years, transforming from a demolition contractor into a diverse construction group with 26 business units. The group has introduced ecommerce solutions from COINS to support its growth.
"We found that we had over 60 PPE suppliers across the group, and we’ve reduced that to just four."
“We set out to create a seamless data interchange between our suppliers’ ERPs and our own, speeding up the buying process and introducing electronic invoicing and procurement,” explained Aldridge.
“We typically process 90,000 invoices a year at Keltbray. After introducing e-invoicing, we turned 40,000 invoices electronic during 2021. Staff productivity improved, with a 66% saving in administrative back-office processing. We also have improved visibility, with a full audit trail for every invoice, and better forecasting.
“On the procurement side, we have eliminated six to eight hours of data entry every week for the procurement team. This has also created efficiencies for our suppliers, meaning we can secure better rates.”
The ERP introduction has meant rationalisation of Kelbray’s supply chain.
“The 80/20 rule applies – 80% of our spend is with 20% of our suppliers – so we targeted the high-level suppliers and put in place service level agreements with them,” said Aldridge. “For example, we found that we had over 80 PPE suppliers across the group, and we’ve reduced that to just four.”
He said the new processes are not cost-effective for suppliers who send in only 30-40 invoices a month, and that some suppliers were unable to send invoices in the required format.
“There has been a change management process at Keltbray,” Aldridge added. “Some staff and suppliers preferred to work with paper. So clear communication and training are key.
“Construction is far behind other industries in terms of eCommerce. The key is to get staff buy in and begin the change management process. We’re on that journey.”
Yan Llamas, COINS group product marketing and design director, was another speaker in the session on productivity.
“With ERP software, what we are trying to do is take the 1,000 or more things that happen in the construction process, and make them 1% better,” he said.
Also on the panel was Katy Dowding, Skanska vice president and a member of the Construction Productivity Taskforce. “Productivity is not about making people work harder, it’s about making them more productive, and that means improving processes and removing blockers,” she said. “We need to think about productivity from the outset of a project, and that means we have to collaborate and work together rather than ploughing our own furrows.”
Don’t miss out on BIM and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.


text:
InstaMD Medical Headset Nearing Its Final Stretch of Indiegogo Campaign.
The new health monitoring device that allows users the ability to record, the InstaMD Multi-Use Headset, track and share vitals via their mobile device, is reaching the final leg of their Indiegogo campaign. InstaMD, a startup company specializing in telemedicine, began their campaign on May 15 in order to secure funds for the initial production line. Potential backers of the campaign have until June 19 to donate to the campaign and pre-order their app and headset combination.
The InstaMD headset allows users to easily record and archive their vital signs and sounds. Working in conjunction with any previously owned stethoscope, the InstaMD headset provides health-conscious individuals with an in-depth health monitoring device as well as an electronic archiving system.
“InstaMD will change the way society looks at modern medicine,” says Dr. Subbarao Myla, co-founder of InstaMD. “Home health care is taking on a new meaning. Now patients can receive the same in-depth medical care they’d receive at the doctor’s office from the comfort of their own homes.”
The headset provides those with medical ailments or concerns a more convenient method of monitoring their vitals. With the InstaMD headset, patients can record and archive their vitals as often as they would like and then, by accessing the InstaMD web and mobile app, have their own personal physicians remotely access the data. In addition, patients can video conference with their physicians, making checkups much easier.
“Modern technology has given us the opportunity to do almost everything remotely,” said Dr. Myla. “We can watch our kids play sports from across the globe and we can access our home computers from anywhere that has an internet connection. Providing remote healthcare is simply the next logical step.”
Potential backers only have a limited time to pre-order their very own InstaMD headset. Those who back the campaign can pre-order their own InstaMD headset for only $85, a 15% discount off the retail price of $99. In addition to the discounted early bird price, backers can choose from special distributor and wholesale packages that include larger quantities as well as developer packages that include API access. For more information or pre-order an InstaMD headset, visit the campaign website. For more information, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @InstaMD.


text:
LOS ANGELES — Nov. 15, 2007 — Hip-hop royalty returns home when Jay-Z takes the stage in New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom as part of his six-city tour to promote “American Gangster,” his 10th studio album. With tickets sold out to all six North American shows, Control Room and MSN offer the only opportunity for fans worldwide to catch this historic performance, back-stage interview and surprise guests Diddy, Li’l Wayne and Rock Boyz on the MSN Music in Concert series premiering on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST at music.msn.com/jayz.
Inspired by the Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe film of the same name and featuring an all-star lineup of producers including Pharrell, Diddy and Jermaine Dupri, “American Gangster” chronicles Jay-Z’s own rise from the streets of Brooklyn to president/CEO of Def Jam Records. Celebrating nearly a decade in the business, the self-proclaimed Hova demonstrates his lyrical prowess on tracks “Blue Magic,” “Party Life” and “Pray.”
“Jay-Z is one of the most prolific artists of our time, combining an extraordinary ability to convey a compelling story through pointed lyrics and possessing the skills to deliver an electrifying live performance,” said Aaron Grosky, president of Control Room. “Control Room’s mission is to bring artists of this caliber and exclusive live performances, like this one, to a worldwide audience.”
“We at MSN are excited to bring Jay-Z’s sold-out ‘American Gangster’ concert online to those who couldn’t get their hands on tickets,” said Rob Bennett, general manager, entertainment, video and sports, MSN. “We work to bring the most entertaining content to our 465 million monthly users, and, as one of the most entertaining performers of our time, Jay-Z is taking our list of MSN Music in Concert artists to another level.”
Control Room and MSN Music in Concert (http://music.msn.com/inconcert) have brought nearly 30 shows in 2007, including Rihanna, Akon, John Legend, Pussycat Dolls, James Blunt and many more to audiences worldwide.
About MSN Video
MSN Video is one of the largest free programmed video services on the Web, watched by more than 12 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 50 content partners including “The Today Show,” FOX Sports, MSNBC, Reveille, Control Room, CBS, News Corp. and Fox Entertainment Group, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com.
Overall, MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Most recently, MSN partnered with Control Room to stream Live Earth, the largest online entertainment event in history, with over 62 million streams worldwide.
About Control Room
As the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment, Control Room’s live music programming showcases the world’s biggest artists from a variety of venues through multi-platform broadcasts via television, broadband and wireless platforms. Control Room has produced and distributed more than 80 live music events delivering the highest quality productions in the industry with 8-10 camera shoots in Native HD (1080p) and using Dolby 5.1 to ensure the most compelling audience experience. In 2007, Control Room produced the largest entertainment event in history, Live Earth. On July 7, 2007, the 7-continent, 24-hour music extravaganza featured 150 of the world’s leading artists to raise awareness for the Climate Crisis with a message of solutions and personal responsibility.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.


text:
Canada's Condominium Magazine
It’s been a long time coming, and it certainly won’t satisfy everybody, but Ontario’s finance minister, Dwight Duncan, announced today (New Year’s Eve, let us remember) that residents of this province will be able to buy beer and liquor at some grocery stores next year. Not every grocery store, and certainly not in corner convenience stores, but in a few carefully selected grocery stores. It’s a pilot project.
Dwight Duncan is not talking about grocery stores selling beer and liquor. The project involves setting up LCBO outlets in these grocery stores, as has been done at the Loblaws store on Queen’s Quay in Toronto.
The move is a far cry from what some, including former Liberal premier David Peterson promised way back in 1985. In the campaign that ended with his election that year, he promised to make alcoholic beverages available in corner stores, which the people of the province had said they wanted. Once elected, though, he was unable to get the legislation passed to make this happen.
Duncan now says the people of Ontario like the LCBO but want more access. More access, but not too much access, because that would lead to the kind of problems they have in (shudder) Detroit. “Anyone who lives near the border knows what that will look like,” Duncan said. And Ontarians certainly don’t want that, whatever that is.
How convenient will it be? You’ll still have to pay separately, so don’t get the notion that you can grab a bottle or two of wine as you pick up things for tonight’s dinner at the grocery store and pay for it all at the check-out. Millions of people in places like California, to name one place that we are most familiar with, do this every day, but that is not what Duncan sees for Ontario. That would be too convenient, one supposes.
As for the convenience store owners, they are decidedly in favour of selling alcohol. The Ontario Convenience Stores Association got more than one hundred thousand signatures on a petition last summer, asking for the right to buy and sell beer and wine in corner stores, something that the Conservative party leader, Tim Hudak, says he supports.


