text:
Were you unable to attend Transform 2022? Check out all of the summit sessions in our on-demand library now! Watch here.
Ever called a spa or beauty salon to book an appointment and been put on hold or sent straight through to voicemail?
New Yorker Abby Ziff has experienced this time and time again. So she started Beauteeze to help fellow Manhattanites book appointments at nearby salons.
It’s a destination site for consumers, but the team also built a widget that any third-party provider can add to their website, so new and existing clients can book an appointment online.
MetaBeat will bring together thought leaders to give guidance on how metaverse technology will transform the way all industries communicate and do business on October 4 in San Francisco, CA.
Beauteeze is designed to be a useful marketing tool for the salons themselves, and it integrates with existing scheduling and customer relationship management (CRM) software. Ziff said that most of the local businesses they work with in New York favor Booker.com and shouldn’t have to ditch their current software.
For this reason, the founders believe they have an edge on West Coast competitor StyleSeat.
“If a salon doesn’t want to switch to our software — they don’t have to,” said Ziff. “We have hundreds of integrations so there is no barrier — and that makes us a little different to our competitors.” Note that these integrations are via the widget, and not full-scale developments.
Ziff’s cofounder and CTO is a software engineer from Israel — the pair built the website with less than $70,000 in funding from friends and family. They launched the beta in March, and Ziff says they already have hundreds of salons signed up.
The company makes its charging the software companies it integrates with — a lead generation model. Alternatively, salons can pay $30 a month for access to Beauteeze’s online scheduling tools — a good option for businesses that don’t boast a strong digital presence. “For them, it’s a virtual storefront,” said Ziff.
Beauteeze is currently looking to raise a seed round of funding, so it can add sales, marketing and developer talent to its team.
VentureBeat's mission is to be a digital town square for technical decision-makers to gain knowledge about transformative enterprise technology and transact. Learn more about membership.


text:
“We look forward to translating Dr. Chopra’s teachings and practices into a video game that provides gamers with a truly unique and rewarding experience,” said Martin Good, Executive Vice President, THQ Kids, Family, Casual Games, and Global Online Services.
Chopra worked as a doctor and professor before studying traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine under the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the ’80s. A prolific self help and new age author and public speaker, Chopra has drawn criticism for his support of alternative medicine and his conflation of scientific evidence with faith healing practices.
Possibly Related Products
Our website includes affiliate links, which means we get a small commission — at no additional cost to you — for each qualifying purpose. For instance, as an Amazon Associate Religion News Blog earns from qualifying purchases. That is one reason why we can provide this service free of charge.

domain: news


text:
Have you heard? The dumbest merger in American media history is pretty much done and that means AOL and Yahoo are about be joined in unholy matrimony by the church of Verizon. Once Yahoo has been finalized it will be broken up merging some divisions with AOL to create Oath.
Yahoo slashed the price of its core Internet business by US$350 million, and under revised terms of the delayed deal, Verizon's purchase of Yahoo's assets is to total US$4.48 billion.
Verizon's Yahoo deal is expected to be worth just over $4USD billion dollars and their purchase of AOL back in 2015 was also just over $4USD billion dollars.
As Recode adds, it will also be interesting to see if she gets the full pay-out she is owed, after the recent hacking disaster and the general downturn in Yahoo's business during her tenure.
What the death of broadband privacy rules means
In the absence of strong privacy rules, people will have to rely on encryption to prevent service providers from tracking them. Susan Collins, say they put internet service providers at a disadvantage against websites that can sell personal information.
Yahoo originally agreed to sell its online operations to Verizon for $4.8 billion after years of unsuccessful attempts to boosts its revenue.
The deal, first announced in July of a year ago, is expected to be final by sometime this summer.
However, other government investigations and third-party litigation related to the hacks will be shared by Verizon and Yahoo. So far, go90 has fallen short of Verizon's expectations, but the company apparently remains completely committed to the mobile app. Verizon has not said yet whether go90 will become part of Oath.
Another quipped: "What'll be the metric for Oath's success as a company?" The new name was first reported by Business Insider.
Yahoo's most recent earnings report showed the company swung to profit in the final three months of previous year, after a massive $4.4 billion loss in the same period of 2015.


text:
I have a confession to make. I used to be a Wall Street banker. Fortunately, I saw the light before it was too late, and I let it guide me to the world of travel. However, I did learn a few things before I made the leap.
Well-designed, angel-funded websites are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, each clamoring to deliver travel in a way youâ€™ve never seen done before, and mostly patently failing to live up to their own hype.
Hot off of several awards, including the Demo Day $1 million IDG Media and several PCW/General Catalyst awards, panaroma technology provider TourWrist has announced a series of new travel brand partnerships.
Over the last few years, emerging technologies have continued to evolve at a rapid pace essentially unheard of just a decade ago.
Officials at global distribution systems — Travelport, Sabre and Amadeus — rave about their turbo-charged zTPF mainframes as they still at times labor to introduce products that consumers long have taken for granted. But, can GDSs still be “cool?”


text:
Global jet company Air Charter Service (ACS) has unveiled its 2021 private jet travel predictions, including how the industry will recover from the pandemic as well as how consumers perceive private travel.
Although commercial airlines were struck a dramatic blow as Covid-19 spread across the world, with most still severely lagging behind their pre-pandemic numbers, private aviation has already begun to pick back up and then some, with fliers drawn to the improved service, greater privacy and reliability.
ACS’s group private jet director, Andy Christie, has weighed in with his thoughts on what 2021 may hold following an unprecedented year, such as where travelers are likely to visit, the type of service they expect and the expected increase in private fliers.
New private aviation customers will drive an increased uptake in carbon offsetting
As the lure of private aviation continues to rise, so do environmental concerns. Although the two do not traditionally go hand in hand, with the technology not yet available to make private jet travel fully carbon-neutral, there are ways to minimize the individual impact. For example, carbon offsetting programs, which provide funding investment in green projects.
ACS predicts that 2021 will see more travelers opt into these carbon-offsetting schemes, as Christie believes that “the new customer base of clients choosing to travel by private jet are more conscious and aware about carbon offsetting and its value.” ACS encourages travelers to offset the carbon emissions of their flights by paying a 0.5% fee, which will be invested into credit schemes certified by the United Nations and Gold Standard.
Private jet travel bookings will return to pre-pandemic levels
The impact of Covid-19 saw travel drop across the board, with ACS reporting a 31% decrease in business-related bookings in 2020. However, the company anticipates that this will increase back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, with leisure travel increasing on the 2019 numbers. Although private business travel will only increase to 85% of 2019 levels in 2021, an increase in leisure travel due to passengers’ seeking more privacy will make up for this shortfall.
More customers will fly privately; however, there will be fewer flights per customer
Christie believes that while the continued disruption to scheduled flights, coupled with increased hygiene concerns, will have a positive impact on the number of customers flying privately, traveling habits will be altered, with more customers opting for fewer but longer vacations to make the most of their time in a destination. The rise of remote working will also contribute to this as employees tap into the possibility of workations.
The Caribbean will continue to be a top destination
The Caribbean and Mexico have long been favorite destinations among American travelers, with both destinations continuing to welcome guests throughout much of 2020. Christie anticipates little change in this preference: “Travelers will prefer taking trips closer to home and more familiar destinations for their first vacation, before reaching further afield.”
Travelers will want more personalized service
Among its 2021 private jet predictions, ACS expects that the lack of travel confidence felt throughout the past year will lead people to look for a more personalized, trustworthy service when they do begin to fly again, which will play into the hands of high-end travel providers. Christie notes that “despite only seeing a 5% increase in online inquiries in 2020, ACS saw a 25% increase in new clients overall. This is because people increasingly want to speak to an account manager in person, whereas previously they would have dealt with us digitally.”


text:
Police investigate how LSU football cleats ended up on eBay
BATON ROUGE – A Baton Rouge shoe store employee told officers he would not cooperate with authorities in an investigation into some official, game-worn LSU football equipment that recently was sold on eBay, LSU police said.
Police said officers contacted Fletcher Sanders, 25, after an investigation revealed that he was the seller of a pair of cleats and gloves.
Police said the eBay ad said they were worn during LSU's thrilling upset win against the Ole Miss Rebels in October.
Sanders told police that he sold the gear for an LSU football player. But when an investigator asked Sanders to name the football player, Sanders clammed up, according to the report.
The officer, in turn, told Sanders that he would be arrested if he did not cooperate, the report says.
Police booked him into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on counts of principal to theft and possession of stolen things. He was released Tuesday after posting $3,000 bail, booking records show.
The report says the equipment belonged to the football team, which leases such apparel to players. The student-athletes aren't allowed to give away or sell the gear.
Capt. Cory Lalonde, an LSU police spokesman, said investigators believe the unauthorized sale was an isolated incident. The theft remains under investigation, and police are still trying to recover the official team shoes and gloves that were sold online, Lalonde said.


