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November 22, 2014
When it comes to Canadian tech startups, Toronto gets all the attention. And that’s for a reason. After all, Toronto’s startups are solving some very real issues, churning out innovative startups like Sojourn Labs’ electric car-bike vehicle and Spinesonics Medical’s ultrasound device for spinal surgeons. Last December, the Ontario government teamed up with Cisco Canada to invest up to $4 billion in Toronto’s tech sector over the next 10 years.
But Montreal has a growing technology scene of its own, fueled by a mature financial sector and established industries such as aerospace, engineering, telecom, film and tourism. And venture capital funds in Canada are growing quickly to support these booming startups. In 2013, a total of $588 million was invested in Québec’s venture capital market, up 46 percent from 2012 and the highest amount since 2007.
We chose Montreal as our home for Lavasoft, and we’re growing our footprint in the city. I am personally an investor in Montreal Startup, Real Ventures and Founder Fuel. These incubators provide funding to (mostly) Montreal-based businesses at different stages.
At Lavasoft, we make Ad-Aware, the world’s most popular anti-malware software with nearly half a billion downloads. Here are five up-and-coming Montreal-based startups that are also poised for rapid growth:
BusBud – Busbud is a mobile app and platform that connects passengers to bus operators, allowing users to search, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets to and from any location. The app sources bus schedules and tickets from all over the world, currently over 10,000 cities in 89 countries, available for 10 languages and 15 currencies. Busbud was developed by Montreal natives and travel lovers LP Maurice, Mike Gradek and Frederic Thoulin to simplify international bus travel, breaking it down to only reliable schedules and routes. This small Montreal startup is gaining big attention – in July, the company closed a $9 million round of Series A funding.
Frank & Oak – Frank & Oak believes in delivering quality to its customers. The online menswear retailer and subscription service startup offers members a limited feed of quality clothes and accessories through a simple, integrated and highly personalized shopping experience. Just over two years old, the brand has seen tremendous growth. Within the last year, Frank & Oak has surpassed 1 million members and has begun experimenting with brick-and-mortar options. In September, the e-retailer closed a $15 million round of Series B funding led by Goodwater Capital.
Seevibes – Founded in 2011, Seevibes is an industry leader in measuring social TV audiences. The company provides data from viewers’ posts on social media about their favorite TV shows to help broadcasters, producers and advertisers improve social media campaigns and grow advertising revenue. Most recently, Seevibes received $1 million in seed funding in May.
reelyActive – Smart homes and other smart spaces may have once seemed like science fiction, but these ideas are becoming more tangible every day. reelyActive enables smart spaces by providing the technology necessary to make computers contextually aware of their surroundings – identifying and locating people and objects within a space. Last year, the company was named the “World’s Best Startup” at Startup World 2013.
OMSignal – OMSignal manufactures bio-sensing shirts that connect heart rate, breathing and activity data to users’ smartphones and tablets in real time. The company’s goal is to bring personal wellness to the forefront of consumers’ daily lives in a fun and creative way. In June, OMSignal closed $10 million in Series A funding and continues to attract top leaders to its advisory board and board of directors, including executives from Oakley and Fextronics.
What other Montreal startups do you have your eye on? Let me know in the comments below.
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Another one of those "evil rich" headlines...yet when you look at the actual article, it's nothing more than people that are good with money continue to be good with money. For the vast majority of Americans who spend money they don't have (ie. credit cards, consumer loans, etc.), they of course are in no position to make money off the recovery because everything is going to cc and loan payments. But those evil rich people...they are holding everyone else down.
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Xbox 360: Zero Hour
Gamers From Around the World to Converge at Massive Xbox 360 Launch Event in Mojave Desert
By CESPage.com Xbox, Published 8th November 2005
3,000 Lucky Gamers Invited to "Xbox 360: Zero Hour" Launch Event; Best Buy Offers Gamers Chance to Buy Xbox 360 Onsite
Microsoft announced on November 7th details of the Xbox 360 launch event, "Xbox 360: Zero Hour," where thousands of gamers from around the world are invited to make the pilgrimage to an undisclosed location in the Mojave Desert to witness the dawning of the next generation of gaming. Microsoft's massive launch event will feature hundreds of gaming stations, live entertainment and around-the-clock gaming at a venue immersed in the Xbox 360 experience. The event will begin on November 20th when the sun sets on the desert horizon and end at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, the official launch date for Xbox 360 in North America.
In order to win credentials and attend this exclusive event, gamers must visit http://www.microsoft.com/xbox/zerohour.htm on November 10th to see a list of participating registration sites for a chance to win free tickets for themselves and a friend. Tickets are limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis. Hopeful attendees should check participating sites frequently since sign-up forms will be posted at unspecified times throughout the day. After registration ends, the 3,000 lucky winners will join VIPs from the U.S. "Hex 168" and European "Origen" campaigns to be the first gamers in the world to fully experience all that Xbox 360 has to offer.
"Xbox 360: Zero Hour" is expected to be a true gaming paradise with hundreds of Xbox 360 gaming stations featuring high-definition monitors and digital sound available for attendees to get the chance to play the full Xbox 360 launch line-up along with other highly anticipated games that will ship this year and into 2006 from 2K Games, 2K Sports, Activision, Bethesda, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, Namco, Sega, Square-Enix, Tecmo, THQ, and Ubisoft." Among other gaming highlights, attendees will be the first ever to play a 32-player match of "Perfect Dark Zero" over Xbox Live, have access to the full Xbox Live Arcade lineup and witness demonstrations and sneak peeks of hotly-anticipated non-launch titles including live game play of "Gears of War."
Attendees need not worry about missing out on one of the thousands of national "midnight madness" events. Best Buy, retail partner of the Xbox 360 launch event, will be onsite where gamers can purchase their Xbox 360 consoles, games and peripherals.
"Our goal with the launch event is to reward the gamer by creating the ultimate Xbox 360 oasis," said Peter Moore, Microsoft corporate vice president, Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox, who will be celebrating at the event along with J Allard, Microsoft corporate vice president and chief XNA architect, and leading game developers and members of the Xbox team. "Gamers at 'Zero Hour' will have bragging rights to say 'I spent over 24 hours at the epicenter of the gaming universe, and I was among the first generation of the next generation of gaming.'"
In addition to gaming nirvana, attendees will be able to purchase food and beverages at around-the-clock refreshment stations while they enjoy live entertainment including a genuine "Kaiju Big Battel" (www.kaiju.com) and a musical performance by raucous rock band from Southern California, "Louis XIV." Attendees will also receive exclusive event give-aways such as "Zero Hour" Xbox 360 console faceplates.
Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around you. The system will launch this holiday season in Europe, Japan and North America, to be followed by availability in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.


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Pure Michigan's Facebook page, the official fan page of the Michigan Economic Development
Corporation, posted the video on its wall Thursday evening.
Already, the video has received 187 "likes" and 65 comments on Facebook, most of which rave
about the new commercial featuring the mellifluous voice of Allen as camera shots capture the
rolling Grand River, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Rosa Parks Circle, the whale
skeleton at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, shopping and outdoor dining along Monroe Center
and ArtPrize's 2010 third-place-winning installation "Lure/Wave" by Beili Liu inside the new
home for the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (UICA).


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Westmont home to Target's concept for smaller stores
HADDON TWP. – Think of it as a "baby store," says Sara Beirne, the manager of a new, small-format Target store in Westmont.
Not a baby store in the sense that it exclusively sells items for infants — though it does have a selection of clothes, accessories and other necessities for little ones.
Rather, the new Target is a scaled-down, more compact version of the big-box behemoths that are fixtures all over South Jersey and the country.
At its soft opening Tuesday evening, Beirne and her team welcomed a steady flow of new customers. Sporting "Shop Local" red T-shirts with a white New Jersey shape and the Target bull's-eye logo placed strategically at Haddon Township, they answered questions, guided shoppers around the store, handed out canvas Target shopping bags and offered samples of chips, popcorn, sodas and cupcakes.
Beirne, who lives in the township's West Collingswood Heights section, asked some of her favorite local restaurants to join the party, with PJ Whelihan's giving out wings and fries, the Pop Shop slinging sliders, Mister Softee passing out soft serve and Just Fork It Food Truck filling snack-sized cups with mac and cheese.
"(Bierne) came into Local Links," said Joe Gentile, proprietor of the Haddon Heights cafe. "She wanted to support local businesses, and she asked if we'd bring the hot dog cart."
Gentile, who is the driving force behind Heights in Progress, said he was happy to see Target come into the space that once was a Thiftway and, before that, a SuperFresh grocery store.
"The tide raises all boats," he added. "Something like this is another anchor that we need to bring people to the area and draw attention to businesses here."
Juliette Daniels of Just Fork It said Beirne approached her after visiting her food truck. She, too, appreciated being at the store's opening.
"It's good for them to connect to the community," the Westmont resident said. "A lot of people know us, and when you keep businesses in your community busy, your community is happy and growing."
The store, the first of its kind in South Jersey, has its grand opening Sunday at 8 a.m. Another small-format store will also open Sunday in Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood.
Crystal Sartor was browsing DVDs and video games with her daughter, Lashan Williams. The Camden residents seemed impressed with the new store.
"It's a perfect size," Sartor said. "It's not too big; you can come in and just get what you need. It's great for all the senior citizens and high school students around here."
"It's nice and bright, but the colors are still mellow," said Williams. "I like the Starbucks in the front, and I'll shop here and at the A.C. Moore," which opened last month in the storefront next door.
The 48,000-square-foot Target includes a CVS Pharmacy and Starbucks cafe. Most Target stores range from 135,000 square feet to 80,000 square feet. The Minneapolis-based retailer is also renovating hundreds of its stores nationwide over the next two years, including its Marlton, Turnersville and Delran stores in South Jersey.
The small-format stores, which the company is opening in urban areas, densely populated suburbs (like Haddon Township) and near college campuses, will offer what the company calls "a curated assortment" of men's and women's clothing and accessories, baby items and toys, home decor, health and beauty products, electronics, and food including grab-and-go items and fresh produce.
Christa Madden, clutching a red Target basket in the food market section, said the new Target was a convenient place for her to stop for necessities.
"I needed to return something to Target and grab milk, and they don't mind making a Target run," the Haddon Heights resident said, motioning to her two children.
Libby, 5, said she likes the candy and Brendan, 7, likes "toys and fun stuff" offered at the store.
For their mom, though, it was all about convenience.
"I live six minutes away," she said, smiling. "I timed it from my house."
Phaedra Trethan: @CP_Phaedra; 856-486-2417; email@example.com
Also in South Jersey
- Mount Laurel grocery store reopens after renovations
- Camden business group brings entrepreneurs, politicians, influencers together
- Hoochie mama goals: 'Grow old filling whiskey barrels'


