text:
Today Google open the doors of the “Google House” — a showcase of the latest product innovations from Google. Event feature a demonstrations of Google Search, Maps, Photos, Translate and YouTube apps. Celebrities discussed how Google’s mobile products make their lives a little easier.
As Sandeep Menon, Google Country Marketing Director explains “Indians are coming online from mobile devices at an incredibly rapid rate — six to seven million new mobile internet users every month. Today’s event is about showcasing how we’re working to make our products relevant and useful for India, and how smartphones have evolved to become the best personal assistant you’ve never had. Whether you need to get directions 10 minutes before your next meeting, a step by step recipe to make an impression, or a way to never be late to the airport again, Google can help keep you connected to the people and information that you care about.”
Key Highlights from the mobile-focused demonstrations at the Google House included:
- A hands-on showcase of the Google Translate app. Recently launched in Hindi, instant translate helps you break through language barriers by instantly translating printed text, like street signs or ingredient lists by opening the app on your phone and pointing your camera at the text.
- Showcase of the Google Photos app which automatically backup photos and videos from your devices. People around the world uploading 1.8 billion photos every day, including 93 million selfies. Google Photo offers unlimited, free storage.
- An demonstrations of recent Search like faster and lighter search results for people accessing the web from a mobile device with a slow connection like 2G. Voice Search updates has been optimised for English in the Indian accent and in Hindi to make finding answers to your questions faster, easier and more local.
- And overview of recent offline features, like the ability to save Maps for offline usage when you might not have a connection. Or YouTube Offline, which enables you to watch videos without paying for your expensive mobile data, even when you don’t have a connection.
Photography stars Dabboo Ratnani & Anushka Menon
For celebrity photographer Dabboo Ratnani, Bollywood is where home is and photography a way of life. “While photography is a way of life for me, what’s also important is making sure my clientele has easy and early access to the photos I take of them. I’m always on the move so it is important for me to have access to a good photo editor and for me to be able to search through and find a particular photo shoot quickly enough. Google Photos has both of these features easily available to access in terms of a great editor and the cool new Assistant feature. These have become my favourites today!”
Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur
Commenting on his use of Google Search, celebrated chef Kunal Kapur says, “I travel the world meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and of course, searching for new ingredients and culinary experiences. Sometimes when I travel I don’t even know the name of the ingredients I see in the local markets and Google Image search helps me find out what it is exactly. Another great feature is the abundance of recipes online. I still remember days when I looked through my grandma’s book of recipes. Today, all I do is search online and find a treasure trove of so many recipes sent in by users from their families. And I use Google Now to keep everything organized. It has become my constant companion and has made managing a multi time-zone life much easier while Google Photos helps me archive and share my experiences instantly.”
YouTube comedian Karan Talwar
As YouTube funny man Karan Talwar explains “One of the best things that Google has done for its consumers is providing them the ‘YouTube Offline’ option. This helps my viewers access my videos easily and also helps everyone view their favourite videos anytime, anywhere without a data connection. I myself save a lot of videos offline for viewing to avoid buffering and save time.”


text:
Getting wedding-ready! Patrick Mahomes‘ fiancée, Brittany Matthews, went wedding dress shopping with her best friends, including the footballer’s younger brother, Jackson Mahomes, on Tuesday, April 13.
In photos and videos posted to the 25-year-old’s Instagram Stories, the NFL star’s bride-to-be gave fans a glimpse of the day trip the group took so she could try on some potential gowns for her upcoming nuptials. The besties hopped a private jet to an undisclosed location and wore white outfits to commemorate the special moment while they browsed a bridal store.
The ladies also enjoyed dinner at Catch in Los Angeles after the outing. Brittany shared snapshots and videos of the food, including an oozing brownie dessert.
On March 31, Brittany and Patrick celebrated their 9-year anniversary as a couple with a gorgeous and romantic dinner date. “Today is our 9-year anniversary!” the Brittany Lynne Fitness founder captioned a photo of herself and her future husband on the steps of their private jet before flying out to the destination of their date. “So yes, I interrupted work day to take a cute pic.”
The lovebirds started dating after meeting in high school. Their relationship began as a friendship but blossoming into something romantic after about a year of knowing one another. “He just became one of my best friends, like all of his other friends were,” Brittany previously explained via Instagram. “I never liked him, we were just best friends.”
The twosome got engaged in September 2020. “On a day that was meant to celebrate you, you turned it into celebrating us. It’s always us, it’s always you and me,” Brittany announced the milestone moment on social media. “You made this day perfect; you took my entire breath away and I could not have imagined anything better. I love you, forever and always! Cheers to spending our lifetime together and an inseparable bond.”
Less than a month later, the pair revealed they were expecting baby No. 1. “Mom and Dad, taking a small detour to the wedding,” Brittany captioned an Instagram photo of herself and her beau holding up their sonogram. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shared the ultrasound photo to his own Instagram and captioned it with a red heart emoji. The couple welcomed their baby, daughter Sterling Skye, in February.
Scroll through the gallery to see photos of Brittany and her friends during her wedding dress shopping excursion!
1 of 13
2 of 13
3 of 13
4 of 13
5 of 13
6 of 13
7 of 13
8 of 13
9 of 13
10 of 13
11 of 13
12 of 13

domain: news


text:
The world could be facing a food shortage in just 10 years, according to an agricultural data technology company.If this is correct, then soon we will all be expected to make sacrifices in order to subsidize runaway population growth in China, India, and Africa.
Gro Intelligence founder and chief executive Sara Menker says previous calculations about food supply have focused on mass and weight, not nutritional value — and this is where things become problematic.
Previously the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has predicted that the world’s population will reach 9.1 billion by 2050 and the world needs to produce 70 percent more food to feed all these extra people.
But at a TEDGlobal event Arusha, Tanzania, Menker said if you look at the nutritional value of current food production instead, global food security is more tenuous than originally thought.
According to Quartz, Menker believes the year 2023 will be the crossover point when we will no longer be able to produce enough food to feed a growing population.
She has estimated that by 2027, there could be a 214 trillion-calorie deficit, which is the equivalent of 379 million Big Macs.
Demand will be driven by population and economic growth in China, India and African countries.
It makes more sense to isolate those countries. Stop sending them food and technology, and stop allowing them to export their population problems. They will eventually learn to solve their own problems.


text:
A very exciting addition to Kosher eating is now open in Englewood, NJ.
Fat Choy, formerly located on Broome Street of the Lower East Side will be reopening at 52 East Palisades Avenue, at Grand Avenue.
The restaurant had received extremely positive reviews following its original NYC run, with customers praising their extremely flavorful and creative dishes that gave Vegan dining a new spin.
Unfortunately, the lack of LES foot traffic and take-out dining during the Pandemic closed the small business prematurely.
Chef and owner Justin Lee hadn’t planned on reopening, but the possibility of bringing his spot to Englewood opened and Lee took the opportunity, with the plan of making his food accessible to wider audiences. For Kosher diners, that means being certified by IKC and giving Jews the opportunity to try the new wave of Vegan Chinese food that Chef Lee is bringing to the table.
With the grand opening this week, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous mushroom-sloppy-Joe, sticky rice dumplings, general tzao’s cauliflower, or kung pao hashbrowns.
Fat Choy is open daily from 11 AM – 9 PM for takeout and dine-in.


text:
Condé Nast Traveler magazine has named Colorado as the top ski destination in the US with the St. Regis Aspen Resort taking the top spot.
Montblanc is partnering with the St. Regis Washington DC Hotel and publisher Thornwillow Press on a pop-up hotel lobby store for Barack Obama’s upcoming inauguration.
After the Tiffany, Dior and Bottega Veneta suites, the St. Regis Hotel is unveiling The Bentley Suite this fall in its New York location.
Bentley Motors has announced a global partnership with St Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
The new St. Regis Tianjin has launched its Presidential Suite, Tianjin’s largest luxury hotel suite with extraordinary amenities and unparalleled views.


text:
Synthetix stood its ground when featured amongst the AI elite in the latest Opus Intelligent Assistants top vendors report
Synthetix, pioneers in conversational AI Natural Language Understanding technology are proud to have been included into Opus Research’s “Decision Makers’ Guide to Enterprise Intelligent Assistants” again this year.
Opus Research is a leading analyst organisation. In their latest report, Opus Research presents a comprehensive assessment of the current Intelligent Assistant (IA)solution provider landscape with special focus on those offering “enterprise-grade” solutions.
With Opus reporting enterprise spend on Intelligent Assistants set to exceed the projected $2 billion in 2018, and heading up to $5.5 billion in 2021, compound annual growth rate for the next five years comes to a whopping 67%. The reason for the level of growth is the result of what Opus refers to as “the perfect storm where technological advancement in Speech Processing, NLU, machine learning and knowledge management coincides with (or gives rise to) heightened levels of comfort and confidence in human-to-machine communications.”
Synthetix has been included in the report once again, which presents an inclusive valuation of top vendors within the Intelligent Assistant solution landscape with a focus on enterprise grade solutions. Synthetix are immensely proud to have been included in this report, especially as a pioneer of Intelligent Assistant technology. With clients across all industries, empowering brands to be there for their customers, Synthetix has over 200 Natural Language Understanding deployments worldwide, which have helped many organisations to reduce costs and see fast ROI, increase their first contact resolution and conversion rates, improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, and gain valuable customer insight.
Dan Miller, Lead Analyst at Opus Research said, “The rapid adoption and use of new, conversational end-points and services may not have caught every business by surprise, but it has them scrambling to meet the growing demand from their end customers for intelligent, conversational brand experiences. This report helps those organizations understand what criteria they should consider when evaluating prospective solutions and provides an overview of vendor capabilities and track record, which can inform the process of getting an IA up and running successfully.”
Peter McKean, Director at Synthetix says, “Our ability to scale and the maturity of our AI technology has demonstrated the dramatic impact it has to improve the effectiveness of the contact centre dramatically and make human interactions more impactful. We are proud that our business model and cutting-edge innovations have gained such global recognition.”


