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|Lexicon targets hard-to-reach Hispanic immigrants for its $1,500 language course.
A direct-marketing phenomenon that runs catchy direct-response ads starring celebrities such as Placido Domingo every 15 minutes on Spanish-language TV, Ingles Sin Barreras turns hard-to-reach low-wage Hispanic immigrants with little or no credit history into loyal customers for a pricey $1,500 multimedia language course.
A club for marketers
Now Lexicon is offering that direct-marketing expertise to other marketers with the launch this month of Club Sin Barreras. Karissa Price, Lexicon's director of marketing and corporate development, said that everyone who calls Ingles Sin Barreras -- about 2,000 people a day -- will be automatically enrolled in Club Sin Barreras. Marketers can participate in mailings, have their products offered to callers, and be included in a Club Sin Barreras catalog that will drop about 1 million copies in September.
Ms. Price said Club Sin Barreras has already signed up DirecTV Para Todos and Time Warner's People en Espanol, and will close deals this month with financial services and telecommunications marketers. Katherine Friedman, People en Espanol's manager of partnership development, said the magazine is entering a partnership with Club Sin Barreras, starting with a trial subscription offer in the upcoming catalog.
Lexicon may also buy products wholesale and sell them through the Club.
"Last year we tested a cookware line," Ms. Price said. "And there's huge demand for Spanish-language DVDs and jewelry."
Sales top $100 million
Lexicon's sales will top $100 million this year, up from $65 million two years ago, she said. The company's colorful founder, an eccentric Chilean immigrant named Jose Luis Nazar, sold a large majority stake last year to a San Francisco-based venture capital firm called Golden Gate Capital. Mr. Nazar was described in a newspaper profile before the sale as a wine enthusiast who "likes to open champagne bottles by slicing off their necks with a Napoleonic saber."
Lexicon handles all its own advertising production, planning and buying.
"We create our own commercials, buy our own media and do our own customer service and collections, and 99% of our employees are Hispanic," Ms. Price said. "One key to success is we finance the purchase."
Customers usually make a $200 down payment, followed by 12 or 18 monthly installments. They may not have a Social Security number or a bank account or a credit history. About 85% of the 50-pound, 12-volume sets are dispatched cash on delivery. About 25% of customers don't pay up.
'A lot of handholding'
"We do a lot of handholding to make the process work," Ms. Price said. "It's a flexible credit model. If you don't have a down payment, but you have five cousins who are willing to claim you, and a job, you can get financing."
"They've adapted to the customer and developed what works for them," said Michael Saray, president of Michael Saray Hispanic Marketing and chairman of Directo, the DMA's Hispanic council. "It's a great success story."
Marketers who sign up for the new Club Sin Barreras are getting access to people who are aspirational and definitely speak Spanish, which can be hard to determine from some mailing lists, he said. "That's a pretty neat database."
Plent of ads for $15 million
Ingles Sin Barreras is the most-advertised brand on Spanish-language TV, slotting in commercials every quarter-hour between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Taking advantage of frequency discounts and off-peak rates, Lexicon spends just $15 million a year on ads, Ms. Price said.
Commercials, especially celebrity testimonials, celebrate the importance of improving your life by learning English. One spot starring Placido Domingo ends with his own money-back guarantee: "Tell them Placido said you can return it."
In one commercial, an Anglo boss says in accented Spanish, "Of all my Latin employees, those who speak English are the most successful. If I were Hispanic, I'd invest in Ingles Sin Barreras."
In a new creative strategy, a spot breaking next month stars a cat and a dog. As an intruder tries to break into their house, the cat goes to the door and scares him off by barking ferociously. The tagline: "You never know when speaking a second language will be useful."


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What’s Going On?
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has partnered with a blockchain-powered live streaming service and says it will allow the exchange of group player rights for equity in the company.
Why Does It Matter?
The deal sees NFLPA acquire a minority stake in SportsCastr, a live streaming platform that enables users, fans or athletes to act as sportscasters to cover live sporting events, reported Investopedia. The investment is being made via the NFLPA’s OneTeam Collective early stage investment vehicle.
SportsCastr should get a boost from the NFLPA partnership if a significant number of players not only lend their rights to the streaming service, but also use it to provide live commentary as well as share personal insights, reported Forbes.
So What’s The Game Plan?
ACE Media, the NFLPA’s content and production arm, will collaborate with SportsCastr to produce NFL player and other athlete-driven content, reported Broadcast & Cable.
SportsCastr launched FanChain in June as a cryptocurrency developed for the sports market. FanChain allows SportsCastr users to earn tokens for participating on the platform. Tokens can be used to unlock premium NFL player content, purchase sports tickets or merchandise, and send virtual gifts to NFL players, reported B&C.
“Fans are looking for new ways to engage with the game of football and us, the athletes,” said NFL tight and SportsCastr investor and advisor Vernon Davis. “SportsCastr’s live stream platform is a cool and fun way for fans to add their own voice to games while engaging with players in a different way. As players we see the value in sharing more of our personalities and unique content with fans and we’re excited about where this live stream tech is headed.”

domain: news


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Western Digital Corp. today announced that chief financial officer Wolfgang Nickl is resigning effective Nov. 17, 2013 to become chief financial officer at ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) in the Netherlands. Nickl has served as Western Digital's chief financial officer since August 2010. Prior to that time, Nickl served in other positions within the company's finance and operations groups. Nickl will continue to direct WDC's worldwide finance activities until his departure date.
In joining ASML, Nickl will be returning with his family to his native Europe. The company is in the process of conducting a search for a new chief financial officer.
"We are grateful to Wolfgang for his nearly 18 years of service to Western Digital," said Steve Milligan, president and chief executive officer of Western Digital. "He has been an outstanding leader both inside and outside the company and we wish him the very best."
"I am grateful for the learning, experience and relationships I have enjoyed in 18 wonderful years at Western Digital," said Nickl. "I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow and successfully execute on the long-term strategy we have put in place."
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Court Issues Dual Rulings on Suing Non-Residents for Online Acts
By SHERRI M. OKAMOTO, Staff Writer
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday issued a pair of decisions clarifying the standard to sue a non-resident company in California based on its online activities.
Both cases, which were unrelated, were heard by the same appellate panel, and revived lawsuits that had been dismissed for a lack of personal jurisdiction over out-of-state companies who allegedly misappropriated material from a business with a presence in California and exploited it for financial gain within the state.
The first case involved Mavrix Photo Inc., a Florida corporation with its principal place of business in Miami, which licenses and sells candid photographs of celebrities to purveyors of celebrity news.
Mavrix keeps a Los Angeles office, employs Los Angeles-based photographers to take pictures of celebrities who live and work in Southern California, has a registered agent for service of process within the state, and pays fees to the California Franchise Tax Board.
Celebrity Gossip Site
The company claimed that Brand Technologies Inc., an Ohio corporation which operates a website called celebrity-gossip.net, had posted to its website a series of copyright protected photos belonging to Mavrix that depicted Black Eyed Peas singer Stacy Ferguson—who goes by the stage name Fergie—and her husband, actor Josh Duhamel, while the couple was vacationing in the Bahamas.
Mavrix sought an injunction barring Brand from further disseminating the photos, as well as actual and statutory damages, but U.S. District Court Judge Philip S. Gutierrez of the Central District of California denied Mavrix’s motion for jurisdictional discovery and granted Brand’s motion to dismiss.
Writing for the appellate panel, Judge William A. Fletcher agreed with Gutierrez that Brand’s contacts with California were insufficient to confer general jurisdiction over the company, but said that Brand had sufficient minimum contacts with the state arising out of, or related to, its actions in posting the photos of Ferguson and Duhamel to justify the exercise of specific jurisdiction.
Fletcher said there was “is no question that [Brand] acted intentionally” in causing the allegedly infringing photographs to appear on its website, and that this act was “expressly aimed” at California.
The jurist noted that “Brand makes money by selling advertising space on its website to third-party advertisers,” and reasoned the fact that some of these third-party advertisers targeted California residents “indicates that Brand knows—either actually or constructively—about its California user base, and that it exploits that base for commercial gain by selling space on its website for advertisements.”
He concluded that “it is clear from the record that Brand operated a very popular website with a specific focus on the California-centered celebrity and entertainment industries,” and that the “website’s subject matter, as well as the size and commercial value of the California market” indicated that Brand “anticipated, desired, and achieved a substantial California viewer base.”
As this audience “is an integral component of Brand’s business model and its profitability,” Fletcher said, “it does not violate due process to hold Brand answerable in a California court for the contents of a website whose economic value turns, in significant measure, on its appeal to Californians.”
Fletcher also wrote for the panel in the second case, which involved CollegeSource Inc., a California corporation, and AcademyOne Inc., of Pennsylvania, who are competitors in the market to assist students and educational institutions with the college transfer process.
CollegeSource said that it maintains a digital collection of 44,000 course catalogs from 3,000 colleges and universities dating back to 1993, at a cost of more than $10 million, and accused AcademyOne of having wrongfully reproduced 680 catalogs from this collection on its website.
After jurisdictional discovery, U.S. District Court Judge Marilyn L. Huff of the Southern District of California granted AcademyOne’s motion to dismiss CollegeSource’s complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction.
Fletcher reasoned that specific jurisdiction was justified. He said that AcademyOne “committed intentional acts by downloading CollegeSource’s catalogs, republishing them on its own websites, and obtaining course descriptions from those catalogs,” and that these acts were targeted at California, where CollegeSource was based.
Since “CollegeSource and AcademyOne were direct competitors in a relatively small industry,” Fletcher said “AcademyOne’s assertion that it was unaware of CollegeSource’s California place of business…is implausible, to say the least.”
Kim McLane Wardlaw and U.S. District Judge Barbara M. Lynn of the Northern District of Texas, sitting by designation, joined Fletcher in each of his decisions.
The cases were CollegeSource, Inc. v. AcademyOne, Inc., 09-56528, and Mavrix Photo, Inc. v. Brand Technologies, Inc., 09-56134.
Copyright 2011, Metropolitan News Company


