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Sungrow Power Supply reported more than a doubling of PV inverter sales and shipments in 2013, supported by its first move advantage and leadership position in the rapidly growing Chinese market.
The China-based PV inverter manufacturer reported PV related sales of approximately US$466.9 million in 2013, compared to sales of US$226.8 million in 2012.
Domestic PV inverter related sales reached 3.5GW in 2013, a 178% increase from 1.25GW in the previous year. Overseas sales also increased considerably, year-on-year, reaching 293MW in 2013, up from 134MW in 2012, a 119% increase.
Sungrow noted in its 2013 annual report that its PV inverter products continued to dominate the Chinese domestic market, which has primarily been ground mount utility-scale in the last two years. The company also noted that its market share of the PV power plant system integration business in the country had also developed rapidly.
The company has been successful in partnering on PV projects with China Three Gorges New Energy Company and with SUMEC New Energy, amongst others.
It played a lead role in establishing China’s grid-tied PV inverter technical requirements and test methods that were approved earlier last year.
According to NPD Solarbuzz, China installed around 11.4GW in 2013 and the Chinese government quotas for ground mount and distributed installations eligible to receive FiT payments has been set at 14GW in 2014.
To meet both domestic and overseas demand, Sungrow increased PV inverter production from approximately 1.5GW in 2012 to 5GW in 2013.
The company has also launched a new PV central inverter (SG500MX-M) for the Chinese utility-scale market specifically meeting the latest domestic GB / T 19964-2012 national standards for grid-tied inverters.


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It looks like more people will be able to speak Chinese in the next year—but neither I or you will be one of them. ChinesePod, the online learning platform, is offering the people of Ireland free Chinese lessons until May 2010. The reason? According to Springwise, the recession has hit the Irish economy harder than most.
Co-founded by Irishman Ken Carroll, ChinesePod aims to provide a way for the Irish to communicate and do business with the world’s leading economy, which could help with Ireland’s economic recovery. Irish residents can get daily access to lessons, podcasts, online discussion boards, and Skype-based teaching from Mandarin experts, among other learning tools.

domain: news


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On April 30, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a long-running patent case between two companies that most people have never heard of but use every day. In Limelight Networks v. Akamai Technologies, the court will decide a legal issue that could upend the very same Internet and mobile services that these two little-known companies have long made work so well.
Limelight Networks, the company we founded in 2001, and Akamai Technologies, founded three years earlier, are the digital versions of FedEx and UPS. While the companies’ services overlap to some extent, Limelight focused from the beginning on music, video and games, while Akamai was originally founded to deliver Web pages. For years now, when you’ve listened to music on your computer, watched Netflix on your iPad or iPhone, or downloaded a new videogame to your Xbox, Limelight has made sure that your digital package arrived immediately and played smoothly. Akamai has done the same for Web pages and e-commerce. For almost as long as these two companies have been making the Internet work so well, however, Limelight and Akamai have also been fighting in court about patents.
At stake in this case are fundamental principles of patent law. How the nation’s highest court decides this case will determine whether innovative companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon can continue creating great new services that make our lives better, or whether a different set of rules with unpredictable consequences will stifle innovation, encourage litigation, and impose new limits on interactive services, now and in the future.
In 2006, Akamai sued Limelight for infringing three patents. The court quickly ruled that Limelight did not infringe two of the patents, but the third went to trial. Akamai argued that although Limelight itself did not infringe the patent, Limelight and its customers together did — and that Limelight should be held responsible. The court ruled against Akamai as a matter of law and a three-judge panel of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling. In August 2012, however, the full Court of Appeals, reviewing the Akamai-Limelight case en banc along with a second, similar case, voted 5-4 to reverse positions and change the law. As a result, any company can now be held liable for patent infringement based not just on its own actions, but also on the actions of its customers and users.
This is not a small thing. The mobile and Internet services Americans use billions of times each day are the result of multiple companies connecting their systems over the Internet, collaborating on standards and procedures, and solving problems together. Under the new rules, even routine activities such as explaining to users how to create an account or sign in to a service from a mobile phone can now subject a company to vastly expanded patent infringement risk.
Twitter hashtags are an excellent example. Hashtags are one of the most widely used features of Twitter. For example, half of this year’s Super Bowl ads included a related hashtag. Twitter did not invent hashtags or even help make them popular — Twitter’s users did. Under the new rules created by the lower court’s ruling, Twitter itself could now be held liable for patent infringement based on how companies and consumers use hashtags with its service.
When we founded Limelight in 2001, the Internet bubble had burst and the technology start-up world was in full meltdown. But we believed that consumers would rapidly upgrade from dial-up Internet to high-speed broadband and 3G, and would use these faster connections to listen to music, watch video and play games. We believed that this would require a new kind of infrastructure, one that would deliver digital media experiences comparable to traditional media. Limelight built an innovative network and became the digital delivery partner for many major media companies and hundreds of the most innovative startups and technology companies of the last 10 years, such as Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft Xbox. Today, Limelight holds more than 100 patents and our network consistently gets the highest performance ratings in the industry.
Everything we and our customers have built, plus the services of many other innovative companies, is now at risk because of this dramatic change in the law. Dozens of technology companies, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the U.S. government have joined Limelight in asking the Supreme Court to overturn this new rule, invented by the lower court. In amicus briefs, they outline the many ways innovation will suffer if companies can suddenly become liable for other parties’ actions.
Companies should be free to develop innovative services and technologies. Consumers should be free to use them in any creative way they can dream up. This is how we move forward at the speed of inspiration. It’s possible only if the rules come from Congress and are enforced, not changed, by the courts.
Michael Gordon, Nathan Raciborski, Bill Rinehart and Allan Kaplan founded Limelight Networks in 2001.


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Budget in price, mainstream in aspiration.
Despite a shaky beginning, Turtle Rock's cooperative shooter is a worthy successor to Left4Dead.
After years trapped in licensing hell, the classic action-RPG is back. But does it still hold up in the days of Dark Souls?
Not Half-Life 3, though. Probably.
Clearly not convinced by wireless options.
Future Vives sure to get Type-C connectivity.
IS5 draws 75 percent less power, it claims.
Rumours claim Rift 2 is dead in the water.
Windows 10, Vive, Nvidia exclusive.
No word on commercialisation, though.
Lets you feel virtual objects.
A better worldview.
A step up from the Go, says Barra.
Still no launch date, though.
Powered by Intel's WiGig.
Aims to tempt developers.
Still aiming at the enterprise.
Everything via USB Type-C.
25 percent of its workforce.
Windows 10 a requirement for new features.
Growing on me.
Microsoft not following Sony's lead.
8th Gen Intel all round.
Saccade suppression the key.
Adds 1TB, doubles runtime.
No word on underlying tech, though.
October 14 2021 | 15:04
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In “Wanted,” Schweighoefer plays a Berlin convention center project manager whose life is turned upside down following a mysterious hacking attack, putting him and his family in grave danger. The suspense series will premiere on Amazon Prime in Germany and Austria in 2017.
Schweighoefer’s Pantaleon Entertainment, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Warner Bros. International Television Production Deutschland are producing for Amazon.
Schweighoefer has written, directed and starred in such big-screen hits as “Vaterfreuden” and “Der Nanny,” but “Wanted” marks the first TV series the actor will both star in and direct.
“This extraordinary cooperation with Matthias Schweighofer, one of the most sought after actors and directors in German-speaking countries, raises Germany’s most popular video streaming service Amazon Prime to a whole new level,” said Christoph Schneider, managing director of Amazon Video Germany.
“With our first regional Amazon original production we implement not only the desire of many of our customers for exclusive German content, but also extend our service to new audiences and establish Amazon Prime also as an important partner for producers and creative professionals in this country.”
“For Warner Bros., this is another step in our strategy to produce, together with the most innovative and creative partners, quality German-language feature films and TV series,” added Willi Geike, president and managing director of Warner Bros. Entertainment.