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Lanxess plans $15M expansion of Gaston plastics plant
Send this to a friend
Lanxess Corp. will spend $15 million to expand its lightweight-plastics plant in Gaston County to meet demand from automakers.
The expansion, which will include an addition to the company's building in Gastonia Technology Park, will double the operation's capacity to 40,000 metric tons per year, says Flemming Bjoernsley, CEO of Lanxess.
“Automotive industry sales are at their highest level in almost 10 years and by adding the second line in Gastonia, we are underlining our ongoing commitment to our customers,” he says in a news release about the project.
The expansion is expected to increase employment at the 50-employee facility, but Lanxess didn’t release those details.
Demand for plastic parts in the auto industry is expected to grow by 7 percent by 2020, the company says. Automakers are substituting plastic for metal in automobiles, a move that reduces the weight of vehicles and, in the process, improves fuel economy.
Work on the Gaston County project begins later this year and is expected to be complete in 2016.
Lanxess began production in the original $15 million plant in September 2012.
Ken Elkins covers manufacturing, international business and economic development for the Charlotte Business Journal.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
- Most popular
- Charlotte region’s Best Places to Work revealed
- The inside scoop on Charlotte's new Sugar Creek Brewing Co.
- These are the Charlotte area's top selling neighborhoods
- Notebook: Whole Foods deliveries and poolside cabanas at apartments
- Spectrum planning redevelopment of apartments near Park Road
- Tony Stewart: 'I'm in mourning'
- A big shakeup for community banks in Charlotte
- Charlotte Premium Outlets adds three tenants to Steele Creek
- Why this BofA exec thinks serving on boards is vital for your career
- Childress Klein, Crosland Southeast buy land for Waverly
Sign up to receive Charlotte Business Journal's Morning Edition and Afternoon Edition newsletters and breaking news alerts.
Multiple Positions Fusion Custom Trailers & Motorcoaches | Salisbury, NC
Work For: ChannelAdvisor ChannelAdvisor | Morrisville, NC
LPN / Licensed Practical Nurse needed - $500 Hiring Bonus BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE | Charlotte, NC
AVP, Underwriting Vaco Financial | Charlotte, NC
Entry Level - Account Manager Confidential | Charlotte, NC


text:
Seaweed, egg shells, cow manure, coffee grounds and fish guts: to you and me, it probably doesn’t sound that tasty. Turns out though that fig trees love it – at least, when it’s broken down into a 100 percent organic fertiliser.
This is the magic recipe that is driving success at Kebun Kaki Bukit, an organic farm in near Bentong in Pahang, about 70 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. The name means “farm at the foot of the hills” in Malay, and the cool highland air is perfect for growing fruit and vegetables, say Kebun Kaki Bukit owners Susan Soh and David Mak.
“We began in Jugra Hills, and later moved around till we ended up in Janda Baik,” says Soh, 44. “Our new site here [in Bentong] gives us the space and opportunity to experiment with different planting methods and live a sustainable lifestyle.”
Figs are one of the main income sources for Kebun Kaki Bukit. Soh says they have 1,000 trees and space to expand up to 10,000. The trees fruit year round and do not need much water, but the tasty fruit need protection from the local fauna.
“The figs are given special shelter,” she says. “Monkeys, squirrels and even wild boars find them enticing.”
The long path to organic farming
Soh freely admits that she came to organic farming in a roundabout way, after working more than two decades in the corporate world, including with Digi Telecommunications.
A love of growing food and eating locally sourced vegetables prompted Soh to start a Facebook page, My Edible Garden, in which she encouraged city dwellers to grow their own produce.
“I have always enjoyed growing my own food and learning how to live bit more sustainably, such as learning about things like solar panels and composting,” she says.
She left full-time work to indulge her hobby and began “farm-hopping” around Malaysia. This was how she met Mak, 47.
Although he too had a corporate background, having trained in law and worked in the insurance sector, Mak had been involved with organic farms since 2007. Much of the time he had been managing distressed or abandoned farms with the help of volunteers.
Mak had always enjoyed being outdoors. But he thanks his late uncle for sparking an interest in organic farming by introducing him to microbes, which help break down waste and turn it into valuable fertiliser and soil matter that plants love.
“He was telling me how to convert waste into compost fast and grow edibles, so I tested it and found that it was good,” he says.
Mak began investigating microbes in more depth and also delved into the research and development of various farming techniques, such as aquaponics. After experiencing health problems, he was also keen to understand food sources. By eating healthy, he lost weight, and his fatty liver disappeared and bad cholesterol levels dropped.
“It led me to say I needed to start a farm, be in a farm and be hands on [in growing organic food].”
Investment, time and passion
While permaculture is a popular approach in urban farms, Mak feels this type of farming is hard to turn into a commercially viable venture, because it requires significantly more time and money to implement.
“First you need to stay on the land without doing anything for three years to study the weather, the rainfall,” he says, after which the farm can be designed.
This study period could cost farmers at least RM500,000 (SG$170,000) and not many new growers have access to such large amounts of cash, he adds.
Instead, Kebun Kaki Bukit employs a host of farming techniques to ensure it has a closed loop system that minimises costs.
Mak says it was important that the farm also used locally sourced materials as much as possible.
“I want to practice methods where everything is done in the farm, like the compost and fertiliser,” he says. “Everything is manufactured here [at Kebun Kaki Bukit] so I don’t want to depend on [the] outside where I need to buy from fertiliser companies where they make the money, and we don’t make the money.”
Mak and Soh also come up with creative ways to keep their overheads low, such as tapping into skilled volunteers through the Workaway and Woofing platforms. Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of heavy tools cutting metal, as volunteers built a trellis for passionfruit and other climbing edible plants. They’ve also helped to build other essential structures, including a rainwater harvesting system.
The quest to make Kebun Kaki Bukit financially sustainable has also seen them open the space for events and farm tours. Tours are open to groups of at least 15 people, who pay RM50 (SG$17) a person to explore the farm for two hours. At the end they receive box of figs as a souvenir. Soh says they are also considering using the farm for other activities, like corporate team-building exercises.
Marketing organic food
Malaysia is still heavily reliant on imports to feed its population; in 2015, its food import bill was more than RM45 billion (SG$15 billion), while exports earned only RM27 billion (SG$9 billion).
Soh points to this when explaining why Kebun Kaki Bukit wants to encourage more people to grow their own food.
“Why do we import so much food when we have abundant resources here? We can do it ourselves,” she says.
But like in any enterprise, they face challenges – chiefly, informing customers about the benefits of organic farming and why the higher prices typically charged for organic produce are justified.
Kebun Kaki Bukit sells its figs for RM80 (SG$27) per kilogram, which is more expensive than imported figs bought from city supermarkets.
“We don’t think imported figs are cheap but what’s important is we don’t know how the fruit has been handled when transported and whether we can trust the source,” she says.
Kebun Kaki Bukit has also received complaints from people unhappy that its farm tours are not free.
“I think there is still a thinking that organic farms like this one are easy to run or run on little resources.”
She hopes that with greater awareness people will understand and appreciate the materials, time and labour that go into a farm like Kebun Kaki Bukit.
For now, what’s vital is for the fig farm to be certified as organic and to make sure produce is of a high quality that meets customers’ expectations.
So it’s all hands on deck at Kebun Kaki Bukit, as Soh and Mak’s industrious, entrepreneurial spirit helps to create a successful farm from the ground up.


text:
In conjunction with Swinburne University’s CXI Research Group, we recently held a breakfast seminar in Sydney & Melbourne on how brands can amplify their CX deliver.
Last year we lost a client – something I am not used to, something I take personally and something that bothers me. Since then I have spent time reflecting on what went wrong and how we need to be better next time. Continue Reading…
“Successful retailing is different now” says Nabih (Nabs) Awad, GM – Merchandising and Assisted Selling, in a recent Retail World magazine article. There is a widely held view in marketing circles that the more channels and touch points a consumer is exposed to, the greater the prospect of making a sale.
‘A world class service that will empower any customer’ says John Ford from Microsoft International of the experience that Microsoft has promised to deliver at their new flagship store on Pitt Street in Sydney.
This year’s theme centred on the idea of ‘Transforming retail today, tomorrow and beyond’ to survive in an age of disruption. Retail leaders – Dr. Sean Sands and Dr. Violet Lazarevic – thoughtfully took to the stage and shared their global perspective on these interruptions and trends affecting our industry. Their presentation included key findings from the Global Retail Index plus learnings from their attendance at the 2015 Congress in Rome.
In a situation of retail revolution rather than evolution, long-successful brands are battling to maintain relevance. Speaking in Melbourne at the ACRS Retail Insights Seminar –sponsored by CPM Australia – Dr. Sean Sands, Research Director at the Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS), said retail disruption was a key concern for global brands today given the rapid and accelerating pace of change in the sales environment.
Providing perspectives on the challenges brands face in breaking through the marketing clutter to engage with consumers, key thought leaders united to share their insights regarding retail activation in the modern marketplace. Sponsored by CPM, the seminar took place in Melbourne over breakfast as part of the ACRS Retail Insights Seminar.
For many years, Brand Ambassadors have been a ubiquitous part of the shopping environment. Used as a standard in-store promotional tactic by grocery and non-grocery manufacturers alike, their traditional role has predominantly involved increasing brand awareness, as well as driving sales. However, in recent years we have been observing changes in the Australian market, which in turn has led to an increasing sophistication in the role of Brand Ambassadors. Continue Reading…


text:
Valicert Inc. has widened the distribution of its certificate validation technology through an international affiliate program.
The Mountain View, Calif., company said that affiliate arrangements can accelerate the spread of its Validation Authority, or VA, systems, especially in parts of the world where direct selling is less practical.
The initial affiliate program members are Frontier GlobalCenter, the California-based Internet arm of Frontier Communications; Digicert of Malaysia, the first certificate authority in one of the fastest-moving electronic commerce markets; and NTT Communications of Japan.
Valicert also announced that Thawte Certification, a South Africa-based digital certificate service provider that many companies rely on to assure interoperability, is a charter member of the affiliate program and would serve as a "real-time content provider." Thawte certificate holders would be able to be cross-validated through Valicert and its network of affiliates. Sathvik Krishnamurthy, Valicert's vice president of marketing and business development, said the affiliate approach is the third leg of a marketing strategy that began with introduction of the Validation Authority products and a service bureau operation.
He said organizations like Digicert and NTT are "natural trusted entities" capable of "establishing a trusted VA brand in their markets." The linkages are designed so that "every new entrant in the program has access to a wealth of content around the globe."
Valicert is trying to establish the VA concept alongside certificate authorities, or CAs, as essential to secure and trusted Internet commerce. The VA would be called upon to verify that a digital certificate, regardless of originating system, is not expired or revoked -- a critical operation that has challenged CA designers.
Valicert was recently selected as pilot VA supplier to Identrus, the multinational banking venture in digital certificates, which is relying on Baltimore Technologies for the root key operation.