text:
The company and its partner in the effort, Hyundai Motor Group, have developed the taxis and the rider experience for ride-hailing companies to use. Lyft Inc. is set to be the first out of the gate with a planned U.S. deployment of Motional’s modified Hyundai Ioniq 5 in 2023, according to the companies.
The passenger experience will be influenced by ride-sharing partners, including Lyft, with each company providing its own user interface.
Lyft said it designed its experience to mimic existing user behavior, including customers’ tendency to turn to the Lyft app not only when hailing a car but during their rides, said Jody Kelman, general manager of Lyft Autonomous. “They don’t have to kind of break their foundational patterns when they’re taking a ride,” Ms. Kelman said.
Other companies such as Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo LLC, General Motors Co. ’s Cruise LLC and Uber Technologies Inc. are also involved in developing their own driverless ride-sharing services.
Driverless taxis that are viable in real-world conditions are taking longer to arrive than some executives had predicted.
But the companies pursuing robotaxis meanwhile are also hard at work designing new experiences for passengers to make sure that customers will feel comfortable without drivers behind the wheel.
Many Americans are wary of self-driving cars. Sixty-eight percent of respondents in a September 2020 survey by researcher J.D. Power said they were worried about technology failures and errors by such vehicles. A survey by the AAA in January found that 54% of drivers said they were afraid to ride in a self-driving car.
“Several of the issues are rooted in trust,” said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction and human machine interface at J.D. Power. “Do I trust that it is going to work? Is it really going to be ready? Is this really going to be better than me driving myself?”
Lyft’s driverless experience will start and end with the app, as it does with traditional rides today, offering people a feeling of familiarity, said Lyft’s Ms. Kelman. “And what we found was that those touches of familiarity have been critical in helping people,” she said.
Research by Motional similarly reinforced the centrality of smartphones and ride-hailing apps for passengers.
Motional originally thought passengers would want to open the trunk using the touch screens in the car, for example, but found in user testing that most people gravitated toward their phones when they got in, said Rob Brown, director of product at the company. So Motional made sure the trunk could be opened through ride-hailing apps as well, he said.
“We really believe that if we have an experience that is awkward to use, that’s going to ultimately turn people off, and we’re trying to focus on making it as smooth as possible,” Mr. Brown said.
Features beyond the app include exterior light-emitting diode, or LED, light strips along the windows that will flash to let passengers know when doors are unlocked and three screens in the car that provide information such as a route map and estimated time of arrival. Below the screens are three buttons: a start button to begin the ride, a customer service button in case passengers need to speak with someone en route and another button to signal to the vehicle to pull over.
Riders’ lack of experience with driverless vehicles will be a hurdle for robotaxi services, some observers say.
It might help for people to first see autonomous vehicles delivering packages or food, said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and industry relations at AAA.
“One of the things that is going to be most critical for self-driving cars to reach critical mass is that people have the opportunity to experience it in a way that they consider to be safe and effective,” he said.


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Sign Up for the St. Louis Business Journal Afternoon Edition Newsletter
Send this story to a friend
Toys R Us to hire 450 in St. Louis, 45,000 nationwide for holidays
Toys R Us Inc. plans to hire 45,000 seasonal workers to staff up its stores and distribution centers nationwide for the holidays, and about 450 of those jobs will be in its St. Louis-area stores.
This year's nationwide hiring target is up about 13 percent from the more than the 40,000 seasonal workers Toys R Us hired for the 2011 holiday season, the company said. About 450 seasonal workers would be hired for the company's six St. Louis-area Toys R Us stores, a company spokeswoman said.
The increase this year is driven in part by the company's new online shipping options, such as those that allow customers to pick up items in stores, as well as its layaway and new "hot toy" reservation system. Company officials have said the toy retailer also plans to open 150 to 200 temporary stores in the U.S. this year, compared with about 150 last year, according to Reuters.
Toys R Us said it also plans to offer additional work hours to current employees. New seasonal workers also are eligible for full-time positions, and about 15 percent of the toy retailer's holiday workforce kept jobs with Toys R Us after the holidays last year, the company said.
Hiring for Toys R Us stores begins this week and will continue through December. Hiring for jobs at the company's 10 distribution centers began in July and also will continue through December.
Other retailers recently announced their holiday staffing plans. Wal-Mart has said it plans to hire 50,000 seasonal workers, while Target Corp. plans to hire 80,000 to 90,000, and Kohl's plans to hire more than 52,000 holiday workers this year.
Wayne, N.J.-based Toys R Us also has three Babies R Us locations in the St. Louis area. The company employs about 70,000 annually worldwide and has 876 Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and more than 635 international stores.
On Board, New to Town, Challenge, How to, Stocks
- Most popular
- These St. Louis high schools rank among the best in the country
- Announcing: The Business Journal’s 2014 CFO of the Year Award winners
- Cast your vote in the first round of St. Louis BBQ Madness
- Boeing unit to move into Cortex @4240 building
- 5 things you don't need to know but might want to
- Katz vs. Anheuser-Busch set for next week
- Jim Edmonds sued for using Cincinnati restaurant’s name
- Priory graduate named Facebook CFO
- Architecture firm HOK considers move out of Met Square building
- 4 startups that just got $100,000 from Jim McKelvey’s SixThirty
President and CEO Lake Forest Graduate School of Management | Lake Forest, IL
Production Manager II Weekends Only | Saint Louis, MO
Call Center Manager Weekends Only | Bridgeton, MO
Inside Sales Engineer Koch Air LLC | Maryland Heights, MO
Secondary Marketing Analyst American Equity Mortgage, Inc. | Saint Louis, MO


text:
has noted a concerning trend of social media posts being used to coordinate 'pump and dump' activity in listed stocks
has recently observed blatant attempts to pump share prices, using posts on social media to announce a target stock, a designated time to buy and a target price or percentage gain to be reached before dumping the shares
What part of this is "may" be manipulation? "Coordinated" and "blatant" .... C'mon ASIC, nothing "may" about it.
ASIC add this handy "how to"
'Pump and dump' activity occurs when a person buys shares in a company and starts an organised program to seek to increase (or 'pump') the share price. They do this by using social media and online forums to create a sense of excitement in a stock or spread false news about the company's prospects. They then sell (or 'dump') their shares and take a profit, and other shareholders suffer as the share price falls.


text:
Baton Rouge is establishing itself as a food destination. Every day, more and more food news is cooking in the area. A weekly feature, “Leftovers” is a roundup of the latest on the local food and restaurant scene.
The Pelican House is known for its beer and whiskey selection. But now, the Baton Rouge hotspot at 2572 Citiplace Court is hoping to become the next great restaurant on the scene.
Co-owner Gavin Jobe said the Pelican House is planning to expand its kitchen, enlarge its menu and apply for a new alcohol license that will allow diners under the age of 18 to enter the restaurant. The new permit could be approved as soon as March or April, Jobe said.
Under the current permit, diners under the age of 18 cannot eat there. The bar currently advertises that patrons under 21 are not allowed.
“A lot of families try to come in for brunches and try to come in at night with their families,” Job said. “We legally cannot allow them in, and that is the worst thing.”
The Pelican House currently offers weekend brunches and a small menu.
“We’re a beer-focused bar that also serves great food, but now we want to be a beer-focused restaurant that serves great food,” Jobe said.
For more information, visit thepelicanbar.com.
Beausoleil and Bayou Teche team for beer dinner
Beer, Beausoleil ... it’s a match made in heaven.
The Baton Rouge restaurant will host a Bayou Teche beer dinner on Wednesday. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65, all inclusive. To make a reservation, call (225) 926-1172.
The dinner features five courses, starting with a red ale beer cheese soup. Other courses include pickled shrimp tacos, smoked scallops, and sautéed veal liver. For dessert, chef Nathan Gresham will prepare a pork belly waffle.
Beers on deck for the evening include Arbre De Vie, an applewood-smoked ale aged in Buffalo Trace barrels, and Miel Sauvage, a honey ale that has been aged 100 days in Jack Daniel’s barrels.
Waitr app hits Baton Rouge, Lafayette markets
Waitr, an app developed in Lake Charles, provides delivery from local restaurants to customers.
And now, it’s available in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette markets.
The app launched in Baton Rouge Monday and already a dozen of restaurants have signed up to use the app as a delivery service.
After downloading the free app, a customer can create a free account, then order from any of the restaurants available. The only fee is a $5 for delivery.
Founder Chris Meaux said the app plans to expand to another 10 markets — including New Orleans, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe — this year.
“In one year, we have had 40,000 active users,” Meaux said. “It’s been overwhelmingly positive in every market we’ve got into. Baton Rouge has taken to it quickly.”
Seafood Express opens first location
The owners of Po-Boy Express realize that one of its best-selling items is fried seafood. And now fans of the local chain have a restaurant dedicated to just that.
Seafood Express by Po-Boy Express opened its first location on Monday at 14273 Greenwell Springs Road in Central.
The location and its focus is small. At about 800 square feet in a former Fast Track Burgers, Seafood Express is a drive-thru that sells fried shrimp and oyster baskets, platters and po-boys as well as sides like onion rings, cheese sticks and meat pies.
Could more locations be in the works? Co-owner Ause Ismail said “absolutely.”
“We are definitely hoping to franchise this idea out,” he said.
Follow Matthew Sigur on Twitter, @MatthewSigur. Kyle Peveto contributed to this report.


text:
When news came out about Microsoft's takeover of the Lumia brand, every fan was excited for the supposed agreement between Nokia and Microsoft. It was kind of a happy "agreement" to know about. However, as it turned out, Microsoft wasn't able to make its Lumia smartphones as big as people expected it to be. Nokia was also disallowed to release a smartphone of their own, as per their non-competition agreement. Nevertheless, these two companies are expected to redeem their names in the smartphone market in the coming year.
The time has come for Nokia to come back to the smartphone world. The non-competition clause will be ending and the classic cellphone manufacturer will be back on track. Of course, this doesn't mean that Microsoft won't be doing the same. The giant tech company also has something up its sleeve when talking about smartphones.
Nokia Label Licensed To HMD Global
Nokia will make its comeback this 2017 as confirmed by HMD Global. HMD is a Finnish company who's given the license to use the Nokia label. As per the company's website, they will enter the smartphone market in 2017 with the next generation of Android-running Nokia smartphones. According to rumors, at least four new Nokia smartphones will be released in the coming year. However, these phones aren't expected to be the flagship in nature. Instead, they will be midrange Androids that will vary in sizes.
Microsoft To Launch A New Smartphone Soon
As the Microsoft Lumia brand seems to slow down in business, rumor has it that the company will release their next smartphone under the Surface label. Microsoft's Surface division has been doing pretty well so it makes sense if the company does put its mobile phones under such successful department. Nevertheless, Microsoft hasn't confirmed this rumor yet.
What's confirmed is that the company will still be present in the smartphone industry, as per Forbes. As per the CEO's recent interview with AFR, Satya Nadella said that they will still be in the smartphone market. However, they still won't be following the popular trend that most smartphones are directed towards. The CEO said, "We will continue to be in the phone market not as defined by today's market leaders, but by what it is that we can uniquely do in what is the most ultimate mobile device."