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Brooke Shields, a beloved actress and model, recently reflected on a pivotal moment in her career – her controversial Calvin Klein advertisement from the 1980s. At the tender age of 15, Brooke became the face of this memorable campaign, catapulting her into the spotlight but also sparking a firestorm of controversy.
The advertisement, known for its provocative content, caused such a stir that it was even banned in some countries. Looking back, Brooke admits that she didn’t fully grasp the pornographic nature of her line in the commercial at the time. Naively, she innocently delivered the now-iconic slogan, “Want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.”
In a recent interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Brooke discussed how the media often oversexualizes young actors and models. She referenced her experience as a model for Calvin Klein as evidence of this. The aftermath of the controversial advertisement thrust her into a world of unexpected interviews, including one that left a lasting impact – her sit-down conversation with journalist Barbara Walters.
Reflecting on that particular interview, Brooke describes it as “practically criminal.” She felt perplexed and upset by the inappropriate questions she was asked. Barbara delved into personal matters like her dimensions and even probed into whether she had any secrets hidden from her own mother. It’s important to remember that Brooke was just fifteen years old at the time.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Brooke further opened up about the negative feedback she received from the campaign. She recalls paparazzi yelling at her and her mother and feeling utterly bewildered by the absurdity of it all. She emphasizes that she never interpreted the slogan as having any sexual connotations, emphasizing her own innocence and gullibility. “I believed it was assumed that I was much more intelligent than I actually was,” she admits. “I was a virgin at the time and remained so forever.”
Despite the controversy and backlash, the Calvin Klein campaign ironically ended up going viral, inadvertently propelling the brand to new heights. The attention may have been negative, but it certainly generated interest. As a result, the company became synonymous with pushing boundaries and setting trends. Their advertising strategies, often criticized for being both inappropriate and seductive, have become iconic in the fashion industry.
Brooke Shields remains well aware of Calvin Klein’s infamous reputation. The brand’s current advertising efforts continue to court controversy, garnering attention and notoriety. Despite the criticism and condemnation they have faced over the years, Calvin Klein is a brand unafraid to take risks.
To get a glimpse into the controversial Calvin Klein advertisement that brought Brooke Shields into the limelight, watch the video below. Despite its contentious nature, it undeniably played a pivotal role in shaping both Brooke’s career and the brand’s legacy.
Note: The video may depict content that some viewers may find inappropriate.


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President John Agyekum Kufuor has opened the 11th Ghana International Golden Jubilee Trade and Exhibition Fair urging local businesses especially small and medium scale enterprises to explore joint ventures possibilities to forge strategic partnerships.
He said the opportunity offered would enable them to expand their businesses and enhance their access to market to benefit fully from the process of globalisation.
The President's speech was read on his behalf by Mr Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade, Industry and President's Special Initiatives, at a ceremony, which saw the beautiful display of Ghana's colours, Red, Gold and Green.
Over one million local and foreign participants are expected at this year's fair under the theme, "Championing African Excellence".
President Kufuor noted that this year's international trade and exhibition fair, had come at a time Ghana's economy was poised for accelerated growth and said it should therefore serve as an instrument to stimulate investment opportunities.
He stated that it must spur growth by providing a common platform for manufacturers, traders, exporters, importers and all categories of service providers to showcase what they have to offer to the world.
President Kufuor said the Ghana's Golden Jubilee Independence anniversary provided an opportunity to take stock of the nation's past experiences and to reflect on the challenges that had confronted the country in business development and the growth of the private sector.
"We can say without doubt, that trade fairs and exhibitions have contributed significantly to increasing Ghana's domestic trade as well as our share of the global market.
"This is one of the main reason why the Government is exploring all avenues to develop the trade fair centre to bring it to international standards as a centre of excellence for commercial transactions and to showcase with pride what Ghanaian industry can provide," he said.
President Kufuor said, the government had succeeded in laying a solid foundation for development, by implementing policies and programmes that have significantly transformed the economic landscape of Ghana over the past six years.
Giving a background to Trade Fairs in Ghana, Ms Esther Ofori, Chief Executive of the Ghana Trade Fair Company, said Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President, established the Centre 40 years as part of an industrialization programme to expand international trade especially inter-African trade.
She said his dream of holding the 1st Ghana International Trade Fair in February to March 1966, a few months after hosting the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Conference in 1965, was curtailed following the overthrow of his government.
Ms Ofori said Lieutenant General J A Ankrah, who became the Head of State after the 1966 Coup, therefore officially opened the 1st International Trade Fair on February 1, 1967.
A total of 17 foreign countries, seven African as well as over 40 infant Ghanaian industries participated in the 1967 Fair.
Today, in 2007, 11 foreign nations have registered to participate with nine African countries having over 126 established industries as well as several small and medium scale enterprises taking part, she said.
Ms Ofori said despite the "twist and turn" that the Centre went through, it had found its bearing once again and resumed the international fairs to create a promotional platform to showcase corporate Ghana, her goods and services.
Mr Eddie Mbeah-Amoako, Board Chairman of the Ghana Trade Fair Company, stressed the need for a redevelopment plan to modify the focus of the Centre to turn it into a vibrant "Expo City" to serve as a hub for the hosting of multiple specialized fairs and other commercial events.
He said the Directors were envisaging a facility with a conference centre, exhibition halls, hotel complex, food courts, shopping malls, banks and recreational facilities.
Mr Mbeah-Amoako said with the support of the Ministry of Trade, Industry Private Sector and PSI Ministry, discussions were going on with offshore investors.


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Chili's Grill & Bar, a leading casual dining restaurant brand owned by Brinker International, Inc., has named O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul its agency of record. The move follows the success of recent marketing initiatives launched by Chili’s and solidifies their relationship with OKRP, which started on a project basis after a creative review last year.
Following the debut of its initial campaign that updated Chili’s legendary jingle, “Chili’s Is Back, Baby,” in Oct. 2017, Chili’s has experienced a steady improvement in sales and traffic. In an earnings call earlier this week, Chili’s announced that the guest is responding to investments they’ve made to increase quality, consistency and value.
“We entered into a “dating” relationship last year with OKRP at a time when our brand was experiencing significant traffic declines,” said Steve Provost, chief marketing and innovation officer. “The entire OKRP team has been by our side as we have climbed out of the ditch. Tom, Matt and the entire team have blown us away with their creativity and their responsiveness to a fast moving business. The “Chili’s is Back” advertising campaign has broken through the “sea of sameness” and connected with our core guests and our team members. Given the strength of this partnership, we feel it’s time to ditch our ‘commitment’ issues and cement an enduring partnership with this dynamic young agency.”
Provost took on the role of Chili’s CMO just as the creative review was underway last year with a vow to help Chili’s break out in the category defined by similar advertising, food and brand imagery. ” He has overseen a revamping of the Chili’s menu, a focus on food and amplified marketing in traditional broadcast, digital in-restaurant, print, public relations, radio and social.
“We’ve developed a strong collaborative relationship with the whole team at Chili’s and are pleased with the business momentum we’ve created together,” said Tom O’Keefe, CEO of OKRP. “Getting results is really the only thing that matters, and we’re looking forward to doing everything we can to help Chili’s build for a successful future.”