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By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. inflation surged to a new four-decade high in June because of rising prices for gas, food and rent, squeezing household budgets and pressuring the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates aggressively — trends that raise the risk of a recession.
The government’s consumer price index soared 9.1% over the past year, the biggest yearly increase since 1981, with nearly half of the increase due to higher energy costs.
Lower-income and Black and Hispanic American have been hit especially hard, since a disproportionate share of their income goes toward essentials such as transportation, housing and food. But with the cost of many goods and services rising faster than average incomes, a vast majority of Americans are feeling the pinch in their daily routines.
For 72-year-old Marcia Freeman, who is retired and lives off of a pension, there is no escape from rising expenses.
“Everything goes up, including cheaper items like store brands,” said Freeman, who visited a food bank near Atlanta this week to try and gain control of her grocery costs.
As consumers’ confidence in the economy declines, so have President Joe Biden’s approval ratings, posing a major political threat to Democrats in the November congressional elections. Forty percent of adults said in a June AP-NORC poll that they thought tackling inflation should be a top government priority this year, up from just 14% who said so in December.
U.S. inflation erupted amid a swift rebound from the 2020 pandemic recession. Consumers unleashed a wave of pent-up spending, spurred by vast federal aid, ultra-low borrowing costs and savings they had built up while hunkering down. As Americans channeled their purchases toward items for the home, like furniture, appliances and exercise equipment, supply chains became snarled and prices for goods soared. Russia’s war against Ukraine further magnified energy and food prices.
In recent months, as Covid fears have receded, consumer spending has gradually shifted away from goods and toward services, resulting in higher prices for vacations, restaurant meals and entertainment.
The year-over-year leap in consumer prices last month followed an 8.6% annual jump in May. From May to June, prices rose 1.3% — the largest monthly increase since 2005 —after prices had surged 1% from April to May.
Still, some economists have held out hope that inflation might be reaching a short-term peak. Gas prices, for example, have fallen from the eye-watering $5 a gallon reached in mid-June to an average of $4.63 nationwide Wednesday — still far higher than a year ago but a drop that could help slow inflation for July and possibly August.
In addition, shipping costs and commodity prices have begun to fall, and pay increases have slowed. Surveys show that Americans’ expectations for inflation over the long run have eased — a trend that often points to more moderate price increases over time.
“While today’s headline inflation reading is unacceptably high, it is also out-of-date,” President Biden said Wednesday. “All major economies are battling this COVID-related challenge.”
The latest disappointing data on inflation came out at the outset of Biden’s trip to the Middle East, where he will meet with officials from Saudi Arabian to discuss oil prices, among other subjects.
Republican members of Congress have blamed the higher prices on Biden’s economic policies, specifically his $1.9 trillion financial support package approved in March.
There have been signs that inflation was slowing before — last summer, and in April of this year — only for it to surge again in subsequent months.
“There may be some relief in the July numbers — commodity prices have come off the boil, at least — but we are a very, very long way from inflation normalizing, and there is no tangible sign of downward momentum,” said Eric Winograd, an economist at asset manager AB.
For now, the relentless pace of price increases has frustrated many Americans, some of whom are placing blame on companies for using inflation as a cover to raise prices beyond the amount they need to cover their own higher costs.
“I feel the inflation pain every day,” Susana Hazard said this week outside a grocery store in New York City. “Every day, everything is going up and up, more than inflation — they’re price-adjusting. Because even if inflation doesn’t happen, they’ve raised the prices.”
Most economists say corporate price gouging is, at most, one of many causes of runaway inflation and not the primary one.
The breadth of the price gains shows how rising costs have seeped into nearly every corner of the economy. Grocery prices have jumped 12.2% compared with a year ago, the steepest such climb since 1979. Rents have risen 5.8%, the most since 1986. New car prices have increased 11.4% from a year earlier. And average airline fares, one of the few items to post a price decline in June, are nevertheless up 34% from a year earlier.


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File photo of the old BlueCross BlueShield building at 801 Pine Street. The golden glass structure opened for business in 1970.Staff Photo by Tim Barber
An international hotel chain will soon call downtown's "Gold Building" home.
According to Starwood Hotels and Resorts web site, the company plans to open The Westin Chattanooga in just a over a year.
The site lists the address as 801 Pine Street, which was home to Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Continue reading at WRCB.


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AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (CNNfn) - Saturn has scored highest in a new survey intended to show what consumers like and don't like about the car buying experience, J.D. Power and Associates, an automotive research firm, said Tuesday.
Most of those responding to the survey said they liked Saturn's uncomplicated sales process featuring one-price shopping and a low-pressure environment.
Cadillac and Lexus were ranked second and third.
The study showed the top reasons consumers are unhappy with their experience at a dealership are broken promises, complicated prices, negotiations, and an intimidating environment.
Consumers feel promises are broken most often when a greater number of personnel are involved in the purchase, "resulting in inconsistent communication and lowered sales satisfaction," according to the study. The research also found that consumers find the negotiation process "stressful, poorly communicated and confusing," leading to the feeling that they are not getting a good deal.
An intimidating environment is another "turnoff" the study showed. According to J.D. Power, "Buyers who indicated they experienced pressure during the sales process have a significantly lower opinion of the dealership environment."
All of the brands listed ranked above the industry average for satisfaction in the 1998 Sales Satisfaction Index Study : Saturn, Cadillac, Lexus, Land Rover, Volvo, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, Infiniti, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Buick, Saab, Chevy, Audi, Ford, Acura, Volkswagen, Chrysler, and Pontiac.
The following Finished below the industry average in alphabetical order: Dodge, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Plymouth, Subaru, and Toyota.


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If you’ve always wanted to voice-command ask your earbuds for your heart rate, break out your satisfied dance. Apps can help minimize everyday pressure via such signifies as guided meditation, journal writing and mood tracking. Tech giant is taking a big information strategy to cybersecurity that will have the supercomputer scour vast troves of safety research at a price humans could only dream of. Tech News Tube incorporates over 30+ media sources like leading tech sites and blogs such as Ars Technica, Engadget, GigaOm, Mashable, Tech Crunch, Business Insider, Pc World, Slashdot, Techmeme, Wired and several other people. Virginia Tech was the 1st college or university to accept community college students without loss of credit.
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There might be no enjoy lost amongst Donald Trump and the tech globe, but he is most likely to want tech backers as his campaign turns to the basic election. But it was his tenure as chief executive of Virginia Tech for which he is probably to be greatest remembered. Hahn’s death is a substantial loss that must be mourned far beyond the university community, stated Debbie Petrine, rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. Tech News Tube aggregates the news aggregators to bring you the newest technologies headlines around the clock. Subscribe to speak-web page delivery to receive the weekly Tech News on your speak web page on your regional wiki.
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technologies (Georgia Tech) are establishing a knee band with microphones and vibration sensors to listen to and quantify the sounds inside the joint, which could lead to a device to assist orthopedic specialists evaluate damage right after an injury and monitor recovery. Tech News Tube is not a huge truck but rather a universal app for iPhone and iPad. The upgrade to remove ads is very misleading, it really is only for the app not for when you go to the supply for the complete story, you will get your ad following loading it!


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New Tool Aligns Tweets With TV Shows
When Twitter announced launching its ads API last week, it opened the door to new ways of advertising and more tools to help marketers to tailor campaigns on the platform.
Among the first, is a service that capitalizes on Twitter’s popularity as a second-screen app, allowing advertisers to run Promoted Tweets during specific TV shows and live events. With the new Calendar Live tool built by TBG Digital—one of five initial Twitter Ads API partners—advertisers can align tweets with TV spots they’re running as well as shows where they don’t have commercials.
They can also take advantage of unscheduled events, like the Super Bowl blackout, by specifying trending topics like #blackout to target in real time. Calendar Live offers a dashboard featuring a TV programming schedule from which advertisers select shows they want to run ads against. Users can also add demographic and other targeting criteria.
Separately, TBG today launched #SXSWVersus, an app that measures the social buzz of talks at the music, film and tech fest to help people make on-the-spot decisions about what panels or presentations to attend.