text:
Marcegaglia grows in Poland amid more headwinds from imports
ltalian re-roller and tubemaker Marcegaglia remains positive about its Polish welded tube plant and service center for strip and plate in Kluczbork, expecting growth of steel consumption during next four-five years, it told Platts.
"On the other side, the Polish market, one of the biggest in Eastern Europe, is very interesting also for foreign producers, therefore [the] impact of imports is relevant," the company commented.
ln fact, Marcegaglia Poland is experiencing a slight reduction in demand at present. "Due to the particular situation of prices, affected by very aggressive import from the Far East, the market is actually in wait and see mood," it explained. "Anyway we are confident to achieve the budget 2015 and for sure we estimate to grow over the next two-three years," Marcegaglia commented.
Marcagaglia's Polish units, in addition to Kluczbork, represented also by Praszka plant specializing in insulating panels, steel handles, condensers and heat exchangers, have been able to consistently improve its sales results, from PLN 541 million in 2012 to PLN 725 million in 2014 and PLN 800 (€189) million anticipated in 2015.
The increase in revenue has coincided with growing output. Last year Marcegaglia Poland produced 150,000 metric tons of welded tubes and processed 80,000mt of strips and sheets. This year the company is set to make 180,000mt of welded tube and process 110,000mt of flat products.
The Polish division's capacity utilization rates have so far reached 75% for the tube production and 70% at the service center, based on 15 shifts per week. Marcegaglia has been operating in Poland for over ten years. lts first facility, in Praszka, between Wroclaw and Czestochowa, opened in 2004. ln 2010 it launched it's welded tube plant and service center in nearby Kluczbok.
source: SBB Platts


text:
If you’re over the age of 23, you may be wondering just what the hell happened to Web3. Wasn’t the future of living supposed to be entirely online by now, existing as only grainy avatars navigating worlds that don’t exist, the world economy only bouncing gold coins that you can never actually hold in your hands? Well, for plenty of Gen Z, that promise of a virtual future hasn’t gone anywhere. And for HUGO – a brand that’s done well to dress the coming generations – the multiverse of gaming is very much part of the plan.
To kick off March, the new HUGO Blue line was put out into the world (the real world, that is). Seeing faces from various creative industries front the campaign – the likes of Jasmine Jobson and Vinnie Hacker, photographed by Stuart Winecoff, unite the Top Boy fans with the TikTok lovers. The collection, which pivots heavily towards denim, keeps positivity at the centre, introducing the HUGO smiley, and a range of bright pastel colours that look to a new direction, a new attitude, for the previously black/red label. It is, in short, a campaign made with Gen Z in mind; the baggy silhouettes, the nostalgic denim, pieces that aren’t bound by gender but instead designed to be shared.
Though, when it comes to creating for the cool kids, Gen Z sees right through any brand without the real goal of being part of their outlook, their morals, and their hopes for the future. Cue the HUGO Blue launch event – the brand’s display that their new line goes much deeper than the clothing.
Set to a backdrop of the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, the launch of HUGO Blue was a spectacle to impress; bringing the possibilities of virtual worlds into our reality. The centrepiece of the event in an empty warehouse – a scaffold multi-floor structure for DJs, performers (a main act being Swae Lee, no less) – was flanked by design stations customising HUGO Blue tote bags and denim jackets, and a bar serving blue cocktails. In the next room, attendees ate blue popcorn on bean bags and crowded around a circular gaming centre featuring the new HUGO Blue Roblox game in which you could navigate the very event in which you sat (yes, it did feel existential after four blue cocktails), and change your avatar’s clothes into various HUGO Blue pieces. The launch was everything that Gen Z (and older, of course) wanted: explorable, customisable, and playable.
By bringing HUGO Blue out into the world, the brand has put their heart in the hands of younger generations, guided by their hopes for the future, and what they want to show through what they wear and how they wear it. And judging by the thousand-strong crowd of eager gamers, fashion-enthusiasts, rappers, TikTokers and beyond, the HUGO Blue future looks bright.


text:
Tag: South Tampa
The Epicurean Theatre in Tampa announces three new classes and a new programming partner
There are three new classes to enjoy at the popular Tampa boutique hotel.
Taste of South Tampa this Sunday, May 2nd at Tampa Garden Club
Enjoy over 20+ food and drink vendors this Sunday in South Tampa.
Willa’s Provisions cafe now open in Tampa’s North Hyde Park and serving breakfast and an expansive all day menu
The cafe is the latest addition to Willa’s and sells classic American fare with coffee, grab-and-go food, merchandise, and more.
Review: Willa’s brings delicious, refined eats and libations to North Hyde Park
Full disclosure: I was invited to Willa’s to taste their menu on a media reservation. I received a complimentary meal for 2 during my visit. These opinions are my own and do not represent those of Willa’s. Willa’s is now open in North Hyde Park at 1700 Fig Street. For years this neighborhood has been…
NEWS: Graze 1910 opening 2nd South Tampa location
The new Graze location offers an expanded menu of the food hall concept in a fast-casual setting.
NEWS: We Are Poke organic-focused restaurant now open in South Tampa
Full disclosure: I was invited to We Are Poke to check out their concept. I received a complimentary meal during my visit to taste the menu. All opinions listed in this article are my own and do not reflect the business or affiliates. Poke restaurants are taking Tampa by storm and the popular trend shows…
NEWS: Revolution Ice Cream coming to South Tampa
Revolution Ice Cream is making its way to South Tampa after opening two successful locations in Brandon and Seminole Heights.
NEWS: Mini Doughnut Factory flagship South Tampa location now permanently CLOSED
The Tampa Bay Business Journal broke news last night that Mini Doughnut Factory’s flagship store in South Tampa is now permanently closed. It appears that the legal and financial woes were too much for the franchise to handle. Just a few years ago Mini Doughnut Factory was one of the fastest rising businesses in Tampa…
Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse serves excellent meat
Full disclosure: I was invited to Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse for a complimentary tasting in exchange for my opinion. Any opinions displayed here are my own and do not represent Terra Gaucha. Brazilian Steakhouse concepts have had mixed success in Tampa Bay. Boizao disappeared one day without an explanation. Texas de Brazil has managed to…
Shula Burger now open in SoHo District
Full disclosure: I was invited to Shula Burger to try their food for my opinion and to do a story about their opening which I wanted to publish. The opinions mentioned are my own based on my visit and do not represent Shula Burger. Shula Burger is now open in the SoHo District in South…


text:
Coronavirus tech casualties pile
The novel coronavirus tech impact deepens as additional annual staples of the tech calendar have been affected by its onslaught. Also known as COVID-19, its latest victims are Facebook‘s F8 and the Game Developers Conference (GDC), which have cancelled, modified or postponed event components to deal with the contagious disease.
Facebook has released a statement, where it confirmed that they have “made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person component of F8 this year”. In its place will be “locally hosted events, videos and live-streamed content”.
The social media giant elaborated on its decision, citing their prioritisation of employee, partner and attendee safety while taking into consideration the inclusivity of its international developers who might face difficulties attending.
GDC 2020 had been forced to postponed the conference itself due to several top exhibitors and attendees pulling out over coronavirus concerns. These include Sony, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Unity and Epic.
Held annually since 1988, GDC 2020 was expected to take place between March 16-20th in San Francisco. Instead, organisers have indicated that GDC will be postponed “later in the summer”.
F8 and GDC aren’t the only tech events affected by COVID-19. The world’s biggest mobile trade show held in Barcelona, Spain, Mobile World Congress 2020 was struck off just weeks ago, alongside Facebook’s Global Marketing Summit held in San Francisco.
Other esports events have also been axed, while travel restrictions, business closures and slowdowns have hit technology companies hard. Recent launches by Samsung, Fujifilm, Tesla and Asus have faced supply-chain restrictions and waning demand.


text:
The Gran Habano brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a commemorative line called Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada. The company will be showcasing the cigars at its booth during the upcoming PCA trade show in Las Vegas. It was originally slated for release last year but was delayed due to the pandemic.
The Gran Habano XX Aniversario Edicion Limitada is rolled at the company’s factory in Danlí, Honduras, G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas S.A. The blend consists of a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper grown under shade around a Nicaraguan binder and a mix of fillers from Nicaragua, Peru and Colombia. According to the company, the cigars were aged two years after rolling.
The line ships in boxes of 20 and will be available in four sizes: El Sueño, measuring 5 inches by 52 ring gauge ($14); El Recuerdo, 5 5/8 by 46 ($13); El Desafio, 6 by 54 ($15); and El Triunfo, 6 by 60 ($16).
“It is with great pride that after 27 years in business as a company, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our brand, Gran Habano,” brand owner George Rico told Cigar Aficionado. “It is a wonderful feeling to reach this special milestone as a brand… We look forward to the next chapter in our family's journey, and to the new generations continuing the family tradition that has allowed four previous generations be successful in the industry of tobacco."
This is a limited-production release with 4,000 boxes of each size made and will be released quarterly. Only 200 retailers will be carrying the line when it starts to ship in August.