text:
LEAD Spain Chapter Networking Event
Wednesday, 24th April 2019
EY, Calle de Raimundo Fernández Villaverde 65, Madrid
“DOING NOT TRYING: RESULTS MATTER”
E&Y Spain hosted, for the first time, an event about driving diversity results in partnership with LEAD Network, the major European network on diversity and inclusion for CPG and Retail. The event took place in Madrid and brought together over 70 industry leaders to engage on topics of diversity from local and international companies.
The event was opened by the Executive Director for Retail and CPG, Macarena Gutierrez from EY together with the Executive Director of the LEAD Network, Sharon Jeske and the Chair of the Spanish Chapter Committee, Sara Oliva. They reinforced the need for driving results through our company and industry diversity programs
Sharon also shared an exciting update including the current performance of LEAD Network and our Spanish Chapter.
The first speaker was Loly Alejandro, Sr IT Manager for South West Europe in P&G, who shared her vision about the Digital disruption in the CPG sector in a very inspiring way, showing examples on how technology is changing the way we operate, communicate with our consumers and what the future might bring.
The next speaker was Patricia Benito, CDO for Openbank, who talked about her experience in the Digital / eCommerce space for retail and banking and showed us examples of how we can more successfully embrace digital change.
The closure came from two directors of EY, Daniela Orbea and Yaiza Goñi, both experts in the Retail and CPG industry, who shared their vision on the different ways to tackle the digital transformation, based on the risk that we want to take and the impact we are looking for.
With the annual LEAD Network event coming up to Madrid this fall, we got a presentation of the SCC chapter event from Julia Edler Pain, Sr. Manager, Business Development EMEA, Vertical Market Consumer/Retail at DB Schenker, and Chair of the LEAD Network Supply Chain Chapter. She welcomed everyone in Madrid to join us in November and enjoy the unique opportunity.
2019 has begun on a great note as theLEAD Network Spain Chapter has grown by 31% since Q4, 2018 and we have 500+ current members (and growing). We are also excited to announce our next Chapter Event hosted by Unilever in Barcelona. To read more and to register, click here. We are also proud to host the European LEAD Network event announced on November 18-19 2019 in Madrid. Program Overvoew and Registration here.


text:
Mason Ramsey, the young yodeler, made a surprise appearance at Coachella yesterday.
The 11 year old became a viral sensation last week after a video emerged of him singing in his local Walmart store.
Well now he's after taking it to a different level.
Whethan, a newcomer producer invited Ramsey onstage after fans noticed a similarity between the two.
The Walmart yodeler took his chance to wow the screaming fans:
From Walmart to Coachella, I see you yodel boy. pic.twitter.com/ezxaiyJyoY— Gianna Chen (@xoxo_gianna1114) April 13, 2018


text:
Teva Pharmaceutical announced a proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Mylan in a transaction valued at $40 billion, with the consideration to be comprised of approximately 50 percent cash and 50 percent stock.
The Teva cash and stock proposal provides Mylan stockholders with a substantial premium and immediate cash value, as well as significant potential for future value creation through participation in a financially and commercially stronger company.
|Searching for more deal information? Current Partnering offers the following options:
Teva’s proposal also provides Mylan stockholders with a more attractive alternative to Mylan’s proposed acquisition of Perrigo Company, as announced on April 8, 2015, as well as to Mylan on a standalone basis.
Teva’s proposal would provide Mylan stockholders with consideration representing a 37.7% premium to the stock price of Mylan on April 7, 2015, which is the last day of trading prior to Mylan’s press release regarding its unsolicited proposal for Perrigo, and a 48.3% premium to the unaffected stock price of Mylan on March 10, 2015, which is the last day of trading prior to widespread speculation of a transaction between Teva and Mylan.
The proposed combination of Teva and Mylan would create a leading company in the pharmaceutical industry, well positioned to transform the global generics space.
The combined company would leverage its significantly more efficient and advanced infrastructure, with enhanced scale, production network, end-to-end product portfolio, commercialization capabilities and geographic reach.
With this platform, the combined company would focus on complex technologies and more durable and sustainable products, in combination with robust capabilities in specialty drug development and commercialization.
As a result, the combined company would have a unique and differentiated business model addressing significant trends and discontinuities prevailing today among patients and healthcare systems around the world.
The combined company would also have an enhanced financial profile, creating the opportunity for rapid deleveraging and the funding of future growth – in generics, specialty and the intersection of the two.
Perrigo announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously rejected the unsolicited Proposalfrom Mylan, disclosed April 8, 2015, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Perrigo for $205.00 per share.
Following a thorough review, advised by its financial and legal advisors, the Board unanimously concluded that the Proposal substantially undervalues the Company and its future growth prospects and is not in the best interests of Perrigo's shareholders.
Key factors informing the Board's determination include:
The Proposal substantially undervalues Perrigo's differentiated global business, including the Company's leading market position in key franchises, global distribution platform, and proven expertise in product development and supply chain management;
The Proposal would deny Perrigo shareholders the full benefits of Perrigo's durable competitive position and compelling growth strategy, which is reflected in the Company's three-year organic net sales compound annual growth rate (CAGR) goal for calendar 2014 to 2017 of 5-10%;
The Proposal does not take into account the full benefits of the Omega Pharma acquisition, which closed on March 30, 2015, including additional value to be derived from synergies and increased global presence; and
The Proposal does not take into account Perrigo's innovative new product pipeline, which is expected to generate nearly $1 billion in net sales over the next three years, excluding sizable upside from potential new indications for Tysabri.
For further deal information visit Current Agreements (subscription required)
Scorecard: Top partnering deals by value in 2015
View: Top biotech companies


text:
MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012
Want a Nokia N9 in the US? Expansys has some, but it'll cost ya
Motorola Droid 2 stars in its first video, touts 1GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM?
It's taken a long time for Nokia's MeeGo-packing N9 to make its way into our to...
3 years ago
It was inevitable, really, that a phone as widely leaked as the Droid 2 would end up caught on video. Doing the honors for us today are Android and Me, who've compared the new Droid to the classic variant. Funnily enough, they didn't find too much deviation from Motorola, describing the two handset...
5 years ago


text:
Usually, when enough readers call with similar questions I try to grovel around and see if I can find an appropriate answer. Over the past few weeks several of you have called or e-mailed me wanting to know how you can continue to put healthy food on the table with grocery prices soaring.
The answer to that question popped up today in an article posted by Dr. Mary Pickett, an associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University where she is a primary care doctor for adults.
The internal medicine specialist reported that the federal government says April’s food prices were 14 percent higher for bread, 13.5 percent higher for milk, and 5 percent higher for food overall compared with last year’s prices, and last month’s food cost increase was the largest in the past 18 years.
The good doctor also tries to address the question of whether it’s important to buy organic food, which she says “can steeply increase the price you pay for fruits, vegetables, milk and grains.”
Her answer: It is hard to say for sure whether organics are worth the extra cost.
The most important difference between organic and non-organic foods is the presence of pesticides. Large exposures to pesticides are known to be dangerous, since pesticides can be toxic to nerves. But small exposures (like the small exposure you can get from non-organic foods) don’t cause obvious harms, she says.
She talks about Dr. Alex Lu’s study which I reported on Jan. 30, that showed that pre-school children who eat an organic foods diet have less organophosphate pesticide measured in their urine, compared with other children.
But she rightly concludes that “there is no good study that can prove–one way or the other–whether lifelong trace exposure to pesticides can cause human harm.”
She does caution that shoppers should not buy organic foods if they need to cut down on the quantity of fruits and vegetables that you buy in order to afford them. Washing, peeling, freezing and cooking fruits and vegetables eliminate a portion of the pesticides that contaminate them, so these are additional good strategies.
A valuable tip from Pickett is that if you choose to spend extra on organic foods, buy the organic versions of the fruits and vegetables in the “dirty dozen”–these are the foods that have the most pesticide residue: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes (imported), spinach, lettuce and potatoes.
Check out this link to her work for suggestions on what to do with dairy products, meat, juices and other shopping bag items.


text:
Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) December 27, 2012
On December 27, Linus Bike, a leading distributor of city bikes, comments on the importance of the approval of Bicycle Traffic Signals being implemented in bike-friendly cities.
According to USA Today, approximately 16 U.S. cities including Austin, San Francisco, Denver, Minneapolis, Seattle and Washington D.C. have all installed bike traffic signals. The article states that the new signals were created due to bicyclists being at risk when entering an intersection on a yellow light. USA Today reports that cars are able to clear the intersection on a yellow, but the bikes required a little more time.
In addition, the article explains that the“[bicycle] signals can also help prevent collisions when a motorist is turning right and a cyclist is going straight, by allowing the cyclist a few seconds head start.” Gary Obery, senior traffic engineer for the Oregon Department of Transportation affirms “bicyclists have to obey the signals like any other vehicle would with a regular traffic light.”
The article reports that states such as California and Oregon have been the recent recipients of bike traffic signals. In the article, an Oregon resident commented about his bike route to work. He stated, “It’s a lot quicker and easier to make my way through the intersection now. I’ve never waited more than 20 seconds for the new light to turn green.”
Jason Latty, Sales Manager of Linus Bike, states “It’s great to see that the larger cities are starting to show an interest in cycling safety.” He also goes on to add that, “city bike commuting has become extremely prevalent in large cities due to the large volume of car traffic. With the addition of these new safety measures I’m sure you will see a big increase in the amount of cyclists on the road.”
Linus Bike is a California-based bicycle manufacturer that specializes in creating vintage style city bikes and commuter bikes. Not simply a bicycle company, Linus Bike sells a complete line of accessories for the environmentally conscious and for those who have a fondness for European style bicycles and the great tradition of European cycling.