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Media executives reveal which technologies they plan to buy this year — and which ones they expect to drive the most revenue.
By Ellen Harvey and Denis Wilson
In the survey, publishers were asked to select all the technologies they plan to buy in 2017 from a list of 33 solutions. With a large variety of technologies on their shopping lists, there was a wide distribution of responses. Yet some technologies are clear favorites among publishers. The survey also revealed that publishers plan to purchase an average of 7.6 technology solutions in 2017.Chart 1 below shows the top 11 technologies respondents…
View original post 1,332 more words


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The Chinese economy was already on shaky ground in 2023, but several new developments have indicated that the decline may accelerate.
Recent data indicate that foreign direct investment (FDI) in China has fallen by a steep decline, and is now nearing some of the lowest levels seen in the 21st century.
In the first quarter of this year, FDI in China declined to $20 billion, representing an 80% decline from the $100 billion FDI seen during the first quarter of 2022. However, the FDI situation worsened in the second quarter, when FDI declined to just $4.9. Arablowest level seen since 1998,
Last year, China was the second largest recipient of global FDI, right after the United States – both attracted $189 billion and $285 billion of FDI respectively last year.
The US also sees a decline in FDI in 2023, but it is much less severe than in China. In the United States, FDI declined by about 20% during the first five months of the year.
Furthermore, the decline in FDI to China appears to be a symptom of a larger problem. In addition to waning interest from foreign investors, China’s currency is also falling. On 17 August, the dollar/yuan exchange rate fell to 7.32, the weakest level for the yuan since 2007. However, the yuan has strengthened slightly since then.
Today, about 7.20 Chinese yuan is needed to buy one US dollar, compared to 6.40 in early 2022, as shown below.
Like a sharp decline in FDI, a devaluation in the yuan has been linked to declining confidence in the Chinese economy.
Speaking of the current environment, John Ramig, an attorney at the Buchalter law firm, recently told Reuters, “I don’t have a single client who wants to invest in China. Not a single client.” And it represents a sharp change from several years ago, when global companies were struggling to inject new capital into the Chinese economy.
Elaborating on the change in sentiment, Ramig said, “Everyone is either looking to sell their Chinese operation, or if they are sourcing products in China, they are looking for an alternative place to do so.” Looking for.”
Providing further evidence of these trends, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Crane – a large US manufacturer of vending machines – is reducing its investment in China, partly due to “policy uncertainty” related to China. because of.
As most investors and traders are well aware, the United States government has been steadily reducing high-tech exports to China, especially advanced semiconductors. Further, the export limits are expected to be announced in the near future.
Consequences of the US-China trade war
China certainly faced headwinds related to its domestic economy in 2023, but the ongoing cross-border trade war has also taken a toll on the Chinese economy.
In addition to the falling value of the yuan and a sharp drop in FDI, China’s ongoing trade war with the United States has resulted in a number of other negatives.
During the first six months of 2023, Chinese exports to the US account for only 13% of the total, marking a significant decline from 2017 (the year before the trade war began), when the figure stood at close to 22%. According to data compiled by the US Census Bureau.
This represents the lowest percentage since 2003, meaning Chinese exports to the US have fallen to a 20-year low by that measure. And as one might expect, other countries are struggling to make up for the shortfall.
Some of the biggest beneficiaries of China’s declining influence in the US market include many of its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Mexico. For example, India, Thailand and Vietnam now account for about 25% of all US imports, according to Census Bureau data.
For its part, Mexico has also stolen some of China’s power. When accounting for the combined value of all imports and exports, Mexico is now the top trading partner of the United States. China has now slipped to third place, while Canada remains in second place.
During the first half of 2023, Mexico and Canada will account for 15.7% and 15.4%, respectively, of US imports. As mentioned earlier, China’s percentage of US imports has dropped to 13%.
And there are lots of practical examples that help illustrate where these losses are coming from.
For example, Apple (AAPL) is slowly moving its production out of China to other countries—especially India. As a result, the Chinese share of US smartphone imports has dropped below 80%, which was the norm for many years.
Similarly, US furniture imports are also slowly shifting away from China in favor of Canada, Mexico and Vietnam. In 2020, those three countries accounted for about 40% of US furniture imports, but in 2023, that figure is set to grow to 50%.
Such trends have contributed to the slow deterioration of China’s prestigious trade relationship with the US, as explained below.
The above data highlights how US-China trade relations have been shrinking since the start of the trade war in 2018.
China’s growing economy and asset crisis
The trade war has produced negative consequences for both countries, but the overall effect has arguably been worse for the Chinese economy, which is now growing at its slowest rate since the early 1990s.
In contrast, growth in the US economy has been relatively resilient in recent quarters, despite significant headwinds presented by higher interest rates.
Given that position of relative strength, the US government has been unwilling to make the necessary concessions to resolve the trade war. Instead, it appears that the US is trying to use its leverage in an effort to finally get some concessions from China.
in the presence of 17 July bloomberg televisionTreasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that China had failed to address the unfair trade practices that originally sparked the trade war, and that the US would not remove the tariffs until those concerns were addressed with meaningful reforms. Will not be ready for.
Overall, the news from China has not been favourable, and it may get worse going forward.
The Chinese yuan has depreciated 15% against the dollar, FDI into China has plummeted, and China’s share of total imports into the US has fallen to a 20-year low.
As if all this wasn’t enough, Country Garden, one of China’s largest property developers, failed to make required interest payments on some of its dollar-denominated bonds in early August, and as a result, is currently on the brink of collapse. To make a mistake
The collapse of Country Garden is particularly worrying as Evergrande, one of China’s other large property developers, officially filed for bankruptcy on 17 August. And according to credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, more than 50 Chinese property developers have defaulted or failed to make loan payments in the last three years.
As a result, the problems in China’s real estate market appear to be systemic rather than isolated within a small group of companies/sectors.
As Larry Hu, chief economist for China at Macquarie, underlined, any further downturn in the Chinese economy could have a major impact. Who recently told new York Times“A slowdown in China is definitely going to impact the global economic outlook. Because China is now the No. 1 commodity consumer in the world, the impact is going to be huge.”
For the above reasons, investors and traders will want to closely monitor the health of the Chinese economy going forward, as further deterioration of financial conditions in China could eventually spill over into global financial markets.
To track and trade the Chinese financial markets, readers can add the following China-focused country ETFs to their watch lists:
- Extractors Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF (ASHR).
- Cranshare CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB).
- iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI).
- iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI).
- SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC).
- Invesco China Technology ETF (CQQQ).
- WisdomTree China Ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (CXSE).
- Cranshare Bocera MSCI China A Shares ETF (KBA).
- Global X MSCI China Consumer Discretionary ETF (CHIQ).
- iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA).


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Mike Fister, president and chief executive officer, Cadence Design Systems,
RBC North American Technology Conference
Fister's address will be available via on-demand webcast at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 9. The presentation will be archived on the Cadence Web site and available for replay through 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 6.
The webcast will be available online at: www.cadence.com/company/investor_relations
For more information, please contact: Therese Papenfuss Investor Relations Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Email Contact 408-944-7100


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- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 1 year, 8 months ago by Anonymous.
- January 11, 2022 at 8:51 pm #5754AnonymousInactive
Some months ago, I tried to stop using Amazon. How hard could it be, I asked myself, to shop elsewhere online?
To avoid watching films on its Amazon Prime Video service, to put down the Kindle e-reader – and slip the shackles of the company’s smug billionaire founder Jeff Bezos?
Within weeks, though, I caved – seduced by purchases that were either half the price of those in my local shops or not available at all.
 Amazon’s ‘four-star store’ in Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre sells more than 2,000 of the most popular products from Amazon’s website in a shop the size of an Olympic swimming pool
For its sheer convenience and jaw-droppingly low prices, Amazon has brought much of the High Street to its knees.
 RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP Last week the tech giant opened its first physical non-food store outside the United States, in Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre – the location all-too symbolic alongside struggling stalwarts John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser.
The ‘four-star store’ sells more than 2,000 of the most popular products from Amazon’s website in a shop the size of an Olympic swimming pool.
And, in a further assault on the British retail landscape, it will use its carefully honed algorithms to study local shopping habits and create a tailored experience designed to trounce the competition.
Bosses are secretive about the four-star store expansion plans, but America now has more than 30.
British retailers will be quaking.
Around 400,000 jobs in the industry have been lost since the outbreak of Covid, while some of the best-loved names in retail including Debenhams, Topshop and Monsoon were felled by the pandemic. Even John Lewis and M&S have been forced to shut stores.
It’s perhaps the final tragi-comic twist that Amazon – which has done so much to hammer their business models – is opening up in their former turf.
The new shop in Kent arrives after six ‘Fresh’ Amazon grocery shops have launched in Britain in the past year – all featuring futuristic ‘checkout-free’ technology.
Just scan yourself in on your smartphone, pop the items in your basket and walk out: you’ll be charged automatically.
Fashion retailers are not safe on the High Street, either. Amazon has previously set up pop-up fashion stores in central London to ‘understand how Amazon fashion translates in physical retail’.
Research indicates that Amazon will overtake Tesco as Britain’s biggest retailer by 2025.
The company is also at the heart of the nation’s takeaway addiction via its £620million stake in Deliveroo, and it has even opened a hair salon, pairing trendy haircuts with top-of-the-range straighteners, hair dryers and curlers, which customers can then buy to be delivered to their home.
The tentacles have also reached well beyond retail, creeping onto our TV screens.
Last month the UK was gripped by Emma Raducanu’s triumphant victory at the US Open tennis – a final that, until Channel 4 bought it at the last minute, was going to be available only on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video.
The same service is now a dominant force in film and television (including originals such as Clarkson’s Farm).
 Amazon boss Jeff Bezos (pictured) started the $1 trillion internet titan just two decades ago from his garage in Seattle
And for those who happen not to be a fan of music, film, television, live sport, restaurant food, grocery delivery or haircuts, every taxpaying Briton is paying into Amazon’s coffers, as HM Government is a major customer of Amazon Web Services, its cloud computing division.
There are even rumours that Amazon could before long deliver NHS prescriptions in the UK, as it does in the US.
In short, almost no one escapes this $1 trillion company started just two decades ago from Bezos’s garage in Seattle.
UK customers here now spend an astonishing £83billion per year on the site, which employs 1.3million staff – around the same number as the NHS itself.
Many will argue this is all air game from a tirelessly enterprising company that has made shopping quicker and easier for millions.
And few can doubt the benefits of Amazon’s £32billion of investment into the UK since 2010, or the 55,000 jobs it has created here, Loading… many in poorer regions.
 Where Amazon has led, other big chains have been forced to follow, ramping up their online delivery provisions in a virtuous circle of competition.
But the Amazonisation of the British Isles has not come without cost.
The company’s business practices have long raised troubling questions about to whom, if anyone, it is accountable.
Last year it paid less than £500million of ‘direct’ taxes on more than £20billion of UK sales. Critics labelled sections of its accounting statements the ‘opposite of meaningful transparency’.
Tax experts fear the US giant will not even be captured by the new rules agreed by the G20 group of nations earlier this year to force companies like Amazon to pay their fair share.
The way Amazon has expanded has also come under the microscope, with London councillors calling its planning applications for new Fresh stores ‘underhand’ and ‘opaque’.
One was filed under ‘British Overseas Bank Nominees Ltd M&G Property’, rather than Amazon, while another was said to have been filed by a local solicitors’ firm.
The move could be an attempt to keep jealous competitors at bay, or avoid the anger of local business people and residents – but it is not a tactic one would normally expect from such a large business.
Its ambition and ability to ‘disrupt’ so many industries must be applauded.
But as it grows to become one of Britain’s most important companies, pushing much-loved firms aside, it must take responsibility for its business practices and its role as a major employer.
Two decades after it arrived in the UK, it still has many questions to answer.
But will the customers trooping into Bluewater want to ask them?