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Greyhound, Tom Hanks’ new World War II drama, has just earned the biggest ever opening weekend for any film or TV series on Apple TV+. According to Deadline, the pic has had an opening comparable to that of a summer hit, though exact figures on its return weren’t given. They add that 30% of Greyhound’s viewers were new to the service, indicating that it’s been successful in attracting additional subscribers as well.
It’s an eye-catching headline, but I would add a couple of caveats. Firstly, though this has been the biggest opening for an Apple TV+ film, one should remember that the service has only been up and running since November, and Greyhound is only its third original movie. Successful opening weekend? Yes, but given its lack of competition, that doesn’t say much on its own. Furthermore, the Apple sources hyping up the success of its launch are likely to exaggerate it to some degree (particularly given that they’re so unforthcoming with their fabled numbers).
That all said, there’s undeniable business sense to commend behind this. Some internet penhand commending the business sense of a trillion dollar company? I’m sure they needed the pat on the back. But here goes.
Apple bought the rights to Greyhound when the pandemic precluded Sony’s originally planned theatrical release. Their thinking? Release a new Tom Hanks movie on streaming to a stuck-at-home audience starved of content. Of course this was going to be a hit.
It’s taken Apple 9 months, but they may just have broken their baby streamer into the market. Now all they have to do is fight off the competition from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, CBS All Access… you get the picture.


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Binance faces a criminal complaint from a financial regulator in Thailand for running a digital asset business without authorization, Reuters reported Friday July 2. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in that country said in a statement, according to the outlet, that the company was conducting a digital asset transaction “in the category of a digital asset exchange” without a license. A company representative noted that the company aims to work collaboratively with watchdogs and is conscientious about its compliance obligations, according to the outlet. The commission reportedly warned the company against its actions in a letter earlier this year.
The report comes as Singapore’s financial regulator has said it will contact the local division of Binance Holdings Ltd. if necessary. Bloomberg reported Thursday July 1. Under the terms of the point of sale, Binance Asia Services Pte. has a “grace period” in Singapore as the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) reviews its application for a license to offer online payment token offerings. A MAS official told the outlet that many different businesses are facing a similar assessment and may continue to operate for now.
In other news, digital money changers outside of India that have customers in the county may have to pay GST in the near future, Economic times reported Friday July 2. Almost all transactions related to the purchase of goods and services by Indian consumers are subject to GST. However, almost all exchanges beyond India do not currently pay the tax, according to the outlet. At present, the Indirect Tax Directorate is in the process of considering whether these platforms should pay tax in the nation because “they provide certain ‘data’ services”, in the terms of the point of sale.
And Bling, which allows game programmers to reward users with bitcoin, has entered into a roundtable to continue developing its platform and expanding its workforce, according to a Friday, July 2. Release. Coinbase Ventures has made a “strategic investment” in the cycle, according to the announcement. âThe Bling platform has experienced tremendous organic growth in less than two years, with over 5 million registered users and over one million monthly active users,â according to the announcement. The amount of the round was not disclosed in the announcement.


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The Road Freight Association (RFA) is shocked and deeply concerned about the recent suspension of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Japh Chuwe, amidst allegations of “serious maladministration” by the Auditor-General. This has a severe impact on the implementation of the highly controversial Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO), which is scheduled to be implemented in July this year.
Whilst we welcome the uncovering of corruption, it would be irresponsible and reckless for Government to proceed with the implementation of AARTO. The RFA has over the years expressed concern and uneasiness about AARTO and its susceptibility to fraud, corruption, and money laundering. The RTIA’s latest announcement is confirmation of our worst fears.
Once AARTO is implemented, the RTIA will be handling Billions of Rand. How can we now trust the entity – especially when the dishonesty and corruption is allegedly at the highest level in the Agency? We already face huge corruption, extorsion and intimidation at the hands of traffic police on a daily basis and this latest development has highlighted how rampant dishonesty is in the public service – especially in the traffic law enforcement and management structures. These allegations have undermined what little faith we had in RTIA. If the system is implemented, we envisage theft on a grand scale.
The RFA once again proposes that AARTO be shelved. The continuously amended system is all about generating revenue and not at all about road safety, which was what the system was originally about. Huge administrative resources will be required to implement and sustain an antiquated and cumbersome system, putting additional burdens on already-overburdened government authorities and the private sector.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) – another Agency of the Department of Transport – already costs motorists hundreds of millions of Rand per annum through the levy imposed on all eNatis transactions. This was supposed to be a temporary measure to get the RTMC on its feet. Like all other levies, this has become permanent with no added value to citizens. The RTMC needs to step up and do its job, that is, to manage road traffic according to proper traffic management strategies with effective centralised road safety interventions and operational management.
The RFA believes that proper traffic management strategies which focus resources to address hazardous locations and other aspects of unsafe road behaviour would be far more effective in improving road safety – rather than the current cumbersome AARTO system being proposed.
Logistics Going Green
A logistics start-up has launched eco-friendly packaging that allows online retailers to minimize their impact on the environment with last-mile deliveries. The new packaging will offer the same quality, durability, and security everyone has come to expect with an added benefit of leaving minimal impact on the environment.
In South Africa alone, billions of plastic bags are discarded every year. Clinging to trees, spreading across fences, and filling up gutters. Sadly, the logistics industry also contributes to this single-use plastic wastefulness.
Many single-use plastic items are only used for a few minutes and outlive their users for hundreds of years. Being industry disruptors within the logistics field, the logistics start-up has the privilege to address this pressing concern and pilot their new sustainable paper packaging range, which includes mailing bags, envelopes and packaging tape ensuring tough tamperproof and trusted products.
There is no denying it anymore, single-use plastic is not sustainable. By adding this paper packaging option to last-mile delivery every fulfilment strategy can be environmentally sustainable and change the logistics industry altogether.
Abu Qir Port Project Contract Awarded to DEME
DEME, the dredging, offshore, environmental, and infrastructure service specialists, announced that at the end of last year it secured a large dredging contract for the Abu Qir port project in Egypt.
Described as the largest ever dredging and land reclamation contract in history, the project includes the reclamation of 1 000ha of new land, the deepening of the port’s approach channel to 23m and the dredging of a turning basin to 22m. More than 150-million cubic metres will be dredged.
This ambitious megaproject creates land for the expansion and further development of Abu Qir, which boasts an ancient history and is slated to become a bustling economic hub, supplementing nearby Alexandria, in Egypt.
DEME will deploy the world’s most powerful CSD (Cutter Suction Dredger) ‘Spartacus’ on the project.
The project’s preparation has already started, with the main works set to commence in early 2021. The project is set for completion in 2023.
“We are very proud to have secured our largest ever dredging and land reclamation contract to date, and to support the Arab Republic of Egypt in its ambitions to develop a world-class project,” says DEME CEO Luc Vandenbulcke.
Convergence Partners acquire CTrack
Technology investor Convergence Partners has entered into an agreement with Inseego to acquire 100% of Ctrack’s operations in Africa and the Middle East.
The transaction will be the maiden investment for its third fund, the Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund (CPDIF).
Ctrack is a telematics software-as-a-service digital infrastructure platform, providing fleet management, insurance and weather telematics solutions, as well as asset tracking products, to its subscribers in Africa and the Middle East.
Convergence Partners says the business’s Internet-of-Things (IoT) and data analytics capabilities are a key component of an emerging sector in Africa and the company is a good fit with CPDIF’s strategy of identifying high-growth market players that build digital infrastructure on the continent.