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TBC Capital presents a study of the wine sector18 Feb, 2020
TBC Capital presented a study of the wine sector. According to the research, a positive growth trend has been observed in Georgian wine exports. Tornike Kordzaia, head of research at TBC Capital, told reporters that a record wine harvest was recorded in Georgia in 2019.
"In 2019, 271,000 tons of grapes were harvested by factories as a result of vintage, which allows for increased production, especially since the demand for Georgian wine has increased. In 2019, we had a record export figure— we exported 93 million bottles, bringing a total of USD 223 million in revenue to the country. As for the research, so far it seems that one third of the production is still coming from households and we expect this share to decrease in the future. In general, we expect to increase local production by one third by 2025, which we think will further encourage exports,"— said Kordzaia.
He added, "Russia accounts for 61% of Georgia's wine exports, but this was even higher during the Russian embargo when it amounted to 77%."According to Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, CEO of TBC Bank, Georgia has great potential to increase its wine both in terms of yield and quality.
"Winemaking and viticulture is one of the most important directions for the country and therefore also a priority field for TBC. Georgia's role in this area is gradually increasing and more wine is being exported. The country has great potential to increase the volume and produce better quality wines. “This industry has had quite a successful ten years and grown by about 6.5 times in this time. However, there is still room for growth in new markets. Diversification is in progress but there is a need for even more of this in the medium term to contribute to the stability of this industry,” said Mr. Butskhrikidze.
Zurab Margvelashvili, one of the founders of Tbilvino, also spoke to journalists and noted that "the awareness of Georgian wine is growing from year to year and therefore so too are the challenges."
"One of the most important challenges is to maintain high quality as there is a very real risk that Georgian winemaking could develop a reputation as a cheap wine-producing country.. This poses a huge risk, both economically and politically, when the country's industry depends on one market. We should not refuse to sell to Russia, but our aspiration should be for countries with strong economic and political stability. We will not have such rapid growth rates as in Russia, but any growth there is much more predictable and sustainable," said Margvelashvili.


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We're told by a great source that the next Canon DSLR announced with be a brand new entry level model below the EOS 100D. We're told the announcement is “soon”. Which we expect to be for CP+ next month in Tokyo.
The same source also commented that two more DSLRs would be announced in 2014 and one of them would be the EOS 7D Mark II. There was no mention of what the third one would be, as that could still be under tight wrap in Japan.
No specs were given for any of the cameras.
It was also confirmed that “a lot” of lenses were coming this year.


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BANGKOK (09/25/2003) - Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) will roll out its "store-in-store" strategy all over the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging its extensive retail network in the region to establish its presence in the digital consumer market.
In line with this strategy, HP will make use of "consumer corners," located in retail stores around the region, to showcase its latest array of digital products, from laptops to scanners to IPAQs.
The company launched some 80 products that could roughly be divided into two groups -- digital photography and entertainment -- during a recent two-day regional conference held in Bangkok.
These offerings include new notebooks, digital cameras, printers and scanners as well as entertainment hardware, including a portable Movie Writer (for burning DVDs) and a Digital Media Receiver (which can play various media formats).
The idea behind this strategy is to demonstrate how all these products work together - something HP is hoping would make a lasting impression on consumers who are being overwhelmed by the continuous flood of new digital products entering the market.
"Consumers want to see solutions working together and it helps them appreciate that when there is a knowledgeable person involved," said Michael Hoffman, HP Imaging and Printing Group senior vice president for Asia-Pacific and Japan.
Hoffman considers his company's 30,000 retail outlets in the Asia-Pacific as a key "differentiator" in building up HP's name outside the personal computers and printers market, the company's traditional niche.
HP will initially roll out its store-in-store strategy in the region's more mature markets like Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore and China. Hoffman also sees a lucrative market in countries like Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. However, he noted that HP's retail network in these emerging countries is still developing and there is clearly "much room for improvement."
"We're still not present enough in these countries," he admitted in an interview with reporters from Indonesia and the Philippines. "I think the retail-vendor relationship in these areas is still underdeveloped." In the Philippines, HP has about 20 to 25 retail partners which translate to, at least, 100 outlets nationwide that carry its products.
HP is investing US$100 million in this drive to build a name for itself in a market dominated by giants like Sony and Samsung, as well as a throng of smaller yet equally hard-driving Japanese brands.
Roughly half of that will go into creating brand recall and "emotional attachment" among consumers, while the remainder will be invested in "retail development," Hoffman said.
The Bangkok product launch is a follow-up to HP's initial salvo last year (which it dubbed the "Big Bang"). HP is hoping that this year's Big Bang 2 would not only make a big noise in the digital products market but would also eventually bring in big bucks.
See Chin Teik, Asia-Pacific vice president for HP's Personal Systems Group, pegged the total market for digital consumer solutions in the region at about $30 billion. IT research outfit IDC estimates consumer tech spending in the region to surge from $118 million this year to $155 million in 2006. A sizable percentage of that market is digital photography and entertainment.
In Bangkok, HP made its own prediction: the eventual convergence of computing and consumer electronics that will be brought about by the explosion of digital content that can be enjoyed outside the PC environment.
"Wireless will eventually take off in the home and HP is looking to take advantage of that trend," Teik said.
HP is also playing the numbers game by flooding the market with a myriad of products. "It all boils down to customer choice. Consumers are looking for different price points for every category," Hoffman said.


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Trump attacks Turkey, vows to pay "nothing" for USA pastor's release
Turkish lira steady despite new threats from Trump
Google workers protest secretive, censored China project
U.S. retailers small companies rally as Turkey fears ease
Turkish lira trades below 6.0 against the dollar
As US slaps on fresh tariffs, China fires back
09 August 2018, 04:40 | Austin Hogan
China Tariffs on $16B Finalized for August 23 by Trump Administration STR AFP Getty Images 7 Aug 2018Washington DC
In April, the administration had announced plans to slap tariffs on 1,333 Chinese product lines worth $50 billion a year. On Tuesday, the administration said it had chose to go ahead with tariffs on 279 of the 284 items added in June; they're worth about $16 billion a year.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration said it would begin collecting previously announced 25% tariffs on an additional $16bn of Chinese goods from 23 August.
A first tranche, on $34bn worth of goods, went into effect in July. It represents the latest salvo in the ever-expanding trade war between the USA and China.
"My expectation is that U.S. tariffs on $250 billion of imports from China will be in effect about a month prior to the November U.S. elections".
The surplus with the United States was higher than China's overall trade surplus in July, which was $28.05 billion, indicating China ran a net trade deficit with the world excluding the U.S. But it held off on a final $16 billion as a result of concerns raised by U.S. companies. But given the lack of talks and Trump's unclear goals, the trade war doesn't appear to be close to a resolution.
"There is no off-ramp, and Trump has given China little wiggle room to save face and come to the bargaining table", he said.
US Prepares to Slap New Sanctions on Iran
Accordingly, oil price may stay calm in the short run but the sanctions on Iran will light a fire under oil prices going forward. However, despite EU's move, German vehicle and truck maker Daimler said it has dropped its plan to expand its operations in Iran.
"The tariffs have so far had a limited impact on overall trade", China Merchants Securities said in a research note. There is a mandatory 60-day comment period for industries to ask for exemptions from the tariffs.
"We have made the case to the Administration, in the strongest possible terms, that tariffs imposed on semiconductors imported from China will hurt America's chipmakers, not China's, and will do nothing to stop China's problematic and discriminatory trade practices", he said.
The trade balance between the two countries, which is at the center of the tariffs tussle, continued to be in favor of China. Larger items are also on the list of 333 goods being targeted including large passenger cars and motorcycles as well as various fuels, and fiber optical cables.
Wednesday's knee-jerk reaction to the announcement of the tariffs was a typical move by traders.
July 10: TheUS releases an initial listof an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods that could be subject to a 10% tariff.
Samsung teases first terabyte-plus QLC SATA SSDs
Interestingly, Samsung said it will use the same chip to "efficiently" produce a 128GB memory card for smartphones. Samsung claims its drive will be the "industry's first 4-bit consumer SSD", but we'll have to see about that.
Smash Bros Ultimate Direct Recap
When it comes to choosing music , the library you have available will be tied to the stage and the franchise it comes from. He attacks with a blunderbuss that can fire cannonballs at opponents, and throws his crown, which acts like a boomerang.
Ben Stokes trial shown ‘groin grab’ video
Bristol Crown Court heard how Stokes, 27, gave written statements to police during interview. And Stokes replied: "Because he was abusing my two friends for being gay".
Playing Bellerive 'semi-blind' no problem for Rose
Now a more mellow 42-year-old, he is viewed nearly as a father-figure by the young generation of Americans such as Jordan Spieth . In the gallery, spectators dressed like golfers, tucked-in collared shirts and more pastels than an Easter brunch.
Mosquitoes in Perth County Test Positive For WNV
In 2012, the last time Dallas County saw a major outbreak of West Nile virus, 398 residents contracted the virus and 21 died. People older than 50 are most at risk for WNV infection as are those with weakened immune systems.
Manafort lawyer: 'So many lies' Gates can't keep up
The email exchange occurred after Manafort left the Trump campaign but while Gates was active on the Trump inauguration committee. When Weissmann has come to the courtroom - and he has not been spotted every day - he has sat alongside members of the public.