text:
According to the reports recently revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Vietnam, apparel accessories exports of the country generated US $84.67 million in the month of May and $334.33 million in the first five months of this year, posting an annual rise of 34 percent.
Accessory exports were made to some 43 countries and territories worldwide by the end of May this year.
Among the markets, US remained the biggest client earning Vietnam $91.87 million. Belgium stood at the second place absorbing goods worth $34.09 million followed by Japan with $32.92 million and Germany with $28.11 million.
For details click here
Fibre2fashion News Desk - Vietnam


text:
Investors have swarmed to cloud stocks in recent years, but disappointing forecasts from LinkedIn and Tableau set off alarm bells.» Read More
The doctor who transplanted a heart into United CEO Oscar Munoz says the heart is functioning well and he is optimistic about a full recovery.
China volatility. Oil selling off. Geopolitical tensions. The year did not get off to a good start for investors.
Shareholders could push media company Time Warner to sell itself or spin off its lucrative HBO business, the New York Post reported late on Thursday.
Investors dumped stocks and fled for the safety of bonds in the week to Jan. 6, which saw $2.3 trillion wiped off global equity markets.
Wal-Mart faces a lawsuit claiming store employees negligently allowed an underage, drunk customer to buy a box of bullets later used in three murders.
Employers likely maintained a strong pace of hiring in December, suggesting that a sharp manufacturing-led slowdown in growth would be temporary.
Insurers of Puerto Rican bonds sued the U.S. commonwealth over its recent debt default.
The IRS is walking a thin line in trying to simultaneously screen for potentially fraudulent tax returns and issue refunds to taxpayers.
Supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell have been reunited in an ad campaign for Balmain's latest collection.
Seven tips for choosing a savings account when interest rates increase.
Panasonic and Sony have both promised to “redefine” the turntable with their latest set of high-tech music products at Las Vegas’ CES this week.
Intel is launching a new project that focuses on one element of the problem: Online abuse.
Federal agents investigating claims of copyright infringement raided a Chinese hoverboard maker's stand at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Two men from the Middle East who came to the United States as refugees were arrested on federal charges involving international terrorism.
Martin Shrekli is using a brokerage account to secure his $5 million bond to keep him out of jail as he fights fraud charges.
Beyonce is returning to the Super Bowl halftime show.
The Obama administration is looking to draw in more uninsured customers as open enrollment nears its Jan. 31 deadline.
2016 will be a tipping point for virtual reality, say analysts.
The company attributed the sales drop to "a disruption in our supply chain." USA Today reports.
Many of Macy's issues are specific to the department store, and not signs of widespread retail frailty.
Get the best of CNBC in your inbox
NFL Star gives his Super Bowl pick, and weighs in on the economy
Unfortunately for the athletes, sometimes it's not the game people remember from the Super Bowl. Here are the top show-stopping moments.
The global economy seems trapped in a "death spiral" that could lead to further weakness in oil prices, recession and a bear market, Citi warns.
“Mad Money” host Jim Cramer breaks down why this once-loved group is the latest to get hammered.
This week, "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer talked to a string of all-star executives to get their take on tech.
Lowell McAdam, Verizon CEO, shares with Mad Money host Jim Cramer Verizon's contribution to the Super Bowl, business strategy, and transformation in the company.


text:
If you're seeking a difference between 2007 and the 2008 Audi A8, performance is where you'll find it.
The 2008 Audi A8 uses a 4.2-liter V-8 to churn out 350 hp, though a 450-hp W-12 engine is fitted to the A8 L W12.
The V-8 offers an extra 20 hp this year, says Automobile, as well as an extra 15 pound-feet of low-end torque. Audi says the A8 can hit 62 mph about 6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 155 mph. The V-8 engine "gives up little to the V-12" according to Motor Trend, and delivers 18 mpg highway.
Both versions of the A8 use a 6-speed automatic. Forbes Autos says it can be "taken through the gears like a manual." Cars.com says "considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades," but it has no qualms with the shifts themselves.
The A8's retuned steering and air suspension could use more work. The suspension can "induce unsettling wallow when at softer settings," ConsumerGuideAuto says. Cars.com instead found the full-size sedan "stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs." Motor Trend likes the steering's "perfect feel and weight."


text:
Entatech has signed up as the platinum partner of PCR Boot Camp 2013, and will showcase new products and offers to technology dealers on the big day.
"We’re thrilled to once again be a part of PCR Boot Camp, which is quickly becoming an important fixture in the IT industry," said Jon Atherton, group VP.
He’s keen for distributors, vendors and retailers alike to collaborate on strengthening the industry.
"The recent economic climate has left some casualties along the way so it’s vital that we work together in order to help support and grow this industry," he commented.
This year PCR Boot Camp, in association with Microsoft, takes place on Wednesday May 29th at The Brewery, London. Tech dealers can register for free at www.pcrbootcamp.com.
"As the platinum partner of PCR Boot Camp we will be taking full advantage of this fantastic opportunity to not only network with the hundreds of businesses who will be in attendance, but also, hopefully, establish new, lasting relationships which will help both our business and that of our customers’ to flourish," Atherton concluded.
Entatech will also be running training sessions with Headline Partner Microsoft on the day, ensuring that the event will offer practical advice you can take up straight away.
A conference session in the morning of May 29th will focus on Connecting with Customers, with industry experts such as the BRC’s former director general Stephen Robertson and search engine specialist John Straw giving talks on the latest issues.
Then after a free lunch, an Expo and Break-out Sessions in the afternoon will provide an opportunity for tech dealers to talk directly to vendors and distributors. The day finishes off with an After-Show Drinks Reception, where dealers will get their VIP Gift Bags.
The UK’s top 250 retailers are set to attend the event – interested dealers can register for free at www.pcrbootcamp.com/dealer-registration.
Partners this year so far include Microsoft (Headline partner), Entatech (Platinum), plus TP-Link, Wasp and Hama (Gold).
For sponsorship opportunities, contact: email@example.com.
For all the latest news on the PCR Boot Camp, follow our Twitter feed at @pcrbootcamp.


text:
The jewelry industry is witnessing a “recession period” and skilled artisans are staring at prospect of job loss. lower customs duty on the imported gold and GST on jewelry. In the Union Budget for the year 2019-20, customs duty on the imported gold was raised from 10 % to 12.5 %, while GST on jewelry fixed at 3% as compared to 1% in the erstwhile VAT regime.
“The jewelry industry is passing through a recession due to the low demand. Thousands of skilled artisans are staring at prospects of losing jobs,”.
He said the hike in customs duty and present GST rate is affecting customer sentiment, as prices of jewelry have increased. High customs duty is also leading to the smuggling of gold.