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TOP DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS


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While new technologies have transformed diesel engines in a matter of decades into high-tech pieces of art, the pollution problem remains one major concern about this type of motoring power.
That’s one of the crucial reasons for which the segment has most likely reached its peak at around 50 percent of new-car sales in the vast majority of Europe. Politicians, green fundamentalists, even industry experts are criticizing the diesel engine. Now other types of engines are gaining momentum: gasoline-electric hybrids and plug-ins are surging, especially when we consider the German luxury brands who need to remain atop the technology game to ensure their leadership places. Gasoline engines with small displacement, three-cylinder configuration and turbos are also seen more often. And even diesel-hybrids might offer an alternative, but they are currently way too expansive. Diesel fuel is burned at a higher temperature than gasoline, with the exhaust delivering more soot, which is not only rich in carbon – but also in sulfates, nitrates and metals.
Electrification might be a key step in lowering pollution – whether we’re talking about gasoline or diesel engines, but the technology has yet to gain the forecasted traction. Automakers are working on compromises – they developed diesel hybrids (PSA, Audi), but the powertrains remain prohibitively expensive. Others have invested in more traditional gasoline hybrids and lately in the next step of evolution, plug-in hybrids. They offer both variants: when you need all the power you can use the prowess of the gasoline/diesel engine with the high torque constantly available from the electric motor. If you drive a lot in the city you could avoid using gasoline/diesel entirely, charging the batteries at home and/or at work.
Via Automotive News Europe


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Japanese auto parts maker Takata Corp. has pleaded guilty to a criminal charge and agreed to pay $1 billion for a scheme to conceal a deadly defect in millions of its air bag inflators.
Takata admits to hiding problems that can cause inflators to explode with too much force, hurling shrapnel into drivers and passengers. U.S. prosecutors still are seeking extradition of three former Takata executives from Japan to face criminal charges.
Detroit federal Judge George Caram Steeh accepted a guilty plea to a fraud charge Monday.
Takata has agreed to pay $850 million in restitution to automakers, $125 million for victims and families and a $25 million criminal fine. Separately, the company faces dozens of consumer and state lawsuits that could run into millions of dollars.


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Capacity utilisation of plants stands above 90 pct at present: Hemant Sikka, M&M Ltd
Demand for the tractor is more than what we have seen in the last several years. There are three-four reasons for this. Production of Rabi crops has been good, this time and they have been cultivated well with the support offered by the government amid the lockdown, Hemant Sikka, President - Farm Equipment Sector at M&M tells Zee Business Executive Editor Swati Khandelwal
Hemant Sikka, President - Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Ltd, talks about the tractor sales number of June, demand, capacity utilisation and CapEx among others during an interview with Swati Khandelwal, Zee Business. Edited Excerpts:
Q: Your tractor sales numbers in June has exceeded the street expectations by more than 6%.What led to this increase in demand? Do you think that this demand will sustain in time to come?
A: Demand for the tractor is more than what we have seen in the last several years. There are three-four reasons for this. Production of Rabi crops has been good, this time and they have been cultivated well with the support offered by the government amid the lockdown. In addition to it, the farmers are getting a better price for their crop when compared to the past. Thus, the crop has been good, they were harvested well and the farmers have got better prices for their produce.
Besides, the monsoon has been good across the country and it has been 22% better this June when compared to the previous year’s June. So, the good rain is making the farmers believe that the Kharif yield will be better than before. So after having a good Rabi crop and earnings from it, if the farmer sees that he is going to earn well in the future with the Kharif crop, then naturally buying a tractor is the first preference of a farmer. And in the same view, we a strong demand for the tractors is visible to us.
Q: Do you think that this demand also includes the pent-up demand and may come down in a quarter or two?
A: April-May-June season is the strongest season for tractor demand. So for the purpose, all companies, be it Mahindra or some other company from the tractor industry, try to increase their production in February and March to meet its demand. However, the lockdown was imposed suddenly on 22 March. This imposition of lockdown has not allowed companies to increase their production level, after which they didn't carry on their production activity. Due to this, our stock levels are low, while there is an increase in demand. So, when the demand is so high and production is low then naturally the demand is looking very strong. I feel that the production level will go up in recent future and demand will also go up in the next 3-4 months because the farmers believe that their future is protected. At the same time, the government has also increased its investments in rural areas. So they, the farmers, are earning good and is being supported by the government as well as the tractor companies are increasing their production. In light of these things, I feel that the strong demand for tractors will remain intact in the coming months.
Q: What is your current capacity utilisation level and also talk about the labour support that you are getting at present are you facing any shortage on this front?
A: You have asked a good question because when we started our production on 8 May – this is the first time in the industry in which it faced a lockdown of not 3-4 days but of complete six weeks. Safety aspect becomes a major concern when a manufacturing unit or a plant is started after a long gap of six weeks. Our plant and the supply chain across the country should be appreciated for ramping themselves in such a situation. It is very difficult to suddenly start production at a plant after doing nothing for complete six weeks. Capacity utilisation of plants stands above 90% at present and all our suppliers have also ramped up themselves completely. I would like to thank our suppliers for ramping up themselves in a short span. Our team is also working hard and our plants are running at full production. I have already informed that 90% plus the level of production efficiency has been achieved at our plants.
Q: Tell us about the product launch plans for the year and what kind of work is happening on that front?
A: The best-selling tractor of Mahindra is termed as H1 series at our place and is sold in the market by the name of Bhoomiputra and Sarpanch. A few days ago, we have relaunched it under the name, XP Plus series. It is better than that, we are providing additional 2 horsepower in it, the warranty has been increased to 6 years and added many features like power steering, auxiliary valve, which was earlier not available in this range of tractors. Interestingly, the response towards XP Plus series is very good. In these 2-3 years, I had words with our dealer partners and every one of them is very happy because our customers are very happy with the XP plus series and its sales are increasing. But even during the lockdown, we didn’t push launch/es of new products behind. You would have seen that just three weeks ago, we have launched XP Plus series, i.e. Sarpanch Plus range, through digital mode in Maharashtra and we are getting a good response for it. We will launch the product in other states as well as soon as there is an increase in our production.
Q: Tell us about the kind of CapEx that has been lined-up for this year and next year as well as capacity expansion plans.
A: As far as new product development is concerned then we haven’t reduced our expenses. We are assuming that the demand for the tractor is very good and the customers want new tractors from us. So, we haven’t reduced our expenses on the new tractors on which we are working at present. But as far as capacity utilisation is concerned then we are well placed at the moment. We would like to reach that level by improving our efficiency by spending whatsoever is required. Apart from capacity utilisation in terms of efficiency, where we would like to spend something, there is no need to establish a new plant at this moment.
Q: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has made several acquisitions in the farm equipment space, even at the global stage. Tell us about the kind of response that you are from there and how they are contributing to your business?
A: If we talk in a common language then it seems that there is a lockdown in India due to which the overall business has declined but we have seen that farm business is doing well in the country. We have noticed the same trend across the world, for instance, we have a tractor company in Turkey and have seen tremendous sales there. The tractor industry in Turkey has grown 60% this year and along with that, there is an increase in the demand from our Erkunt Tractor Company.
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We have seen the same trend in our American company and our sales have remained good even over there in the quarter that ended in June. Thus, a good and strong demand is being created in America as well. So, the demand trend in the farming sector that is visible in India is being mirrored in our companies based in Turkey, Brazil and the US.
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LAS VEGAS, NV — Verizon Wireless, the leader in customer loyalty among wireless carriers, ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power West region, which includes Nevada, in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Wireless Regional Customer Satisfaction Index Study(SM), Volume 2.
“The results of this most recent survey are important because they show our commitment to providing the best experience in wireless has led to a high level of customer satisfaction with Verizon Wireless in Nevada and many more states across the nation,” said Tony Heyman, regional president at Verizon Wireless.
Verizon Wireless ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Southeast and West regions. The J.D. Power and Associates study measures customer satisfaction based on six key factors that impact overall wireless carrier performance: call quality, customer service, service plan options, brand image, cost of service and billing.
Verizon Wireless is committed to delivering the best customer experience in wireless. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network and the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network, backed by its award-winning customer service – online, over the phone and in-person.
The company has invested more than $45 billion – on average $5.5 billion annually – in its network since 2000 when the company was formed. In 2007, Verizon Wireless invested $50 million to expand and advance its network in Nevada.
For more information on Verizon Wireless’ products and services, please visit www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.