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The fast food giant McDonald's announced the launch of its nationwide recruitment week in China as it aims to hire about 70,000 employees throughout 2016.
The positions offered by McDonald's include trainee managers, restaurant staff, receptionists, and coffee baristas. The company targets young labor born between 1990 and 2000 but McDonald's says it is fully open to filling its positions with young people with no professional experience. Anyone who is over 16 years old can apply for the jobs.
Zhang Yue, general manager of Guangdong Sanyuan McDonald's Food Company Limited, told local media that 67% of McDonald's employees and nearly 30% of managers are young people born after 1990. The new-generation job seekers are interest-oriented and hope to gain respect and trust from employers. Therefore, McDonald's coined a new slogan "We trust young people" in 2015.
Zhang emphasized that the overall employee turnover of the company is healthy; meanwhile, they need a talent pool for new store openings and project expansions.
At the end of March 2016, McDonald's announced plans to introduce strategic investors in the Chinese market. Zhang said that this move will not affect the company's recruitment and expansion plans.


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Do you live on the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has a real commitment to the community and has continued to support a wide range of events and initiatives.
The popular Ben-my-Chree round-the-Island cruise will be held on Saturday, 22nd June this year.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessel Ben-my-Chree will sail to Cammell Laird in Birkenhead tomorrow (Wednesday 24th April) where she will go into dry dock for one week for her annual regulatory overhaul.
The chance to wade through a shower of brightly coloured bubbles awaits locals next month, with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
The Gaiety Theatre will soon be full of wacky knights, extravagant show girls, catchy tunes and laugh-out loud humour, thanks to generous support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is saddened by the passing of its former Managing Director.


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|Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) and maker of the world's number one-selling Bourbon whiskey Jim Beam, has unveiled plans for its continued growth in Kentucky, including a comprehensive expansion of its Frankfort facility. When completed in the fall of 2011, the expansion will double the facility's production size and capacity and bring 120 new jobs to the area.
Governor Steven L. Beshear joined Beam Global President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew J. Shattock in getting the project officially underway today in a ceremony themed "Growing for the Future." The expansion project further builds on the company's heritage and long-standing commitment to the Commonwealth.
"Beam Global is one of our signature companies in Kentucky that has shown its commitment to our state time and time again," said Governor Beshear. "The expansion of the Beam Global plant in Frankfort will provide a lasting, positive economic impact in the community. Seeing such growth in our Commonwealth is very rewarding."
Under the expansion plans, the Frankfort plant will produce 160 products and have an annual capacity of 10 million cases, representing an increase from 24 percent to 32 percent of Beam Global's total worldwide case volume. The project, which includes the addition of four new bottling lines and approximately 65 new tanks, will assume production and bottling of DeKuyper cordials from Beam Global's existing facility in Cincinnati. Additional brands bottled at the facility include Sauza, the world's number two-selling Tequila, and Canadian Club, one of the world's leading Canadian whiskies.
"Our roots in our home state of Kentucky run deep starting with the founding of Jim Beam, dating back more than two centuries," Shattock said. "As our business and brands have grown over the years, so too has our commitment here in our home state. We thank Governor Beshear, the Economic Development Cabinet and KEDFA board for their valued support of our expansion in Frankfort."
Construction of the expansion is scheduled to begin immediately. When completed, a total of 365 employees are expected to be employed at the facility and nearly 3 million additional cases will be produced. Products bottled at the Frankfort facility are shipped throughout the United States and 43 countries globally.


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NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The 2021/2022 crawfish season has been going very well, according to Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) president Adrian Laroda, who noted that despite the pandemic, exports have remained strong.
“The season has been going very well and I ahem attributed it to a few factors,” Laroda told Eyewitness News.
He said: “Hurricane Dorain has caused more crawfish to move from the ocean to the shallows and so we are seeing more larger crawfish than in the previous three to four years. Also the harvest is good. The RBDF has been performing well in terms of patrols and so that has helped tremendously. Also, the retail price that hovers around $19 per pound is good.”
“Exports surprisingly have not slowed due to the stable demand by the foreign market which is very good. We expect to export the usual 4.5 million pounds.”
He added: “With the Lobster Improvement Project, while we could export more it is recommended to keep the cap the export number of 4.5million pounds.”
The crawfish season runs from August 1 to March 31 2022.
Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Clay Sweeting noted earlier this month that this nation must look to diversify its fisheries products.
“There is a vast number of opportunities under the sea. The Ministry will work diligently with our fishermen to create new opportunities and open new markets,” said Sweeting.


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World of Warcraft and StarCraft 2 enthusiasts will be glad to know that Blizzard have announced that their BlizzCon tickets will go on sale in two batches. The first will be sold on Wednesday, June 2 at 7.00pm PST (10.00pm EST), and the second on Saturday, June 5 at 10.00pm PST (1.00pm EST).
The event will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on October 22 and 23. If you cannot make it to the event, but want to see live coverage, you can purchase a DIRECTV Pay Per View package and a multi-channel Internet live-stream package for $39.95.
Are you looking forward to BlizzCon, where we could hear more information about Diablo 3, the newest World of Warcraft expansion Cataclysm, and maybe an unannounced MMORPG.
The full press release can be found via the source.
*Identifying Monetised Links - outgoing links that we monetise are marked with an '*' symbol.


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Small businesses have been forced to change things up or temporarily close their doors because of California's new stay at home order.
The order affects places like restaurants, salons and retail stores. The new rules began Sunday night for a lot of counties in California to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. Small business owners say in a year full of uncertainty they're worried about what's next.
John Thiel, owner of Pappo Restaurant said, "Yeah, definitely. This is the busiest time of the year for restaurants. Generally speaking, I would say a lot of people would normally be getting together or having holiday parties. So we've lost all of our private party business. We've lost all catering business."
The restrictions will remain in place for at least three weeks, which means it will run through Christmas weekend.


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Yunnan produces more disinfectants, masks
Workers pack up disinfectants on February 3.
A worker puts up labels on disinfectants.
A worker operates at a disinfectant production line.
In the face of disinfectant shortage triggered by the on-going fight against the novel coronavirus in China, employees at a medical supplies factory in Anning City, central Yunnan, worked overtime to produce more disinfectants.