text:
Meat-processing companies have witnessed a steady increase in the number of EU migrant workers returning home, it claimed in a letter to the Migration Advisory Committee expressing concern over the shortage of skilled labour in abattoirs and boning facilities.
As a result, one of Britain’s largest processors had experienced a 27% production decrease since the beginning of the year, which had led to a weekly reduction in revenue of £40,000, the BMPA claimed.
Echoing concerns expressed by the fresh produce sector that crops could be left unpicked if the shortage was not addressed, it urged the committee to acknowledge the problem and to look favourably upon applications for work permits from non-EU workers to ease the crisis.
The BMPA’s plea came as Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, published a report last week warning how the flow of workers returning to their native countries could lead to serious labour shortages.
One in 10 food and drink sector workers is classified as a migrant, it said, calling on the Home Office and the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills to engage with industry leaders to discuss the government’s policies.
“Northern Ireland Food & Drink, for example, has been quite frank in its claim that, without migrant workers, the country’s meat industry would collapse, taking 20% of the UK’s red meat supply with it,” said Jack Matthews, chief executive of Improve.
The English meat sector has also expressed concern. “Migrant workers are an essential resource for our business due to a shortage of available local labour and we’d support the observation that this source of labour is tightening,” said a spokesman for 2 Sisters.


text:
Democrats such as Elizabeth Warren had their eye on business and the working class during the first 2020 presidential primary debate in Miami.2020 Electionsread more
Huawei's legal chief told CNBC that the company makes "solutions for civil use."Technologyread more
The issue over health insurance marked the first stark divide among the candidates, and sparked a heated back-and-forth between many of the candidates on stage.Politicsread more
Four candidates mentioned China — but none of the Democratic contenders brought up trade in the debate.Politicsread more
In a strategy to draw attention away from Wednesday's Democratic debate, President Donald Trump's reelection campaign bought out YouTube's "masthead," the leading...2020 Electionsread more
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday that is has found an issue with the Boeing 737 Max that the manufacturer must address before it lifts the grounding...Airlinesread more
The collapse of the deal potentially ended Sinclair's hopes of building a national conservative-leaning TV powerhouse that might have rivaled Fox News.Mediaread more
Huawei legal chief Song Liuping told CNBC that the company is in the "early phase" of talks with Verizon over paying royalties.Technologyread more
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner breaks down the idea behind a bipartisan bill he introduced to provide more transparency in Big Tech.Technologyread more
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday asked India to withdraw retaliatory tariffs that New Delhi imposed this month, calling the duties "unacceptable."World Economyread more
Wi-Fi 6 will be the next-generation wireless standard. Along with 5G, it will represent the next big shift in connectivity and data, said Irving Tan, senior vice president and...Shaping the futureread more
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell:
AutoNation – The car retailer reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.10 per share, 4 cents a share shy of estimates. Revenue also came in below analysts' forecasts. Separately, the company announced that CEO Mike Jackson will step down March 11 and become executive chairman. He'll be succeeded as CEO by Carl Liebert, the chief operating officer of financial services company USAA.
Wayfair – The online furniture retailer reported an adjusted quarterly loss of $1.12 per share, smaller than the loss of $1.28 per share that analysts were expecting. Revenue also topped Wall Street forecasts, as the company's active customer count jumped 15.2 percent from a year earlier to 15.2 million.
Kraft Heinz – Kraft Heinz reported adjusted quarterly profit of 84 cents per share, 10 cents a share below estimates. The food company's revenue also missed Wall Street forecasts. Additionally, Kraft said it had received a Securities and Exchange Commission subpoena regarding its accounting policies and procedures.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise — HPE beat estimates by 7 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of 42 cents per share. The enterprise computing company fell very slightly short of Street revenue forecasts, and HPE raised its full-year outlook.
Zillow Group – Zillow CEO and co-founder Spencer Rascoff has stepped down from that position, effective immediately. Another Zillow co-founder, Rich Barton, will take over as CEO, a job he had held from 2005 to 2010. The real estate website operator also reported adjusted quarterly profit of a penny a share, matching forecasts, while fourth-quarter revenue and current-quarter revenue guidance were both above analysts' forecasts.
Ford Motor – Ford said it had hired outside investigators to look into its fuel economy and testing procedures after workers raised concerns about those processes. The automaker said the probe does not involve the use of so-called "defeat" devices, which have been used to deceive government emissions tests.
Dropbox – Dropbox beat estimates by 2 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of 10 cents per share. The file sharing and storage company also saw revenue beat expectations. The company also forecast a drop in operating margins, putting pressure on the stock. Bank of America/Merrill Lynch subsequently upgraded the stock to "buy" from "neutral," saying any sell-off would represent a buying opportunity.
Intuit – Intuit earned an adjusted $1 per share for its fiscal second quarter, while the maker of TurboTax also reported better-than-expected revenue.
The Trade Desk – The programmatic advertising technology company reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.09 per share, 30 cents a share better than analysts had predicted. Revenue also beat estimates.
First Solar – First Solar reported quarterly earnings of 49 cents per share, missing the consensus estimate of 64 cents a share. The solar equipment company saw revenue fall below Wall Street forecasts, and First Solar cut its 2019 gross margin forecast.
Roku – Roku came in 2 cents a share ahead of estimates, with quarterly profit of 5 cents per share. Revenue was also above forecasts and the maker of video streaming devices issued an upbeat 2019 outlook.
Newmont Mining — Barrick Gold is considering a hostile bid for rival mining company Newmont, according to a report in Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper. The bid under consideration is said to be for $19 billion in stock.
Baidu – Baidu reported better-than-expected sales and profit for its fourth quarter, with strength in its online marketing business as well as its streaming service iQiyi. Baidu said that it spent heavily on content and promotion for the iQiyi service, however.
Newell Brands – Newell CEO Michael Polk is under pressure from the consumer products company's board of directors to prove his turnaround plan is working, according to The Wall Street Journal.