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There is a lot to learn from Fiji's thriving tourism industry, especially how agencies such as Investment Fiji, Tourism Fiji and Film Fiji work together in growing this important sector, says permanent secretary for the Solomon Islands Ministry of Tourism Andrew Nihopara. A delegation from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Tourism is in the country on a fact-finding mission on ways to enhance the tourism industry.
The Vanuatu Tourism Office will soon be launching the destination’s brand new website www.vanuatu.travel
As part of the observance of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is leading the campaign, has named Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera as Special Ambassador of this important global action. The initiatives developed by Costa Rica in the field of sustainable tourism as well as its international positioning and momentum in this field are some of the factors behind the designation.


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In this first instalment of a five-part series on how some of the defining numbers in key sectors are springing back to the pre-pandemic level, Sohini Das looks at India’s pharmaceutical sector
India’s Rs 1.5-trillion domestic pharmaceuticals market is largely normalised and back on the growth path, though volume growth remains a cause for concern, say industry insiders.
In terms of absolute value, the domestic pharma market has crossed the pre-pandemic level of June 2019 by a strong margin. The size of the market grew from around Rs 1.3 trillion in June 2019 to Rs 1.4 trillion in June 2020, a month hit by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. By comparison, June 2021 saw the market growing by 11.7 per cent, led by a 5.3 per cent price increase and 4.1 per cent growth from new products. But annual volume growth during the month was only 2.3 per cent.
“The pharma market is better off compared to other economic sectors. However, growth in volume terms is only around 3 per cent. There is volatility and anxiety over a potential third wave of the pandemic. Patient consultation with doctors is at only 60-70 per cent. This has to go up, particularly in chronic disease management, as these have long-term implications,” said Sudarshan Jain, secretary general of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), the umbrella organisation of India’s big pharma players.
IPA members account for 60 per cent of the domestic market and about 80 per cent of India’s pharmaceutical exports.
There had been a steep decline in sales during the stringent nationwide lockdown in April-June 2020, as the sale of acute therapy drugs (like antibiotics) fell sharply. In March last year, consumers had stocked up on chronic medicines for diabetes, hypertension, etc, and the month had seen 9 per cent sales growth. But in April 2020, sales had declined once again — by 11.2 per cent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis. Despite a drop in overall sales, however, drugs for cardiac diseases and diabetes did well in April, registering 5.9 per cent and 6.4 per cent YoY growth, respectively.
In the March-May period, the Indian pharma market’s (IPM’s) growth was just 3.6 per cent. It broadly normalised in June 2021, after strong sales growth in April and May, amid a second wave of the pandemic and a lower base, said Surajit Pal, an analyst with Prabhudas Liladhar.
In a recent report, Pal attributed the normalised growth to a number of factors – a decline in the number of active Covid-19 cases after its peak in May, the fact that the IPM supply chain was largely streamlined in June 2020, and a high demand for anti-infective or acute therapy products because of a lower base.
Covid-related therapies and immunity-boosting medicines are also contributing to the IPM’s growth. This is evident in growth seen by pharma companies with a strong Covid-19 portfolio. For example, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, which has seen a huge demand for its oral anti-viral drug, Favipiravir (used in the treatment of Covid-19), posted a strong YoY growth rate of 38.8 per cent for June 2021, and 105 per cent for the April-June period.
Cipla, Cadila Healthcare and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, too, reported strong double-digit growth rates of 19.9 per cent, 12.5 per cent and 11.2 per cent, respectively, for June 2021.
Anti-infectives, a major therapy area for the domestic pharma market, which had seen a fall last year, also seemed to be getting back on its feet. It contributed 14 per cent to the IPM value in June.
According to Sheetal Sapale, president of market research firm AIOCD AWACS, the consumption of drugs in acute therapy depends on seasonal disease patterns. This was disturbed during the lockdown, and that led to de-growth. “The staggered lifting of lockdowns, coupled with the vaccination drive, has increased people’s confidence. They have started picking up on their normal routines to some extent. So, the seasonal disease patterns are coming back, and hence the normalisation of sales trends in these therapies,” Sapale said.
Data sourced from AIOCD AWACS show that the growth rate for anti-infective therapies, after slipping to 4.8 per cent in June 2020, zoomed to 17.9 per cent in June 2021.
Similarly, the gynaecological segment, which had clocked a meagre 0.2 per cent growth in June last year, has posted 9 per cent growth in June 2021 – that is slightly higher than the 8.8 per cent growth rate in June 2019. Dermatology clocked 9.7 per cent growth last month, compared with 2.5 per cent in June 2020, and 10.4 per cent in June 2019.Read our full coverage on Pharma industry


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Bad news for people who like their starches extra crispy. The UK's Food Standards Agency recently released a report outlining the dangers of acrylamide, a chemical produced "when many foods, particularly starchy foods like potatoes and bread, are cooked for long periods at high temperatures." Basically it occurs when you bake, fry, grill, or toast many of your favorite foods for too long.
Basically, when fries, toast, potato chips, or sweet potatoes get overcooked or burnt, acrylamide -- a "probable carcinogen" also found in cigarette smoke -- is created as a byproduct. It is shown to possibly contribute to kidney, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.


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This year at the Olympics there is a new beauty trend striking up a competition. The 2012 Olympic beauty trend is easily the most popular trend since the invention of colored spandex. With today’s advanced techniques of nail art, it should come as no surpise that our 2012 Olympic competitors want to show their dedication to the sport by showcasing their countries on their well-manicured nails. It has been the talk of the fashion world throughout this year’s Olympics. Simply type it in to your Google or Bing search, as I did, to see more images like the ones below.
Written By: Stephanie


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It’s the latest gastronomic extravagance to hit the grill – ketchup ‘leather’ – and one LA restaurant believes it will help create the best burger experience yet.
Plan Check, a restaurant a bar with a reputation for culinary innovation, has crafted a special dehydrated form of ketchup made of tomato paste, soy sauce, garlic and spices.
Once placed on the burger, the strip of leather melts, rehydrating into an ideal portion of sauce.
Chef Ernesto Uchimura believes this reimagining of the beloved sauce will stop burgers getting soggy.
While the jury is still out as to whether Mr Uchimura’s creation passes the test, gourmands chasing that extra bit of novelty need look no further.


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Wednesday, April 20, 2005
MovieTickets.com Sells Advance Star Wars Tickets
Los Angeles-based MovieTickets.com said this morning that it is now selling advance online movie tickets for the upcoming Star Wars release. Advanced tickets for Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith have been live since last Thursday for the movie's opening on May 19th. MovieTickets.com provides onilne ticketing inventory from over 30 theater chains. The company is a joint venture between AMC Entertainment, Hollywood Media, National Amusements, Famous Players, Marcus Theatres, Viacom, and America Online.