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Let’s take a look at the cosplayers and content that caught our attention at this summer’s Comic Market!
KanColle running popular! The otaku’s poem of summer scenery, one of the largest otaku events in the world - Comic Market 86 has started!
RWBY is an American anime that follows the lives of ultra powerful teenagers training to be the next generation of peacekeepers, or hunters and huntresses.
Introducing an original anime by the wonderful staff who worked on Evangelion, Steins;Gate, and Fire Emblem: Awakening!
Florea Flavia, a Romanian makeup artist who previously went viral for her Female Titan makeup cosplay, is at it again with Colossal Titan makeup!
On Aug. 1, new information was announced regarding the Digimon Adventure 15th Anniversary Project which is taking place to celebrate the 15th anniversary since the TV anime Digimon Adventure began airing in 1999.
A life-size version of the popular character Danboard from the huge hit manga Yotsuba&! appears in Akihabara! We bring to you a photo report of Danboard’s slightly shocking cuteness!
“Hatsune Miku is awesome!” - Noritaka Tatehana
Takeru Satoh, who plays Kenshin Himura in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin films, sat for an interview with Tokyo Otaku Mode!
We report on the most interesting company booths from the massive event Wonder Festival 2014 Summer!
We talked to with shoe designer Noritaka Tatehana about what it’s like making shoes for worldwide pop superstar Lady Gaga!
KanColle, MadoMagi, Evangelion! Find your new favorite figures here!
Check out XX photos of cool figures and cosplay from Wonder Festival 2014 [Summer] held on July 27!
A concept cafe themed after the popular anime Macross Frontier has opened in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The pleasant restaurant overflows with everything Macross Frontier, from the decorations to the menu items!
It was a varied event will new garage kits on display, cosplay photo shoots, performances, and more!
An interview with Ryunosuke Kamiki, who plays Sōjirō Seta in the movies Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno and The Legend Ends!
In celebration of the release of the newest Pokémon movie, Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, and the simultaneously screening short film Pikachu, What Kind of Keys Are These?, an exhibit called “Pokémon the Movie XY Exhibit: Let’s Meet Pikachu at the Roppongi Hills Observatory!” is taking place now.
An interview with Yusuke Iseya, the actor who plays Shinomori Aoshi in Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno/The Legend Ends!
The popular school battle action manga is becoming a long-awaited anime!
Jun. 19, 2014 07:001
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction and the short film Pikachu, What Kind of Keys Are These? will both release Japan-wide on July 19. On the same day, a large Pokémon event will begin in Roppongi Hills.
Jun. 19, 2014 02:2812
BEATLESS (author: Satoshi Hase / character designer: redjuice) is a sci-fi novel that is still gathering attention for having been nominated for the 34th Nihon SF Taisho Award. The creation collection BEATLESS: Tool for the Outsourcers by redjuice, who is in charge of the illustrations for the novel, will be released on June 25.
Jun. 19, 2014 01:002
2014 marks the 80th birthday of Fujiko F. Fujio, whose representative works include the manga Doraemon. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Bandai’s toy brand Chogokin. Now, a surprising toy has been introduced as a project for both of these anniversaries.
Jun. 18, 2014 13:006
We conducted an online interview with Hikaru, creator of a Sailor Moon tote bag even adults can use that is currently trending on Twitter!
Jun. 18, 2014 07:005
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction will release countrywide in Japan on July 19.
Jun. 18, 2014 03:1611
Introducing Attack on Titan Capsule Q figures!
Jun. 17, 2014 13:0017
A new generation of Dragon Ball games! Here’s the first promotional video for the PlayStation®4/PlayStation®3/Xbox 360 game Dragon Ball: Xenoverse.
Jun. 17, 2014 12:2236
Interlink Co., Ltd., a new Domain Registry Operator, announced on July 17 that it will open the Internet’s most unique Top Level Domain (TLD)(1), ".moe", to the public starting Tuesday June 17th.
Jun. 17, 2014 07:004
The movie Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary will release countrywide on June 21. The talked-about work is the movie version of Masami Kurumada’s popular manga with new visuals.


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New survey reveals over 70 percent of parents are unaware of myopia; Essilor invests in consumer to reduce damaging impact of myopia in children by driving parents to book eye exams
According to a recent survey of Canadian parents, over 70 percent of them are unaware of myopia – or nearsightedness – and its impact on their children’s educational success. Identifying the need to improve that awareness, Essilor® is launching “Eyes on the Future,” a national campaign across Canada to encourage parents to protect their children’s eyesight by educating and driving action to book eye exams with iECPs for their children and give eye care professionals the resources to better diagnose and slow down myopia progression and other eye conditions.
Almost half of those surveyed also did not identify their child’s need for corrective lenses until the child is already struggling. According to research, 80 percent of all learning occurs through vision, and 1 in 3 children can’t see the board clearly. It is estimated that y 2050, half of the world population is predicted to be myopic.
“As a world leader in vision care, it is Essilor’s responsibility to play a leading role in the fight against myopia, and it’s apparent that many parents across Canada are unfortunately unaware of the impact that myopia can have on children,” said Nicola Courtemanche, Vice President, Optical, Independents, EssilorLuxottica Canada. “With myopia cases among children increasing, eye exams done at an earlier age are critical to identifying issues and treating early to reduce myopia’s impact on children’s futures. That’s why we’re invested to ensure parents make seeing an eye care professional for their children a top priority.”
The “Eyes on the Future” consumer campaign speaks directly to Canadian parents through a variety of multimedia platforms with celebrity influencers and key opinion leaders sharing stories of the families and children impacted by myopia. The campaign has the opportunity to reach over 13.5 million media impressions. Parents will learn that catching myopia early is key and highlight the positive difference eye care professionals can play in their children’s life, with treatments to correct their vision and slow the progression of myopia, specifically with the new Essilor® Stellest® lenses.
“We’re proud to be able to tell stories that highlight how parents love to see their children grow up, while, unfortunately, myopia can grow with them,” said Kristel Bordeleau-Tassile, Senior Manager, Brand Marketing, EssilorLuxottica Canada. “These stories capture the attention of parents through emotion, interest and curiosity. Our hope is that this campaign encourages all parents to immediately book eye exams for their children.”
“When we saw that more than 81 percent of parents surveyed have brought their child to the dentist within the past year, but only 52 percent have taken them to the eye doctor in the same timeframe, this makes our “Eyes on the Future” campaign so much more important,” said Bordeleau-Tassile.
In addition to investing in a consumer campaign, Essilor® is committed to supporting eye care professionals in the continued fight against myopia. A productivity incentive for Essilor® Stellest® is now available, starting August 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, independent eye care professionals will have the opportunity to earn rebates as they increase their sales of Essilor® Stellest® lenses. For more details and information, independent eye care professionals are encouraged to speak with their Essilor® Business Consultants. Support materials are also available, including in-depth educational content on the innovative lens through the Leonardo learning platform.
Essilor® Leading with Innovative Eye Solutions for Myopia
Essilor® launched a new lens in Canada in early 2022 called Essilor® Stellest®, which has been proven to slow down myopia progression by 67% on average, compared to single vision lenses when worn 12 hours a day.
“With cutting-edge innovation and resources to help eyecare professionals provide the highest quality of care and impact the lives of many young children, we are proud to bring a full range of myopia management solutions to Canada, making it the first country in North America to launch this vision care system,” said Courtemanche.
The earlier someone with myopia begins wearing the Essilor® Stellest® lenses, the better the outcome on myopia progression will be. Essilor® Stellest® lenses can be fitted to any frame and must be prescribed by an eye doctor.
The efficacy of the Essilor® Stellest® lenses has been further bolstered by the four-year clinical trial results of Essilor’s myopia control innovation Essilor® Stellest® lens, which were presented at the ARVO annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, in April 2023. The findings show that Essilor® Stellest® lenses continue to exhibit strong efficacy in slowing myopia progression and axial eye elongation in children in the fourth year. The new data follows the recent publication of the three-year clinical trial findings in the medical journal American Journal of Ophthalmology, which also highlights evidence of continued myopia control efficacy of the lens in slowing down myopia progression in children over three years. The link to the article can be found here.
For more information about Essilor® Stellest® lenses or myopia, please visit www.essilor.ca.
1 Proof Strategies. (2023). Canadian Families of School-Aged Children: Myopia Survey.
(1) 2 Eyeglasses for Global Development: Bringing the Visual Divide; World Economic Forum, Social Entrepreneurs, EYElliance; June 2016.
(1) 3 Essilor See Change – Put Vision First global campaign 2017.
(1) 4 Brien A. Holden, et al, (2016). “Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050”.. Ophthalmology,
123(5); p 1036-1042.
5 Offer TERMS AND CONDITIONS*
A) Your baseline objective will be communicated by your Essilor® business consultant.
B) Rebate will be delivered via a credit note to your Essilor® acount 6-8 weeks after December 31st, 2023.
C) This offer is intended exclusively for Eyecare Professionals in Canada and cannot be combined with any other discount or any other current promotion.
D) Only Essilor® Stellest® Lenses are eligible in this promotion, uncut or edged & mounted. This offer is valid on all Essilor® Stellest® orders made from August 1st to December 31st, 2023.
6 Compared to single vision lenses, when worn by children at least 12 hours per day every day. Bao, J., Huang, Y., Li, X., Yang, A., Zhou, F., Wu, J., Wang, C., Li, Y., Lim, E.W., Spiegel, D.P., Drobe, B., Chen, H., 2022. Spectacle Lenses With Aspherical Lenslets for Myopia Control vs Single-Vision Spectacle Lenses: A Randomized Clinical Trial, in China. JAMA Ophthalmol. 140(5), 472–478.
7 Quantitative research conducted among a representative sample of 958 independent ECPs by CSA in February 2019 – France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, the US, Canada, Brazil, China, India.
Essilor, part of EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio, is a leader in eyeglass lenses worldwide and the number one lens brand recommended by eye care professionals (ECPs). It offers a complete range of solutions dedicated to each individual’s vision and lifestyle needs throughout their life. Every Essilor lens is a combination of multiple complementary technologies thanks to its suite of leading premium vision care solutions, including innovative brands such as Essilor® Stellest®, Eyezen®,Varilux® and Crizal®. For more information, please visit www.essilor.ca.
About the survey
An online survey was conducted March 1st – 2nd, 2023. Respondents were recruited from an online audience panel on the basis of being a Canadian between 25 and 55 with a child between the ages of 5 and 14. Geographical quotas were set, proportionally matching the number of respondents from Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies, BC, and North. Additionally, 200 French respondents were initially targeted.
The survey attracted 2,569 responses. 1550 were disqualified for having no children they were directly responsible for, for their children being younger or older than the desired age range, or for quality reasons (e.g. completion of the survey in less time than reasonably possible). This left 1,019 qualified respondents.
Were this a probability sample, the margin of error would be +/- 3% with 95% confidence.
Manager, Commercial Relations