text:
Fortune reports that Microsoft today announced that they have filed legal action against Motorola due to patent infringements relating to their devices running Google’s Android operating system.
“Microsoft filed an action today in the International Trade Commission and in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Motorola, Inc. for infringement of nine Microsoft patents by Motorola’s Android-based smartphones. The patents at issue relate to a range of functionality embodied in Motorola’s Android smartphone devices that are essential to the smartphone user experience, including synchronizing email, calendars and contacts, scheduling meetings, and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power.
We have a responsibility to our customers, partners, and shareholders to safeguard the billions of dollars we invest each year in bringing innovative software products and services to market. Motorola needs to stop its infringement of our patented inventions in its Android smartphones.”
As you can read in the statement, Motorola’s implementation of Android on their smartphones are accused of infringinging on Microsoft patents relating to e-mail, calendar, contact, and meeting time synchronization. Motorola also apparently infringes on patents for pulling cellular signal strength and device battery information. Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Horacio Gutierre, wrote a blog post about the situation that is surely worth a read. Gutierre perhaps best sums up this lawsuit with his closing statement in his post: “Our action today merely seeks to ensure respect for our intellectual property rights infringed by Android devices; and judging by the recent actions by Apple and Oracle, we are not alone in this respect.”
You can read the complete post after the break:
“As many of you may have seen, Microsoft filed an action today in the International Trade Commission and in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Motorola, Inc. for infringement of nine Microsoft patents by Motorola’s Android-based smartphones. We have released a press statement about our suit, but I thought I would provide a bit more context here around the innovations infringed by Motorola’s Android-based smartphones and how our suit fits into ongoing developments in the smartphone space.
As we all know, smartphones have become an integral part of people’s daily lives and are used for a variety of tasks beyond making phone calls; from watching video and listening to music to staying in touch with family and friends. The Microsoft innovations at issue in this case help make smartphones “smart.” Indeed, our patents relate to key features that users have come to expect from every smartphone. The ability to send and receive email on-the-go has driven smartphone adoption. Nowadays, everyone expects to receive e-mail from multiple services in real time, to read it on their phones, and to reply or send new messages out – in continuous and seamless synchronization with their email services. Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync, a proprietary technology that we developed, makes this possible.
But people manage more than email from their devices, they manage their lives. Users can not only send and receive email from smartphones; they can also manage their calendars. Their phones will remind them of appointments and allow them to schedule new ones. Similarly, users maintain lists of contacts on their phones, so that they can easily stay connected – by phone, text message, or email – to the people they interact with most. Again, our technology enables people to see their calendar and email contacts on their phone, and to manage their calendar and contacts from whatever device they are using.
People use smartphones for much more as well: they surf the web, play music and videos, and run apps. Consumers expect more and more from their smartphones every day, making their phones resemble not so much a phone as a handheld computer. Of course, for certain apps to run efficiently on handheld devices, they must be notified of changes in signal strength and battery power and the device must manage memory for storing data. Given the wide range of functionality smartphones offer, they also need to be able to display relevant choices for users efficiently. Microsoft’s patented technologies tackle all of these challenges.
That Microsoft has important patents in this area should not surprise anyone – we’ve spent over 30 years developing cutting-edge computer software. As I mentioned in my blog post last March, the key value proposition of smartphones has moved from the radio stack to the software stack, as people buy smartphones because they are fully functional computers that fit in the palm of your hand. With this shift, it is imperative that companies address IP issues related to the software that makes possible this new class of devices. The rules of the road are long-established in the software industry, and fundamental to the industry’s growth and economic impact is respect for others’ intellectual property rights.
Our action today merely seeks to ensure respect for our intellectual property rights infringed by Android devices; and judging by the recent actions by Apple and Oracle, we are not alone in this respect.”
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


text:
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – If you’re someone who struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep, Mattress Firm is here to help. Nik Armstrong is a store manager and sleep expert at Mattress Firm and has some tips for a better night’s sleep.
Armstrong says 85% of the population sleeps “hot” at night. “During the day, the human body maintains a fairly regular temperature, but at night, the body naturally drops by almost two degrees,” Armstrong says.
He says the mattress world now offers materials that bring cooling comfort. The cool temperature results in fewer instances of tossing and turning.


text:
Valve's newly announced "economist-in-residence" Yanis Varoufakis has posted his first paper on the Valve Economics blog, as he writes about "arbitrage and equilibrium" in Team Fortress 2's economy.
A week of Windows 10, holograms and Exploding Kittens on Mars
Office 2016 launching this year, touch apps coming soon
Microsoft reveals the next version of Windows 10
Introducing Windows 10 for phones
Hands on with HoloLens
Download: Windows 10 build 9926
The Economist claims to have been founded to take part in "a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing progress". As such, each year, The Economist recognises individuals who...
At the moment many see the price of Microsoft products and services as high, but if the nine states have their way in the anti-trust case against the Redmond giants consumers will feel the sting...


text:
A geneticist at the University of California who helped invent the gene-editing tool Crispr told Business Insider she believes its most profound impacts will be on food.
Several Crispr’d crops have already been made, and although you can’t buy them yet, she said she expects to see them in grocery stores within 5 years.
In Silicon Valley, some startups are even using Crispr to make lab-grown meat.
The geneticist, Jennifer Doudna, was named to Business Insider’s list of the10 People Transforming Healthcare.
While ethicists debate the applications of blockbuster gene-editing tool Crispr in human healthcare, an inventor of the tool believes it has a more immediate application: improving our food.
“I think in the next five years the most profound thing we’ll see in terms of Crispr’s effects on people’s everyday lives will be in the agricultural sector,”Jennifer Doudna, the University of California Berkeley geneticist who unearthed Crispr in early experiments with bacteria in 2012, told Business Insider.
Crispr has dozens of potential uses, from treating diseases like sickle cell to certain inherited forms of blindness. The tool recently made headlines when a scientist in China reportedly used it to edit the DNA of a pair of twin baby girls.
Then there are Crispr’s practical applications — the kinds of things we might expect to see in places like grocery stores and farmers’ fields within a decade, according to Doudna.
Work on Crispr’d produce has been ongoing for about half a decade, but it’s only recently that US regulators have created a viable path for Crispr’d products to come to market.
Back in 2016, researchers at Penn State used Crispr to make mushrooms that don’t brown. Last spring, gene-editing startup Pairwise scored $125 million from agricultural giant Monsanto to work on Crispr’d produce with the goal of getting it in grocery stores within the decade. A month later, Stefan Jansson, the chief of the plant physiology department at Sweden’s Umea University, grew and ate the world’s first Crispr’d kale.
More recently, several Silicon Valley startups have been experimenting with using Crispr to make lab-grown meat.
Memphis Meats, a startup with backing from notable figures like Bill Gates and Richard Branson that has made real chicken strips and meatball prototypes from animal cells (and without killing any animals), is using the tool. So is New Age Meats, another San Francisco-based startup that aims to create real meat without slaughter.


text:
It’s finally here! Chevy has officially unveiled the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray and it’s unlike any other Corvette before it. The biggest news is that the C8 Corvette is now features mid-engine layout that will give it better weight distribution, making it even more enjoyable to drive.
At the heart of the 2020 Corvette is a 6.2L Small Block V8 LT2 engine, which is the only naturally aspirated V8 in the segment. The V8 generates 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque when equipped with performance exhaust — the most horsepower and torque for any entry Corvette. The engine is also mated to an eight speed dual-clutch transmission, the brand’s first dual clutch transmission.
When it’s equipped with the Z51 Performance Package, the 2020 Corvette can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under three seconds, making it the fastest entry Corvette ever. The Z51 Performance Package adds a performance suspension with manually adjustable threaded spring seats, larger brake rotors with the Z51 logo on the calipers, enhanced cooling, a specific axle ratio and a performance exhaust system.
There are several performance upgrades, including the steering ratio that’s improved from 16.25:1 to 15.7:1, new eBoost brakes and Michelin’s all-season performance tire that can corner at nearly 1G. The 2020 Corvette also features a new front suspension lift that raises ground clearance by approximately 40mm at the front bumper in 2.8 seconds to protect it from bumps, potholes, steep driveways and other road disturbances.
Inside the 2020 Corvette features a new infotainment system, a 12-inch customizable instrument cluster, a wireless charger for your cell phone and two available Bose audio systems. There are three seat options: GT1, GT2 and Competition Sport.
The good news is that even with all the changes and upgrades, the 2020 Corvette Stingray will start under $60k when it goes on sale early next year.


text:
Council member’s business burglarized by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 10, 2014
One of West Branch’s newest City Council members’ businesses was burglarized right before Christmas, yet the council member said he feels sorry for the burglar more than he feels upset over the loss.
Tim Shields, who owns Shields Sewing Center in Sycamore Mall in Iowa City, said he is thankful none of his staff were harmed.
Iowa City Police Sgt. Vicki Lalla said cash was reported stolen from the store 9:57 a.m. Dec. 23, though there were no signs of forced entry and it was undetermined how someone entered the store. The store has access from inside the mall via a gate that slides over the entrance, and from the outside by a door.
Lalla said none of the other stores reported burglaries.
Shields said he thinks someone got into the store the night of Dec. 22.
“It was the weekend so we had more cash in the drawer,” he said. “When I came in the next morning, I found the bank bag but the cash was gone. The checks were there, but the cash was gone.”
Shields said he contacted the police, who came and took the information. He said he closed his business for about a half hour while waiting for police to arrive and investigate.
“But there’s not a whole lot they could do,” he said.
There was no security camera footage. Shields said he discovered that the interior gate was not latching correctly, so he had that repaired.
“It’s too bad,” he said, “that someone felt they had to steal to get what they needed.”
Shields said the company, which also has a location in Rock Island, is insured against theft.
“Life goes on,” he said. “It was pretty minor. They did not trash the place. Obviously they were not a customer, otherwise they would have taken one of the sewing machines.”
Lalla said there have been no arrests in the case, which remains under investigation.