text:
For retail buyers, trade shows are an important part of their product discovery mix. We want to help make that experience as efficient as possible.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) April 06, 2016
RangeMe, the online platform that streamlines new product discovery between suppliers and retailers, partnered this week with CPG media giant William Reed Business Media to help facilitate new product discovery at The Healthy and Natural Show. The event, hosted in Chicago May 5-7, will leverage RangeMe’s technology to give retail buyers greater access to innovation and a more efficient way to connect with product suppliers.
“For retail buyers, trade shows are an important part of their product discovery mix,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO and Founder of RangeMe. “We want to help make that experience as efficient as possible.”
The Healthy and Natural Show brings together retailers and product manufacturers who are disrupting the industry with new and innovative natural, organic, and nutritional products. The event and its accompanying educational programs are designed to highlight local and national healthy brands across six distinct categories: food, beverage, supplements, pet products, household products, and personal care. Companies from the Midwest are often under-represented when it comes to product accessibility, and The Healthy and Natural Show gives them a local platform for display and discovery. Healthy brands are invited to showcase their innovative offerings made with clean ingredients, and address specialized needs and offerings that consumers today increasingly demand.
“This is a unique educational approach,” states Len Monheit, General Manager, North America for William Reed. “We’re in an age where consumers have just as much access to information as those retailers with whom they shop. We’re going to newly empower our retail community, by giving them an intimate show experience to leverage this new knowledge and then give them access to an exhibitor base filled with leaders and disruptors.”
RangeMe gives retailers an easy and efficient way to discover innovative new products and manage the inbound product submission process, all through a single platform. Suppliers on the RangeMe platform have increased control over the marketing of their products and greater access to retail buyers. RangeMe’s marketplace thrived in Australia for more than a year, when founder Nicky Jackson realized the platform was ready for the US market. The online match-making platform broke US ground in September 2015 with retail giant Target as their official launch partner.
“The organic and natural market in the US is leading the world in terms of innovation,” said Nicky. “Our latest partnership further solidifies our commitment to bring that innovation to retail buyers.”
For more details around the partnership visit http://www.rangeme.com/blog/the-natural-healthy-show
To register for the event visit: https://www.livebuzzreg.co.uk/2016/hns16/visitor/
About William Reed Business Media
The Healthy & Natural Show is brought to you by William Reed Business Media, publisher of leading titles in food and drink retailing, manufacturing and distribution. As an international multi-media events company, William Reed is focused on helping customers achieve business success and the Healthy & Natural Products show will be a major part of that success. Welcoming more than 40,000 representatives to over 40 live events, conferences and exhibitions every year — on every continent — the international media company regularly engages with over 2.8 million food, drink, nutrition, restaurant and food service professionals.
RangeMe is the leading online platform that streamlines new product discovery between suppliers and retailers. The platform empowers retail buyers with an efficient way to discover innovative new products and manage the inbound product submission process. For product suppliers and manufacturers, RangeMe gives increased control over the marketing of their products and greater access to retail buyers.


text:
Stamford’s Back to School Shop opens for fourth year
STAMFORD — Most children will say the best part of going back to school is the shopping: Picking out a new backpack, light-up sneakers, and even new underwear.
For about 275 young Stamford students, this year’s new school clothes and supplies were made possible by the Back to School Shop.
Davenport Ridge Elementary School was transformed into a department store for more than five hours on Sunday when these children, entering kindergarten through fifth grade, picked out school supplies, a backpack, a book and new winter clothes.
Instead of providing hand-me-downs and donations, the Back To School Shop collects funds throughout the year to purchase new items for the students.
“Our program is unique in that it’s not just a handout,” Back To School Shop co-founder Meryl Japha said. “There’s many other backpack programs that run locally and they’re great programs, but they’re just handed out. Our kids get the opportunity to come in and literally choose. It’s empowering for them and ultimately gives them a sense of confidence in what they’re wearing.”
The idea for the program was conceived in 2012 when Japha and Jane Levene visited a similar shop in New Jersey.
Levene said she was drawn to how the Back To School Shop allows economically disadvantaged children to make choices about their clothes and supplies, reminding her of the excitement she saw in her own children when her parents would visit from Florida for a back-to-school shopping trip.
“That was a great treat for my kids,” she said. “We hope we can give a little bit of that to these kids that this is something special.”
The shop took two years to bring to life and began small with only 140 students invited the first year. The event grew to 240 students the following year and has continued to expand.
“In the beginning, it was a very conscious effort to keep it manageable,” Levene said. “The need is very great. We really want to make the child’s experience personable.”
The group works with Stamford Public Schools where social workers identify candidates for the shop and invite them to attend.
While students “shop” with the help of volunteers, parents can meet with community partners who can help them find local resources.
Levene said they want to grow the shop each year with the help of more cash donations and volunteers like Susan Plutzer who has been with the Back to School Shop since its first year.
Plutzer, a former special education teacher, helps with the setup and breakdown of the shop, as well as working with families and parents during the event.
“(It) helps level the playing field for these children because they’re not feeling they’re getting hand-me-downs and used items,” Plutzer said. “They’re getting the same items as anyone else would. As an educator, I see how important that is for children. It helps their self esteem and then they arrive excited to start the new school year.”
firstname.lastname@example.org; (203) 964-2265; @erin_kayata


text:
New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday released details of the second part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic package, a plan aimed at shepherding India’s economy out of the COVID-19 crisis.
While Sitharaman’s announcements included special liquidity measures for non-banking financial companies and the power sector, the pièce de résistance of the package was its push for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
While the total value of the announcements is worth nearly Rs 6 lakh crore, most economists and market analysts believe that the actual fiscal damage of these steps – the amount of money that the government will have to spend in this financial year – will be far lower, at anywhere between Rs 16,500 crore to Rs 55,000 crore.
This is because most of the measures announced by the finance minister on Wednesday are credit-focused or aimed at solving liquidity concerns faced by MSMEs and the NBFC sector. By nudging the financial system to lend more money, none of these announcements actually involve the government spending a great deal in this financial year.
As Principal Economic Adviser Sanjeev Sanyal put it, the Modi government wants to ensure that any financial gridlocks built up due to the COVID-19 lockdown are taken care of by enabling easy access to funding.
In doing this, the government is hoping that MSMEs are able to keep their head above the water during these trying times, ensure that their employees are paid and get back to work whenever the lockdown is lifted.
How will this specifically help MSMEs and how much more of the economic package is yet to be revealed? The Wire breaks it down.
How much of Rs 20 lakh crore has been announced so far?
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package includes so many individual measures — some even taken not by the government, but the RBI — to the point where it is possible to call it creative padding. Others, like well-known economist Arvind Panagariya refer to it as reaching a grand headline figure of Rs 20 lakh crore by “adding apples and oranges”.
As the table below points out, measures ‘worth’ over Rs 13 lakh crore out of Rs 20 lakh crore have been announced or implemented so far.
The actual fiscal impact of all these steps, however, won’t be more than Rs 1.3 lakh crore according to SBI Research.
These aren’t the final figures though, because measures worth Rs 6.7 lakh crore are yet to be announced by the finance ministry. There is also good reason to believe that the remaining parts of the economic package will involve more direct cash outgo by the government as they are expected to help migrant workers, farmers and those individuals impacted most by the lockdown.
What is the MSME push all about?
Out of the 16 steps announced by Sitharaman on Wednesday, the majority of them are aimed at MSMEs.
The problem with most small Indian businesses is that they operate on thin margins and don’t have the deep financial resources to survive a significant dip in cash flows. So, when an unexpected event like a lockdown happens and MSMEs can’t sell/produce their goods or services, it also means for many they can’t meet their monthly expenses – this includes costs like paying salaries to their employees.
The government hopes to help them – and remember MSMEs are a bedrock of employment for lower income groups – through three major ways.
Firstly, it will give a 100% credit guarantee for Rs 3 lakh crore worth of collateral-free loans to MSMEs that were doing fine before the pandemic hit and are now in trouble. This deal will only apply to small businesses that already had an outstanding loan of Rs 25 crore or those with a turnover of less than Rs 100 crore.
This doesn’t mean the government is directly giving Rs 3 lakh crore into India’s MSMEs.
Put simply, if an MSME wants to take a loan of Rs 1 crore from a bank now, the Centre is saying that if the business fails to repay that loan, it will step in and make good all of that Rs 1 crore. Thus, banks don’t have to worry about potential NPAs – that headache is transferred to the government.
The government says this emergency credit line to MSMEs from banks and NBFCs will be up to 20% of entire outstanding credit as of February 2020. According to SBI Research, as on March 1, 2020, around Rs 14 lakh crore was outstanding to MSME sector, which translates into a Rs 2.8 lakh crore immediate credit boost.
Sitharaman says this move will help as many as 45 lakh MSMEs, which is a very small portion of the overall number of such firms. But because the pre-existing debt and turnover conditions it could be that these help MSMEs that employ a significant number of INdians.
The second measure is a ‘subordinate debt scheme’ worth Rs 20,000 crore and is mainly for MSMEs who are already struggling with debt and are unlikely to get fresh funding by themselves. Remember, at the end of the day, it is the lenders that will give money to these small businesses. This scheme will allow banks and NBCs to give loans to MSMEs which are already deemed as ‘stressed’ and are thus less credit-worthy. For these firms, the government will only provide partial credit guarantee support to banks.
The final step involves the government creating a Rs 50,000-crore fund which will infuse equity into “viable” MSMEs, thus helping them to expand and grow. The Centre will put only Rs 10,000 crore into this and get other PSU institutions like SBI or LIC to help fund the remaining amount.
The basic idea behind this is that MSMEs who have been forced into a cash-strapped corner by the national lockdown will be able to apply for some working capital that will keep their businesses afloat until they are able operate at pre-pandemic levels.
By doing this, the government also hopes to protect the employment that MSMEs create and thus save jobs.
There are two other MSME policy announcements – one aimed at bringing more firms into the MSME net, while the other is oriented towards providing a level-playing field.
The first is defining what firm gets to be an ‘MSME’ and avail of all the government benefits that are given to that category of business. The criteria have been expanded quite loosely and will mean that companies don’t have to be as small as they were to avail of MSME benefits. Put simply, the government will now subsidise a lot more smaller companies than they used to.
The second announcement has triggered more debate and involves banning ‘global companies’ for participating in government tenders that are worth up to Rs 200 crore. These tenders can henceforth only be bagged by Indian companies.
Low-value government tenders are where small businesses can compete with their bigger counterparts. But critics have warned that more clarity is needed — for example, how will the government define what is a ‘global company’ and what is Indian? — and that this could cause problems in specialised sectors where there are no real Indian suppliers.
What’s the actual cash outgo this year?
For Wednesday’s announcements, it is not very large. There is a Rs 4,000 crore contribution to the ‘CGTMSE’ (credit guarantee trust for micro and small enterprises) for facilitation of loans. Another separate announcement (not specific to MSMEs)rRs 2,500 crore government contribution to the Employee Provident Fund on behalf of employers and employees
And finally, there is the government equity participation in setting up the Rs 10,000 crore fund of funds for financing the growth capital of MSMEs.
This all adds up to Rs 16,500 crore – which are Credit Suisse and PwC India’s estimates.
“This package is based largely on credit guarantee provisions, implying minimal direct cost for the central exchequer, which may be just a small fraction of today’s package. Any additional cost would only be on account of defaults, the burden of which may arise only in future years. In the case of the power sector, the burden of bearing the default is in fact, on the state governments,” D.K. Srivastava, chief policy adviser at EY India has said.
Other analysts peg the fiscal impact higher depending on how the accounting behind the reduction in TDS/TCS affect the government’s finances.
“The impact on the fiscal deficit will likely be smaller than the headline figures announced by the government, and by our calculations, today’s measures will take up Rs 555 billion (Rs 55,500 crore) of total fiscal spending on the balance sheet,” said Rahul Bajoria, chief India economist at Barclays, in a note.
Emkay Global says the fiscal damage of the ‘second package’ will be only Rs 240 billion (Rs 24,000 crore) for FY’21.
“Today’s headline announcements add up to Rs 6 trillion (Rs 6 lakh crore) of the package, but the actual fiscal hit felt by the govt should be only Rs 240 billion (0.12% of GDP) in FY’ 21. The true cost to govt, however, will be realised only over the coming years (on the guarantees given).”