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In news that will have Heinz Beanz, Barnardos and Christmas fanatics across the country jump(er)ing for joy, Heinz has launched its first official charity Christmas jumper ahead of National Christmas Jumper Day on the 11th December.
The Heinz ‘Beanz Meanz Crimbo’ jumper will be available exclusively through Heinz’s online shop in Ireland – www.heinztohome.ie - for €25.00. Only 500 are available in sizes medium and large.
All of the sale proceeds of the jumpers will go to Heinz’s official charity partner in Ireland, Barnardos, so that they can invest in vital funds to support those most vulnerable in the run up to Christmas.
As an example of where monies will go:
- €2 could provide a nutritious breakfast for a vulnerable child in one of Barnardos Early Years Centres
- €10 can provide breakfast for a vulnerable child for a week
- €5 could provide a hot dinner and access to specialised care in their after-school club.
Singer Bressie was even on hand to launch the new Christmas jumper.
Speaking about the jumpers, Emily O’Kane, Marketing Manager Kraft Heinz, said: “This has been a very different and difficult year for many of us and here at Heinz we’re extremely aware of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on Irish people, including children that are already in very vulnerable circumstances."
She added “The team at Barnardos do fantastic work to reach these children and it’s great to be partnering with them once again this Christmas, not only to help increase their efforts in raising vital funds, but also to bring an extra bit of Beanzy joy to households across the country.”
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO, said: “Over the past few months we’ve had to pivot in terms of service provision when providing face to face interventions for vulnerable children and families was not possible."
Connolly noted “One of our most successful activities has been the delivery of thousands of activity packs and food parcels – containing Heinz foods, to help keep vulnerable families supported during this time of social distancing and isolation.”
Buy yours now at www.heinztohome.ie


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Entrepreneur Polat Kanayev plans to establish the production of powdered camel milk at his camel farm in the Geoktepe etrap of Turkmenitan’s Ahal velayat, Turkmenistan’s Golden Age news outlet reported on Sunday.
The startup for the production of the novel product has entered the implementation stage with the support of specialists from the Center of Technologies of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. Experimental steps in this direction have yielded good results, according to the report.
The entrepreneur’s camel farm covers an area of 140 hectares. The farm includes pens for keeping animals of the Arvana breed and a workshop for the production of fermented milk products from camel milk, which began producing chal and agaran in 2017.
Along with camels, the farm also includes 110 cattle. Currently, a modern livestock complex is under construction on the farm.
Arvana camels are distinguished with their high milk yield. On average, the camel with 18 months of lactation yields 2,500 kg of milk with a fat content of 3.5-3.8%.


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Researchers from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have developed a method of detecting toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging, water, and soil samples in three minutes or less.
Researchers studied how dietary patterns relate to levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the human body over time, and found that greater consumption of tea, processed meats, and food prepared outside the home was associated with increased levels of PFAS.
Adding to the mounting body of evidence pointing to the health harms of dietary exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a new study by researchers at Aberdeen and Örebro Universities indicates that the “forever chemicals” affect humans as early as in the fetal stage of development.
Brands, retailers, and post-consumer package handlers are focused on adding value with PFAS-free packaging. This article discusses how PFAS alternatives are gaining prominence, with PFAS-free packaging entering the food packaging industry ahead of schedule.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified two types of per- and polyfluoralkyl substances—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—as “carcinogenic to humans” and “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” and noted that the general population’s main route of exposure to these chemicals is through food and drinking water.
A recent study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has provided strong evidence linking the ingestion of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are present in food packaging and pervasive in drinking water, to thyroid cancer.
PFAS concentrations, which do not break down easily in the body, tend to increase rather than diminish over time. In light of these concerns and the prevalence of PFAS in consumer products like food packaging, many state and local governments, as well as public interest organizations, have begun enacting or promoting legislation that would regulate the implementation of PFAS in consumer products.
After finding that more than a third of water courses in England and Wales contain medium- to high-risk levels of per- and polyflouralkyl substances (PFAS), the Royal Society of Chemistry is calling upon the UK Government to enact stricter drinking water standards for the “forever chemicals.”


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Don't Let Card Fraud Ruin Your World Cup
This week marks the start of the World Cup in South Africa and, in preparation, the country has put extra measures in place to protect tourists from criminals. However, given the expected rise in financial transaction volumes during the event, fraudsters will no doubt have made their own plans to target consumers as they spend money on their cards around the country. As a result, banks – both in South Africa and in the consumers’ home countries - will have to be even more vigilant than usual to effectively protect their customers from card fraud.
There are a number of different techniques that banks should use to ensure that they can accurately identify fraud. One example is monitoring card transactions in real time to identify fraudulent attempts at the earliest possible opportunity to prevent fraud losses. Real time monitoring can flag up suspicious transactions by combining everything that the bank knows about the customer and their usual spending patterns with a hot list of known fraud identifiers such as a risky terminal or a fraudulent sequence of events. At large events such as the World Cup, travellers will be naturally more susceptible to fraud, so customer education is crucial to ensure card fraud doesn’t spike at these events. Some top tips are available in a wallet-sized version at www.stop-card-fraud.com
Banks can also implement bi-directional phone alerting, such as using SMS, to enable them to send alerts or calls to individuals’ mobile phones whenever a transaction occurs that is flagged as suspicious, or is outside pre-defined parameters. Once the customer receives the message they respond to block their card immediately if it is fraudulent.
While banks may already have some of these fraud preventative measures in place, they should also be taking more simple steps such as planning ahead by looking at the dates and venues where the football games will take place. That way they can anticipate where and when transaction levels, and therefore the potential for fraud, are going to increase.
Risk Solutions Manager
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eCommerce continues to flourish, with impressive growth figures year after year. In 2018, global online sales reached almost $3 trillion, and are expected to hit $4 trillion by the end of 2020.
Despite eCommerce taking an increasing slice of the retail pie (which could now be as high as 15 percent according to recent figures), it is increasingly challenging, with competition and cost pressures creating significant issues for merchants of all sizes.
Payments and Fraud: The Paradox Twins
Digital commerce through web and mobile is where merchants predominantly experience shopper growth today. This has become a hugely important domain for their focus. It offers a means for international growth, new market penetration and a way to engage with shopper-hungry Millennials in their culture. Merchants frequently adopt a Digital-First, eCommerce-First or Mobile-First strategy to ensure full corporate buy-in to this strategy.
Open Payments Systems for Merchants: Don't Close Down Your Options
Remember “Open Systems”?
It was a big industry nom du jour in the 80s and 90s. Every IT system had to be open and therefore flexible and future-proof. Nobody can argue with the logic behind this; making systems easy to integrate with other systems, ensuring vendors could cooperate with one another; creating agility to improve time to market and drive down costs.
Knowing New Customers – And How Shared Data Helps in Fighting Fraud
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Why Non-Functional Requirements Should be a Few of Your Favorite Things
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Adding a Global Payments Layer for Future Growth
Digitization has changed the payments industry completely and irrevocably. Cash payments are in full retreat, as more people pay digitally – with more than 1.6 billion people now shopping online. The digital customer expects an extremely fast and convenient payment experience, with high security standards, and immediate availability of payments information.
Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays Tell Cash, “You’re Out!”
As a lifelong baseball fan and former resident of Tampa, Florida, I had the pleasure of spending a summer night or three at Tropicana Field, watching my beloved New York Yankees take on the hometown Tampa Bay Rays. And as a fan of cheap tickets, air conditioning in the Florida summer and plenty of great seats, I always enjoyed the “The Trop” despite its poor reputation.
Let’s Get Phygital: eCommerce Is Coming To A Store Near You
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Make no mistake – omnichannel remains important and the best vendors have solutions that provide a single cloud payments service capable of delivering a single view of the customer across stores and digital channels. And the best retailers utilize these solutions to deliver efficient cross-channel shopping experiences. Meanwhile, many other retailers get by (though seldom rise to the top) with a siloed approach.
Around The World: Taking Stock of Global eCommerce in 2019
As I head to #NRF2019 in New York City next week, I’m excited to see how some of the biggest retailers and merchants see the industry evolving over the coming year. What trends they think are going to shape 2019, and which of 2018’s buzzwords can be put to bed.
Fraudsters Don’t Wait for Peak, So Neither Should You: 2019 Fraud Strategy Starts Now!
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Currently, Trinity County has no confirmed cases of community-spread COVID-19 coronavirus. California has also declared a state of emergency due to the spread of COVID-19 in various communities in the state, as has Trinity County. The governor has advised that the statewide protections against price gouging will stay in effect at least until September 4.
Trinity County District Attorney Donna Daly alerts all Trinity County businesses and consumers that price gouging is illegal during a declared emergency, pursuant to Penal Code section 396.
Price gouging occurs when a merchant takes unfair advantage of consumers by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services during a state or local emergency. The statute applies to the following major necessities: lodging (including permanent or temporary rental housing, hotels, motels, and mobile homes); food and drink (including food and drink for animals); emergency supplies such as water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, temporary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers; and medical supplies such as prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products.
It also applies to other goods and services including: home heating oil; building materials, including lumber, construction tools, and windows; transportation; freight; storage services; gasoline and other motor fuels; and repair and reconstruction services.
Violations of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violations are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and restitution.
The Trinity County District Attorney's Office will be vigilant about enforcing this statute to protect consumers during this time. Anyone who has been the victim of price gouging, or who has information regarding potential price gouging, should file a complaint with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, or mail it to the District Attorney's Office, or call the District Attorney's Office Investigator, Matt Mandolfo, at 623-1304.
Listed below are additional fraudulent practices that are currently circulating around the country which attempt to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus. There are additional resources available to avoid being the victim of a fraud.
Cures and Treatments – The FDA says there are no approved vaccines, drugs or other products currently available to treat or prevent Coronavirus. Yet several companies have advertised they have treatments or cures for this particular virus. The FDA and FTC recently issued warning letters to seven companies that were advertising and selling such products. www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/ftc-fda-warnings-sent-sellers-scam-coronavirus-treatments
Phishing Emails Appearing to be from the CDC or WHO – Be wary of emails claiming to be from the CDC, the WHO, or other similar public health agencies. They certainly will not ask you for your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or logins and passwords. The best place to find up-to-date information from these organizations is on their websites: CDC - www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, WHO - www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019.
Fake Charities – People often want to help out by donating to a charity during times of crisis. Unfortunately, crises also bring out fake charity schemes. The FTC has advice on how to research your chosen charity to make sure it is a legitimate organization. www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-donate-wisely-and-avoid-charity-scams.