text:
Google recently released Android 11’s first developer preview. Some test results seen today in Geekbench revealed that Samsung is working on this software.
Google released the first developer preview of Android 11 earlier this month, and the developers started their work using this software. Some of the information revealed today shows that Samsung is holding its hand quickly.
Samsung has begun trying this new software on the Galaxy S10 +. According to Geekbench’s data, the Galaxy S10 + Android R with model number SM-G975F was tested. Google’s new operating system is also known as Android 11, but the developer predicts that Google will follow the alphabetical naming scheme and that the new software will be named Android R.
Here’s the Geekbench test showing that Samsung is starting work for Android 11:
Geekbench does not reveal an extraordinary detail about the test operating system. It would be strange to expect the operating system to be detailed before the operating system is opened to general use.
This means that by the end of this year, Android 11 can officially be released. Even without the Galaxy S10 +, we can see this software on at least any flagship of Samsung.
Surprisingly, Samsung had brought Android 10 to some of its smartphones quickly before 2019 was over. Android 10 support has reached its peak in the past 6 months, with a few exceptions, such as the Galaxy Fold. So there is no reason to believe that Samsung will use Android R on their phones as quickly as it does on Android 10, but it is impossible for Samsung to use it without Google officially introducing Android 11.
It continues to guarantee that Samsung phones will receive 2 major software updates. If your new phone comes with Android Pie, it will technically get an Android 11 update, but if your phone has already received 2 major updates, it probably won’t get any more.


text:
‘Style,’ ‘Fun’ Are Watchwords in Deutsch Ads
LOS ANGELES–Deutsch will reposition Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America as a stylish maker of fun cars with a TV campaign breaking later this month themed, “Wake up and drive.”
The estimated $60 million campaign will launch Mitsubishi’s 1999 Galant sedan and kick off a new image effort for the Cypress, Calif.-based client.
Created by Deutsch’s Marina del Rey , Calif., and New York offices, the campaign will replace the 2-year-old “Built for living” effort created by longtime factory shop G2 Advertising in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Mitsubishi executives confirmed the new strategy but declined to comment on specifics. “This positioning is meant to assert what we think is at the core of our products and our brand–a unique combination of quality and durability with style and fun,” said marketing communications director Peg Dilworth-Hunt.
Dilworth-Hunt also used the words “style” and “spirit” to describe the new positioning. Mitsubishi is internally employing the strategic theme, “Spirited cars for spirited people.”
Deutsch’s effort kicks off this week on a Galant-devoted Web site, which hails the model as Mitsubishi’s “new style leader.” Teaser ads in the August issues of car enthusiast magazines promote the wakeupanddrive.com site and the 1-877-wake-u-up toll-free hotline. The copy reads, “If you’re having a tough time deciding between an Accord or Camry, we can help.”
The TV ads will begin with teasers on July 27, followed by the Galant spots two days later. Sources said the spots use quick cuts and hyperkinetic footage of a speeding Galant, while using the irreverent tone of Deutsch’s commercials for dealers, which ask, “Is your life built for Mitsubishi?” The client has yet to formally award the agency the factory account.
Despite vying with best-selling sedans such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus, Mitsubishi has high hopes for Galant. “Those are tremendous products with deep brand equity, but we feel we have the most viable alternative [for] style and fun,” said Dilworth-Hunt.
Mitsubishi sales were up 2 percent through June, per automotive consultancy J.D. Power and Associates.
Get Adweek's Brand Marketing Daily Newsletter in your Inbox
Today's highs and lows of creativity


text:
Michael Jordan’s last signature with the Chicago Bulls, the Air Jordan 14, was inspired by the design of a Ferrari 550M. Now the design’s inspiration is directly embodied in its aesthetics to create the Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari.” Resembling the red Ferrari that Jordan became affiliated with during his time in the Windy City, this colorway is composed of red suede up top with a carbon fiber look on the midsole and yellow branding that once again lines up with the automobile. Confirmed by House of Hoops, these commemorative 14s will release August 16th. Tell us your thoughts on the upcoming Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari” in the comment box below, and keep steering through Nice Kicks for more information going forward.
Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari”
Release Date: August 16, 2014


text:
New Opera for Android is Out of Beta and Available Right Now (Video)
Opera Browser has managed to stand out as one of the best choices in terms of mobile browsers available on virtually any platform. The new redesigned version has been advertised since a while back and is now out of beta and available on the Play Store.
Like Chrome and Firefox, Opera offers a beta version for the Android platform in order to test the latest features and implementations. Opera Beta has been available in a completely new redesigned form on the Store, integrating a new Webkit based engine and lots of UI changes. Now implemented in the stable release, Opera brings a new experience, coupled with the data saving features that are so popular among all versions of the browser.
Opera for Android comes with a new start screen – Speed Dial that offers access to the most used pages. The new rendering engine based on Chromium 26 is advertised as both fast and highly reliable, while the Off-Road mode is meant to help users save data on 3G/4G networks. The browser also integrates a Top-Stories page, available at a swipe away and offering the latest news from around the world. Users will benefit from the new consistent design changes, with a new webpage switching interface and lots more.
Download the new stable release of Opera for Android from the Google Play Store.


text:
To receive the Vogue Business newsletter, sign up here.
In the third and final episode of the Vogue Business and Dept master class series on how to build an e-commerce brand for the future, Deciem CEO and co-founder Nicola Kilner discusses the global beauty group’s omnichannel strategy with Vogue Business editorial associate Bella Webb.
Since Kilner took the helm as sole CEO in 2018 (prior to which she was co-CEO with the group’s late co-founder Brandon Truaxe), Deciem has expanded its global retail footprint to include 32 owned stores. In tandem with its e-commerce website, they sell more than a product per second, according to the company. In February 2021, the Estée Lauder Companies increased its majority stake in Deciem to 76 per cent, valuing the group at $2.2 billion.
“Retail is forever changing, and that has only been accelerated by the pandemic,” says Kilner. When lockdown restrictions first came into play in 2020, Deciem shuttered its stores and retrained its 300-strong staff to run a new digital consultation service, Deciem At Home. While the staff are back in-store now, the online consultations have remained. Another pandemic addition was its online Regime Builder, which has garnered over five million users. “It’s important to offer different services, depending on how consumers want to interact with us,” she adds.
While other brands pivoted to e-commerce entirely, Deciem expanded its fleet of physical retail stores, using omnichannel to enhance its consumer experience.
“We don’t necessarily look at physical retail as a huge driver of profit and revenue, but as a home for our brand,” Kilner explains. “Physical retail should be the best experience of a brand because everything from the staff uniforms and training to the music and the scent is curated by the brand.”