text:
People selling goods to visiting tourists will now be required to fill in a form available at the Solomon Islands National Museum.Solomon Times was informed that the newly introduced "Application Form for Cruise Ships" comes as an effort to help sellers who are often all over the streets of Honiara when news of a visiting cruise ship circulates.
"We are trying to help make our sellers be professionals in their area by selling products in one spot and not just anywhere displayed on the grounds," Museum's Deputy Director, John Tahinao, explained.
He said with the absence of a focal point for sellers following the closure of the Art Gallery, the Museum felt responsible to address the issue.
"We will now provide Museum for sellers to display their products in one spot to make it easier on our visitors," he said.
Mr. Tahinao adds that the initiative is seen as a way of encouraging sellers to continue with the good work of producing arts and crafts for tourists during visits.
"We are talented in the arts and crafts area so we should provide an avenue for our sellers so that they are encouraged to continue with the service they are providing," he said.
Mr. Tahinao said the initiative will also help sellers see the importance of what they are producing and selling to the public.
The initiative comes as Museum works in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau and other stakeholders to improve tourism in the country.


text:
National residential home solar power prices continued their drop over the last year by an average of at least 3.3% from the year before. The industry has worked hard to pull costs out of a solar installation as they tackle equipment and soft cost (installation, permitting, marketing) efficiencies, making solar more affordable than ever for many Americans.
As the US solar industry grows, prices have fallen virtually across the board for the various customer sectors and regions. This is great news for solar shoppers and for the country as a whole. Like many high technology industries, as a product gets more mature companies get better at building and delivering the product to consumers. We have seen the fall in prices in computers, televisions, mobile devices, telecoms, automobiles, even air travel. Either the product has become outright less expensive to purchase, or the functionality and performance have been dramatically increased while maintaining a rough cost parity or decrease.
Vice President Joe Biden yesterday helped release a report (PDF) describing how the Recovery Act has bolstered the economy -- and specifically highlighting its effect on innovation in key sectors like transportation, healthcare, and, yes, renewable energy. The report boasts 50 pages of data and analysis, but it lacks the kind of compelling headlines that might really restore public confidence in the Recovery Act's impact.
Here's an exciting press release for your reading pleasure.
Researchers at the government-funded Environmental Energies Technology Division at Berkeley have released a study (PDF) that shows a significant delcine in the actual cost of solar installations over the past decade. The cost of solar seems to have declined by about $3/watt between 1998 and 2007, though this average is gleaned from systems both small and large, which have very different needs and costs. The San Francisco Chronicle highlights the study's findings that the cost of solar has yet to equalize across states. The per-watt price for solar still differs by as much as $2/watt or more depending on the state in which you live.


text:
- Prachi Singh |
Figleaves, the company owned by N Brown has appointed Miriam Lahage as
the new Chief Executive Officer, reports Retail Gazette. Lahage was most
recently associated with Navabi as its chief merchant officer. She will
report to N Brown
The report added that she will step into the new role assigned to her at Figleaves this spring from the plus-size-clothing retailer, where she has worked since 2015. However, Lahage will remain on Navabi’s board in a non-executive capacity.
Lahage has been earlier associated with fashion retailers such as TJX,


text:
An increasing number of cruise passenger arrivals in Greece are from the US, according to Athens International Airport data, which reveals American arrivals have increased over 113 percent during the last five years, with many traveling to the country for its varied cruise options.
In response, the major US cruise lines have increased their Greek ports of call for 2019, and other niche players, such as Disney Cruises, are resuming operations in the country as early as next year.
Its itineraries include the ports of Piraeus and Katakolo, near Ancient Olympia.
Also, the islands of Santorini, Myconos and Crete have been announced as ports of call for the company’s 12-night and nine-night cruises next summer, following a five-year absence from the market.
Disney has also confirmed its participation at the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Athens on May 28-29 and plans to hold meetings as preparations for its return to the region have started.


text:
PayTech Swapi reels in £860k pre-seed to expand team
UK e-wallet platform Swapi had raised £860,000 from a pre-seed funding round that included Trampoline Ventures.
Israeli bank launches digital wallet FibiPay to boost online payments
With an aim to disrupt and digitise the payment sector, the First International Bank of Israel launched new mobile wallet app, FibiPay.
TNG FinTech acquires Indonesian e-wallet app WalletKu
TNG FinTech Group has acquired PT WalletKu Indompet Indonesia, a digital wallet and payments platform.
E-wallet payment processor GATE said to raise $3.2m in seed round
E-wallet payment processor GATE, formerly TokenID, has reportedly netted $3.2m in a seed round.
Hong Kong-based TNG Wallet closes Series A on $115m
Hong Kong-based TNG Wallet has reportedly closed its Series A financing round on $115m to help its expansion within South Asia.


text:
The company showcased the indigenously-built Fiat Avventura (which is making its global debut in India) and the Abarth 500 at the Auto Expo on Thursday. The models will be introduced in the market by beginning of the financial year 2014-15.
Further, FGAIPL will consider localising Abarth 500, which in the initial stages will be brought in as a completely built unit (CBU).
The company, however, aims to make the performance brand more affordable even as it looks at the export markets for the same and thus the plans to build it locally.
Our initial plan is to bring the Abarth as a CBU in 2014 post which we aim to localise it, said Nagesh Basavanhalli, president and managing director, FGAIPL.
While the company did not give away more details, locally manufacturing Abarth will significantly help bring down the costs, thus increasing its reach in the domestic market and for exports.
Further, the Indian subsidiary will explore launching a four-door Abarth to cater to the Indian consumers.
We are still working on the product strategy. The idea is to have a nine-model portfolio by 2016. Seeing our new aggression and competitiveness, more dealers are looking to come on board with us, said Basavanhalli.