text:
From the 30th of January to the 1st of February 2015, Japan’s largest fishing event, the Japan Fishing Show was held at Pacifico Yokohama in the Minato Mirai district. From the first day, big crowds of both adults and kids turned up to this must see for fishing fans. This is our report from day one.
Fishing isn’t being left behind with advances in new technology
At major maker Shimano’s booth, they were offering a fishing experience using the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset.
The only equipment required was the headset and headphones.
From an actual boat in the ocean, you could look around in 360 degrees like you were one of the crew and you can have a real big game fishing experience. As a souvenir, we got a Hacosco – a simple device for turning your smart phone into a VR device.
Using a mobile handset, a fisherman can wirelessly control electric reels and monitor sonar. Using the app you can even see exactly how much line has been let out.
Shimano’s camera for outdoor sports, allows you to take it into the water to a depth of 10m and with waterproof housing it can go down to a depth of 60m.
At Hapyson’s booth their portable iBobber fish school finder was on show.
We can have fun making things with fishing too
Roland displayed their “Modela” cutting machine for producing lures as well as a 3D printer.
Fuji Guides produces the majority of the fishing line guides attached to fishing rods that are made in Japan. The rods and reels get all the attention, but this is a vital part of the tackle.
Reviving Japan’s Traditional Arts
High technology is all well and good, but Japan’s traditional craft was also introduced to show attendees.
Lots of performances and experience attractions
At Jackal Bass’ booth, a giant water tank with large fish gave a unique perspective on fishing.
At the virtual fishing experience corner, you could get an experience of what the pull on the line was like from different varieties of fish.
There was even an area resembling a golf driving range for practicing your lure casting.
Famous industry people were also in attendance.
Media and other famous personalities made an appearance to give demonstrations and participate in talk sessions.
Last but not least were the booth promotion models. Here’s a selection.
Details have been released for the Japan Fishing Show 2016. Another event you might be interested in is Fishing Show Osaka 2016 which is a two day event held about a week after the Japan Fishing Show.


text:
Bluetooth vulnerability, several smartphones put at risk
Computer security researchers at the University of Singapore recently discovered several SweynTooth security vulnerabilities that affect Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
The fact that this latest technology is embedded in several chip systems such as Cypress, Dialog, Microchip, Semiconductors… In all, more than fifteen systems on chips that can easily be found in about 450 products would be affected by the vulnerability. This security flaw was then called SweynTooth.
This article will also interest you: Devices that work with Bluetooth technology would be vulnerable
There is nothing new about this, we know all Bluetooth technologies do not escape a few vulnerabilities here and there. we remember the discovery made by security specialists regarding the CVE-2018-5383 flaw, which could allow computer hacking specialists to not only intercept data exchanges, but also damage them. Some security vulnerabilities have only just been discovered offering the same possibilities.
Regarding the SweynTooth vulnerability, researchers discovered are experts technology and technology University of Singapore and are known as Matheus E. Garbelini, Sudipta Chattopadhyay, Chundong Wang. They managed to lay bare more than a dozen of these. "Vulnerabilities can be used by a attacker that is in the Bluetooth emission field and can make plant the affected devices, force a restart, block them or bypass secure BLE coupling mode and access reserved functions authorized users," bleepingcomputer explains.
Apparently, since the end of 2019, researchers had discovered all of these flaws, but because of the protocol, it took 90 days to make an official publication to announce it. Among these vulnerabilities, "There are Zero LTK Installation (CVE-2019-19194), Link Layer Length Overflow (CVE-2019-16336 , CVE-2019-1751 Link Layer LLID deadlock (CVE-2019-17061 and CVE-2019-17 Truncated L2CAP (CVE-2019-17517 ), Silent Length Overflow (CVE-) 2019-17518 ), Invalid Connection Request (CVE-2019-19193 ), Unexpected Public Key Crash (CVE-2019-17520 ), Sequential ATT Deadlock ( CVE-2019-19192), Invalid L2CAP fragment (CVE-2019-19195) and Key Size Overflow (CVE-2019-19196). »
Hundreds of devices around the world uses these different chips affected by the vulnerabilities mentioned above. Many accessories use it connected watches, home automation management systems…
However, chip manufacturers and other suppliers of devices affected by the security vulnerabilities have not yet made official statements regarding potential security fixes. This could perhaps mean that all devices already in circulation are not only vulnerable, but could have already been victims of the few previously undeclared computer attacks. What would be wise then is to advise users of the tools already in circulation to be very careful about their use. See it will not be available if no security updates are offered until then. In fact, users of the various tools concerned with generality should if possible, and this is important to do security checks of their systems to ensure that there has been no intrusion.
Now access an unlimited number of passwords:


text:
The second half of 2023 has seen the launch of many new car models in the Vietnamese auto market, and November is no exception. Many attractive projects will be officially introduced and have the opportunity to reach Vietnamese customers. Below is a list of car models that will be launched in November.
1. Toyota Alphard 2024
Toyota Alphard 2024, Toyota’s most advanced MPV model, is expected to launch in November. Nicknamed ‘ground plane,’ Alphard is attracting the attention of Vietnamese customers with a price of about 4.5 billions dong. This car model is popular because of its large size, luxurious space, and impressive design. The 2024 version of Alphard will use a new turbocharged 2.4L engine, producing 278 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. The model’s dimensions have been adjusted and upgraded to ensure maximum comfort for customers.
2. Mitsubishi Xforce 2023 – Competitor in the Urban SUV Segment:
Mitsubishi Xforce, the expected urban SUV model, will launch in the Vietnamese market at the end of 2023. This model uses a 1.5L MIVEC DOHC 16-valve engine, producing 105 horsepower and 141 horsepower. Nm, comes with CVT gearbox and front-wheel drive system. With modern size and features, Xforce will compete with serious competitors in the urban SUV segment.
3. MG HS 2023
MG HS 2023 will launch in the Vietnamese market in November. This car model has been imported from Thailand and has an expected price from 750 million to 900 million VND. MG HS 2023 is equipped with a 1.5L gasoline engine with 162 horsepower and 249 Nm of torque, along with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
4. Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Jimny is expected to launch at the end of November in Vietnam, with a price of about 900 million VND. This SUV model is imported completely from Japan and is equipped with a 1.5L gasoline engine with a capacity of 102 horsepower. Suzuki Jimny impresses with its off-road appearance and cheaper price than many competitors.
5. Mazda2 2023 – x
Mazda2 2023 will launch in the Vietnamese market later this year. Expected price will be from 415 million to 429 million VND. This car model has been upgraded in design and imported from Thailand. The 2023 Mazda2 will use the same 1.5L gasoline engine as the current version, with a capacity of 105 horsepower.
November will be an exciting time for the Vietnamese auto market with the launch of many diverse new car models, from luxury MPVs, urban SUVs, to crossovers and sedans. Customers will have many attractive choices to meet their transportation needs and driving experience.


text:
Cecilia Kang reports:
McDonald’s said it has removed social networking features in some of its online games after a privacy advocacy group complained to federal regulators that the restaurant chain was violating child online privacy laws.
In a complaint filed last August to the Federal Trade Commission, the Center for Digital Democracy said McDonald’s was using a “tell-a-friend” feature on games and other functions of HappyMeal.com and McWorld.com that asked children to upload photos and videos onto the site and then pass along that information to friends. McDonald’s also asked for children to list the e-mail addresses of friends, without gathering parental consent for that information.
Read more on Washington Post.


text:
Acer may have some super-slimline notebooks in its CES 2018 line-up, but if you want the beef you probably need the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. Targeting casual gamers who need more grunt for AAA titles, but don't want to go down the full performance route with all the cost that entails, the new notebook packs AMD's Ryzen's processors.
The fight to keep the "World's Thinnest Laptop" crown never stops, but Acer's new Swift 7 isn't just counting on its super-skinny design to set itself apart, throwing in dedicated cellular connectivity to sweeten the deal. Announced at CES 2018 today, the new notebook is a mere 8.98 mm thick, despite running an Intel Core i7 7th-generation processor and full Windows 10.
With CES 2018 kicking off next week, accessories maker Belkin has unveiled its latest lineup of wireless charging products. With Apple's new iPhone X and iPhone finally adopting wireless and fast-charging features, it seems Belkin's new solutions are aimed at these smartphones in particular. The products include four different charging pads, each available in several colors, and all support Qi-enabled devices.
Outdoor speakers aren't new, but ION wants to make them a whole lot easier to install and use by cutting the cords completely on its new, solar-powered range. The ION Audio Tiki Sounds and Solar Stone Multi each pretend to be more humble garden fare - a tiki lamp and, well, a rock, respectively - but inside they have rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth for streaming.
Kopin has teamed with Pico Interactive to create "Eagle," a mobile headset with a removable OLED display bar. This is a personal entertainment device, according to Kopin, which says Eagle has won the duo a CES 2018 Innovation Award. When put on, the user gets to watch content on the equivalent of an 80-inch screen, but in a very personal, intimate way.
Further proving CES 2018 is turning into a car show, Kia plans to bring its newest concept car to Las Vegas next week as it talks about its vision of what comes after autonomous driving. The unnamed concept will be a Kia EV, the automaker has confirmed, with what's promised to be a "highly efficient" battery-powered electric drivetrain. However, that won't be the only unique feature.
Alexa is headed to the bathroom, with Kohler announcing the Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror, the first bathroom mirror with Amazon's assistant built-in. Part of the kitchen and bath company's new smart home line-up for CES 2018, the mirror slots into the Kohler Konnect ecosystem of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which will include voice-controlled faucets, showers, and even toilets.
We're bound to receive a lot of notebook reveals next week during CES 2018, but Samsung is trying to beat the rest to the punch by revealing one of its new devices today. The company has announced its new Notebook 7 Spin for 2018 which, like so many other notebooks these days, comes with a 360-degree rotating display. This, of course, allows you to rotate the display into a number of different orientations, opening the door to more usage modes than your standard notebook.
Not everyone wants a gigantic TV occupying their living room wall but almost everyone wants to have the experience of having one. The solution? Why a projector, of course! There have been various home projectors put out in the market, ranging in size and resolution, but LG thinks it has the best one yet. At CES 2018, it will be demonstrating not just how bright the HU80K, its first 4K UHD home projector really is. It will also be showing off how easy it is to carry around where and when you need it.
Hyundai is bringing its new fuel-cell powered SUV to CES 2018, the first test model for its Level 4 autonomous car plans. The EV - the official name of which will be confirmed in Las Vegas next week - will form the basis for a partnership between Hyundai and driverless tech firm Aurora, which together aim to have an autonomous vehicle on the market by 2021.