text:
The future of aviation may be closer than we think thanks to an electric aircraft start-up company, Impossible Aerospace. One of their newly-designed electric drones is capable of flying non-stop for two hours. With $9.4 million in funding from Airbus and two Silicon Valley venture capital firms, electric drones are just the beginning.
Spencer Gore, CEO and founder of Impossible Aerospace, is a former Tesla battery engineer with invaluable industry experience. His vision is to transform aviation using electric drones as proof of concept. The plan is to make longer-range electric passenger aircraft with today’s low energy-density batteries. If all goes according to plan, the future looks bright for zero-emission passenger aircraft. We take a closer look at the technology and the young mastermind behind it all.
Electric Drones And Technology
Impossible Aerospace used special techniques to house conventional lithium ion battery cells as structural elements. In other words, the power source of the drone doubles as the primary structure. This allowed them to pack more battery power into the drone at an equivalent weight. Depending on payload, approximately 70% of the drone’s weight is battery, compared to 20% for competing drones of a similar size.
Un-laden, the US-1 weighs 14 pounds (6,3 kg) and measures 30 x 30 cm with a top speed of 42 mph (67 km/h). It is about five times heavier than the Phantom 4 Pro drone from DJI and not surprising considering the larger lithium-ion battery.
The US-1 electric drones are optimised for continuous hovering and surveillance with likely applications in law enforcement. In fact, they are already selling the US-1 with all the added features to firefighters, police departments and rescue teams in the US. Even when equipped with optical or thermal sensors weighing 4.4 pounds, the US-1 electric drone has 90-minutes flight time. The “battery-first” approach was key in the development process. Impossible Aerospace suggests that you can charge the battery in under an hour which means quick turnaround times.
According to Philip Finnegan, an analyst at Teal Group tracking the UAV industry, “Focusing on the government market first is very smart and if they can achieve these flight times with a payload, that is impressive and certainly positions them well.” In addition, Teal Group estimates that the US civil government market for drones could be worth close to $300 million from 2018 to 2027.
Here is the first look at what we can expect from the US-1 electric drones:
Where It All Began
As mentioned earlier, Spencer Gore is founder and CEO of Impossible Aerospace and he has big plans for electric drones. Gore studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at before switching his major to engineering physics in his junior year. He protested over the curriculum stating that he did not want to take a class on gas turbine propulsion and wanted to study electric propulsion instead.
After graduating, Gore worked at Tesla for a year and a half as a battery design engineer for the Tesla Model S and Model 3. He realised that drone and electric aircraft developers were making the same mistakes automakers made with initial electric cars. The problem is in the design process where they only add the battery at the end. With their electric drones, Gore decided to turn most of the structure into a power source.
The company’s patent application outlines methods to package battery cells between planar substrates acting as load-bearing structures. They also be curved, like aircraft fuselages, wings or tails. While traveling inside a tube surrounded by lithium batteries may sound alarming due to fire risks, Gore believes it’s not too difficult to engineer safe lithium-ion battery packs today. Besides, the greater density of jet fuel (about 40 times) makes it far more flammable than batteries.
According to Gore, “If you look at the auto industry, the only time you see a battery fire is in a high-speed collision, and that’s not something that happens to aircraft often. I don’t think that the fire risk is what stops electric aircraft, it’s instead trying to overcome the massive advantage in energy density that conventional fuel provides.”
What Lies Ahead For Electric Drones
In addition to the massive contribution to greenhouse gas emissions of aviation, the industry is set to expand over the next few decades. Global commercial airline fleets could more than double to 50 000 airplanes by 2040.
Gore plans to use all the money the company makes from drones and investing it into his main goal which is developing larger zero-emissions electric aircraft. The company plans to start shipping the drone later this year at a base price of around $7,000 (£5,400)*.
For more interesting articles on technology, advanced manufacturing and precision engineering, visit our blog site or find us on social media. PRV Engineering manufacture for a wide range of industries include automotive, aerospace, defence, rail and construction.
* Price is accurate as of September 11, 2018 and excludes accessories such as cameras or GPS tracking.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


text:
Cadbury axes 50 Hobart jobs, invests $75 million into factory
Mondelez International will cut 50 jobs from its Hobart Cadbury factory. At the same time the company has announced plans to invest $75 million into upgrading the site.
Over the past five years, Mondelez, which is responsible for the Cadbury brand in Australia, has invested AUD $110 million into the Tasmanian factory. It has now committed another AUD $75 million to be spent over the next 18-months, but will axe 50 jobs as part of the new upgrade.
Mondelez International Area Vice President, Amanda Banfield, explained the investment and job cuts are about competing with European and other factories that have lower costs.
“To remain competitive, we need to improve our conversion costs by 30 per cent, plus continue to raise the bar as competition increases further,” Banfield said.
It is expected the 50 employees will cease employment by the end of 2017. Mondelez said the majority of job losses should be voluntary redundancies.
Manufacturing Director of Chocolate at Mondelez, Jason Bonisoli, said the changes were necessary to allow Cadbury manufacturing to remain in Tasmania.
“The changes will help sustain Cadbury’s position as market leader, innovating and making new products that meet consumers’ requirements,” he said.
In May 2017, Mondelez said it was considering closing New Zealand’s Dunedin Cadbury factory and moving its production to the Tasmanian factory.
In May 2015, Mondelez axed 80 jobs from the Cadbury Hobart factory.
- Mondelez considers moving NZ Cadbury factory production to Australia
- Cadbury cuts Tassie jobs in Mondelez cost-cutting squeeze
Nestle has launched an organic version of its popular Nescafe Gold instant coffee.
A GOVERNMENT economic survey of Australian vegetable-growing farms of the last two years shows a 12 ...
Environmental issues and clean labelling will again dominate packaging trends next year says market ...
Research by the University of Adelaide has shown that consumers are much more influenced by wine lab...
IBISWorld says its research indicates the backpacker tax will negatively affect a number of Australi...
Convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, has requested the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to sh...
Gelatissimo and Byron Bay Cookie Company have collaborated to create a new gelato flavour.
The growing aquaculture industry in Western Australia is attracting tourism to small towns on the s...


text:
Seven years ago, Marianne Thomson and Lauren Wambolt launched their online store Alexa Pope, making waves in the Halifax fashion scene with a minimalistic and chic aesthetic. Later, the store would get an IRL footprint at 1477 Lower Water Street, eventually expanding in 2019 to serve even more looks inside its airy space.
Along the way, Alexa Pope never lost its fashion-forward focus, offering more looks pulled from your IG feed than almost any other shop downtown.
The journey to becoming successful entrepreneurs for Thomson and Wambolt was not an easy path. Putting in long nights and investing hundreds of their own dollars in their business finally paid off when they were able to build success for themselves, appealing to fashion go-getters with a passion for chasing the next hot trend. ("We've worked for oil companies doing dispatch at night, we worked for lawn-care companies. These were jobs we got that were great that we could use to work around our schedule so we could give our all to Alexa Pope," Thomson told The Coast last year.)
But now, after all these years of owning and operating one of Halifax’s trendiest retailers on Lower Water Street, Thomson and Wambolt announced July 31st via their public Instagram that they would be closing.
“It has been a tough few months for everyone but we feel like this is the right choice for us to make,” the pair wrote on their business Instagram.
Their post has been followed with support, with many commenters saying how much they will miss the two fashion moguls.
Although this is the end of that Alexa Pope store, it's not the end for Thomson and Wambolt: “We are ready for the next chapter in our lives and believe when one door closes, another will open,” They wrote on their Instagram.
The shop is currently having a warehouse sale online until all of its inventory is gone—so it’s now or never when it comes to snagging some Alexa Pope merchandise.