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First was the disbelief that a single trouser could cost 67, 000, then the embarrassment that followed afterwards.
A dramatic fallout between tycoon Jimmy Wanjigi and high-end couture fashion designer Ravello has spilled over into a public spectacle, with the aggrieved designer now sharing WhatsApp messages with everyone. The messages allegedly reveal details of a transaction where businessman Jimmy Wanjigi acquired a pair of Ermenegildo Zegna trousers and two Brioni jackets which cost a total of 1.3 million. However, it’s alleged that the businessman, later on, was unable to pay.
The billionaire businessman has now filed an appeal at the High Court, contesting a lower court’s verdict that ordered him to pay Sh1.37 million to the clothing company over debt dispute.
Fazal – The Luxury Boutique, a high-end clothing retail company in Nairobi, had sued Wanjigi for allegedly failing to pay Sh1.37 million for clothes sold to him in 2019.
The tycoon allegedly acquired five pairs of designer trousers and two jackets from Fazal, whose parent company is Ravello Limited.
He, however, allegedly failed to pay for the Ermenegildo Zegna trousers and two Brioni jackets.
Milimani Principal Magistrate D.M. Kivuti on January 22, 2021 ruled that Wanjigi should settle the debt.
The businessman, however, allegedly failed to honour the magistrate court’s decision, prompting Ravello to file an application to auction Wanjigi’s items over the said-debt.
Ravello said it had, on multiple occasions, reached out to Wanjigi on instant messaging service WhatsApp, but he failed to heed their plea.
In their court papers, Ravello said Wanjigi owed the clothing company Sh1.3 million for the five pairs of trousers and two jackets, and Sh67,500 for another Zegna pair of trousers that he had allegedly previously obtained, but failed to pay for.
Ravello said Wanjigi had acquired the pair of trousers at Sh67,500, but he claimed it couldn’t fit him, and was to return it to the company. The firm said that Wanjigi, however, failed to return the trousers, or pay for it.
As a result, Ravello said the businessman owed the company a total of Sh1.367 million.
Ravello had told the magistrate’s court that it sold the clothes to Wanjigi on credit because of the good seller-customer relationship they’d built over the years.
Wanjigi, according to Ravello, began playing cat and mouse with the company after receiving the clothes.
Court papers filed by the luxury boutique said Wanjigi had, on different occasions, told Ravello that he was out of the country, away from his office or would constantly make payment pledges, which he’d fail to honour.
Later, Wanjigi allegedly refused to receive phone calls from Ravello representatives.
“Hi Jimmi, can I come collect $9,675 (Sh1.05 million) and one pair of trousers that you said you’ll return?” read one of the alleged WhatsApp message from Ravello to the businessman.
In yet another message, Ravello allegedly said: “Good morning Jimmi. Kindy send me the grey pair of trousers and cheque, please. Regards, Aziz.”
In a response that Ravello attributes to Wanjigi, the tycoon said: “[I] will send someone to you tomorrow morning. In which name do you want the cheque drawn?”
The company said Wanjigi had pledged to make the payments on February 26, 2020, but failed to fulfil the promise.
Wanjigi, in his counter-application, claims the boutique’s allegations are baseless, and are meant to harass and taint his “good image”.
“He (Wanjigi) does not owe the plaintiff the alleged $10,350 (Sh1.1 million) or any money at all,” the businessman’s lawyer had, previously, told the magistrate’s court.
Wanjigi alleged the WhatsApp messages produced in court had been sent by a lawyer, identified as Martin Maina.
The tycoon said Maina was not called to testify in court, and was not listed as a defendant in the suit.
Brioni was founded in Rome in 1945. In 1952, the brand organised the first menswear runway show in the modern history of fashion.
The brand is known for dressing, among others, former United States President of America Donald Trump and multi-award winning actor James Bond.
In fact, Brioni jackets are labeled “tailored for loyalty and Presidents of the World.” A single Brioni jacket could set you back between Sh44,000 and Sh1.2 million.


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Samsung, Sony and chums will have to wait 12 months
LG has become the first TV manufacturer to offer Now TV, Sky’s movie and TV streaming platform. The deal means LG flatscreen owners will be able to feast on live and on-demand content from Sky Sports and Sky Movies without needing a Sky subscription.
The service will launch in August and LG has snaffled a 12-month exclusivity window, barring other Smart TV providers from offering Now TV. Hardware support runs to LG’s 2012/2013 range of TVs and 2013 Blu-ray players and home cinema systems
The service includes a 'customised NOW TV card' that will sit on the Smart User Interface and will curate content according to major upcoming releases and events.
Content can be purchased in two different ways: for a £9.99 fee, Now TV offers a 24-hour pass to all six Sky Sports channels. Film fans, however, can a pay monthly fee, beginning at £8.99 for the first three months, for a Sky Movies Pass, which provides access to the satcaster's blockbuster library.
Says Now TV: 'Sky Movies on NOW TV offers access to more of the latest and biggest releases. This includes the likes of Skyfall, Argo and The Dark Night Rises over the next month, and up to four new premieres every single week. These films are exclusive to Sky and will not be on any other subscription service for at least a year.'
Naturally, LG thinks it has scored a major hit in the ongoing Smart TV battle with the likes of Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. Says LG Consumer Electronics UK's marketing head, Craig West: '2013 has been a fantastic year for LG. The LG / NOW TV joint multi-million pound investment to develop, launch and market the service demonstrates LG’s continued commitment to bringing the best in home entertainment.'
'[We're] proud to be the first and only TV brand to offer consumers the benefits of the NOW TV service.'
We recently reviewed Now TV in a roundup of streaming services including Netflix and LoveFilm. The conclusion then was that it needed more hardware support and an HD avenue beyond the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, the LG Smart TV iteration will only stream in SD. But we guess some people won't care when they compare the content library to rival platforms...
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Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida has explained that the fee gamers will pay to play multiplayer on PS4 will go to improving online services.
“That [was] a big decision,” said Yoshida, “what we internally discussed and decided is that we will continue the free access to online play on PS3 and Vita, so that’s clear. But because on PS4 the online connectivity features such as second screen, auto downloads and share features – these are one big pillar of the PS4 experience and we will continue to invest in this area to expand and improve these online features and services.”
“If we keep giving away online access for free, the natural pressure is that we have to cut down on the cost to provide this free service. But that’s conflicting with our goal of being able to provide very robust and great online services going forward. So we decided that on PS4, because we want to continue to invest and improve our new services, we’ve asked the most engaged consumers in the online activities to share the burden with us so that we can continue to invest.”
Yoshida went on to explain that PS4 owners will be receiving rewards for the $5 monthly Playstation Plus subscription.
“To make the pain a little bit less we will continue to offer free content with instant game collections, discounts and early access to betas on PS4 as well,” Yoshida continued.
“So at the beginning we typically picked from older games for the instant game collection on Vita and PS3, but because everything is new on PS4 we decided to make a smaller version of Drive Club with all the online features open, included in that instant game collection on day one.
“In addition to that we add one digital game every month, so they get high quality indie games as well on top of what they get on PS3 and Vita. So hopefully that makes people’s decision easy to join PS Plus.”
Previously, Yoshida confirmed that only one account on the PS4 needs to have PlayStation Plus attached to it for all accounts to be able to access multiplayer features.
What do you think of Sony’s philosophy? Are you happy to pay if you’re online experience is constantly evolving and better all-round? Let us know below in the comments section and on the MyGaming forums.


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“Glocal” food and college dining
May 7, 2013Food
Today’s college students live in a global society, but want local
foods. They want value and authenticity. They want it all, but at a good
price. Those were a few of the messages from Ron Morasco, an executive
chef who now serves as senior director, offer development – campus
services for food-service company Sodexo USA.
Morasco spoke to last week’s Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders
Summit in Arlington, Virginia, providing a snapshot of food priorities
on college campuses and his company’s challenges in meeting them.
Sodexo, he says, faces some of the same challenges seen across the food
industry – high meat prices, weather-related supply issues and shifting
demand trends. Colleges that contract with the company for food services
want innovation, differentiation and sustainability in the food-supply
chain. However, he says, finances remain the number-one issue for the
Current “hot-button” food issues on college campuses, Morasco says, include the following:
- Local production – Some campuses want 50 percent of their food
sourced within 50 miles. This naturally creates considerable challenges
for suppliers. Sodexo is working to better define “local” in the context
of different types of foods. At the same time, students participate in
global communities and want ethnic foods and ingredients – the “glocal”
- Naturally raised foods are a priority for many students.
- Wellness is a key consideration, with campuses requesting foods low in sodium, trans fats, etc.
- Lean, finely textured beef (LFTB) – When the “pink slime”
controversy broke, Sodexo studied the issue and made a decision to
continue using LFTB in some of their ground-beef products. Their
decision was based in part on sustainability, Morasco says, as they view
LFTB as a means for using as much of the animal as possible. Their
supplier removed the process of using anhydrous ammonia for pathogen
control and substituted other food-safety interventions.
- Sustainable seafood – The company sources 60 percent of its seafood from supply chains certified as sustainable.
- Chicken cages and sow stalls – With the company and its clients
under relentless pressure from animal-rights groups, they are
transitioning toward obtaining products from cage-free poultry suppliers
and pork suppliers who shift away from gestation stalls.
Read the full story from Cattlenetwork's John Maday here.