text:
Between 2011 and 2012, when QR Codes first started to appear in marketing campaigns in the UK, smartphone and mobile internet penetration was significantly low compared to 2016.
Even then, QR Codes in the country were scanned 3.3 million times in Q2 2012.
In 2016, smartphone penetration stands at 76.6% compared to 44.1% in 2011 (source: eMarketer). Mobile internet has also increased from 32.57% in Q3 2013 to 42.77 in Q2 2016 (source: MobileSquared). And statistics show that the usage of QR Codes has soared worldwide.
This means that QR Codes, a technology that requires a smartphone and mobile data, makes much more sense now than ever in the country. And businesses in the UK understand this trend and are actively using QR Codes to engage consumers.
Here are 6 examples of how brands and Government bodies in the UK are using the technology:
1. Consumer energy bill
The Government and Ed Davey, the former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, made it mandatory for all energy-supplying companies in the UK to have a QR Code on their energy bills.
The decision was to allow consumers to instantly get a cross-market comparison of tariff based on consumption.
2. Mercedes-Benz’s Rescue Assist QR Codes
Mercedes-Benz cars in the UK now come fitted with Rescue Assist i.e. a QR Code.
Rescue workers scan the code using a mobile device to gain instant access to a digital display of the vehicle’s structural framework allowing the emergency services to see where some of the most dangerous systems are located, including batteries, airbags, fuel tanks, high-pressure cylinders and electrical components. It also includes information that helps rescuers pinpoint the best place to cut into the car’s body structure to extricate occupants – Rescue Assist
3. Vodafone top-up
Vodafone in the UK has introduced a new way of topping up a balance in the phone via QR Codes. Subscribers can download the PowaTag app on their smartphone, register details of payment, and scan QR Codes placed on Vodafone promotional material.
The diverse examples above prove that the UK actively uses QR Codes. Marketers in the UK should also use QR Code technology to better engage their customers via print media.
4. Dry cleaning service
In 2018, VClean vending machines were launched at the US. VClean is the UK’s largest fully wet clean company. Their aim is a cleaner and greener future.
VClean machines use a QR Code to help people drop their clothes for dry cleaning while going to office. And pick them up within 24 hours.
5. QR Code trails
Canal River Trust has commissioned a 5-6 km trail along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The trail has 10 stop points, each marked with a QR Code. When scanned, the QR Code provides fascinating facts about the canal’s history and its wildlife.
The Lagan Valley Regional Park, as part of their project, created a heritage audio trail using QR Codes. This 11-mile stretch of man-made canals and the River Lagan has 35 numbered audio trail markers with a QR Code. When scanned, each QR Code redirects to an audio file that narrates a story of the Canal Folk, who earned their living on the Lagan Navigation.
Wales Coast Path also allows you to get information about the building, structure, memorial, wildlife or landscape via QR Codes placed at 150 different locations on the way from Flint to Chepstow and around Anglesey.
6. Soldiers’ stories at Olveston War Memorial, South Gloucestershire
7. QR Code plaque in Tin Pan Alley, Central London
In 2014, Central London street Tin Pan Alley, popular for being the focal point of the British music industry, got a blue plaque with a QR Code. When scanned, the QR Code provides more information in both audio and video about the street’s history.


text:
DETROIT — KIA was ranked first in the new 2017 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) followed by Genesis and Porsche. The announcement was made on Wednesday at an Automotive Press Association meeting in Detroit.
The IQS measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership.
“When KIA joined the market for the first four years it was dead last,” said Dave Sargent, Vice President, Global Automotive at J.D. Power. “Now, for the second year in a row, KIA is the No. 1 brand. Very impressive with the number of launches. Launches are typically tough years for a model. To be No. 1 and to improve over last year is impressive.”
Detroit-based automakers Ford and RAM tied for fourth and Chevrolet ended up in sixth place. Lincoln ranked ninth and Buick ended up in 13th position.
“Breaking news for the domestics,” Sargent added. “The domestics have improved by ten-fold and have a high level of initial quality–fewer problems than the imports. Now, the domestics are leading the imports again. In the 31 years we’ve done the study, this is the best performance by the domestic manufacturers.”
Audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN) technologies are where most of the problems are being reported. Meanwhile, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, collision avoidance/alert systems, and blind spot warnings are increasingly becoming more problematic as this technology is being rolled out to more and more models.
“Detroit automakers had a good showing in the JD Power Quality study,” said Michelle Krebs, director of automotive relations for Cox Automotive. “Issues with technology, particularly the human interface with technology, requires some attention as we move to more automated vehicles.”
When broken down into vehicle segments, Hyundai/KIA received five model awards with General Motors and BMW both tied with four.
Tesla was missing from the study. When asked why, Sargent said the California-based automaker refused to share its customer registration data with J.D. Power.
“I don’t know that they’re hiding anything,” Sargent answered. “They just don’t want to participate. They don’t want to play this game. We’re hoping they will come to the party because we’re increasingly getting this question. It’s not like their cars are falling apart.”
From J.D. Power: The U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from nearly 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2017 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight problem categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2017.


text:
Investors at the Tokyo Stock Exchange were not happy with Yamaha Motor this morning, as the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer reported its 2010 earnings and 2011 forecast, and promptly saw its stock drop 10%. Despite managing to turnaround its 2010 income from the ¥216.1 billion ($2.5 billion) loss it took in 2009 to a profit of ¥18.3 billion ($219 million), Yamaha only expects to improve on these gains by just over 9% in 2011.
Harley-Davidson filed papers today with the SEC disclosing that the company has bought back $297 million in papers (essentially paying off a loan) from Davis Selected Advisers, L.P to the tune of $380.8 million. Taking the loan amount at 15% interest, Harley-Davidson borrowed roughly $600 million from Davis Select and Warren Buffett ($300 million each, despite what other blogs seem to think) back in February of 2009. This announcement marks the first step Harley-Davidson has taken in repaying that debt, and with the added $100 million in interest payments, it’s easy to understand why.
We know it’s a cryptic headline, but there’s a
big HUGE move happening today in India as far as motorcycles are concerned, and we couldn’t help being overly dramatic. Holding a 26% stake in Hero Honda, Honda announced that it will be selling its position in Indian joint-venture, the world’s largest two-wheel manufacturer, to the Hero Group’s founders, the Munjal family, and various investment funds.
Honda in turn will be pumping its resources into its own fully-owned subsidiary in India called Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI). Buying its stock back at a discounted rate, the Honda will be selling the stock to Hero Honda for $1.2 billion, presumably in exchange for a larger percentage of the company’s early revenue (Honda currently takes home 2.5% of Hero Honda’s yearly revenue).
Bajaj must be celebrating a late Thanksgiving (we might be talking about the wrong Indians here) as the Pune-based automotive group has gobbled up some more shares of Austrian company’s stock. Strengthening the two companies’ strategic partnership, Bajaj has modestly increased its 35.67% interest in KTM, becoming a 38.08% shareholder. Also coming out of the orange brand is news that Stefan Pierer will continue on as CEO of the company through 2015, and Friedrich Roithner, formerly of DGF Cross Industries, will take on the role of Financial Director in the new year.
Harley-Davidson has just announced that it will be giving out a 10¢/share dividend for the third quarter of 2010. Being paid on October 15th to anyone who owns Harley-Davidson stock (NYSE: HOG) on October 1st, 2010, holders of HOG common stock will get a chance to be rewarded for investing in the Milwaukee brand. It’s not clear at this time if Harley-Davidson intends to keep the cash dividend for future quarters, or if this is one-quarter only event.
With HOG currently trading at $28.43/share, this announcement means essentially an automatic 1.2% investment gain for stock owners, however contact your financial advisor before placing any orders…you shouldn’t take stock advice from a motorcycle blog.
After Asphalt & Rubber broke the news about the MV Agusta purchase last week, many of the details about Harley-Davidson’s sale of MV Agusta to the Castiglioni were known or rumored at the time of the purchase’s announcement later in the day; however the exact figures and terms of the agreement were not officially known. Having filed the appropriate forms with the SEC, Harley-Davidson (a publicly traded company) has had to disclose the terms of MV Agusta’s sale, which don’t paint a favorable picture for the Milwaukee brand, but show how Castiglioni “bought” his company back despite bids coming from other parties.
There has to be a bevy of high-fives going on in Milwaukee right now, as Harley-Davidson has finally unloaded MV Agusta from its holdings (we broke the news on the purchase earlier this morning). Harley-Davidson bought MV Agusta for $109 million back in 2008 (most of which was bad debt), and now just a little over two years later is making a tidy profit of…well, nothing. After wiping the books clean, investing in new infrastructre, and getting MV Agusta back on track with an all new model line-up (with a bike on the way), Harley-Davidson saw a paltry sum of €1 cross its desks. Harley-Davidson shares are down 3.5% as of this writing.
Instead Harley-Davidson is calling things even with the Castiglioni family, who would have seen a stock pay-out had the company exchanged hands with another buyer, like TPG for instance. The Castiglioni’s stock was worth somewhere between €20-€30 million, and now with 100% ownership, the Italians are free to once again run MV Agusta into the ground, just like they did leading up to 2008.
Harley-Davidson & MV Agusta press releases are after the jump. One interesting point of note that taking the helm of MV Agusta is former Ducati General Manager and Chief Engineer Massimo Bordi. Bordi was once offered the job of CEO at Ducati, but turned it down, and the position was filled by Gabriele del Torchio, Ducati’s current CEO. Bordi’s last item of business at Ducati was trying to sell the Italian brand to Harley-Davidson, which makes for some good irony in today’s announcement.
Expected to be closed within hours, Harley-Davidson is on the verge of selling MV Agusta to Claudio Castiglioni. Castiglioni was able to leverage the purchase of MV Agusta by using the funds that would have been generated by his stock buy-out, which is rumored to be between €20 – €30 million. Castiglioni is today’s big winner in the deal, as the Italian is basically buying back the company he sold to Harley-Davidson for pennies on the dollar, while Harley-Davidson is left holding the tab on a hefty purchase price and cash infusion into the Italian company.
Harley-Davidson has announced its Q1 quarterly earnings today, and the Milwaukee-based company posted a $68.7 million profit. This news comes after Harley-Davidson posted a $218 million loss last quarter, and finished in the hole over $55 million for the 2009 year. Harley’s return to profitability is partially due to the company’s restructuring of its financial services, which are once again generating money for the iconic American brand. Harley-Davidson Financial Services posted a profit of $26.7 million this past quarter, almost a third of HD’s net income in Q1.
Yamaha Motors is set to raise $812 million in capital in order to pursue development and production of fuel-efficient engines, which includes hybrid and electric models. The focus of this new range of Yamahas seems to be destined for emerging markets, but may include technologies that could trickle into more established markets like the United States. Yamaha plans on raising this money by making 63.25 million more corporate shares publicly available for investment.