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AFTER dealing with “boomer” bosses most of my career, I realized I need to understand a totally different generation when it comes to content creation—the “zoomers.”
Generation Z or “zoomers” refers to the generation born between 1997 and 2012, following millennials and in a few years, they will become the largest group of consumers and brands who want a piece of this opportunity will need to understand their preferences and digital expectations.
Last week, together with a select group of international media, we flew to Bangkok, Thailand, for the POCO Partners Southeast Asia Forum 2023. The forum gathered industry experts who provided their insights into the evolving nature of the habits and preferences of South East Asia’s Gen Z mobile user. The forum also discussed the results of a survey conducted by global public opinion and data company YouGov on behalf of POCO, on how Gen Zs are changing the game in consumer mobile phone usage habits and preferences, with striking changes in the last five years.
YouGov’s survey covered 2,500 consumers targeting Gen Z and Millennials in five Southeast Asian markets—Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam—who play games on their mobile devices at least once a month.
According to the report, the usage habits of 18- to 40-year-olds across Southeast Asia shows how smartphones have become even more integral in their lives, with around 50 percent of respondents experiencing a significant uplift in the amount of time spent across all mobile-related activities.
Fueled by the recent pandemic, mobile phones have become core entertainment hubs, and younger Southeast Asians’ mobile activities have dramatically increased over the last three years, with surges in mobile gaming (53 percent), online shopping (51 percent) and video streaming (48 percent) activities. Entertainment drivers such as watching videos (81 percent) and playing online games (60 percent) rank highest in daily activities, with only just over half (56 percent) using their phones for daily voice calls and under half (47 percent) for taking photos and videos on a daily basis. When focusing on mobile activities conducted throughout the week, almost nine in 10 played games with photo and video taking activity increasing.
This “smartphone” generation also spends more hours engaged in mobile activities. They spend more hours per week than their Millennial counterparts for all online leisure activities, such as messaging and social media interactions, and intend to spend even more time on their mobiles in the future. About four in every 10 also say they are likely to actually increase the amount of time spent each day on mobile-based activity, with social media (53 percent), browsing the internet (56 percent) and, interestingly, work-related tasks registering as the high-growth usage activities. With the changes in flexible working post-pandemic, utilizing mobile devices for work and business use is seen as the significant area of highest future growth (59 percent). The growth in entertainment activities is set to continue, with some four in 10 respondents anticipating to spend even more time gaming, streaming video and shopping online.
With these shifting usage trends, consumers are also rethinking their choice of mobile device. An overwhelming majority agreed that, compared to five years ago, they now have a preference for a mid-range brand phone over the bigger, more established brands. This preference is being driven by an increased confidence in mid-range brands, putting value-focused brands like POCO at a very competitive position.
This increasing confidence is centered around preference drivers including budget-friendly affordability (57 percent), the balance of price and performance (57 percent), and fulfilling their mobile needs without the need for excessive features (50 percent).
Almost half of the respondents say they intend to replace their current mobile phone before the end of 2024 in SEA, with affordability a top motivator dictating young consumers switch to a mid-range brand for almost half of the respondents.
After the forum, we got the chance to sit down with Angus Ng, Head of Product Marketing at POCO Global. He said the findings present a lot of opportunities for the brand, allowing them to focus on specific market needs and working closely with partners to adapt their product offerings.
“Two to three years ago, the performance between midrange and flagship was so separated that when you’re playing the same game, it’s like two different worlds,” Ng pointed out. “But right now, it’s all the same. Everything is consistently improving, which is good for the midrangers to be honest.”
Gaming capability and performance is also a key factor in this next new phone purchase decision, with 44 percent of those surveyed stating it as “very important” with the emphasis on long battery life, high-performance processors and larger storage capacity largely driven by gaming considerations.
POCO has always zeroed in on performance and value since it was born out of Xiaomi Corp. five years ago. It has since established itself as a bang-for-the-buck smartphone brand in the midrange price segment, proving that great specs don’t just exist in flagships.
So what makes Gen Zs different from other age groups? “Generation-Z consumers are powerful and picky. They’re mobile-first, so if anything they should know more about smartphones than we do. From a consumer’s point of view, from the research that we did, compared to other generations, they do look at online reviews to understand devices a bit more. When they go to a store they look at specs sheets and know what they want, which I think works very well with us.”
To live up to its philosophy of offering “everything you need, nothing you don’t.” Ng said that one of the strategies they use is N-1.
“It means ‘newest minus one,’ or right before the newest. We don’t use the latest chipsets. We don’t use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or MediaTek Dimensity 9200. For the POCO F5 Pro, we used the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 as long as consumers and you (media) consider that a really good chipset, we deem that good enough.”
Still, it doesn’t mean that POCO will always use an older chipset. “If the next generation of super-flagship chipsets might actually fit our price point, if we can control our price point, then we’ll use the newest chipset.” Ng even teased the possibility of having a device with a 1TB storage in the future if needed be.
But the one thing he was certain of is that POCO will not enter a higher price category. “Are we going to build it like a super flagship? No. A device might be higher in terms of configuration of the RAM and ROM, but we are not going to jump from $500 to $799 or $899. We won’t touch that. I don’t think we have that ability from a brand perspective.”
LIVESTREAM HACKS: HOW TO WATCH THE FIBA WORLD CUP FOR FREE
Despite the disheartening losses of Gilas Pilipinas, there’s still a lot of exciting basketball matchups to look forward to this week as the FIBA World Cup 2023 nears the finals.
With a total of 92 games, it would be impossible to buy tickets and watch each game live at the venue –but you could, however, watch all the games via livestream, anytime, anywhere and absolutely FREE—that is if you are a SMART or PLDT Home subscriber.
Here are a couple of hacks that I’ve tried and it works!
One: If you are a Smart subscriber, download the Smart LiveStream app and connect to your PLDT Home WiFi to stream the games without using up your mobile data. You can do this on your mobile phone or your iPad as long as you are a Smart user connecting to a PLDT Home WiFi.
Two: If you are a Smart subscriber with a Google Certified Android TV on Android 8.0 version and above, download the Smart LiveStream content on your Android TV. Then link the Smart LiveStream Mobile App to the Android TV and stream just as you would on your phone.
To link your Android TV to your Smart LIveStream App, just open the Smart LiveStream Mobile App then go to Menu and click LINK DEVICE. Enable your camera then scan the QR code displayed on your Android TV after you’ve linked the app successfully. If you don’t want to scan the code, just go to smart.com.ph/livestream then sign into your account. Go to Menu and click Device Management to add your Android TV. Click Add Device then enter the code displayed to activate your Smart LiveStream App on your Android TV.
This hack lets you host a watch party in the comforts of your home! Now all you need are some friends to bring food and drinks.
FIBA global partner Smart Communications, Inc. offers subscribers FREE access to every FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 until Sept. 10 via the Smart LiveStream App. Downloadable on Apple Store and Google Play Store, the Smart LiveStream App lets Smart subscribers enjoy a full home court advantage to watch all the excitement and drama of this prestigious spectacle anytime and anywhere.
No need for monthly subscriptions, just connect to Smart mobile data or PLDT WiFi while using the Smart LiveStream App.
I had the chance to test out the app and I was able to watch a couple of games—in full—while stuck in EDSA traffic. To make viewing even more interesting, I heard there is even a 360-camera viewing option, live chat and polls, and watch party with friends, boosting the overall exclusive streaming experience.
The Smart LiveStream App is best enjoyed with Gilas Power 399, which comes with 48 GB for all sites and apps, and up to 30 GB access to FIBA Basketball World Cup games on the app.
As Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart President and CEO and head of the FIBA local organizing committee said, “Now is definitely the best time for Filipino basketball fans to be a Smart subscriber.” “With the Smart LiveStream App, we are empowering our basketball-loving nation to make the most of our country’s historic hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup letting them enjoy virtual front-row seats on the biggest stage in basketball.


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National Bank of Canada (NBC) is now offering its clients a new solution of sending money globally. Mastercard and Interac are making it happen as they are going to be the first joint cross-border that will allow clients to send money from Canada to other international banks.
In a press release, The Vice-President of Card and Payment Solutions at National Bank, Gabrielle Cournoyer says, “Our clients will be the first in Canada to access this new solution, offered in collaboration with two of our trusted partners. We’re proud to be part of the launch of this product.”
Cournoyer also asserted that the personal banking clients of NBC will now have a quick, simple, and reliable way to send money from the respective country to anywhere in the world, supported by two of the safest payment platforms.
“Given the current situation, it’s more important than ever to support our clients and offer solutions to make their lives easier,” she says.
The clients will be able to transfer their dollars to 19 Eurozone countries at first. They will also be making addition of around 100 countries afterward. As an added benefit, the service will be free of charge until July 31, 2020, via NBC’s online platform. A fee of $5.95 per transfer will apply after the date passes. The Mastercard and Interac solution will be available for other banks in Canada with time as well. This will allow the customers to send money internationally to bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cards.
On 22nd May 2019, the two payment platforms announced that they were collaborating to provide international transfer services to the customers of Canada.