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Due to the Covid-19 shutdown, many businesses have had to rearrange their way they serve their customers. One local business, The Brew in Tyrone, has been affected in multiple ways by the pandemic.
One of the things that The Brew has noticed is that daily traffic has slowed down, and they no longer have the early morning crowd that would stop on their way to work, since many folks are no longer going to work. They also have closed their taproom and their house dining area, changed the menu and procedures, and reduced the staff.
The Brew still follow its routine cleaning and sanitizing procedures. The coffee shop also continues to monitor the CDC and Department of Health updates each day.
As soon as The Brew found out how serious Covid-19 was, its owners immediately ordered disposable cups for beer, wine, and food. Once The Brew had to go to the mandated, “to-go services,” they were prepared.
“I think our biggest struggle has been not being able to provide that ‘gathering place’ for people to come and catch up! We miss having those people in the shop and the routines we all had!” said Shannon Rice, owner of The Brew.
As far as staffing, The Brew has a few employees working with reduced hours. They consider staff family and they have been handling the whole situation very well.
Although The Brew has been negatively affected by Covid-19, the shop has also seen a lot of positivity come from this. Not only does support come from the local area, but people from all over the country. People have called in to buy merchandise, gift cards, and retail coffee bags among other items.
The Brew has also had a lot of customers call in to just donate to the shop. Because of so many generous people, this has led it to their “Pay it Forward” board. The Brew has donated over 160 free drinks for first-responders such as nurses, doctors, and police officers. In addition, they’ve also had countless drinks bought for family, friends, and teachers. Those names are written on a chalkboard and people can come in to redeem their drinks.
“We are all excited to get back to normal, and in the meantime we are so grateful for all of our customers and staff during these challenging times. People choose to come to The Brew,” said owner Rob Poust. “They may not be working but still choose to spend their hard earned money supporting us, and we will never be able to say ‘Thank you’ enough to them! Much love!”


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This week, Dion Lee made the much anticipated move into the international fashion scene, debuting his incredible Spring Summer 2013 collection to the world.
Lee had already made a mark with his showing of ‘Sequence Breathing’ at LFW earlier this year, and it his his superb craftsmanship which clearly has the big guns like Christine Centenera on board.
The SS 2013 collection showcases Lee’s incredible ability and innovation in textures and fabrics- in delicately sliced neoprene to create texture and dimension, together with clean, crisp tailoring. Styled brilliantly by Centenera, the show reflected her fashion it-girl cool vibe, with references to sportswear chic, mixed with impeccably tailored jackets and skirts. Colours moved elegantly from monochrome to a full spectrum and back again without breaking the flow of the collection.
This is surely the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Lee and the world, and we can’t wait to see where it it goes next.


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The sky's the limit for drone makers looking to tap into China's nascent drones market, with a research firm forecasting an over seven-fold increase in camera drone shipments over the next three years as the devices gain wider usage.
Research firm IDC recently said it estimates camera drone shipments in the Chinese mainland to hit 3 million units by 2019, up from their prediction of 390,000 shipments in 2016.
Jean Xiao, research manager at IDC China's Client System Research Group, told CNBC by phone, "Currently we can see that most drones in the Chinese market are used for photography. They are mainly applied in areas of media and consumer entertainment."
She added in the near future with necessary technology development and government policy support, "drones will have various vertical applications in areas of agriculture, education, transactionals, and more."
China is already home to prominent Shenzhen-based consumer drone maker DJI, which had a 68.5 percent market share for camera drones in the mainland in the third quarter of 2015 according to IDC. Other players include Yuneec and Shenzhen Zero UAV Technology, commonly known as Xiro, as well as EHANG, which unveiled a drone this year that has the capacity to carry a human passenger over short-to-medium distances.
In its research, IDC pointed out the following five characteristics that will shape the camera drone market in China by 2019:


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Farnborough International Airshow 2022 • Trade Show
Farnborough – July 18-22, 2022
Farnborough International is one of the largest airshows in the world. The show features over 1,500 exhibiting companies from the industry’s core sectors: space, civil, military, manufacturing technology, rotary, and maintenance and repair. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Small Business Administration, World Trade Center Utah will lead a delegation of Utah’s top aerospace and defense companies to represent the state to over 70,000 attendees at this premier international airshow.
Click here to learn more about Farnborough International.
How it works:
- Utah aerospace and defense companies are invited to apply to join the delegation.
- Eligible companies can apply for STEP Grant funding to help cover travel costs.
- World Trade Center Utah provides a booth for Utah companies to exhibit at the show and showcase their products to international buyers.
Join Us! If you are interested in representing the state at Farnborough, please fill out a STEP Grant application and contact Jake Glenn, Director of Trade Shows and Trade Missions at WTC Utah, at firstname.lastname@example.org by March 25.
STEP is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The State of Utah international program was developed and executed by many of World Trade Center Utah’s partners on Team Utah, including the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Commercial Service.