text:
Growing threat of extreme weather, ecosystem degradation, and climate change could cause 'runaway collapse' in complex global systems, experts fear
The environment has once again ranked as the most pressing global risk in the annual Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) from the World Economic Forum, underlining the concern felt by economic experts...
NLGPS joins Make My Money Matter pledge to align its £46bn investment portfolio with Paris Agreement's 1.5C goal
Our Global Investor Study 2020 reveals investor and consumer views on company responsibility for tackling climate change, writes Schroders' Vicki Owen
Beauty arm of US consumer goods giant estimates that new refillable product line will eliminate need for roughly 300 million virgin plastic shampoo bottles
VIDEO: In our final Glimpses report looking at potential net zero gamechangers, BusinessGreen looks at the potential for hydrogen use in energy, transport and home heating


text:
This collaboration has produced two different takes on an iconic design
The legendary Reebok Instapump Fury is back. Why did we say “legendary”? Well, because last year, the sneaker has just celebrated twenty-five years on retail shelves. And now, the advanced runner has returned with a special-edition collaboration with none other than New York-based fashion brand Opening Ceremony.
The pumped air technology on the Reebok Instapump Fury is still relevant today and Opening Ceremony revealed its unique take on the ’90s runner with colorful tartan plaid prints. It also comes with two colorways, green and yellow. The distinctive pattern dominates the upper while Opening Ceremony branding can be found the heel side along with the “Est.2002” credentials.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE


text:
Blockchain to become the next big disruptive force in auto sector: Study
The next big thing!
Although the industry is still in very early stages of adopting the technology, the study by IBM Institute for Business Value in collaboration with Oxford Economics said blockchain has the potential to strengthen trust and collaboration among businesses, consumers and even vehicles.
Transparent & secure way to do business
As many as 62 per cent of surveyed executives say blockchain will be a disruptive force in the automotive industry within three years, the study said.
Not so ready for the change?
However, when looked at data by country, it was found that aftersales was among the high-rated areas for OEMs in China, Germany and Mexico.
As the automotive industry is in the very early stages of implementing blockchain at commercial scale, only a small portion of executives say their organisation is ready, according to the study.
Lack of awareness
The ability of blockchain to overcome regulatory constraints concerns 42 per cent of OEMs and 33 per cent of suppliers, it added.


text:
This news story is now over a year old and information may not now be accurate or up-to-date. Please use our search box to look for more recent information.
Foresters at Britain’s largest Christmas tree sales centre in Staffordshire are reassuring customers that they should still be able to get the Christmas tree of their choice despite reports that there will be a shortage of trees in the UK this year.
There has been a fall in the number of Christmas trees being imported from the continent after the European Union withdrew government subsidies for Nordmann Fir tree farmers in Denmark.
However, the Forestry Commission say they will again be stocking around 14,000 trees at the Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase near Rugeley. Varieties available at the Centre include the popular Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir and Lodgepole Pine, which are all sourced from the UK.
The Forestry Commission has also guaranteed that there will not be a significant rise in prices. Some people have been predicting big prices because of the fall in Christmas tree imports.
Doug Stanley, Sales Manager for the Forestry Commission at Cannock Chase, says:
“With public fears of Christmas tree shortages this year, we’re keen to reassure our regular and new customers that they should still be able to get the tree they want, including the popular Nordmann Fir that sheds fewer needles than other varieties.
"A real tree sums up the traditional spirit of Christmas. There’s something special about the smell and the feel of the needles that you can only get from the real thing.”
Each December, the Birches Valley Forest Centre is transformed into a winter wonderland packed with gifts, decorations, Santa’s grotto and the all-important Christmas tree. This year will be no exception.
Christmas trees will be on sale from 9am to 6pm each day between 1st and 21st December.
Father Christmas will also be making a spectacular arrival in the forest on Saturday December 1st at 11.00am to declare his woodland wonderland open for business. He will make his grand entrance on a sleigh pulled by a pack of Siberian Huskey dogs.
Meeting Santa costs £3 per child. Usual opening hours will be Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 6pm; 4pm to 8pm on 7th and 8th December and between the 11th and 15th December; and 4pm to 6pm between the 18th and 22nd December. However, opening times vary as Father Christmas is very busy at this time of year, so it's best to call the centre in advance on 01889 586593 to check he is not elsewhere delivering presents!
Prices range from £15 to £40 depending on size and species. There will also be late night openings on 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th December when the tree store is open until 8pm.
All Forestry Commission Christmas trees come from sustainable sources. For every tree harvested another one is planted.
People can also recycle their trees in the forest. Instead of leaving it out for the bin men in January, people can return their tree to the Birches Valley Forest Centre where it will be turned into chippings for them to use in their garden.
Around 300,000 Nordmann Firs will be imported to Britain in December compared with 1.2 million last year. The Nordmann Fir, which is commonly grown in Denmark, has been the most popular tree in British households since the early 1990s because of its limited needle loss. Around 6 million trees are sold in the UK every Christmas, of which half are Nordmann Firs.
For more information on real Christmas tree sales in your area visit the Forestry Commission’s website: www.forestry.gov.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. IMAGES AVAILABLE: Image attached of Doug Stanley (Sales Manager) for the Forestry Commission at the Birches Valley Christmas tree sales centre attached. A higher res version is available by calling 015394-42436.
2. How to get there: From Rugeley head towards Penkridge along Hagley Road. The road changes into Penkridge Bank road as it enters Cannock Chase AONB. The Forest Centre is signposted on your left. From Stafford head towards Cannock on the A34. Follow the signs for Pye Green or Rugeley. Once on Cannock Chase continue to head for Rugeley until signs for the centre on your right. OS Grid Reference: SK018170
3. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The West Midlands region covers the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and parts of Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Doug Stanley (Sales Manager) or Rowan Clark (Education Officer) at the Forestry Commission’s Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase on 01889 586593.


text:
Proxy firm Glass Lewis also backs Michael Dell's buyout offer
SAN FRANCISCO, July 8
SAN FRANCISCO, July 8 (Reuters) - Shareholder advisory firm Glass Lewis joined ISS on Monday in recommending that Dell Inc stockholders vote in favor of CEO Michael Dell's $24.4 billion offer to take over the ailing PC maker.
Investors in the company, several of which have pushed for better terms from the company's founder and private equity house Silver Lake, are scheduled to vote on the offer July 18.
- Co-pilot spoke last words heard from missing Malaysian plane |
- EU imposes sanctions after Crimea moves to join Russia |
- Crimeans vote over 90 percent to quit Ukraine for Russia |
- China rejects North Korean crimes report, hits chance of prosecution
- UPDATE 1-Rolls-Royce concurs with Malaysia on missing jet's engine data


text:
Residential Energy Storage Market Size Worth USD 31.51 Billion in 2028
Reduction in cost of batteries and government incentives for installing residential energy stoarge systems are key factors driving global residential energy storage market growth
Market Size – USD 6.97 Billion in 2020, Market Growth – at a CAGR of 20.8%, Market Trends – Increasing utilization of lithium-ion batteries
Vancouver, B.C., May 17, 2021 - The global residential energy storage market size is expected to reach USD 31.51 Billion in 2028 and register a steady CAGR over the forecast period, according to latest analysis by Emergen Research. Steady market revenue growth can be attributed to falling battery prices and presence of incentives and schemes encouraging deployment of battery systems in developed countries, which is expected to continue to drive adoption of batteries in residential energy storage systems. Increasing investment by battery manufacturers for development of more cost-effective and advanced lithium-ion batteries is supporting growing demand for lithium-ion batteries. storage has been gaining traction in the power industry and this is another key factor which boosting market growth to a significant extent. Government incentives for installation of residential energy storage systems is expected to continue to support market growth during the forecast period.
Increasing utilization of lithium-ion batteries due to stringent environmental regulations and policies and growing need to reduce carbon emissions is augmenting growth of the residential energy storage market. Techno-economic benefits of lithium-ion batteries over conventional batteries is a key factor boosting demand.
Some Key Highlights from the Report
In September 2020, Hitachi ABB Power Grids acquired U.S. based Pioneer Solutions LLC, which is a provider of industry leading front to back office Commodities/Energy Trading and Risk Management (C/ETRM) solutions. The acquisition is expected to expand Energy Market Operations offering and empower energy market participants with leading digital capabilities to navigate the evolving regulatory environment and renewable energy goals.
Lithium-ion batteries segment accounted for largest revenue share in 2020. Stringent environmental regulations and policies is boosting utilization of lithium-ion batteries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Customer owned segment revenue is expected to expand at a rapid CAGR during the forecast period. The high value that customers are placing on having their own storage systems is expected to continue to drive demand for customer owned residential energy storage systems.
On-grid segment accounted for a significantly high revenue share in the residential energy storage market in 2020. Increasing utilization of on-grid systems in the residential sector as it eliminates the need to purchase an expensive battery backup system to store any excess energy is driving growth of the on-grid system segment.
Asia Pacific accounted for largest revenue share contribution to the global residential energy storage market in 2020. Presence of various incentives and programs in countries in the region to encourage adoption of residential energy storage systems are key factors supporting market growth.
Key players in the market include ABB, Samsung SDI Co, Tesla, Inc., BYD Company, Eguana Technologies, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Huawei, Eaton Corporation plc, and LG Chem.