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Some McDonald’s student guestworkers held a teach-in at the chain’s flagship store today in River North to show their solidarity for organizing Chicago fast-food workers and to expose the threats of deportation and severe exploitation they say they have faced at the hands of the company.
Standing in support of the guestworkers, members of the Workers Organizing Committee of Chicago, a union for downtown fast-food and retail workers that is pushing for a $15 minimum wage, discussed documented and undocumented workers’ rights to organize.
“We have rights with documents or without,” Lorraine Chavez, outreach coordinator with the Fight for 15 campaign, told the student guestworkers, who originally worked in McDonald’s restaurants in central Pennsylvania, and their allies inside the Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s.
The student guestworkers from Latin America and Asia pay up to $4,000 each to participate in the U.S. State Department’s J-1 visa program, expecting decent work and a cultural exchange. But instead, they say McDonald’s used them as a sub-minimum wage exploitable workforce.
“We are complaining, because there was a contract that we signed with the employer, and that contract was violated in several ways as regards to living conditions, transportation, working conditions and the number of hours that we were supposed to be working,” said Jorge Rios, an exchange student from Argentina working at McDonald’s as part of the J-1 visa program.
“We are demanding that the CEO of McDonald’s Don Thompson agree to meet with us in person, so that we can tell him about all the abuses that we suffer as McDonald’s workers.”
After the teach-in, the students and their supporters caravanned to McDonald’s headquarters in Oak Brook seeking a high-level meeting and to deliver a petition with 60,000 signatures demanding an end exploitative practices at McDonald’s.
Earlier this month, the student guestworkers working at McDonald’s stores in Pennsylvania joined the National Guestworker Alliance as members and went on strike, calling on the fast-food giant to take responsibility for labor abuse at its restaurants.
Student guestworkers said they've received as few as four hours of work a week at $7.25 an hour. And with housing deductions, their net pay is far below minimum wage, they said.
Other student guestworkers said they have experienced extremely long shifts with no overtime pay, in addition to inappropriate living conditions.
McDonald’s announced March 14th that it would sever ties with the franchisee that employed the students, said Elizabeth Parisian, policy director for Stand Up! Chicago, which helped coordinate today’s action.
“They found the courage to speak out and actually got the attention of corporate McDonald’s, which is kind of unusual,” she said, adding that it was also a "huge victory."
McDonald's USA released the following statement to Progress Illinois in response to today's action:
We take the well-being of employees working in McDonald’s restaurants, including foreign student workers, seriously. We immediately addressed the allegations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, upon learning of the situation, and the franchisee has agreed to leave the McDonald’s system. Additionally, we have offered to speak to the Harrisburg foreign student workers on an individual basis to try to address their issues. We have also provided resources to all of our franchisees to ensure compliance with our brand values, as well as the letter and spirit of the State Department program, which brings foreign student workers to the U.S. McDonald's company-owned restaurant policy is to not participate in the J-1 foreign student worker program, as either a sponsor or as a host employer.
Parisian, however, says the student guestworkers' situation is a small part of a huge labor problem at McDonald’s.
“It’s not just this guestworker program that McDonald’s needs to be accountable for and needs to make changes to, but it’s also the fact that a lot of their McDonald’s employees are also living like guestworkers, basically with not enough to feed their families, keep a roof over their head; not enough to live a decent life at all,” she said.
She added that a good portion of McDonald’s workers may not speak English and are undocumented.
“This is something McDonald’s knows, and there’s a reason for that,” she said. “I think a lot of McDonald’s owners like to have a very vulnerable workforce, because it means never give them raises and give them bad working conditions, and basically exploit them because they think ‘Here’s a vulnerable population. They’re not going to speak out.’”
Tyree Johnson has worked at McDonald’s in Chicago for 21 years. He spoke with Progress Illinois about why he stands in solidarity with the guestworkers and why he’s fighting for a $15 minimum wage:
The students’ stop in Chicago is one of many destinations as they make their way around the country speaking with labor organizations and other McDonald’s employees.
“The work the guestworkers are doing is really, really important, not just for other guestworkers in their position, but also people who are living in this country every day [and working] in places like McDonald’s and experiencing the same conditions,” Parisian said.


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Babylonstoren wins Gourmet Getaway Award
Posted by Carmen Arendse on 07 July 2017 5:30 AM CAT
National Geographic Traveller has announced the winners of its inaugural Big Sleep Awards, and Babylonstoren took home top honours in the Gourmet Getaway Award. Babylonstoren was signaled out as the cream of the accommodation crop in their category which included accommodation establishments from around the world.
Read more here


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Back in 1914 Henry Ford had the crazy idea of giving his factory workers a huge raise. He doubled the standard wage from $2.50 to a whopping $5. The business press excoriated him for his "five dollar day," but it turned out to be a brilliant move.
He had two reasons. The first, which he gave publicly, was that his new assembly-line system enabled him to produce far more cars than ever before. But after all that efficiency a Model T still cost $500, beyond the reach of most employees at Ford and elsewhere. With the huge raise he hoped to spark a movement to enable American workers to buy a car.
The other reason was that he was having a terrible time staffing his wonderful assembly line. Turnover was enormous as people reacted to the new kind of stress of working on a continually moving line. High pay would make them think twice about leaving, or joining a union.
On both counts, the five-dollar day was a huge success. Even before unionization in the 30s, workers in automobiles and other industries were eventually able to buy cars in sizable numbers. And Ford's turnover dropped substantially, so productivity and profitability went up from the start.
This is relevant now because we're dealing with a new crisis in consumer demand. As many have pointed out, average pay in the United States has been stagnant or declining for decades. Consumers could keep buying because of cheap credit, mostly from rising housing prices, but now Americans have no more sources of easy money. From households to governments, everyone has big debts to pay off, so it's going to be hard to emerge from the recession.
Everyone, that is, except companies. The flip side of stagnant worker pay has been above-average corporate profits. All the talk about highly competitive markets has hidden the fact that most companies have done quite well in the past two decades. Globalization may have heightened pressures in some industries, but it's been far tougher on capital and especially labor. Companies that performed reasonably well — even if they didn't move as fast as others in their industries — still thrived because financing and labor was cheap. Management was the relatively scarce resource, and executive pay has jumped accordingly.
Most sizable companies have weathered the recession with plenty of cash, and with last week's election that's likely to continue. Republicans gains in Washington and statehouses mean that pro-consumer policies aren't going to happen. Politicians who want to fund social services are losing out to those promising to create jobs. Executives can now look forward to less regulation, lower taxes, and maybe even more government subsidy.
Certainly there are some regulations and taxes getting in the way of good business. But the problem isn't really there. It's with consumers.
Tea Party leaders talk about getting back to "constitutional" government, with something like the limited role it had in the 19th century. That's when the United States, under Alexander Hamilton and other economic nationalists, focused on developing domestic industry. Think China right now, a corporate paradise with low taxes, little regulation, meager social services, and a surprisingly good infrastructure for business.
Chinese consumers lose out, yet the economy thrives because companies can leverage their low costs to sell to affluent consumers elsewhere. As an advanced economy with a much higher cost structure, the United States is more like Japan, which has been suffering a debt hangover for a while now. Its merchants are practically begging recalcitrant consumers to buy, with little success.
Henry Ford helped create America's astonishing 20th-century prosperity with his five dollar day. Maybe it's time for his 21st-century counterparts to follow his lead with some kind of boost to wages, at least in less competitive industries. Like Ford, they can do it to spark consumer spending. Or they can do it to reduce turnover — in our case, anger at the political system that might turn against both parties at the next election.
John Landry is a contributing editor of Harvard Business Review


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, who just won a five-year seat on the Redevelopment Authority in the , is also becoming a mob boss of sorts in Stoughton.
But there’s nothing illegal about what Vargas is doing.
The Stoughton resident and business owner has helped to organize a “cash mob,” with the goal of funneling support (and money) to local businesses.
The first “cash mob” event was last Thursday, April 12 at the on Wyman Street. This Friday, April 20, the “cash mob” will hit the on Canton St.
The concept is simple: residents are encouraged to visit a designated locally-owned business on the designated “cash mob” day, helping to boost sales or revenues for the small business.
Vargas said last week’s mob visit to Stoughton Bakery went “very, very well.” Bakery owner Ann Azul told Vargas that Thursdays were typically her slowest day, but her sales were up 25-percent on April 12 as a result of the “cash mob,” Vargas said.
He said the motivation is to “get new people in the door” of these businesses.
But it’s not to overwhelm the business owners or their employees, which is why you can participate in a “cash mob” any time the business is open on the designated day, as opposed to a specific hour of the day.
The Stoughton Bakery took out an ad in the Pennysaver thanking the mob participants for their support.
Ed Wormald, owner of the , said he hopes mobsters will “leave happy and full.” His restaurant (at the former Best Pals and Stoughton Coffee House location at the corner of Canton and School Streets) will be open from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Friday. He’ll be giving out Stoughton bracelets to any “cash mob” participant.
Vargas got the idea for a Stoughton “cash mob” after a reading an article in the Boston Globe, he said.
The “cash mob” supports small local businesses as opposed to big box stores or national chains.
In researching the success of “cash mobs” Vargas said he found that 73 cents out of every dollar of revenue from a small, locally-owned business stays in the community, as opposed to only 43 cents out of every dollar at big box stores.
Vargas, who has a Stoughton office of Vargas & Vargas Insurance at 4 Cabot Place in Stoughton, also has an office in Dorchester, and is organizing a “Cash Mob” there as well.
He plans on running these cash mobs “until it loses steam.”
Next week’s Stoughton “cash mob” location will be determined by a Facebook vote.
“It’s just a little way of giving back,” Vargas said. “It’s beating the drum about the great places we have.”