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KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is giving companies an additional four days to allow goods stuck at major ports in the country to be removed and delivered to their final destinations promptly to ensure that incoming essential goods are not impeded.
Its minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said this was achieved after a consultation meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) today.
Companies that kept their cargo in Port Klang, Johor, Penang, Kuantan, Melaka, Bintulu, Sarawak and Padang Besar border with Thailand are urged to immediately move all their goods out of port from Saturday, April 4, 2020 to Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
“In line with the previous decision made on March 26, 2020, this effort proved to be effective in reducing congestion at major ports of the country which have reached almost 100 percent capacity,” he said in a statement today.
Wee said that to ensure smoother movement and to keep up with the day-to-day needs of households, the release of non-essential goods at major ports in the country needs to be accelerated and its development monitored over time.
He said MOT have shared standard operating procedures (SOPs) with port operators who have previously applied for it in Sabah, Sarawak and other countries.
“This is to ensure that the supply of basic necessities is not stagnated during the Second Phase of the movement control order (MCO) effective from April 1 to April 14, 2020,” he said.
Wee also lauded the amendments made to MCO gazette today where port and airport services and operations, as well as land, water or air transport, have been reinstated as essential services.
The government today has reinstated transportation, ports, airport services, hotels and the production of fuels and lubricants as essential services, 48 hours after not including these sectors in a gazette for the second phase of the movement control order to tackle Covid-19.
These sectors were included in the gazette published for the first MCO that took effect from March 18 to March 31.
On Wednesday, the gazette for the second order, in effect from April 1 to 14, omitted these sectors and reduced the number of essential services from 22 to 10.


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Tom Rutledge also says he is “observing” the Comcast takeover of Time Warner Cable but adds, “We don’t need M&A to be a successful company.”
1:00 PM PDT 3/10/2014 by Paul Bond
Tom Rutledge is no fan of multiple visits from the “cable guy,” he said during a conversation at the Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference in Florida on Monday.
The Charter Communications CEO said he is working hard to minimize the need to roll out personnel and trucks to customers because “getting that out of the business” improves the quality of the product. One way Charter is accomplishing that is by selling triple-play services so that multiple products can be installed with a single visit and fewer “transactions.”
“Taking transactions out of the business actually increases customer satisfaction,” Rutledge said. “The opportunity for things to go wrong are legendary. I mean, people make movies about it — Cable Guy. Getting that out of the business dramatically improves satisfaction.”
Rutledge also talked about “a whole bunch of opportunities” for Charter and other cable companies that will come by way of looming 10-gigabyte-per-second Internet speeds and wireless Internet connections in every home.
“We’ll have the ability to probably do something along the lines of a ‘wireless drop,’ meaning a wireless connection for every household, which might not even require a physical connection between the house and the street,” he said.
He said that he does not anticipate that consumers will want to navigate giant TV screens with their fingers the same way they do with iPads and other tablets, therefore Charter is focusing on improving remote controls for such functionality.
Of the impending Comcast acquisition of Time Warner Cable — a company Charter once coveted — Rutledge said, “We’re observing them.” He added, “We don’t need M&A to be a successful company.”
Charter shares, meanwhile, were rising 1 percent to more than $128 a share on Monday during midday trading. Wall Street analysts have been friendly to the stock lately, and, on Monday, Jefferies Group upgraded shares to “buy” with a $150 price target. On Friday, Northland Capital upgraded the stock to “outperform.”


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The global foldable smartphone market has increased 10% YoY in Q2 2023 with a total shipment of 2.1 million units. The growth indicates the increasing trend and popularity of these futuristic devices.
Counterpoint research shows that China’s foldable phone market achieved notable success with 64% YoY growth and 1.2 million units shipment. China accounts for 58.6% of the entire foldable phone sales in the global market.
In Q2 2023, significant momentum is building for the continued growth of the foldable market. This surge was driven by the introduction of key products such as the Huawei Mate X3, vivo X Fold 2, and vivo X Flip, primarily targeting the Chinese foldable market. Additionally, the global (including China) launch of the Motorola Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra, further contributed to this growth trend.
“We believe that these frequent product launches (along with the marketing effects that accompany product launches) are changing Chinese consumers’ perception of foldable products. Consequently, Chinese consumers can access a variety of foldable products more easily and frequently than any other market in the world. The continuous release of various foldable products is recognized as one of the important reasons why the Chinese foldable market has continued to grow significantly compared to other markets.” said Counterpoint Research Senior Analyst Jene Park.
It’s also revealed that foldable phone makers including Huawei will continue to launch new devices in the second half of this year. An image shared by the researcher shows a device named – P60 Pocket. It carries a flip-style device, which Huawei previously released at P50 Pocket and an affordable version of the phone later launched as Pocket S
If it is planning to introduce such a device, then Q4 2023 is the right window to claim a launch event.


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Fucking finally pic.twitter.com/H3BM9h4IT6
— Daniel Ralston (@danielralston) April 10, 2016
The waist-high Pepper household robot will go on sale in February, but start working in stores in Japan Friday.
–Me on Light Reading.
I’m a jaded tech journalist, but watching the press conference was like watching the beginning of the Singularity.


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2022 for the dairy industry was one matter. For 2023, the year’s trends look to be taking dairy farmers on a completely different path. With milk and dairy production generally on the rise, and with feed costs as high as they are, it looks like the dairy industry could flounder — if it weren’t, however, for some very positive trends in the not-too-distant future.
Table of Contents
- Dairy prices are low – but the cost of feed is high
- Price projections not always accurate – trends can be over- or underestimated
- Tips for months ahead: look at national prices – not local or nearby prices
- Long-term projections show average or better-than-average price margins
- Dairy insurance can fill the gaps until then – strengthen risk management plan
That’s right: the long-term dairy industry outlook is bright, though 2023 is off to an admittedly bumpy start, with the cost/price margins looking as they are. The right kind of dairy insurance could be instrumental for farmers to get through lean times. Let’s take a look at it all: the good news, the bad news, and what farmers can do about all of it.
Dairy prices are low – but the cost of feed is high
Dairy farmers are, of course, nervous about milk prices. The cost of production remains high in the form of feed; and yet, dairy prices are set to a downward trend.
Recent reports reflect that the industry is indeed in a confusing state: buyers are keen to snatch up low-priced milk. But, there doesn’t seem to be a strong demand to be found out there in the market, or to explain trends showing why low-priced milk being bought at the steady rate it is currently.
Industry experts conclude that this may be due to a buildup of overstock supply or storage — or, general overproduction. These same experts also state that milk prices continue to look low for the next few months as this continues to be a trend. That said, global milk prices just recently went up slightly (for wholesale/auction), though by less than 5%. Still, it’s a glimmer of hope that prices could come around again.
Price projections not always accurate – trends can be over- or underestimated
It’s important that dairy farmers manage their expectations — for both good and bad. Hoard’s Dairyman reminds us that commodity prices are famous for over- and underestimating the relationship between costs of production and price, which means that projected prices may not be accurate or follow exactly the anticipated trends.
Costs of production and milk prices are only tools of prediction. It’s always possible the market, owing to other forces, could buck the trends if there are irregularities or unexpected fluctuations with supply or demand.
For example, Dairy Herd Management references the March World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) as predicting higher milk production, thus lower dairy prices all round; meanwhile, Wisconsin State Farmer points out trends in some key states and target months heading from 2022 into 2023 demonstrating a fall in milk production. This could mean a rise in prices either nationally or locally in the far future if these market forces shape or affect other parts of the nation in bigger ways to come.
Tips for months ahead: look at national prices – not local or nearby prices
Producers should take note, however, that local or regional costs and prices — especially the high and low ones, respectively, in negative trends — shouldn’t dictate or deter their plans. Set your sights on the national prices and trends. Take advantage of low feed costs and high dairy product prices in your locality when they do come around.
This advice is directed to farmers who may be experiencing lower-than-average dairy prices and costs of production right in their regions compared to what the national trends or predictions are set. A good example of why: FarmWeekNow reports that dairy organizations currently, and in the past, have been able to sway federal prices and trends through petitioning for allowances and deductions, especially during times like these— whereas regional and local prices differ as they call their own shots.
The takeaway: look to federal price setting and trends as the standard. These can be influenced or changed (and dairy farmers through organizations can get involved in this directly).
Long-term projections show average or better-than-average price margins
As all dairy farmers know too well by now, volatile trends like these are to be expected. Surviving them is all part of the business. You know the drill: tighten the belt, come up with a risk management plan, and wait it out until better days.
According to long-term trends, however, better days for dairy farmers could be coming. Hoard’s Dairyman points out trends showing that the final quarter in late 2023 is predicted to have historically average or even higher than average margins of feed vs. dairy prices, at a time period ahead set around 6 to 12 months from now.
It’s a time for dairy farmers to make temporary decisions that help their operations survive and meet the bottom line, rather than focusing on growth— or, even bowing out or downsizing excessively. Options like dairy insurance and other means can help producers with this approach.
Dairy insurance can fill the gaps until then – strengthen risk management plan
All market experts and trends agree: one of the best tools for dairy farmers to strap down during market volatility is to invest in dairy insurance and specifically Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) coverage. These policies can be established following and according to set federal prices; if prices (and rising feed costs) tamper with the farmer’s bottom line, they can still pull in a substantial amount of survivable income until the market forces fare for the better.
For some operations, a combination of DRP and herd culling can be an effective strategy, especially if trends show overproduction and oversupply. That said, a DRP policy can help prevent farmers from taking drastic downsizing measures (such as culling) when it’s possible that the trends could turn around for the better in just a matter of months, or within the year.
Strap in, farmers: yes, it will be a bumpy ride, but projections suggest it’s towards better days. In the interim, coming up with an airtight risk management plan that includes the right type of dairy insurance — Dairy Revenue Protection and other options — will help the ride be a more enjoyable and fruitful one.