text:
The idea of a circular economy is fairly simple in practice – using resources through the entirety of their useful service life, even if it means repurposing them, is much more efficient than throwing those goods away and replacing them with new items. Wood, for example, can be reused in diverse ways as refurbished wood from various projects can be finished to be viable as construction material, flooring, furniture and similar items.
A recent Nature report said that a study of seven European nations estimated that a circular economy would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent in each country.
While commercial architects and construction companies may not be able to take circular economic principles into their projects, they can take the core ideology behind this practice and put it into action.
Extending sustainability beyond low-hanging fruit
There are easy energy efficiency efforts that are becoming a part of most commercial projects. Strategies such as using efficient light bulbs, allowing for natural light and deploying motion sensors to prevent lights from being left on unnecessarily are commonplace. Taking sustainability to another level depends on thinking about the entire life cycle of the material being used. This type of consideration is leading to an increased use of wood in urban and commercial design.
A recent Treehugger report explained that wood that is gathered from sustainably managed forests creates multiple levels of environmental gains. The responsible forestation actually benefits the ecosystem and wood is a viable construction material that can function well in diverse settings.
Pointing to a presentation led by Michael Green, principal architect at Michael Green Architecture, at the 2015 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Conference, the news source explained that wood can handle the demands of a skyscraper – even one as large as the Empire State Building. He also said that the current SFI certification system is designed in such a way that more construction projects using wood will lead to more reforestation and, ultimately, positive carbon production.
Getting ahead on sustainability certifications
Increased use of wood as a commercial construction material is just one example of how sustainability efforts are deepening within the architecture and development sectors. Understanding the nuances of sustainability certifications, emerging technologies and materials best practices plays an integral role in professional development for architects, engineers and builders. Between circular economic principles gaining momentum, the rise of wood in commercial development and other changing sustainability trends, being ahead of the pack can pay off. This is especially true in commercial development, where sustainable design is often a key marketing point for a new corporate headquarters or similar facility.
For more information on Sustainable Design and LEED Training, view RedVector’s online offerings.


text:
Source: News Bharati English30 Nov 2016 16:16:04
New Delhi, November 30: Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) giving free 4G SIM cards and launching affordable 4G-enabled smartphones to connect the next billion, India is set to lead the 4G revolution, the International Data Corporation IDC said today. Worldwide 4G smartphones are expected to show double-digit uptake at 21.3 percent Year-on-Year growth for 2016 to reach 1.17 billion units — up from 967 million in 2015.
“We are quickly seeing this change in key growth markets like India where new operator Reliance Jio is aggressively trying to shake up the market by handing out free 4G SIM cards and launching own-branded low-cost 4G-enabled smartphones,” said Melissa Chau, Associate Research Director, IDC’s “Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers”, in a statement.
The company commercially launched its services on September 5. Jio has introduced Aadhaar-based paper-less Jio SIM activation across 3,100 cities and towns. With Jio connection users can enjoy unlimited access to HD voice calls (on Jio eligible VOLTE phones), messaging, video calls, and high-speed data as well as access to Jio’s suite of apps till December 31. This comes right after Reliance Jio has crossed the 50 million subscriber mark in less than three months after its full-fledged 4G services launch to emerge as the largest broadband operator in the country.


text:
Aug 24, 2022
Marianne Cursetjee wasn’t very familiar with cannabis before her cancer diagnosis. But after she was diagnosed in 2015, her friend introduced her to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)—and she found she was able to eliminate many of the pharmaceutical drugs she was taking in response to her cancer treatment’s side effects. Now she serves as the CEO and co-founder of Alibi Cannabis, a self-funded, top-shelf cannabis company based in Oregon. On the pod, Maryanne talks about her eye-opening experience of using cannabis to help with cancer treatment and what advice she’d give to cancer patients considering cannabis. Marianne also talks about using her business skills to enter the cannabis industry, and how her business is adapting to the increasingly competitive Oregon market.


text:
Feb 18, 2017 AM EST Prospective students should check out the ways to sample an online degree program.
Feb 17, 2017 AM EST Accreditation is important when applying for jobs after students complete their online degree program.
Feb 16, 2017 AM EST The faculty union is seeking a moratorium on the implementation fo the online degree program.
Feb 14, 2017 AM EST Northern College will be offering a Bachelor of Computer Science bridging program.
Feb 03, 2017 AM EST GlobalXplorer was created to ask the public for help in identifying archaeological sites.
Jan 31, 2017 AM EST Google Chrome nearly introduced a feature that would have crippled web applications.
Jan 31, 2017 AM EST Adobe retires Creative Suite as Creative Cloud grows to 500-plus features
Jan 26, 2017 AM EST Harvard's free online architecture course will launch next month.
Jan 11, 2017 AM EST Here's a list of the best online programs for 2017, according to a ranking by U.S. News.
Jan 11, 2017 AM EST If you're looking to pursue online education to help boost your career, here are a few things to consider before enrolling.
Jan 04, 2017 AM EST It is the start of a new year for fans to yet again keep a lookout to any news or rumors relating to a possible "Left 4 Dead 3" game. In other news, Turtle Rock Studios are developing a new FPS game.
Dec 27, 2016 AM EST Square Enix has finally announced the release date for the upcoming second expansion "Final Fantasy XIV" slated next year. Moreover, fans can check out ta few details revealed regarding the game's ...
Dec 10, 2016 AM EST Facebook has enlisted the help of college students in taking down online trolls.
Nov 28, 2016 PM EST Kids nowadays are becoming more and more addicted to using smart devices, and reports show how unhealthy this is for a child's mental and physical development.
Nov 28, 2016 AM EST It was recently reported that there have been some disgruntled players that demanding for a refund due to the persistent server problems they have been experiencing in EA DICE's "Battlefield 1" ...
Feb 21, 2017 AM ESTHere's Times Higher Education's best university ranking from emerging economies for the year 2016-2017
Feb 21, 2017 AM ESTWalden Online University provided blacks and other minorities the chance to reach their dream of getting a doctorate degree.
Dec 31, 1969 PM ESTCheck out the practices that every campus committee should do.


text:
A spec sheet of the Huawei P9 was accidentally displayed on an online store.
Huawei’s next flagship device will be the P9, leaks of the device have been rampant, revealing a lot before the rumoured early April unveiling. We’re most likely to receive a device that looks almost exactly like last year’s P8 and now with the leaked specs out, we can draw more comparisons. Oppomart, an online store specialising in importing Chinese smartphones to the US, posted the specs we have before us.
As expected we’re getting an upgrade in specs with a Kirin 950 powering things. It will retain the 5.2-inch full HD display, add that with the same design language we got a device that’s extremely similar to the P8. 32GB of internal memory and 3GB of RAM will also be included. The snapper sees a downgrade to 12 megapixels but optical image stabilisation will apparently be retained.
A small excerpt about the 3000 mAh battery promises new power saving technology that will last you all day:
“The energy efficient display features CABC and DRAM (Display RAM) technology that adjust the level of backlight and differentiate between dynamic and static content on your screen. These technologies reduce the power consumed and allow you to run all your apps and data services, all day long.”
Huawei are expected to launch the P9 at an event in London on the 6th of April. More news to follow.
For more on Huawei, visit What Mobile’s dedicated Huawei page.