text:
Verizon Wireless has determined the cause of an outage that crippled its LTE mobile data network starting late Tuesday and it is working to solve the problem, but the carrier has not estimated when the system will be restored.
Apple today denied that it tracks iPhone and iPad users, saying that "users are confused" about the issue.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission should deny AT&T's plan to buy US$1.9 billion worth of wireless spectrum from Qualcomm because of the telecom carrier's proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA, several consumer groups said Wednesday.
The German Parliament said Tuesday that the European Commission's controversial Data Retention Directive may be illegal.
Nokia will outsource its Symbian software activities to Accenture, transferring 3,000 employees to the company in the process, as it moves its focus to making phones running on Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system.
Barnes & Noble announced a major update to its Nook Color tablet Monday that includes access to a new app store, including an email app for organizing Web mail accounts. The upgrade also has Android 2.2 (Froyo) with Adobe Flash Player for video v...
Given how much confusing and often contradictory information has been filling the media over the last week, it wouldn't surprise me if some iPhone users were calling in priests to exorcise the demons of privacy invasion.
The latest Appcelerator/IDC mobile survey has uncovered a growing well of frustration among Android developers, with underwhelming tablets, OS fragmentation and multiple app stores cited as the main worries.
Let's say you scored a boondoggle to Los Angeles for a business conference, and instead sneaked off to nearby Disneyland with the family for a vacation on the corporate dime. Or maybe you simply told your boss you were meeting a client, but hit the g...
T-Mobile USA has suspended Bobsled, its free voice calling service for Facebook, less than a week after it was launched.
Nobody expects the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to sell as well as the iPad 2. Still, Research in Motion seemed to take an especially measured approach with its PlayBook launch, which started Tuesday in stores such as Best Buy and Radio Shack.
AT&T is taking a second shot at deploying its high-speed U-Verse service in San Francisco, and on Tuesday afternoon it will once again face activists who oppose its plan to place hundreds of U-Verse equipment cabinets on the city's sidewalks.
An Indian government report has recommended that interception of telephone calls by government agencies should be limited to situations when there is a "public emergency" or "public safety" is at stake.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can take new steps to encourage broadband deployment, including an awards program for local governments that make it easy for providers to install infrastructure, an advisory committee to the agency said Mon...
China is on the verge of becoming the first country in the world to have more than 900 million cell phone users, according to government statistics.
Most Popular Reviews
- 1 Sony Xperia Z5 Premium review: Is the world ready for a 4K phone?
- 2 D-Link Taipan AC3200 Ultra tri-band modem-router review
- 3 Dell XPS 13 (2016) review: Making the very best Ultrabook
- 4 Microsoft Surface Book review: The verdict on Microsoft's first notebook
- 5 Telstra Wi-Fi 4GX Advanced III review: Testing the world's first 600Mbps wireless hotspot
Join the PC World newsletter!
Best Deals on PC World
Latest News Articles
- If Tim Burton made a robot, this would be it
- Here's how NASCAR is digitizing race day
- Should Microsoft release a successor to Surface 3?
- Researchers steal data from a PC by controllng the noise from the fans
- The 'summer of AI' is here, this startup chief says
GGG Evaluation Team
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
- CCSenior IT Automated TesterNSW
- FTFront End .Net Developer (.Net / Angular / Bootstrap)NSW
- FTBusiness Analyst - Oracle Financials (Procure To Pay)NSW
- FTEnvironment ManagerVIC
- CCSAP BASIS ConsultantVIC
- FTNetwork EngineerNSW
- CCProgrammer (IT Security/Website Administration) 160711/P/565Asia
- CCWindows 2003-2012 R2 Active Directory Consultant/ManagerNSW
- CCMulesoft Integration DeveloperWA
- CCService Desk ConsultantVIC
- CCField Network Engineer - GSM Networks.VIC
- CCBusiness System Analyst - FinanceVIC
- CCProject ManagerNSW
- CCRuby on Rails DeveloperNSW
- FTTechnical/Solutions ArchitectNSW
- CCSharePoint AdministratorNSW
- CCContract Analyst Programmer (J2EE/JAVA/SQL) 160621/AP/082Asia
- FTStorage ConsultantACT
- CCTechnical Writer | Experimental military technology | NV1ACT
- CCOracle iLearning Business AnalystNSW
- CCProgram Controls ManagerACT
- CCSenior Applications SpecialistQLD
- CCSAP PI/PO ConsultantVIC
- CCChange ManagerNSW
- CCApplication Support Analyst and Database AdministratorVIC


text:
Most people who have their identity stolen usually have the same initial response - "I never thought it would happen to me."
It's a common phrase because in reality, most people don't think something like that could happen to them. This flawed line of thinking is due to a number of reasons. Mainly, most people don't believe cyber crime is personal. Instead, they they have to make enemies in order to have their identity stolen. That is, unfortunately, not the case. In fact, most people don't care who they are stealing from and many identity theft cases come from complete strangers.
Businesses also cannot afford to make this same mistake. Vendors tasked with processing sensitive customer data cannot assume that their servers won't be attacked by criminals. Again, the type of vendor or the people behind the company are of little importance. What matters to the hacker is that there are a lot of customer profiles on those servers just waiting to be discovered and then used for illegal financial gain.
Earlier this week, Forbes featured an article about cyber security and warned companies and individuals not to take the "it would never happen to me" approach.
"If you're thinking, 'I don't need to do this because no one would want my data,' think again," the article said. "Your personal identify is priceless, and you don't want someone stealing it. As the criminals say, 'It's not personal; it's business.'"
That's why vendors must go the extra step to ensure they are maintaining PCI compliance. It's absolutely crucial for companies - particularly those in the B2B sphere - are providing their customers with the utmost level of security. This can be achieved through tokenization, which stores customer data offsite. It's a dangerous world out there, but working with a payment solutions provider can help companies do their part to keep themselves and their customers safe.


text:
The GST Bill May Get Passed, But Acceptance Will Take Time
Political concessions made by the government may mean that the full benefits of a single GST may not be realised.
It is said to be the biggest tax reform since Independence. The government says it will usher in a pan-Indian marketplace, do away with multiple taxation and reduce corruption. GST or a single tax on goods and services will also add 2% to India’s GDP, according to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
The Modi government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the passage of the GST Bill, being discussed in the Lok Sabha this week. But the political concessions it has had to make mean that India may not derive the much-promised full commercial benefits of a single GST.
Here are some spoilers industry is worried about:
GST Rate: Recently, a GST sub-panel suggested that the GST rate should be pegged at 27%. This basically puts it at par with the existing rate, (Excise 12.5% plus VAT 12.5% - 15%) which means there will be no savings for businesses across the country. The Finance Commission had suggested a rate of 12% across all products and services, but the states do not appear to have accepted this since the exclusion of big-grossers alcohol and petroleum products from GST would require a much higher ‘revenue neutral’ GST rate. The global average for GST is 16.4%.
Alcohol, Petroleum products etc: States, like human beings dislike uncertainty. Most states want to retain control over revenue from lucrative sectors like alcohol, real estate and petroleum products because they are unsure of how much money they will lose by moving to GST. Moreover to pacify them (and ensure the Bill gets passed) while these categories have been included under GST based on industry considerations, they have been agreed to be excluded from GST laws in the initial years of implementation.
Extra Levy: The concept of a revenue neutral rate sits at the heart of GST. It says that neither states nor the Centre should lose any revenues on moving to GST. As GST is a consumption based tax, manufacturing states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are apprehensive of losing tax revenues. A 1% levy has thus been introduced which will be retained by the state (much like sales tax) with the GST going to the Centre. While it may make some states happy, it will push the GST rate up a further 1%.
Services: While there is no confirmation yet on how services will be taxed, there is a fear that services may be taxed at a higher rate. Given that the rate is currently 12% (to be revised soon to 14%) this would mean a significant jump.
But while far from perfect, tax experts say in the long run the benefits of GST will be substantial. “While introduction of GST in India is a welcome step, it would be a process and not a one-time occurrence. Over the years more sectors and products such as real estate, petroleum and alcohol and several other taxes such as the stamp duty and electricity duty may ultimately fold into the GST regime. The GST regime in it’s true form may take 5 years or more to stabilize and evolve into the desired comprehensive indirect tax regime in the country,” said Rajeev Dimri, Partner, BMR & Associates.
(The Quint is available on Telegram. For handpicked stories every day, subscribe to us on Telegram)
Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter And Get News Delivered Straight To Your Inbox.


text:
Behold the pink diamond – a dazzling, natural color 25 carat gem, just sold for the low, low price of $46.16 million!
Laurence Graff again raised the auction stakes for natural color diamonds on Tuesday evening when he paid a world record price of $46.16 million for a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond at Sotheby’s.
The legendary diamantaire, who immediately dubbed the diamond “The Graff Pink,” called the emerald-cut stunner the “most fabulous” diamond he has seen in the history of his career.
“I’m delighted to have bought it,” Graff said.
The diamond’s $40-million-plus price sets a new world record for any jewel sold at auction, shattering the previous record of $24.3 million held by Graff’s 2008 purchase of the blue Wittelsbach diamond at Christie’s.
Four bidders competed for the stone Tuesday at Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale in Geneva. Sotheby’s Chairman in Asia Patti Wong, bidding on behalf of Graff, finally emerged as the winning bidder.
David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East, echoed Graff’s sentiments about the stone.
“Tonight’s spectacular result demonstrates that truly extraordinary objects will bring truly extraordinary prices,” he said. “This outstanding pink diamond combined exceptional color and purity with classic emerald cut and fully deserves the exceptional price [it attained]. It was simply one of the most desirable diamonds I have seen during my 35-year career at Sotheby’s.”
The diamond, mounted as a ring, is classified as a Type IIa diamond, diamonds that comprise less than 2 percent of all the world’s gem diamonds. It came to the market from a private collection and had not been seen on the open market since being purchased from Harry Winston some 60 years ago. The pre-sale estimate on the stone was $27 million to $38 million.
Source: National Jeweler
If $46 million is a little out of your price range this holiday season, why not check out our fancy colored gems, like the warm and wondrous Gemesis or our pink champagne diamond ring:


text:
Audi has yet to start shipping the first units to customers in Germany. But the new, fully electric Audi e-tron car has already landed at Munich Airport – in a multi-storey meteorite. From now until mid-March, passengers and visitors to the airport can experience the new vehicle and its innovative technology in a 630 square meter display space in the Munich Airport Center (MAC) between Terminal 1 and 2.
Once again, Munich Airport is demonstrating its credentials as a unique venue, with yet another high-profile event now being staged in the busy MAC Forum space. The AUDI meteorite is an eye-catching display concept for presenting the advanced e-tron vehicle to the public. Car lovers can take the e-tron out for short test drives, try out Audi e-scooters and look at exhibits covering every aspect of e-mobility. AUDI AG is also using the installation in the MAC as part of its training activities for its global sales force. More than 9,500 sales staff from all over the world are coming to the MAC Forum to learn about the Audi e-tron technology and product ecosystem.
The meteorite offers fun for the whole family: On a self-guided expedition, even the youngest visitors can follow the cartoon robot ADUI to explore the world of electricity. Until March, the display will include facilities in the myAudiSphere where visitors can familiarize themselves with the e-tron technology through interactive games and activities. After solving all of the puzzles, a prize awaits them: a test drive.