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Tesla Inc. is in the process of securing a land worth RMB1 billion (US$145 million) in Shanghai for its first factory outside of the U.S., setting up a beach head in the world’s largest electric vehicles market.
The California-based car maker is the sole bidder on the plot of land, said Bloomberg citing people with direct knowledge of the matter.
The Shanghai government could make a decision to allocate the land to Tesla as soon as this month, said the source, who asked not to be identified as the information is not public.
Tesla did not immediately respond to China Money Network seeking for comments.
The electric vehicle pioneer had sealed a preliminary agreement with Shanghai authorities in July to build a factory capable of producing 500,000 battery-powered cars per year, which is more than its lone American assembly plant has made.
Setting up manufacturing in China will enable Tesla to avoid import duties as high as 40% on Tesla vehicles arising due to ongoing trade war between China and the U.S.
Taking the shipping costs into consideration, the company has been operating at a 55% to 60% cost disadvantage compared with Chinese-made vehicles, said the company in its third quarter statement released on October 2.
The planned Chinese factory will increase the company’s existing production and its manufacturing operations in America will not be affected, said Tesla.
The company has delivered 80,142 vehicles in the third quarter in 2018, 50% more than its prior all-time high in the second quarter this year.
In May, the company received approval from China for setting up its 100% owned company in Shanghai.


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An all-inclusive beauty for the future
Photo By: elle.com
AnaBella Lassiter, Staff Writer
As the world begins to embrace the beauty emitted by all women, so have multiple retail stores. Models have become diverse in weight, height, and color. Clothing has been designed to flatter all shapes, from creating numerous new color options to different cuts. One industry that has been deeply impacted is lingerie.
It is no surprise that Victoria’s Secret is the leading department store when it comes to lingerie. However, other companies are beginning to catch up and even surpass Victoria’s Secret due to their new advertising campaigns.
One company doing just this is Rihanna's new lingerie line, Savage X Fenty. Her new bras and underwear, if one were to visit the site, is modeled by women of multiple sizes and races. Not only is this empowering for women, but it sends a whole new message to consumers.
Another company who has not only embodied this message of all women being beautiful but has completely changed is Aerie. Aerie is a lingerie store owned by American Eagle. Both companies have made changes to their advertising techniques to be more inclusive of all women. However, Aerie has really taken it to the next level.
“In today’s society, there is this picture of how women are suppose to look, but Aerie put that to flames,” says Aerie employee, Kylie Swanson. “Aerie is showing women it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to not be like everyone else.”
Swanson began working at Aerie last summer and has been stunned by the changes that the store has made to be accepting of women and all the forms they come in as they continue to push their new campaign, Aerie Real.
Aerie Real is a campaign that stands for the idea of real women being beautiful. With photos that are not retouched and women with multiple differences that make them stand out, Aerie not only took the lingerie market by storm but they have really touched the hearts of women.
“I think after the Aerie Real campaign, there was a more personal connection between the customer, employees and company as a whole,” says Swanson. “Shopping there, after the campaign, allowed for a more open and relaxing experience… Women aren’t shy about telling the employees their bra size or feel embarrassed about their body. And I think the world needs more of that.”
Aerie extended the sizes offered to consumers, and they also brought on a whole team of new models. What is even more interesting about this is that some of the models are not professional models but, in fact, women they chose at random. These women model in Aerie’s bras, bralettes, and underwear. The photos are what are then posted on the Aerie website to advertise their products.
“I think the company itself brought out the best in girls,” Swanson explained. “Aerie made girls all across the world feel comfortable in their own skin. The models for Aerie are not the stereotypical models; they have cellulite, stretch marks, imperfections that allow other women to embrace their body.”
Despite this positive change, how does this reflect on stores like Victoria’s Secret?
Last year, Victoria’s Secret carried on with their “Perfect Body” campaign in which all of the famous Victoria’s Secret models were photographed together in different bras and underwear. Despite the beauty of the women, it did not go over well with the public. According to The Huffington Post, women in the United Kingdom were disgusted by the advertisements as they implied a very narrow-minded idea of what a woman should be.
Some companies even responded to the campaign by using the message, “The Perfect Body”. Dear Kate, an underwear company, photographed a group of beautiful women ranging in size, shape, and race to combat the message Victoria’s Secret was sending.
With all of this being said, it appears that an all-inclusive beauty is the future of fashion. Whether Victoria Secret’s embraces this message is a question only they can answer. However, what is known is that many companies are embracing women and Aerie is at the forefront of this hug.


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Stonehaven Bed Centre are to raffle off some usual celebrity prizes next week - with the Mearns Leader getting first look behind the scenes.
The business will offer life size cut outs of George Clooney, Olly Murs and Cheryl Cole in a free raffle.
Those who follow them on twitter may have already seen some very funny pictures of the celebrities in and around Stonehaven.
However, they are in need of a new home and will raffled off next week. To be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is pop by the Stonehaven Bed Centre any time from tomorrow (Friday) and register your interest at the store.
The lucky new owners will be picked at random next Friday, April 25.
Donna Stewart from the Stonehaven Bed Centre said: “We want to see some great photos of people with their new cut outs, we really want them to go to a loving home.”


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USAA introduced Mobile App for Android, enabling its 1.2 million members to deposit checks using smartphones that run the Google Android operating system.
USAA first introduced its Deposit@Mobile feature for the iPhone in May 2009, and since then – using the USAA software and the iPhone’s camera to snap a photo of the check to be deposited – its members have routed more than $300 million without the need to visit a bank.
“The popularity of USAA’s mobile platform clearly demonstrates that USAA members are comfortable using this technology and welcome the convenience it offers,” said Jeff Dennes, USAA’s executive director of mobile technology, in a Jan. 23 statement. “With this expansion to Android-supported mobile phones, going to the bank to deposit a check soon may be as antiquated as black-and-white TVs.”
USAA’s 7.3 million members are military members and their families, who tend to move often or be deployed to remote areas, and so value the ability to bank over a mobile platform. The banking company and insurer says that 1.2 million of its members – a number higher than the industry standard – use USAA’s mobile solutions for their banking.
In 2006, USAA first began enabling customers to perform mobile banking by scanning their checks with a home scanner. In August, Dennes said the company – which develops the software in-house – was additionally working on applications for use with Palm and BlackBerry devices, as well as those running Windows operating systems.
“These tools are being developed by people who understand our culture of service and the unique needs of our customer base,” said Dennes.
The Mobile App for Android works on smartphones running Android version 1.6 or higher, and is now available in the Android Market.
As of November, Android phones represented 13 percent of those in use, according to AdMob, which measures ad requests, not sales. Holidays sales, however, as well more recently introduced devices such as the Motorola Droid and the Google Nexus One, are certain to have driven that percentage upward.
A January survey of Appcelerator’s developer clients showed Android to be the number-two platform its developers were most interested in designing for. The greatest focus of their interest is the iPhone, and the anticipated Apple tablet ranked third.