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The large dairy products cooperative, Gay Lea Foods, has purchased another business in the Quinte region.
Effective on November 1st, Mississauga based Gay Lea will be the owner of Stirling Creamery.
The change in ownership will not affect the operation of Stirling Creamery, which has 25 employees.
Gay Lea says the deal will give it more flexibility to expand its production capacity to meet what’s currently a high demand for butter.
Stirling Creamery was founded by the West family in 1925.
Gay Lea also owns Ivanhoe and Black River Cheese in this area.


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Looks like HTC is very serious about their new BoomSound Dual-Speakers. First seen in their flagship HTC One, the same stereo audio setup was spied on an HTC 606w that was leaked a couple days ago, and now we have a new HTC 608t with it’s own pair of front facing speakers.
The HTC 608t features a design similar to the HTC Desire SV (aka the HTC One SV) but sticks to the same new navigation keys as the HTC One and is rumored to feature a quad-core processor, 8 Megapixel camera, Android Jelly Bean (maybe) and will support TD-SCDMA for China Mobile as well as GSM and WiFi according to the TENAA report.
Hopefully HTC will officially announce their new phones quickly, because so far the One is basically the only phone they’ve announced so far this year.
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Some cool XI JINPING images:
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for efforts to build a strong sporting nation.
Xi made the remark during his meeting with delegates from across China ahead of the 13th Chinese National Games which will kick off in Tianjin the same day. The president said that sports carry the dream of national rejuvenation and stressed that the development of sports in China should be attached great importance.
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The update concerns one of the boot's two engagement positions.
Retail vets build platform to make sure brick and mortar shops never miss a sale
"We’ve fought to protect these places since we were founded; we’ll continue
Tickets are on sale now for $12 for the all-ages show this December 14th in Brec
Surf industry businesses and community evacuating Ventura, neighboring areas.
"We wanted to hold an all-inclusive community jam and link kids with the pros."
TSI Holdings looks to expand HUF's international presence leading to Tokyo 2020.
Pending due diligence and other hurdles, the arch-rivals may be under one roof.
The Falsa Mexican Blanket is the newest addition to the LEUS family.
After 24 years, Vans is saying goodbye to Warped but still engaged in youth cult
Customers can pop into the downtown Encinitas location and make a custom watch.
CJ Hobgood and Jared Lane on driving Black Friday shoppers to local retailers.
Wells wears the Stance Backcountry Ultralight sock; marking first time brand foc
2018 marks 15 years of shows for Agenda; Levant on innovating, what's next.
HUF rolls out a second limited-edition run of The Dylan Driver.
Zeal partners with American Forests to offset environmental footprint.


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Starting January 1, you will pay more to fill up your car. You will pay more to heat your home. Transporting goods to market will cost more. This is thanks to the new “Cap and Trade” system the Ontario government implemented.
Ontario joined Quebec and California in a carbon-credit trading exchange, as a way of putting a cost on pollution. A cost we all get to help pay.
At the gas pump, this adds 4.5 cents per litre to the price of gas. We already pay 10 cents per litre provincial excise tax and 14.7 cents per litre federal excise tax. We pay 13% sales tax included in the price at the pump so what is another 4.5 cents per litre?
The jury is still out on whether this will help deal with climate change, or is a shell-game and taxation scheme for the provincial Liberals. Pundits are already warning of this being yet another boondoggle for this provincial government. The newest in a long list of boondoggles for the Kathleen Wynne Liberals.
It is acknowledged that there is climate change. Yet it is difficult to see how further taxation is going to solve or mitigate the issue. With so few jurisdictions participating in the carbon-credit exchange, is the Wynne government making it more difficult to do business in Ontario?
Gone are the days of issue-based agreements, such as the Acid Rain agreement in the 1980’s.
If you recall, that was where two countries, Canada and the United States, met and came up with science-based targets to deal with the effects of Acid Rain. Those two countries then worked with industry to implement the agreement. Some factories put scrubbers on smoke stacks, others retooled. If a business failed to follow the new rules they were the ones who paid fines. Businesses were encouraged to invest in new technology to help the environment, and it worked. Polluters in Ontario like Inco and Falconbridge cut their emissions by more than 75 per cent. Throughout both countries there is measurable reductions in Acid Rain with more targets still to be achieved.
In comparison, the cap-and-trade scheme allows polluting businesses to buy their way out of their polluting methods by purchasing more credits, not by fixing their pollution. No investment in new equipment is required. It is hard to see how that mitigates damage to the environment.
Meanwhile we all pay. We pay if we do our part, and we pay if others don’t. It appears to be regressive taxation no matter which side you look at. Happy New Year.


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This will be amazing
WipEouton PlayStation 4 is set to get a little more intense. Announced at the PlayStation Experience, the game will be getting a free PSVR update in 2018. According to the PlayStation Blog, the update will include three new ships exclusive for PSVR pilots. Every track in the game will be playable in VR as will every game mode, online or offline.


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MIUI 12 is coming to global users with a beta version available sometime next week. It is coming to 47 devices.
Xiaomi reveals MIUI 12. Based on Android 10, it was built from scratch, featuring new animations, a simpler layout, and more.
Android 10 update is seeding to the Pocophone F1. The update brings optimizations, bug fixes, and an updated Game Turbo.
Xiaomi shared a list of smartphones that will get the latest MIUI 11 update. Rollout will start on October 22.
Xiaomi has announced the Redmi Note 3 yesterday in Beijing, China. The new device features a full metal design, a fingerprint sensor and a huge 4,000mAh battery.
We were so caught up with the Asus ZenFone 2’s launch in Jakarta that we almost missed news of another awesome flagship launch. Xiaomi’s VP of Operations Hugo Barra was recently in India to announce their newest flagship, the Mi 4i.
Last week, Xioami unveiled via live stream its latest flagship, the Mi Note along with a few more devices. As many have suspected, the Chinese company announced…


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Elecon, Ranbaxy, TIL, Mangalore Refinery, Mediaone: India Equity Preview
The Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, or Sensex, rose 54.28, or 0.3 percent, to 17,195.81. The S&P CNX Nifty Index on the National Stock Exchange advanced 0.4 percent to 5,156.65. The BSE 200 Index increased 0.4 percent to 2,176.67. SGX S&P CNX Nifty Index futures for May delivery rose 0.7 percent to 5,185.0 at 11:02 a.m. in Singapore today.
Adani Enterprises Ltd. (ADE IN): The trading company was downgraded to “neutral” from “buy” by Sandip Bansal, an analyst at UBS AG, with a price estimate of 630 rupees per share. The stock fell 0.1 percent to 580.75 rupees.
Bajaj Auto Ltd. (BJAUT IN): The nation’s second-largest motorcycle maker was downgraded to “neutral” from “overweight” by Sachin Gupta, an analyst at HSBC Securities and Capital in Mumbai, with a price estimate of 2,400 rupees per share. The stock rose 0.9 percent to 2,145.5 rupees.
Bajaj Hindusthan Ltd. (BJH IN): India’s biggest sugar maker was cut to “underperform” from “outperform” by Arya Sen, an analyst at Credit Suisse Group AG, who said the company’s high operating leverage and lower value added from byproducts put its earnings at “significant risk” in a down-cycle. The shares gained 0.8 percent to 109.7 rupees.
Elecon Engineering Co. (ELCN IN): The Gujarat-based maker of conveyors and cranes won orders worth 2.09 billion rupees ($46 million) for material handling equipment, it said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange. The shares fell 0.7 percent to 78.05 rupees.
Fortis Healthcare Ltd. (FORH IN): Government of Singapore Investment Corp. bought a 6.58 percent stake in the Indian healthcare provider, the Straits Times reported, citing the Indian company. Fortis, which bought a stake in Singapore-based Parkway Holdings Ltd., plans to raise about $85 million by selling 22.35 million shares to GIC Special Investments, GIC’s private equity and infrastructure investment unit, via a preferential allotment, the newspaper said. The shares fell 1.1 percent to 163.06 rupees.
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL IN): Sara Lee Corp. agreed to sell its 51 percent stake in the Godrej Sara Lee Ltd. Indian venture to Godrej Consumer Products for 185 million euros ($233.7 million). The shares fell 2.1 percent to 298.45 rupees.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (KMB IN): The lender is holding talks with the India unit of Citigroup Inc. about a possible purchase of CitiFinancial Consumer Finance India Ltd., which provides home and personal loans to consumers, LiveMint reported, citing a Kotak Mahindra Bank executive it didn’t identify. The shares rose 3 percent to 768.5 rupees.
Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd. (MONE IN): The Chennai- based TV and film producer and distributor deferred a proposal to issue bonus shares, it said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange. The shares rose 3.3 percent to 89 rupees.
Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL IN): The refining unit of Oil & Natural Gas Corp. said quarterly profit fell 58 percent to 2.53 billion rupees from the same period a year earlier. Separately, it said it will shut a crude distillation and a hydrocracker this month cutting output of jet fuel, kerosene and diesel. The shares rose 1.3 percent to 74.65 rupees.
OnMobile Global Ltd. (ONMB IN): The provider of services for mobile phones was rated “hold” in new coverage by Himanshu Shah, an analyst at HDFC Securities Ltd., with a price estimate of 395 rupees per share. The stock dropped 5.4 percent to 334.85 rupees.
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. (RBXY IN): The European Union may renew tariffs as high as 32 percent on antibiotics from Indian companies, including the nation’s biggest drugmaker, according to the European Commission’s Official Journal. Ranbaxy is among Indian companies complaining to the World Trade Organization about European customs rules, a commission spokesman said yesterday. The shares advanced 0.4 percent to 459.65 rupees.
Reliance Power Ltd. (RPWR IN): The operator of power projects controlled by Billionaire Anil Ambani is considering setting up a new gas-fired power plant in Andhra Pradesh instead of Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, the Economic Times reported on its website, citing an official it didn’t identify. The shares were little changed at 144.7 rupees.
TIL Ltd. (TIL IN): The maker of construction machinery, forklifts and excavators expects sales to grow at least 35 percent this year as India boosts infrastructure spending, Chief Financial Officer Alok Banerjee said. The shares fell 3.7 percent to 425.65 rupees.
Union Bank of India (UNBK IN): The state-owned lender was raised to “buy” from “hold” by Jyothi Varma, an analyst at KR Choksey Shares & Securities Pvt., with a price estimate of 341 rupees per share. The stock rose 3.1 percent to 300.95 rupees.
Wipro Ltd. (WPRO IN): India’s third-largest software provider wants to go after countries that are increasing their spending as it looks for more business opportunities, Co-Chief Executive Officer Girish Paranjpe told CNBC. The shares rose 1.9 percent to 680.9 rupees.