text:
Microsoft offers security enhancement for sign-ins
Microsoft is offering enhanced security for email, storage and other services.
People who turn on the new feature will be asked not just for a username and password, but also a second piece of information, such as a temporary code sent as a text message to a phone on file. Users can have their devices remember the second code, so they're not asked for it again and again.
Google Inc. and Facebook Inc. already allow two-step verification as an option.
The security enhancements work with all Microsoft accounts, such as email addresses ending in Hotmail.com, MSN.com and Outlook.com. Those accounts unlock a range of Microsoft Corp. products, including email, Skype, SkyDrive storage, Xbox gaming, Office software subscriptions and Windows 8 machines.


text:
Beginning Friday, the United States Postal Service will implement its new service standards for mail delivery. This means that mail delivery is about to get slower and more expensive. As a result, Americans should start thinking about sending their mail and parcels earlier than usual.
New Service Standards Mean Slower Mail Delivery
Beginning Friday, the USPS will launch its new service standards for first-class mail and periodicals. This new system effectively slows down mail delivery time by 30%. This is according to agency spokesperson Kim Frum.
Increased Time-in-travel For Mail Delivery Services
In particular, the system changes mean increased time-in-transit for long-distance mail delivery services. This usually covers coast-to-coast deliveries. Frum clarified that most first-class mail and periodicals will remain unaffected by the changes.
For single-piece, first-class mail traveling within the same region will retain the delivery time of two days.
By definition, the USPS considers first-class mail as “standard-sized letters and flats,” Frum explained. This is different from first-class packages used to ship smaller and lighter items.
At present, first-class mail and first-class packages fall under the same delivery standards. However, all this will change beginning Friday this week.
Changes Will Affect Cross-Country and Other Long Distance Deliveries
According to Frum, some of the changes will result in increased mail delivery time for first-class packages. It will also affect some pieces of mail that require cross-country or long-distance delivery.
Frum assured customers that 61% of first-class mail and 93% of periodicals will remain unaffected by these changes.
For example, single-piece first-class mail traveling in the same region will continue to have two-day delivery times. However, first-class packages will take longer.
Beginning October 3 and ending December 26, the postal service will also temporarily increase prices. This covers all “commercial and retail domestic packages” due to the holiday season. However, the price increases will not affect international products.
USPS 10-Year Strategic Plan
The changes to mail delivery and prices are part of the Postal Service's 10-year strategic plan. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced the program last March.
It includes a combination of investments in technology and training. In addition, the USPS will deploy a new fleet of delivery vehicles. These changes can lead to greater “consistency, reliability, and efficiency” benefiting customers, Frum said.
“The need for the U.S. Postal Service to transform to meet the needs of our customers is long overdue,” DeJoy earlier said. Meanwhile, Frum said that the Postal Service will use more ground transportation.
This method provides a more reliable and cost-effective means of mail delivery compared to air transportation. “With this change, we will improve service reliability and predictability for customers while also driving efficiencies across the Postal Service network,” she said.
Previous Performance Records
In August, the USPS announced that its services met its benchmarks 83.6% of the time during the previous quarter ending June 30. Last year, the agency achieved an 88.9% performance during the same period.
In addition, the USPS reported a loss of $3 billion for the quarter. Last year during the same period, the agency posted a loss of $2.2 billion.
What do you think of the US Postal Service? Do you still use their services? In addition, are you happy with their delivery service? Let us know what you think of the USPS. Share your comments below.


text:
What you need to know:
Proposed legislation. The Central Bank wants to create some regulations to govern modern banking.
Kampala. Bank of Uganda has cautioned that the adoption of Information Technology (IT) and the increasing integration of the financial sector into global financial markets have ushered in new risks in the banking industry and require adjustments in regulatory framework.
However, the deputy Governor Bank of Uganda, Dr Louis Kasekende, said: “The adoption of IT increases the importance of operational risk, while the increasing integration of the Uganda financial sector into global financial markets, through cross-border banking and capital flows, also creates new sources of risk.”
While addressing the Judiciary and Uganda Bankers Association officials on Monday in Kampala, Dr Kasekende said as is the case around the world, the industry in Uganda is evolving very rapidly with new products coming on the market.
Over the last decade, new entry and regional economic integration have combined to spur competition in the financial services industry in Uganda.
Several new banking products are on the Ugandan market and there is likelihood that more will be introduced going forward. Dr Kasekende said innovation and growth in the banking market are essential for meeting the needs of consumers and businesses for financial services, but they also generate new sources of risks.
The evolution of technology has eased innovation of varied banking products including the VISA, MasterCard, online Banking, Mobile Money and E-commerce; thus facilitating modern banking.
Dr Kasekende said: “IT is a key driver of new banking products like mobile money transfers. Today, IT innovations have influenced our ways of living in many fields including banking industry and we all benefit from the new technologies.”
Although technological improvements are making access to banks easier, Dr Kesekende says the growth of IT investments in the banking industry come with a concern on ‘security’ and new risks.
“IT is a key driver of new banking products like mobile money transfers. Today, IT innovations have influenced our ways of living in many fields including banking industry and we all benefit from the new technologies,” he added
The global financial crisis that erupted in 2008 prompted a re-thinking by central banks around the globe of how they approach economic and financial stability.
Picking lessons from advanced economies, the Central Bank wants to create some regulations to govern modern banking.
The trend of banking in Uganda
In Uganda, banks are embracing information technology to offer innovative financial products such as mobile money, as well as improve the efficiency of their operations.
Traditionally, credit risk was the major type of risk in banks in Uganda following loan defaults by borrowers.


text:
A real estate firm is expanding its Southside holdings, adding to a portfolio that includes the bulk of a big box retail center on Forest Hill Avenue and a 13-acre site in Manchester.
Harper Associates last month purchased the former Dilligaf Tanning, Tattoos & Piercings building and surrounding 0.33-acre property at 6935 and 6935-A Forest Hill Ave., according to Richmond property records.
It paid $525,000 for the site in a deal that closed June 30. The quarter-acre property includes a 2,000-square-foot vacant tattoo parlor. It was most recently assessed for $409,000.
The property sits near the entrance of the Shops at Stratford Hills shopping center, a 220,000-square-foot retail center at 7101 Forest Hill Ave. anchored by a Martin’s grocery store and a Target.
Plans filed with the city for the tattoo parlor building show AutoZone and Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations fronting Forest Hill Avenue.
Harper Associates controls much of the leasable property in the retail center, including several outparcels fronting Forest Hill Avenue that house retailers and restaurants such as O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Gamestop. The group does not own the center’s anchor buildings.
Tenants in others portions of the center include Office Depot, Tuesday Morning, America’s Best Wings, Jason’s Deli, Dominos and Dickey’s Barbeque Pit.
Harper also owns a nearly 26,000-square-foot shopping center at 2621 Shelia Lane, as well as a shopping center and several outparcels at 7319 and 7339 Forest Hill Ave., where an Aldi and Burger King are located. The company previously owned much of the neighboring Chippenham Forest Square shopping center along Shelia Lane, anchored by a Lowe’s and a Wal-Mart.
Preston Lloyd, an attorney with Richmond-based Williams Mullen who represents Harper, said the overall plan is to make the acquired property part of the Shops at Stratford Hills development.
City zoning designates the Shops at Stratford Hills as a community unit plan, or CUP, which allows for the construction of large regional shopping centers and mixed-use developments on properties greater than 10 acres regardless of existing zoning on the property.
A master plan must be submitted for the site, and the project must be approved by city council before work can move forward. City review would also include any amendments to the overall CUP, including potential boundary expansion to add other parcels.
Lloyd said Harper has submitted its plan to incorporate the future AutoZone and Valvoline locations into the Shops at Stratford Hills CUP – a process he said could take months to complete.
The seller – Stuart Rolfe, owner of Midlothian-based Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Automotive – said he sold the property to unload his Richmond holdings.
“I was tired of paying city taxes so I decided to sell,” Rolfe said, describing the transaction as 18 months in the making.
A brokerage flier for the site shows a second phase for the shopping center, with retail sites ranging from 1,200 to 30,000 square feet to be constructed on much of the center’s 6.5 acres. No timeline for the second-phase expansion has been specified.
The project would include updated signage and enhanced landscaping where trees and brush beside the center have been removed. Lloyd said the vegetation was cleared to combat homeless camps that had set up in the area.
Harper’s other Southside holdings include a swath of warehouses at 1802 Semmes Ave., which has been floated as a potential mixed-use development provisionally dubbed Manchester Town Center.