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Samsung has agreed to axe or significantly alter its new Magazine UX, after coming under pressure from Google.
Samsung is the world’s largest maker of smartphones. Its success is seen as a major force behind Google’s operating system becoming the dominant mobile platform.
Tensions between the two companies became apparent in March last year. Samsung did not mention Android once during its Unpacked show when it unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Both companies were later forced to make a public statement that there was no animosity between the two companies. However, rumours of distrust between the two companies continued to circulate.
Indeed, Samsung’s partnership with Intel to develop a rival mobile operating system – Tizen – is seen by many as a way of Samsung to break free from Google’s grasp. Others see it as a bargaining chip to move Google towards Samsung’s vision for Android.
As part of the deal, Samsung has also agreed to stop pushing its own apps over Google’s. It will also give Google’s apps for music, movies etc more prominence over every other app on the phone.
News of the agreement was published by Recode. Google did not comment, while Samsung told the site it tries to give its customers as many options as possible and a great experience.
Samsung – along with many other Android smartphone makers – were reportedly extremely unhappy when Google bought Motorola. Many reportedly saw it as a challenge to the future security of the operating system.


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What the heck?
Regarding the shooting death of two Wal-Mart employees yesterday, CNN.com reports:
The two employees had been collecting shopping carts in the crowded parking lot of their suburban Phoenix store Tuesday afternoon when a man drove up and started shooting, authorities said.Why is this important information? What relevancy to anything does the fact that they were wearing their blue vest have?
Anthony Spangler, 18, and Patrick Graham, 36, were wearing their blue Wal-Mart vests when they were hit. Both died from their wounds. (emphasis added)


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Apple CEO Steve Jobs said nothing in his Wednesday Back to the Mac event about continued VoiceOver accessibility of a new Mac App Store and OS X Lion operating system for the company’s blind customers.
The new Mac App Store will offer iTunes-style one-click purchasing and installation of apps for the Macintosh computer operating system. Developers will be able to start submitting apps in November and the store’s grand opening is scheduled for Jan. 20.
A member of Apple’s accessibility team declined to comment on the status of VoiceOver accessibility in the Mac App Store.
“Since the Mac App Store is not available to the public and all features have not been announced, we can not comment on it any further,” said an unnamed member of Apple’s accessibility team.
Apple also has no comment on continued integration of the VoiceOver screen reader on the company’s new OS X Lion operating system slated for a summer 2011 release.
“As Steve said in today’s keynote, the features discussed were a ‘Sneak Peek’ into just a few of the new features being added to Mac OS X,” the unidentified accessibility team member said. “As I am sure you already know, Apple can not comment on pre-release software. Not all features are complete, and any part of it may still change.”
Blind computer science student and registered Apple iOS developer Kevin Chao said he’s not surprised at Apple’s silence on accessibility plans.
“I don’t really blame them,” Chao said. “If they say something now, they can be held accountable. Usually, they don’t talk.”
“By listening to our customers and applying thoughtful solutions to previously unsolvable problems, Apple continues to set a high standard for accessibility,” states Apple’s accessibility website. “Inventions such as braille mirroring, which enables deaf and blind kids to work together on the same computer at the same time; the worldâ€™s first screen reader that can be controlled using gestures; and captioning of downloadable digital movies are perfect examples of Apple innovation.”
It is anticipated that Apple will continue these accessibility commitments and innovations into its next operating system and far beyond.


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PasswordBox said Wednesday that it has closed US$6 million in Series A funding. OMERS Ventures led the round with participation from Silicon Valley angel investors, including Mark Britto, CEO of BOKU and Lee Linden, head of Facebook eCommerce. With offices in San Francisco and Montréal, PasswordBox is a password manager that allows users to securely store, retrieve, create and share passwords on any device. Update: OMERS Ventures is the venture capital investment arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA–(Marketwired – Nov. 13, 2013) – PasswordBox today announced it has raised $6 Million in Series A funding. The round was led by OMERS Ventures, and includes strategic Silicon Valley angel investors, involving Mark Britto, CEO of BOKU and Lee Linden, Head of Facebook eCommerce. PasswordBox, a secure and easy-to-use password management solution, plans to use the funds to continue scaling and growing its team.
“Thirty eight percent of Americans believe it would be easier to achieve world peace than to remember all of their online passwords,” said Dan Robichaud, PasswordBox CEO. “PasswordBox offers a simple and highly secure password management solution. We’ve now reached over one million users, and continue to grow both as a company and team.”
Online consumers have an average of 25 online accounts. The majority of people reuse the same username and password across multiple websites. Having a different, strong password for each website increases security. PasswordBox generates strong passwords that provide users with military-level protection of their information.
“PasswordBox clearly fits our investment strategy, which involves partnering with companies with significant growth potential and market opportunities,” said Damien Steel, Director at OMERS Ventures. “People have too many passwords to remember. Using more complex passwords just compounds the issue, while more simple or repetitive passwords can be vulnerable to security issues. PasswordBox fills an important need, providing a secure, easy-to-use solution users can access from any location, on any device.”
PasswordBox manages more than just passwords. PasswordBox is able to maintain its high level of security and ease-of-use as users extend their digital lives with more devices, apps and accounts. Additional features allow users to share access to their accounts with others without divulging their passwords, and to entrust their digital assets, including movies, music or photos, to their loved ones in case something happens to them.
Visit www.passwordbox.com to download PasswordBox, or visit the iTunes, Android Play or Chrome Store. PasswordBox is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, IE9, IE10, iPhone, iPad & Android Apps Mac & Windows OS.
About OMERS Ventures
OMERS Ventures (Twitter:@OMERSVentures) is the venture capital investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest pension funds with nearly $61 billion in net assets. It is an initiative of OMERS Strategic Investments (OSI), an investment entity with a mandate to build long-term strategic relationships with like-minded partners. As both an institutional angel investor and a later-stage investor, OMERS Ventures is looking for successful companies with significant growth potential and market opportunities. We are seeking like-minded partners with a shared vision of building a vibrant and successful knowledge economy. For more information please visit http://www.omersventures.com.
PasswordBox is the only free password manager that helps people securely store, retrieve, create and share passwords at anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Keep your online identity safe and say goodbye to multiple user names and passwords that are impossible to remember. From now on, your PasswordBox master password is the only one you’ll ever need. Also, PasswordBox includes secure one-click sharing, a strong password generator and a legacy feature with the ability to entrust your passwords to someone should something happen to you. PasswordBox has more than one million active users. Let PasswordBox get passwords off your mind. For more information visit www.passwordbox.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.


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The pair was first teased by Atmos' creative director Hirofumi Kojima on Instagram yesterday, and unlike the classic running variation, this pair opts for the winter utility version for added durability, traction, and visibility. It features a predominately red color scheme with teal accents on the tongue and sock liner. Even the classic Air Max branding has been altered to resemble the look of the famous landmark stamped onto the insole and translucent outsole.
This isn't the first time that the famous landmark was celebrated with the Air Max 95 release. Last year, the brand also dropped a special "Mt. Fuji" iteration of the classic running sneaker that was only available in Japan.
As of now, select sizes of this "Mt. Fuji" Nike Air Max 95 are currently available now exclusively on Atmos-Tokyo.com. Stay tuned to Sole Collector for news of a wider launch potentially happening on Air Max Day.


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29th October 2018 Fortnite Item Shop Today updated in the game. Each day the Fortnite Item Shop brings us a variety of items for purchase which includes majorly two sections – Featured Items and Daily Items.
A day before Epic Games has released Fortnite Update v6.02 which brought Fortnitemares 2018 Halloween based event to the game. The recent update has also introduced the cube monsters which came out through the portal in the sky which was created by the Kevin Cube and purple light over the floating island.
Marking the start of Halloween Event and Fortnitemares 2018, the Epic Games has released first set of challenges for the Fortnitemares 2018. These challenges are free and do not require a battle pass
- Fortnitemares 2018 Challenges, Dance at different Gargoyles Fortnitemares challenge
In the article below, we have shared today’s item shop, which you can find within the game. Let us know, below in the comments section your favourite item from the shop today Updated
29th October 2018 Fortnite Item Shop Today Updated
Also, The Fortnite Challenges for Week 4 of Season 6 are out, if you have not checked it yet, you can check from the article below
The Fortnite Fall Skirmish Finals are live at TwitchCon 2018 and if you want to know more about the current standings, results follow the link below


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Just yesterday, HTC issued a tweet on its official account that pretty much confirms that the HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE is going to launch next week. While we do not know the exact date, I would like to refer to a previous rumor that claimed it would launch on July 5. The 5th is next week and makes sense since it is a Thursday and Verizon typically launches new devices on that day of the week.
The text of the tweet reads:
Next week, we’ve got some special fun headed your way. We hear it’s going to be INCREDIBLE.
With this in mind, I expect Verizon or HTC to issue a press release that confirms the date and price point. With the launch of the Incredible 4G LTE, Verizon customers will have several great smartphone options in the Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, HTC DROID Incredible 4G LTE, and the Samsung Galaxy S III.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available!