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PC World and Currys owner Dixons Retail Group received the backing of its banks with a new £300m lending facility.
The arrangement with its syndicate of lending banks will run until June 30, 2015, and replaces a facility which had been due to mature next year.
Shares rose as investors welcomed the latest boost from the retailer, which recently announced better-than-expected sales.
Dixons said it now had the “appropriate level” of committed financing for its needs, adding that financial tests placed on the loans have been slightly relaxed to reflect its improved cash generation.
The size of the lending will reduce in size over its life to £200m by September 2014, it added.
Chief executive Sebastian James has enjoyed a strong start since taking over at the helm from John Browett, who joined Apple in the United States.
The group, which has about 640 stores in the UK and Ireland as well as outlets across Europe, expects profits for the year to April to be near the top end of City forecasts at up to £70m.
It said improved ranges and service lifted like-for-like sales by 8% in the 16 weeks to April 28.


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Samsung seizes the “Device Manufacturer of the Year” award by GSMA
Published Monday, 12 March 2012 15:04 |
Samsung’s mobile device innovations and the Android-powered GALAXY S II are awarded much deserved titles in Mobile World Congress 2012
Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd., the leading mobile phone provider was named “Device Manufacturer of the Year” by GSMA -global organization that represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry- during the annual Mobile World Congress 2012, GSMA also named Samsung’s Galaxy S II the “Best Smartphone”. Awards were announced in a ceremony hosted by Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, Spain, as these awards highlight Samsung’s dedication to the introduction of innovative devices that meet users’ needs and preferences.
Samsung’s Mobile devices portfolio offers users the world’s widest range of mobile phones, tablets, multimedia players and mobile related products and solutions; from cutting-edge smart mobile devices to mass-market smartphones; that have been successful in dominating the mobile phone markets.
Samsung’s flagship device; Galaxy S II was recognized for its powerful performance and the overwhelming variety of features it offers, as Samsung recently announced their global sales of the device had surpassed 20 million units in just 10 short months; making it the fastest selling phone in Samsung history.
Duke Park -Samsung Egypt General Manager- said “We are honored to be recognized by such a prestigious organization, like GSMA. Awards such as this one are a testament to Samsung’s innovation, quality products, and attention to consumer preferences. In 2011, Samsung sold over 97 million smartphones; a clear indicator that we are on the right track,” and he added “The GALAXY S II has set a new standard for smartphones, taking speed, screen and content to a whole new level. We are extremely proud of how this device has changed the way the market and consumers experience mobile technology.”
At the Mobile World Congress 2012, Samsung continued to demonstrate its passion for innovation with GALAXY Note 10.1, a new device category with an immersive 10.1’’ screen and S Pen versatility, and the GALAXY Beam, a projector smartphone that enables a unique instant sharing experience around digital content. These new additions to the GALAXY device range are expected to build on the success that the brand has already developed in the market.


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Logistics firm keeps forward momentum with “plan and invest” strategy
- Credit: Archant
An historic Ipswich company has joined forces with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce as it continues to “support, plan and invest” its way through the coronavirus crisis.
Cory Brothers – which was formed back in 1842 – has become the chamber’s logistics patron.
Group boss Peter Wilson said the strategic partnership was a natural next step for the firm, “with our future being rooted in Suffolk and our global headquarters in Ipswich”.
“Our relationship with Suffolk Chamber has always been of great value and we recognise this further by taking this to the next level,” he said.
MORE – Computer retailer trials drive-through click and collect service at town store“We have a great team of people, who live in Suffolk, and we’ll always play our part in supporting local and the community. Especially during this challenging time, we must continue to support, plan and invest.”
Cory Bros, a logistics and maritime service provider, has a worldwide network with offices in the Far East and the USA.
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It is seen as a sector innovator in a key industry for the Suffolk economy – given the major ports it hosts in Felixstowe and Ipswich.
The firm has been a member of the chamber for a number of years, but wanted to deepen and widen its involvement by joining the patron scheme, which allows it to take advantage of chamber connections with business, media and political leaders and influence policy at national level. Chamber chief executive John Dugmore said: “We were founded in 1884 and there aren’t that many Suffolk Chamber members, leave alone patrons, who have had a longer trading history than us.
- 1 Body of man, 22, found in River Orwell
- 2 'Kind and loving' husband-to-be dies of lymphoma aged 27
- 3 Aldi targets Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Sudbury for new stores
- 4 Two Suffolk centres offering walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations tomorrow
- 5 Man appears in court to face charges after Ipswich 'brawl'
- 6 Ipswich man wanted for theft and fraud offences
- 7 Ipswich MP calls for urgent action after hospital maternity report
- 8 Ipswich nursery rated as 'outstanding' by inspectors
- 9 Pub near Stowmarket closes temporarily due to Covid-19 case
- 10 Tim Hortons restaurant in Ipswich given green light
“So it’s with a real sense of pleasure that Cory Brothers have come on board as our logistics patron, as their enduring trading success is very much built on our shared values of long-term, continuous investment and a focus on adapting to the needs of customers.”


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Tuesday, 19 September, 2023
California's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act Faces Legal Hurdles Over First Amendment
California's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which aims to protect minors' online privacy, has been temporarily blocked due to concerns over its constitutionality. Critics argue that the act violates the First Amendment. A federal judge granted an injunction against its enforcement. It discusses the implications of this legal challenge and its potential impact on regulating online content and protecting children's privacy in the digital age.


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New Securities Class Action Filed Against Monster Beverage Corporation
A new class action securities-fraud lawsuit has been filed against Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ MNST), the makers of Monster energy drinks, in California federal court, alleging that the company failed to disclose improper advertising, marketing, and promotion of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks, rendering the company’s financial statements materially false and misleading.
The plaintiffs, who are shareholders purchasing Monster stock, seek to recover damages on behalf of all class members who purchased or otherwise acquired Monster stock between February 23, 2012 and August 9, 2012.
On August 9, 2012, Monster disclosed that it had received a subpoena from a state attorney general in connection with the company’s advertising, marketing, and promotion of its energy drinks. Concurrent with this announcement, from August 7, 2012 to August 13, 2012, Monster stock dropped 23% from $68 per share to $52.11 per share.
Have you been the victim of consumer fraud? If so, please contact Khorrami, LLP for a confidential consultation.


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Plastic Free July, a campaign led by the Plastic Free Foundation, kicks off next week, challenging people to do away single-use plastics for an entire month.
According to the foundation, 2,000 tonnes of plastic, which amounts to 20 percent of Hong Kong’s overall waste, is sent to landfills every day. Plastic cutlery and takeaway containers make up the bulk of that total. Another 17 million pieces of plastic waste are washed into the ocean via the Shing Mun River every year. Even worse? Hongkongers throw away 5.2 million plastic bottles every single day.
Last year’s challenge saw 120 million people taking part across the world. Collectively, they helped prevent nearly 500 million kg of plastic waste from going to landfills. The Plastic Free Foundation hopes to do even better this year.
If you’re interested in joining the fight against single-use plastics, here’s how you can start: refuse plastic straws for beverages, carry a reusable cup that your coffee, water or tea can be poured into, opt to dine in or eat out at one of the city’s sustainable restaurants, bring your own reusable containers instead of relying on takeaway containers, take a tote bag with you when you go shopping, buy your grains and herbs in bulk from one of Hong Kong’s zero waste stores and store those goods in your own containers.
For more information, you can visit plasticfreejuly.org. Happy saving!