text:
CHICAGO, Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- higi SH llc (higi) announced today the launch of a new partnership initiative targeting national brands, industry thought-leaders and celebrity influencers looking to encourage, motivate and reward their respective audiences for taking steps to live healthier, more active lives.
Since its inception in 2012, higi has built the largest self-screening health station network in the US, impacting over 38 million people who have conducted over 185 million biometric screenings. The self-screening health stations are free to use and easily accessible in over 10 thousand retail locations across the country. Today, 78% of the US population is located within five miles of a higi self-screening health station, and 4+ million users have already signed up to participate within higi's on-line community platform.
To facilitate ongoing engagement with users beyond the self-screening health stations themselves, higi has built out a robust on-line community platform that provides a dynamic environment for organizations to share relevant content, conduct challenges, track activity and reward participants for their accomplishments. This new on-line community platform is connected to the self-screening station network and interfaces with over 70 health devices, activity trackers and apps. It also allows users to instantly share their on-line experience with family and friends via their preferred social networks.
"We see a tremendous opportunity to work with national brands, thought-leaders and celebrities to help them directly engage with their respective audiences in a meaningful way that inspires them to take measurable action when it comes to managing their health." says Jeff Bennett, CEO of higi.
Bennett indicated that higi has several partnership initiatives already in place set to launch in 2017. One example is the "What's My Win" initiative developed by Golden Image Enterprises that will be bringing brands, celebrities, musicians and media personalities together to promote #whatsmywin across all social media platforms to find, recognize and reward individuals for their wellness wins.
higi owns and operates the largest self-screening health station network in the United States with over 10,000 health stations located in food, drug and mass market retailers across the country. The higi health station is a HIPAA-compliant, FDA 510k, Class II medical device that provides screenings for blood pressure, pulse, weight and body mass index. higi also operates a robust on-line community platform that is linked to the higi health station network and over 70 health devices, activity trackers and apps. The community platform provides users with a dynamic on-line experience where they can connect with trusted organizations and enjoy relevant content, participate in challenges, track their progress and earn rewards. For more information, visit us at www.higi.com


text:
Related News Post: http://a-ha.com/news/articles/kygo-releases-remix-of-take-on-me/
In this version of the song, Kygo has removed the iconic keyboard riff, and added a new one. “It’s pretty ballsy of him. He has made a quite different version,” Magne says.
Kygo: “I am truly excited about having the opportunity to work with with a-ha and Apple to make this collaboration happen.”


text:
The $16 billion FB has agreed to pay for WhatsApp is a lot of dosh, but may be worth shelling out to own the world’s largest digital country in making.
ET’s Malika Rodrigues brings you a round-up of issues and events that exercised the twitterati.
The crucial retracement level of 61.40 if broken on a weekly closing could help the rupee to test the 61.1% levels.
As said yesterday, the 61.70 and 62.20 levels remains important to watch any break below or above would decide its further move.
The annual rate of inflation, based on the monthly wholesale price index, eased to a seven-month low of 5.05 per cent in January.
The gold demand in India has touched 975 tonne in 2013 – a 12.84 per cent growth over 2012, according to figures released by the World Gold Council.
According to a Technopak report, the overall Indian wine market can be estimated at 9.75 lakh cases or Rs 175 crore at wholesale price.
Sotheby’s sales figures offer a reliable barometer of the world’s most sought after wines. The Ranking creates a high-level snapshot of global wine demand.


text:
We’ve heard a lot about how we should be eating insects for high quality protein and the species being one of the most sustainable sources of food imaginable.
The Food and Agriculture Office of the United Nations states that bug are a sustainable and ecological food source, and insects emit less greenhouse gas and ammonia than conventional livestock. According to Fortune magazine, more than 25 startups offering products containing insects have launched in the US and Canada in the past few years.
Over in Switzerland there seems to be a lot less 'ick' factor and the country’s federal food safety office (BLV) said it was simplifying the system for unusual foodstuffs such as insect-based products that until now could not be sold without special authorization. Beginning May 1st, 2017, any food product can be sold commercially as long as it respects food safety regulations. A welcome invitation for bugs and Coop – the Swiss supermarket chain which dominates marketshare after the announcement quickly said it would be putting insect-based products on its shelves next spring.
Here’s what makes this interesting. Coop is working with a Swiss start up Essento, which specializes in developing insect-based dishes, to create a range of “surprising” products containing insect proteins, including meatballs and burgers. That’s not what’s interesting, although I would suggest that many US based supermarkets aren’t ready to make the same commitment – yet I do remember canned chocolate covered ants being sold in my Food Fair in Nutley, NJ when I was a kid.
It’s what Coop said in their public statement that is game changing. Coop spokesman Roland Frefel said that adding certain varieties of insects to processed products would allow customers to “discover a new world of flavors” – Wow! A different take on marketing that could just be the key to breaking down barriers, especially for Millennials and Gen Z. Push the sustainability and affordability messages to the back – and highlight the flavor of different insects. I can just see, and taste, our new product reviews now.


text:
New York Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday- the first shot in a whirlwind month of exciting parties and fashion that ranges from OMG to WTF.
They say that each Fashion Week has its own style and signature- and it’s true. New York, therefore, is by far the most wearable and accessible, but that does not mean that it isn’t also the most exciting.
Even though I cannot make it to Fashion Week – someone else will have to keep Anna W company in the Front Row this time- I have put together a list of some of the exciting trends we can expect from NYFW.
1. KANYE mother-effing WEST
Kanye West is best-known for being North West’s father, and Kim Kardashian’s baby-daddy these days- last week he released a great track and video (shot by Spike Jonze) of him mucking about with North, and it looks great. But the Yeezus auteur has notoriously tried to break in to the fiercely competitive fashion biz for yearsus (sorry), and it seems like he has finally managed.
A recent Instagram post by Renaissance menswear buyer Rahmon Ehlen, which has since been pulled, seemed to suggest that Kanye would be about to unveil a collab with Adidas during NYFW. This has been somewhat corroborated- if not totally backed-up- by the fact that Adidas released a special edition app called ‘Confirmed’ that lets normal folks like you and me reserve items from the KWest collection. Nothing has been confirmed apart from the name of the app (lol), but it seems Kanye (hopefully with Kim and North) will be dropping by Lincoln Center.
I for one have high hopes for leather jogging pants finally making it onto a runway.
2. It’s Two-thousand and 1968 in China
We all know that fashion is cyclical by nature. I mean, there are only so many things that designers can flog before they need to start recycling trends and calling it ‘vintage’- see flares.
Word on the street is that the 60s and 70s are back again. So expect retro silhouettes, geometric prints, more flares.
There have also been whispers of oriental prints making it big this year, as well as punk rock aesthetics. Quite the mix, I say.
Seems like come Spring I will be rocking my flares, paired with my old birds-of-paradise patterned kimono- and it may be a good time to reconsider that radical red Mohawk I always wanted to try.
3. Granny Cool
Joan Didion (80) is the new face of Celine, and Jonie Mitchell has been shaking it up at St Laurent and I could not be happier. Joan and Joni are two of my favourite women ever, and I will always be happy for an excuse to be a little more like either of them.
It also means that perhaps we will be seeing more older models hit the runway this week- but really, it is just a cool way to market those vintage trends we were just talking about.
I can only hope that someone enlists Iris Apfel to be the face of something soon. That would be grand.


text:
Don't they have like $10 billion in real estate? And, that other $10 billion rebate from Canuckland government that will be approved soon?
Don't worry, it may be up Friday so it could be shorted on Monday!
"“Developing an app for BlackBerry today is a total waste of time and money. They’re almost extinct in the phone market -- and without users to download apps and confidence that the platform has longevity, there’s no value for developers,” says Rohit Singal, CEO of Sourcebits, a mobile development shop. "
Remember when MSFT had a coffin procession for Apple at the iPhone release in 2007? They had the wrong company in that coffin!
This so much fun!
Ouch! May be different in Canuckland pennies?
I did, I invested in Apple in 2007 at iPhone announcement! Beats having a real job!
If you compare debt to market cap, then BBRY is 33.3% in debt and exceeds even Apple at 0% in debt!


text:
London: The United Kingdom and India have now completed five rounds of talks regarding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The teams of negotiation officials met in a hybrid manner. While some teams met in New Delhi, India, a majority of officials joined the talks virtually.
The officials will continue to work throughout the summer, aiming to conclude the majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced FTA by the deadline of the end of October 2022, as per the official statement.
The fifth round of negotiations included technical experts from both the UK and India for detailed draft-treat text discussions in 85 separate discussions covering 15 policy areas. As the official data reports, the bilateral trade in goods between the United Kingdom and India stands at $16 billion in 2021-22. This shows a surge of 22.17% as compared to trade in 2020-2021, which then stood at $13.11 billion.
While the imports from India in 2021-2022 stood at $9.43 billion, the exports stood at $6.59 billion, thus giving a balance of trade of $2.84 billion in the same year.
In 2021, India was the UK’s 15th largest trading partner, and the UK is India’s 18th largest trading partner, with manufacturing exports accounting for over 90 per cent of India’s export to the UK, consisting of clothing, medicine, pharmacy products, metal manufacturers, organic chemicals, and precious stones.
India has signed 13 regional Free Trade Agreements with numerous countries, namely Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries, along with the member countries of SAARC.
The countries have called for the discussions to be concluded by the Diwali deadline, and efforts have been fostered for the same cause.


text:
Roughly 35,000 fewer attendees walked through the Cobo Hall’s doors for the last January-held edition of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
Just over 774,000 attended the NAIAS which is impressive. By contrast however, over 1 million consumers visit the Los Angeles and New York auto shows respectively.
The NAIAS was once the International Auto Show that all members of the automotive media, and car shoppers and enthusiasts alike needed to attend. The last decade has not been good to the Detroit show on a number of levels, from declining media attendance to manufacturers backing out altogether from the event.
In a nutshell, the 2019 NAIAS was mediocre with only a handful of reveals worth mentioning. Check out the Infiniti QX Inspiration, 2020 Toyota Supra, Nissan IMs Concept and the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.
The show’s organizers will attempt to curtail the drop in interest for the NAIAS as they’ve moved the event dates to June of 2020 for the next instalment. While that may entice visitors and members of the automotive media who are allergic to the cold and snow, it will likely not change much for carmakers.
We’ll not speculate on, if any, which manufacturers may decide to return to Detroit in June of 2020 but one of the main issues with the show is costs. Car companies need to allocate budgets for auto shows where they’re likely to have the biggest impact on the buying public. With the New York, Los Angeles and Chicago car shows growing almost year-over-year, the returns on investments practically work themselves out.
Costs for mega-displays, transporting cars and staff are growing and quite frankly, the current car show model is old and not as effective as it once was. This, in part, justifies putting money into super-shows like the LAAS, Geneva and Paris/Frankfurt motor shows that cater to world as well as local markets.
Time will tell if the move to June will help improve the Detroit auto Show’s appeal to both consumers and car manufacturers. We’re fairly certain we will attend the 2020 NAIAS so there’s that.