text:
Colombo Giovanni & Figli Srl, a company specialised in the production of high-quality turned parts according to customer drawing, has added a brand new fully CNC multi spindles machine to its production facility.
The new Mori-Say TMZ842; a full CNC controlled 8 spindles machine with 32 controlled axis equipped with a Pietro Cucchi automatic bar loader, is capable of producing very complex components with very high tolerances and can machine hard materials with a maximum workable diameter of 48mm.
Thanks to this new addition, Colombo aims to get into new markets that require high-quality standard and complex components. “This has been a big investment for our company and it will be the first step of a planned process that will take Colombo along a process of technological and organisational growth. With the aim to always be competitive and up to date with increasing market requests,” comments Colombo.
Colombo Giovanni & Figli Srl will also be attending Fastener Fair Italy in 2020, and Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2021, and will be pleased to meet visitors interested to learn more about the company and its production capacity and skills.
Having joined the magazine in 2012, Claire developed her knowledge of the industry through the numerous company visits, exhibitions and conferences she attended both in the UK and abroad.
Claire prides herself on keeping readers well informed and up to date with the latest industry news.


text:
On July 20, 2016, the first three articulated metro vehicles exported to Turkey by CRRC Tangshan Co., Ltd. passed the user acceptance successfully, and will be shipped in Tianjin port and sent to Izmir, Turkey, by sea. This is the first time that China's Metro products have entered the European market.
This is the pride of China and Jiameng people!
On February 19, 2015, CRRC Tangshan company received the letter of acceptance for Izmir Metro in Turkey, and obtained a total of 19 orders for 95 articulated aluminum alloy body metro vehicles.
Please remember these 19 columns, of which the precision castings are all made by our Jiameng!


text:
Let’s start with the earnings report from Global Payments. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.36 on revenue of $2.06 billion for Q2 2022. For comparison, Wall Street was expecting $2.34 per share and revenue of $2.07 billion for the period.
While those earnings are mixed, it’s not by much with adjusted EPS beating estimates and revenue only slightly missing. Also, both Q2 2022 adjusted EPS and revenue are up from the $2.04 and $1.94 billion reported in the second quarter of 2021.
GPN and EVOP Stocks Rise on an Acquisition Deal
Adding to that positive earnings report, Global Payments also announced plans to acquire EVO Payments. This will have it spending $34 per share to acquire EVOP stock. That payment will be made in cash.
Josh Whipple, senior executive vice president and CFO of Global Payments, said the following about the deal.
“We expect the acquisition of EVO Payments and the disposition of Netspend’s consumer business to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.”
Today’s news is bringing extra activity to GPN and EVOP stock with both shares seeing heavy trading. As a result, GPN stock is up 6.5% and EVOP stock is up 22% as of Monday morning.
There’s more recent stock market news for traders to dive into below!
We’ve got all of the latest stock news traders need to know about for Monday! Among that is the short squeeze stocks to watch this week, the latest on Nikola (NASDAQ:NKLA) stock, as well as why Romeo Power (NYSE:RMO) stock is rising. You can find out all about these topics at the following links!
More Monday Stock Market News
- TBLT, HOUR: 5 Top Short Squeeze Stocks to Watch This Week
- NKLA Stock Alert: What to Know About Nikola’s Deal for Romeo Power
- Romeo Power (RMO) Stock Soars on Nikola Deal
On the date of publication, William White did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.


text:
Volkswagen is exploring virtual reality (VR) training delivery to educate collision repair students on the automaker’s technology, repairing mixed materials, joining techniques, electric vehicle repairs and more.
During Thursday’s SkillsCanada Automotive Technology Summit, Volkswagen collision repair program manager Scott Wideman delivered a demonstration and discussion of the automaker’s endeavours in VR training.
The demo featured two videos: the first documenting a battery repair on a 2020 Volkswagen e-Tron, and the second featuring body repair technology with mixed material substrates and joining techniques.
Wideman said the OEM has already launched its VR battery repair concept training for Audi technicians and it is working to someday introduce VR welding training.
“The VR program will allow [students] to see what speed they are welding at, what the weld penetration is, the quality of the weld, so they can maintain that skill and develop it further,” he said.
“Think of the impact and what it would mean for technicians in the field; that we could actually develop and maintain skills in the shops without having to travel.”
Throughout the presentation, Wideman stressed the technical expertise required in modern collision repair.
“The vehicles of today are becoming much more software-driven. It requires very technical expertise,” said Wideman. “For example, the navigation and infotainment system in next year’s Golf has more than 20 million lines of software code, just in those two systems.
We need the students of today—who are already very technologically-savvy—to join us. The future is bright for anyone looking for a rewarding career in autobody repair that will challenge your skill set all the time.”


text:
In October 2020, Melissa Wallace, a Miami University mom, ordered a birthday cake for her son, Omar, to celebrate his birthday from afar during the pandemic.
She ordered a vanilla cake in the shape of an Xbox controller for Omar who is a senior games and simulation major at Miami University. Though Wallace, who lives in New Jersey, could not physically be with her son to celebrate his birthday, the occasion was just as special with a sweet treat from home, delivered right to Omar’s residence hall, thanks to Luke’s Custom Cakes.
“It was very easy. It was very responsive,” Wallace said. “He loved it.”
Luke’s Custom Cakes is a bakery in Hamilton, Ohio, which can deliver twice a week to Miami’s campus.
Business owner Luke Heizer expanded from his family home to a storefront in Hamilton, Ohio, in August 2021. Heizer has been baking for 11 years, and he is only 23 years old.
“I just liked [baking] and then one of my mom's co-workers asked if I could … make their son and daughter a birthday cake,” Heizer said. “And at that time I was 12 … so then that’s kind of when it all started.”
Heizer never expected his hobby to grow into his job, but he’s happy it did. As orders continued to flow in, the need for a storefront grew.
When it first opened in Hamilton, the store became a Heizer family project in the renovation from an old coffee shop. By the end of the year, Heizer noticed he was already out of space, as his business was expanding.
“[We were] stepping on each other,” Heizer said. “I didn’t even have an office.”
In order to remedy this, Heizer moved to his second and current location at 221 High Street in Hamilton, an old office space behind the original storefront. Heizer estimated the move gave the company another 3,500 square feet, separating offices and storage from the kitchen itself.
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
Although they had to mask during remodeling, Heizer said COVID-19 did not greatly affect his business by the time he opened his doors, especially because of his ability to deliver.
Luke’s Custom Cakes delivers to Miami on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Delivery drivers communicate with students on the day of delivery to find a time to deliver their cake. Balloons can also be added to any order.
“Parents like that aspect because they didn’t have to … go anywhere,” Heizer said. “Especially during COVID, a lot of people were probably stuck in their dorms.”
For parents apart from their children during milestones, working with a business that is familiar with Miami makes all the difference. Customers know they can rely on Luke’s Custom Cakes to deliver their orders to Miami with accuracy and efficiency.
“The fact that I could not be there to deliver it myself, I really wanted someone [to deliver] and I knew he had an idea of campus and students schedules and you know, how to make it happen,” Wallace said.
Heizer’s business has only grown in its first year being open. Customers are now able to walk into the storefront for ready-made cakes or to order custom cakes. Orders can also be made online.
Heizer said word of mouth and Miami Facebook groups allowed him to establish a strong reputation with Miami parents looking to order cakes for their students.
One of Heizer’s most notable employees is his mom, Tammie Heizer, who has been there since he sold his first cake.
“My son is blossoming into this entrepreneur, and he is just killing it, so I am very proud of him,” Tammie Heizer said. “Working for him has been a different side of it. So that’s kind of a learning experience for both of us.”
Tammie Heizer said a typical day in the bakery includes ensuring the correct cake flavors are stocked and decorating custom orders for that week.
“We work pretty hard. We don’t usually take too many breaks,” Tammie Heizer said. “My favorite part is being here to be able to work with him and have fun.”
In addition to his business, Luke Heizer is also a local baker for Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that donates cakes to local families for children diagnosed with severe illnesses. He was a part of the program prior to his business opening but plans to stay.
“I get to meet a lot of kids and their families, and they’re always so thankful and happy,” Luke Heizer said.
Luke’s Custom Cakes is halfway through its second year of having a storefront and is continuing to grow, serving both the Hamilton and Oxford areas.
“It's been pretty crazy,” Luke Heizer said. “I didn't really know what to expect even going into this, but here we are a year later, still kicking it.”