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‘Dragon’ Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s Companion, and a Gift of the Year judge, has been banging the drum for this year’s Gift of the Year competition. Appearing in a promo video, Sara encourages companies who have not yet entered the Gift of the Year 2024 to get their entries in.
“This year, the Gift of the Year competition had over 100 industry expert retailers, buyers and yours truly, and has helped to skyrocket businesses, with previous winners now selling in Waitrose, John Lewis and Anthropologie,” enthuses Sara. “It’s open to both UK and international brands, and there are 20 categories to enter.”
She continues: “I had the chance to go to the Awards evening earlier this year and I thought it was a fantastic way for businesses to get some really great exposure in front of key retailers and buyers. The Awards close on 30 November so don’t forget to get your entries in. You’ve got to be in it to win it!”
The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman, adds: “We have seen some really great entries so far, and in the run up to the last two weeks of the awards we expect to see lots more products entered as the deadline looms. The quality of the products this year, and the innovation I’ve seen, has been outstanding. We’re really looking forward to letting the judges see what has been entered.”
Chris highlights that many new companies have entered the awards. “We’ve visited many trade and consumers shows over the last few months where we’ve encouraged new companies to enter, as well as the fantastic, existing brands that enter every year. Companies have until the 30 November to enter their great products, with our worst kept secret being that there may be an extension to the awards … so watch this space.”
The winners will be announced at The Gift Awards 2024, which take place at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on 16 May, 2024, alongside the winners of The Greats gift retailer awards.
Top: ‘Dragon’ Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s Companion.


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SkinMedica has acquired Colorescience, a leading professional mineral makeup company. Founded by Diane Ranger, Colorescience is widely used in physician-based aesthetics practices and highly regarded among dermatologists for color correction, sun protection, and comfortable, post-procedure coverage. “Mineral makeup has been a priority expansion target for us for some time;” says Mary Fisher, CEO of SkinMedica. “It is especially gratifying to combine with Colorescience, as their product line is based in science and trusted by our physician customers.” Josie Juncal who has more than 10 years of experience in sales, sales management, marketing, and education with SkinMedica, will serve as the vice president of new commercial operations for the new Colorescience subsidiary. In addition, Colorescience recently launched ColoresciencePRO, a high-performance line of cosmetics created to remedy and camouflage specific skin concerns, creating an even wider range of offerings from SkinMedica.
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JAIPUR AND KOVALAM: The New Year has brought some good news for the tourism industry – despite the hardship of the currency ban, number of foreign tourists coming to India has gone up by 9%.
While the figures differ from state to state, Rajasthan appears to have benefitted the most. Ahead of New Year, hotels and monuments were flooded and Jaipur’s picture postcard destinations are bustling with tourists. Even domestic travellers appear to have shaken off the fears of cash crunch.
Namrata, a school teacher from Lucknow, said they did not face a cash problem. “Where we could pay online, we did. Where they wanted cash, we gave cash,” she said.
Severine and Caroline are two French tourists who had no prior information about the currency ban. They found out about it at the Delhi airport. “(But) We have had no problems,” said Severine, “We have paid in Jaipur with cash and card.”
At the Amer fort and other ASI monuments in Rajasthan, cards cannot be swiped but online ticket sales are up. According to the government figures, as ASI monuments went cashless, online and e ticket sales went up by 14%.
Souvenir shops and local curio sellers, however, say business suffered due to their inability to change Rs. 2000 notes. “How can I give change of Rs. 1,900? Notebandi has affected our business,” said Aziz, a bangle seller who has set up shop on a footpath at Jaipur’s Jal Mahal.
But in Kerala, the holiday season has not reported good cheer.
Coupled with the no liquor policy, the currency ban has affected tourism. A study by the Kerala planning board shows that in November, international tourism has dropped by 8.7% and domestic by 17%.
“Demonetisation alone cannot be blamed for the drop in footfall,” said EM Najeeb, President, Confederation of Kerala tourism industry. “The excise policy is also not tourism friendly. Revenue has dropped by 30-40%.” he said.
Reji Oswald is an avid traveller from London, who is currently holidaying in Kerala. The cash crunch has meant that he has had to change his spending pattern. “It has left many tourists in a tight spot. We can’t spend the way we want to… buy the Indian things we want to… money access is restricted in ATMs,” he said.
There are another 4 months to go for the tourist season in India, which usually lasts till April before the onset of the summer. Travel agents say some bookings that are on hold will depend on whether the government announces measures, especially to make it easier for foreign travellers.


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VISAKHAPATNAM : The largest state owned Navaratna, Aluminium producer NALCO has bagged the Star Performer Award for Exports. The award is issued by Engineering Export Promotion Council which has been set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The award was received by AK Murty, General Manager (PF-Port Facilities), port division of NALCO, Visakhapatnam, on behalf of CMD TK Chand, from Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman at a function held in New Delhi. This is the 14th consecutive time that NALCO has received this award.
In the manufacturing sector, NALCO has also been one of the top foreign exchange earners of the country. On an average, the export turnover of NALCO exceeds $500 million a year. NALCO has been able to double its profits in the last two months of the second quarter as compared to the first two months of first quarter.
On increase in profitability in the last months of the second quarter, AK Murthy informed that this was mainly due to the collective dedication of NALCO.


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Singapore, 2 March 2009 - Several websites of Singapore Press Holdings Ltd ("SPH") earned top spots in Hitwise Rankings in the 4th quarter of 2008 (from October to December 2008).
Asiaone’s Health.asiaone.com is number one in Hitwise’s Health and Medical category while Asiaone’s Soshiok.com rules the Food and Beverage (Lifestyle and Reference) category again, after topping the same category in the 3rd quarter. Soshiok.com captures the largest market share in this category, which covers food and wine appreciation, gourmet and epicurean lifestyle, entertaining and cooking. It has reigned as the number one food and beverage lifestyle site in Singapore since its launch last May.
Zaobao.com remains number one in the News and Media (Print) category, while ST701.com continues as number one in the Shopping and Classifieds (Classified) category, both for the third consecutive quarter.
Hardwarezone.com, a longstanding champion in the IT categories, tops three categories this time round. They are the Computers and Internet (Hardware, Computers & internet), Social Networking & Forums, and News and Media (IT Media) sections.
Several other SPH sites also performed well. Five took second spot in their respective categories. These sites include BTstocks.asiaone.com, Businesstimes.com.sg, singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg, Club.stomp.com.sg and Hardwarezone.com.
Five SPH sites came in third in their respective categories. These sites are Business.asiaone.com, Mypaper.com, Digital.asiaone.com, Travel.asiaone.com and Health.zaobao.com.
Speaking for AsiaOne, it’s editor, Adrian Tay, said, “In today’s wired world, readers can go anywhere online. Put up a site that’s not something they like and they won’t come back. So the no.1 ranking is really an indication of the team’s hard work in keeping readers’ attention. And having them come back for more is something we constantly work at."
For Zaobao.com, Zheng Wei, its online editor said:" Zaobao.com continues to top Hitwise’s print media category, a testimony to Zaobao’s success in reinventing our newsroom operations for multimedia publication. Zaobao’s journalists are not only writing for print now, but are also feeding first-hand real-time news to us. The speed and depth of our content are the two key factors that continue to draw readers to our website."
For ST701, Elsie Chua, Executive Vice President, Marketing, SPH Ltd, said, "ST701 is a relatively new online classifieds site and we are happy to have served the online community in finding the right job, property, car or other products and services."
For Hardwarezone.com, Lim Chuan Jer, General Manager of SPH Magazines, said, "The No.1 Hitwise ranking is highly coveted by any publisher as it’s an acknowledgment of the netizens that the site indeed serves their needs. For us, our quarter-after-quarter achievement of this top ranking for hardwarezone.com is only made possible by the continuous understanding and relentless pursuit of satisfying these netizens’ needs. Till now, we have never stopped in this pursuit and we never willl. That, we guarantee."
The listing is as follows:
Ranked No. 1
Ranked No. 2
Ranked No. 3
Issued by Singapore Press Holdings Limited
Co. Regn. No: 198402868E
For more information, please contact:
Singapore Press Holdings
DIDl: 6319 1225
Mobile: 9765 6704
About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Incorporated in 1984, main board-listed Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (SPH) celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It is the leading media company in Southeast Asia, delivering news and information through multiple media platforms.
Newspapers and Magazines
In Singapore, SPH publishes 17 newspaper titles in four languages. Every day, 2.9 million individuals or 79 per cent of people above 15 years old, read one of SPH’s news publications. SPH also publishes and produces more than 100 magazine titles in Singapore and the region, covering a broad range of interests from lifestyle to information technology.
Internet and Mobile
Beyond print, the Internet editions of SPH newspapers enjoy over 150 million pageviews with 9 million unique visitors every month. Apart from SPH AsiaOne portal, SPH’s online and new media initiatives include the online marketplace for products, services and employment, ST701; local search and directory engine, rednano.sg; Stomp (Straits Times Online Mobile Print), a portal that connects, engages and interacts with readers on the Web and via mobile phone messaging; omy, a bilingual news and interactive portal and The Straits Times RazorTV, a free access interactive webcast service offering live chat shows and video on demand clips.
SPH has a 20 per cent stake in MediaCorp TV Holdings Pte Ltd, which operates free-to-air channels 5, 8, U and TV Mobile, and a 40 per cent stake in MediaCorp Press Pte Ltd, which publishes the free newspaper, Today. In the radio business, SPH has an 80 per cent stake in SPH UnionWorks Pte Ltd, which operates entertainment stations Radio 100.3 FM in Mandarin and Radio 91.3 FM in English.
In addition, SPH has ventured into outdoor advertising through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SPH MediaBoxOffice Pte Ltd, Singapore’s largest outdoor motion display advertising network media company and a 35 per cent stake in TOM Outdoor Media Group, a leading outdoor advertising company in China.
SPH owns and manages Paragon, the prime retail and office complex in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore’s main shopping belt. SPH’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Times Development Pte Ltd, is also developing a 43-storey upmarket residential condominium, Sky@eleven, at Thomson Road.