text:
Azerbaijan boosts non-oil exports in 1H2021
By Ayya Lmahamad
Azerbaijan increased the volume of its non-oil exports by $248 million or 27.1 percent during January-June 2021, the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication of Azerbaijan reported in its July export review.
In the first half of the year, the volume of Azerbaijan’s exports amounted to $8.8 billion, including $1.2 billion in the non-oil sector.
Moreover, non-oil and gas exports per capita grew as well. Thus, non-oil and gas exports in the first six months of 2017 were $82 per capita, $94 in 2018, and $97 in 2019. While that figure fell to $91 because of the pandemic in 2020, it rose to $116 in the first six months of this year.
The foreign trade turnover in June resulted in $2.4 billion, with the country's exports amounting to $1.4 billion and imports to $997.1 million. Non-oil exports increased by 33.7 percent to $254.9 million. The share of the non-oil exports in total export in June amounted to 20 percent.
Furthermore, in the list of non-oil exports, tomatoes ranked first with $123.6 million, followed by cotton yarn with $121.9 million and gold with $107.9 million.
During the reported period, non-oil goods worth $403.8 million were exported to Russia, $309.5 million to Turkey, $117.6 million to Switzerland, $80.2 million to Georgia and $30.3 million to the U.S.
The top three countries in terms of non-oil products export in June were Russia with $124.4 million, Turkey with $54.5 million and Switzerland with $26.5 million. Tomatoes ranked first in the non-oil sector export in the reported month with $36.6 million, followed by cherry with $29.3 million and gold with $20.5 million.
Likewise, in June, the volume of transactions conducted by foreigners on bank cards in Azerbaijan amounted to AZN 48.3 million ($28.4M).
The export review also provided information about export orders received by Azexport.az portal. Thus, the portal received orders in the amount of $42.3 million in June 2021. In addition, in January-June 2021 Azexport.az received export orders for $236.6 million. It should be noted that from January 2017 to June 30, 2021, the portal received export orders worth $2.4 billion from 145 countries.
Additionally, the value of the non-oil exports through the Single Window Export Support Centre in July this year amounted to $20 million. From 2017 to July 2021, the value of goods and products exported through the Single Window Export Support Centre was $595 million.
The export review aims to familiarize entrepreneurs with export issues, expand opportunities for exporting local goods to traditional and new markets and accelerate the process of integration into international markets.
Ayya Lmahamad is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @AyyaLmahamad
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz


text:
Ikai is a first person psychological horror game developed by Endflame and published by PM Studios.
It is set in Feudal Japan, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore.
Ikai has some redeeming qualities, but they're far from enough to make up for its many, many deficiencies.
Laura Ripoll, producer and designer at Endflame, speaks with GamingBolt about the upcoming first person psychological horror game.
The game is scheduled to release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC on October of this year. It looks absolutely terrifying.


text:
Hamleys ahead on the home front
BRITISH shoppers are continuing to fuel the recovery at Hamleys, pushing sales at its flagship toys store in London's Regent Street ahead by 6.5% last year after an exceptionally good Christmas period.
A strong performance from its Hamleys Direct business and the new Bear Factory chain pushed like-for-like sales for the group as a whole up by 9.3%. Bear Factory, set up 18 months ago, has 22 branches and further expansion is planned this year, including overseas franchises.
Chairman Simon Burke said tourist spending is still down but this has been more than made up for by domestic shoppers. Turnover for the year to 30 March was marginally higher, at £46m, and pre-tax profits excluding exceptional items edged ahead by £100,000 to £4.1m. But Burke said operating profit from core activities was more than 20% ahead, at £5.7m. The dividend total is maintained at 7.3p.
Most watched Money videos
- Land Rover unveils the fastest and most powerful Defender V8 yet
- 2007: Levi Roots pitches his Reggae Reggae Sauce to the Dragons
- Jupiter Green: How we invest in companies helping the planet
- Which shares could do well if inflation rises?
- Three Minute Money: What error are accidental savers making?
- Three Minute Money: What will make savings rates rise?
- Three Minute Money: Should every saver have Premium Bonds?
- Nissan unveils all new Qashqai SUV, made in Sunderland
- £3,200 electric car that's outselling Tesla in China
- Rebuild of a super-rare 1985 MG Metro 6R4 on Car SOS
- Three Minute Money: Should every parent be saving in a Jisa?
- Mercedes releases footage of new EQS electric vehicle


text: Nocton Farms has presented UK farmers with a new concept never seen before in Europe- an 8000 cow dairy. The idea of opening such a large farming operation has created a lot of controversy among farmers, activists and the general European public. European farmers pride themselves on the fact that their products can always be easily traced back to the farm from which they came from. Many fear that introducing a large dairy will cause a lag in product recognition in Europe. Other concerns expressed include animal welfare issues, environmental issues and a loss of the family farm. A CNN article reported on the various opinions of Europeans on the matter of either accepting or declining the new farm. Personally I feel that Europe has never seen such a farm size before and this scares them. Because they are not supply managed I feel that if they allow large factory dairies to take up roots Europe dairy farmers will be overall worse off.


text: BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday it will keep its stores open 24 hours and take new crowd-control measures Thanksgiving weekend after a temporary employee was trampled to death in a Black Friday rush last year. The world's largest retailer says day-after-Thanksgiving sales will begin at 5 a.m. Nov. 27, but most U.S. stores will be open 24 hours to prevent a mad dash. The announcement doesn't affect most of Wal-Mart's Supercenters, which are already open 24 hours. Federal safety regulators cited Wal-Mart for inadequate crowd management after the Nov. 28, 2008, death of a temporary employee at a Long Island, N.Y., store. A crowd of shoppers broke down the store's doors, trapping employee Jdimytai Damour, who died of asphyxiation. Wal-Mart said in a statement that it consulted with safety experts in the sports and entertainment industries to develop store-specific plans for all U.S. locations. Each plan looked at how customers approach and enter the store, how they check out and leave, as well as how customers move around the store and near the biggest bargains, Wal-Mart said. A spokesman for the retailer didn't return a call for comment Wednesday. Shoppers around the country line up early outside stores the day after Thanksgiving in the annual bargain-hunting ritual known as Black Friday. It got that name because it traditionally was considered the day stores broke into profitability for the full year.


text:
Fashion brands top social media charts
|25 Jul 2011 1:17 BST||Back|
Also in the news
ASOS has attracted more new followers across Twitter and Facebook in the last three months than any other retailer.
According to the eDigitalResearch Social Media Benchmark study, the pure play retailer has won nearly 500,000 new Facebook fans since April 2011– around 100,000 more than any other retailer in the top 20.
ASOS has also attracted an additional 66,000 followers on Twitter, more than double than any other retailer. This puts ASOS just 18,000 behind the leading UK brand on Twitter – Topshop.
Topshop is also the top Facebook brand, with more than 1.5 million fans. The study looks at what makes brands like Topshop and ASOS so successful on Facebook and Twitter.
Tesco jumped 25 places to number 11 with over 200,000 new followers, proving that late adopters can still make an impact with the right campaign.
The top 20 retailers attract almost eight million fans on Facebook. Fashion brands dominate the league tables on both platforms. The study showcases their social media activity, which involve constantly reinventing pages with updated content and new features.
12 out of the top 20 Facebook branded pages are actively selling to followers either directly or by pushing them back to product pages on websites. Brands are looking to turn fans into real customers.
The study also analyses what drives customer engagement. It considers concepts such as the Facebook Community and why brands need to create fun and engaging pages that appeal to their customer base. This can include Facebook stores (F-commerce), interactive features and two-way dialogue with customers to build loyalty.
The study also reveals a number of new trends on Facebook as retailers begin to truly understand the site – for example some are only offering exclusive content to those who hit the ‘like’ button. This creates a sense of community and increases the brand’s reach through people’s profile pages wall posts and link sharing.
Retailers need to understand how to communicate with online shoppers across social media platforms. This will make users more willing to engage with brands within their own personal online space.
Derek Eccleston, research director at eDigitalResearch says: “Social media continues to prove popular with consumers and cements the importance for retailers and UK brands of having a presence across these platforms.
“We’ve already seen from our previous research that a small, yet significant, percentage of UK consumers are beginning to use social media as an opportunity to shop and browse. We would expect this number to grow and grow in the coming months.”