text:
A Delaware judge has granted Apple a second motion to dismiss claims brought against it by Blix. The BlueMail developer alleged that Sign in with Apple infringed its patent and that Apple engaged in anti-competitive behavior.
Apple Celebrates Antitrust and Patent Win Against Blix
As 9to5 Mac noted, Blix was a founding member of the Coalition for App Fairness, which challenges Apple’s App Store policies. In a statement to that publication, Apple said:
Blix, a member of the Coalition for App Fairness and frequent complainer to press and regulators, alleged false conspiracy theories and anti-competitive claims against Apple. The court correctly rejected these claims and threw out Blix’s case. This case demonstrates that Apple has consistently acted legally by introducing its own innovative products and features that promote competition.
Legal Ruling Goes Against BlueMail Developer
The patent infringement of this case had was dismissed in March 2021. Law Street Media reported that the most recent ruling, issued on July 9, said:
The core of Blix’s allegation seems to be that Apple has constructed a ‘moat’ around ‘its user base by a series of actions that, individually and especially together, make it difficult and expensive for Apple iOS users to leave the coordinated technological ecosystem;’ this moat is allegedly ‘grounded and protected by Apple’s monopoly power in its OS.
Blix argued that Sign in with Apple breached its Messaging Bridge patent and allowed Apple further dominance in the relevant markets. However, according to the ruling:
Apple’s current policy of requiring Sign In With Apple whenever any SSO product is offered … does not foreclose the use of other SSOs.


text:
Tag Archives: king city
Official Press Release In a science-fi and fantasy-infused version of Russia, THE COMPLETE MULTIPLE WARHEADS, VOL. 1, created by Brandon Graham (PROPHET, KING CITY), follows ex-organ smuggler Sexica and her werewolf boyfriend Nikoli as they travel across radioactive wastelands with the hardcore organ hound Blue Nura hot on their heels. As much about the characters […]
Official Press Release Before he broke new ground and shot to the forefront of the comics industry after KING CITY and PROPHET, Brandon Graham created MULTIPLE WARHEADS, a slice-of-life take on an alternate version of Russia rooted in science-fiction and fantasy. The original one-shot comic starred Sexica, an organ smuggler, and her werewolf boyfriend Nikoli, […]
Official Press Release Image Comics joins the comic book industry in congratulating Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples, and Brandon Graham for their Eisner Awards, received Friday night in a ceremony in San Diego.
Official Press Release Image Comics is thrilled to congratulate the creators of comic books who received 18 nominations in nine categories for the 2012 Will Eisner Comic Book Industry Awards, which were announced by Comic-Con International on April 16.


text:
BlackBerry has entered a tentative agreement for a $4.7 billion buyout offer from a group led by its biggest shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.
The Fairfax-led group would offer $9 a share, according to a statement today - a 3.1% premium over BlackBerry’s closing price last week.
The buyers will have six weeks to scrutinise BlackBerry’s books, a span in which the smartphone maker can seek other takeover offers.
The Ontario-based company said last week that it will cut 4,500 jobs and take a writedown of as much as $960m for unsold inventory of its Z10 phone - a touchscreen device unveiled in January as its answer to the iPhone.
Chief executive Thorsten Heins had bet the Z10 would become BlackBerry’s new flagship, restoring cachet and prosperity to the one-time smartphone leader. Instead, the model fizzled with consumers and contributed to the company’s weakest quarterly sales in six years.
BlackBerry, credited with inventing the first smartphones more than a decade ago, once sold products that were so popular and addictive they were known as CrackBerrys.
But in recent years, the company failed to keep pace with Apple and Samsung Electronics, which offered better web browsing and a wider range of applications.
BlackBerry’s share of the global smartphone market shrank to 2.9% in the second quarter from 4.9% a year earlier, according to IDC. It has fallen to fourth place behind Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and Microsoft's Windows Phone platform.


text:
In a significant development that underscores the growing concerns around digital sovereignty and freedom of expression, Google’s recent removal of certain apps from the Play Store in India has drawn sharp criticism from the country’s IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw. The minister has expressed strong reservations about such actions, emphasizing that they “cannot be permitted” and raising questions about the implications for online freedom and the rights of users.
The controversy erupted when Google decided to take down several apps from its Play Store platform in India, citing violations of its policies. The specific details regarding the banned apps and the nature of the policy breaches remain somewhat opaque, prompting concerns about transparency and due process.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Response:
In response to Google’s actions, Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister of Information Technology, took a firm stance against the removal of these apps. He asserted that such measures “cannot be permitted” and raised key questions regarding the accountability and decision-making processes of tech giants when it comes to regulating app content.
The minister expressed the need for a more transparent approach, urging companies like Google to provide clear justifications for the removal of apps and to ensure that the actions are in line with local laws and regulations. Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of users and maintaining a balance between digital platforms’ self-regulation and adherence to national laws.
Implications for Online Freedom:
This incident brings to the forefront the ongoing debate about the role of technology companies in regulating content and the potential impact on freedom of expression. As digital platforms become increasingly influential in shaping public discourse, concerns about their power and accountability have gained prominence.
The removal of apps from the Play Store raises questions not only about the specific cases at hand but also about the broader implications for online freedom in India. It prompts a critical examination of the relationship between tech giants and the regulatory environment, and the delicate balance that must be struck to protect users’ rights while addressing legitimate concerns about content.
Calls for Transparent Policies:
In the wake of this controversy, there are growing calls for tech companies to adopt more transparent content moderation policies. Advocates argue that clear guidelines, consistent enforcement, and improved communication with users and regulators are essential components of a responsible approach to content regulation.
The incident involving Google and the Play Store in India highlights the need for a collaborative effort between the government, tech companies, and civil society to establish a framework that safeguards user rights, ensures due process, and upholds the principles of free expression in the digital realm.
As the debate surrounding Google’s removal of apps from the Play Store in India continues, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s unequivocal stand against such actions underscores the importance of balancing technological innovation with regulatory oversight. The incident serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on the responsibilities of tech companies, the need for transparent content moderation policies, and the preservation of online freedom in an increasingly digitalized world.


text:
Uxin, a Chinese second-hand car dealer with Leonardo DiCaprio as its latest brand ambassador, is tipped to get a bag of new funding less than a year after it raised $225 million from its public offering on the Nasdaq.
The company announced on Wednesday that it’s selling $230 million worth of convertible notes to 58.com — China’s answer to Craigslist, Warburg Pincus, TPG and other investors. The notes, due in June, convert to Uxin’s Class A ordinary shares at a price of $1.03 per share or $3.09 per ADS. Upon closing the deal, each of 58.com, Warburg Pincus and TPG will obtain the right to nominate one board director to Uxin.
Uxin was trading at $2.46 at the end of Tuesday, a 74 percent decline from its recent peak in January. Its stock tanked in April after short-seller J Capital Research broadsided it over alleged frauds. Uxin denied the accusations, saying they were “false and misleading.”
The Chinese company is in a bruising fight with well-backed rivals including Chehaoduo, which pocketed $1.5 billion from Softbank’s Vision Fund in February, and Renrenche, which raised $300 million led by Goldman Sachs a year earlier.
As part of the transaction, 58.com, a 14-year-old Chinese internet firm that went public in New York six years ago, will come into a strategic partnership with Uxin in areas such as user traffic and inventory acquisition, used-car inspection, big data analysis and SaaS, says Uxin in a statement. The move follows Uxin’s agreement with Alibaba in December to set up a used car section on the ecommerce giant’s Taobao marketplace.
There are increasing synergies between 58.com and Uxin as both are exploring opportunities outside the crowded markets of China’s megacities. 58.com hit a notable milestone in 2018 after it racked up 100 million new users for its classifieds services customized for small-town populations, which include everything from job listings to trading cars.
In the same vein, Uxin has churned out reports that show demand for used cars coming from China’s lower-tier cities has surged in recent years. The boom is in part a result of a new Chinese policy that allows consumers to buy second-hand cars from a different province, enriching the variety of car options for rural residents.
“We see enormous growth potential in China’s used car market and believe that the volume of used-car transactions will overtake that of new cars in the years ahead,” said Michael Yao, chairman and chief executive officer of 58.com, which runs its own online used car business.
The deal will allow 58 Used Car to “benefit from Uxin’s tremendous offline transaction-related expertise,” added Yao, referring to Uxin’s mix of digital and physical sales channels. “By jointly integrating our online and offline services, we will be ideally positioned to significantly enhance the user experience for purchasing used cars and drive greater efficiency in this growing market.”
via Click on the link for the full article


text:
NoBroker’s visitor, society and payment management app, NoBrokerHood, has reportedly joined government backed ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) for transforming the daily shopping experience for residents.
According to the company, this will make it easier for society members to get everything from food to groceries to everyday necessities through a single app.
Apparently, the network of the non-profit organization ONDC will allow products and services from all participating e-commerce platforms to be displayed in search results across all network apps.
According to a statement from the company, the combined synergies of ONDC's protocol with NoBroker's technological capabilities, will help focus on boosting hyperlocal commerce by enabling and empowering merchants to showcase and sell their products with ease to a wider audience.
The ONDC Network on the NoBrokerHood app was also mentioned, and it will enable people to order their daily necessities from their preferred store or vendor while simultaneously empowering small merchants.
Residents can use the single app to order from well-known restaurants, such as Pizza Hut, McDonald's, or a hyperlocal biryani from a restaurant close to their home, it was said.
Residents can also order any other things they need for their homes than food.
Additionally, it was added that locals may purchase these items at their regular prices, saving them money and giving small businesses the same possibilities as well-known merchants.
Co-founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer at NoBroker, Akhil Gupta, expressed excitement in joining the ONDC ecosystem while stating that the collaboration underscores their unwavering commitment for providing seamless society living experience to customers.
Akhil also mentioned that it was a win-win situation for small as well as medium business owners/retailers to showcase their products whilst competing with better known brands.
It has also been disclosed that over 50,000 eateries along with thousands of grocery outlets and kirana stores are live on NobrokerHood app.