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More From Ryma Chikhoune
For the first time, the beauty retailer offers an inside look at their private event.
Guests included Ava DuVernay, Niecy Nash and Rashida Jones.
Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, Elle Fanning Among Presenters at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards
Honorees included Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghann Fahy, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Eli Mizrahi and Jeanne Yang.
Mônot’s Eli Mizrahi Hosts L.A. Dinner Party at Chateau Marmont, Following Win at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion L.A. Awards
Guests included Teyana Taylor, Ciara, Demi Lovato, Normani, Zoey Deutch and Kat Graham.
Dior has named Alexandra Daddario an ambassador, French auction houses preview sales of Karl Lagerfeld…
Storm Pablo, or La Tormenta as he's also known, styled Bad Bunny in ERL the first weekend of the music…
The founder invites us to a sound bath in her home.
The interiors stylist discusses his career and releasing his first book.
The L.A. facialist's line of products has received numerous shout-outs from her celebrity clients — and it's…
The Hollywood talent agency now represents the designer, currently the artistic director of the house.
The talent management company will handle her fashion ventures.
Also, executive pay dipped at Nordstrom and Victoria's Secret.
The two-day event brought out Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Camila Morrone and Leonardo DiCaprio.


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Calling All Entrepreneurs! We are excited for the Launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Bermuda! The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation launched the the 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) celebrations this month, with events scheduled through to November 22.
Launched in 2008, GEW is celebrated worldwide from November 16th – 22nd. It has grown to include over 170 host countries, 50,000 partner organizations with millions of activities planned throughout the world.
A spokesperson said: “Bermuda has participated in GEW since the start and has been recognized globally at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress for hosting the most events per capita – and this year there will be plenty on offer to get involved in.
“On Saturday, November 14th, the BEDC Business Awards will take place; to celebrate the achievements, growth & resilience of Bermuda’s entrepreneurs. This event will feature local businesses that have been nominated by the public in recognition of their success within the last year. We will also celebrate those entrepreneurs that have dedicated themselves to personal growth & learning by completing BEDC’s educational courses.
“On Tuesday, November 17th, new entrepreneurs are invited to the Festival of Entrepreneurship. This year we will be celebrating entrepreneurs across Bermuda as we want to encourage and celebrate start-ups that have been resilient and committed to creating new or improved products and services for their community.
“Other highlights of the month’s events include the Rocket Pitch Competition. Always an exciting time with entrepreneurs from six categories this year, including Pitch Pink, Pitch Town, Pitch Tech, Pitch Green, Youth Pitch, and now Co-op Pitch, battling out to see whose idea will come out on top and take home the $5,000 cash award and a start-up package of services to help them launch their business.”
Applications were accepted for the competition until November 2nd.
“In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Conference will be a day-long event featuring great Keynote speakers, along with an esteemed panel of local female entrepreneurs. This year’s theme is ‘Choose Women’ and it will certainly be an event that will inspire, empower and elevate Bermuda’s female Entrepreneurs.
“New on the GEW calendar, BEDC will host a Startup Huddle on Friday, November 20th. Startup Huddle is a powerful tool for community building, helping one entrepreneur at a time while engaging the community for feedback. The format is simple: one to two founders will give a six-minute presentation about their company to a diverse audience from their local community, followed by a 20-minute question and answer session where the community provides ideas, connections and feedback for the entrepreneur.
“This year, our partnership with Driven Society continues to bring some of the hottest influencers from the US to Bermuda. Join us for the Inspire Bermuda Virtual Conference on Saturday, November 21st. The virtual experience will include a Vendor and Art Market showcasing top Bermuda talent as well as a daylong of great speakers both local and international.”
Jamillah Lodge, Director of Communication & Development for BEDC and GEW Project Manager, added: “We are so excited this year to have so many opportunities lined up to showcase the entrepreneurial spirt of Bermudians.
“We have seen many entrepreneurs succeed and bring their vision to life, and we want to continue to inspire people to make their business ideas a reality and celebrate those that have already started on their journey.
“We encourage anyone interested in starting their own business, or those who just want to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, to come out and take part in the events put on during the month of November, and beyond.”
|BEDC Business Awards||Nov 14||Virtual|
|Festival Of Entrepreneurship – Celebrating Startups||Nov 17||In Person/Invite Only|
|Pitch Day: Rocket Pitch Finals + Youth Pitch Finals||Nov 18||In Person/Live Stream At Hamilton Princess|
|Women Entrepreneurship Day Conference/ BGV Pitch Competition||Nov 19||Virtual|
|StartUp Huddle||Nov 20||Virtual Mentor|
|Inspire Conference/Driven Society||Nov 21||Virtual|
|I am An Entrepreneur – Video Competition||Ongoing||Virtual|
|The Social Dilemma Discussion||Nov 23||Virtual|
For more information and to purchase tickets for events, visit www.gew.bm, email firstname.lastname@example.org or call 292-5570.


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Tesco in £3bn German swoop
Tesco is in advanced talks over a £3bn deal to buy Real, Germany's biggest hypermarket chain, sources close to the negotiations have revealed.
Discussions over the 260-store chain - currently part of pan-European food and retail giant Metro - have been under way for weeks.
Tying up the deal would put Tesco well on the way to achieving its stated target of having 45% of its sales outside Britain by 2002. At a time of increasing consolidation in the European market after the arrival of US discounter Wal-Mart, and the £30bn merger of French supermarkets Carrefour and Promodes, Tesco is eager for a stronger presence on the Continent.
But it may face competition from Wal-Mart after persistent rumours that the US giant has also held takeover talks with Metro.
Real, with sales of £5bn a year, has 7% of Germany's grocery market. Its hypermarket format is seen as an ideal fit for Tesco's 'Extra' large store format. Metro, which lost its number one slot in the European retail league to the Carrefour merger and has seen its share price almost halve in the past year, is under pressure to do a deal.
A study by Goldman Sachs advised Metro that it would become a credible international player only if it shed its non-core assets such as supermarkets, department stores and its DIY chain in favour of its successful cash-and-carry and consumer electronics division.
The final say on any deal for Real will rest with three Switzerland-based families, the Haniels, Beisheims and Schmidt Ruthenbecks who between them control 60% of Metro shares. Metro's remaining investors have been vocally critical of the group's sprawling conglomerate structure.
The proposed deal would dramatically increase Tesco's size and help to quash rumours that it could be vulnerable to predators.
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Google and unlikely corporate pal Mattel have sent out joint press invites for an event on February 13.
The shindig will take place in New York City, starting at 9am (2pm GMT) (via 9to5google), but that’s about as much as we know.
The only clue as to the purpose of the event comes with the caption: “Mattel invites you to view what’s possible with exclusive announcement and product debut.”
The ‘view what’s possible’ tagline is repeated again at the top of the invite, emblazoned on what looks like a film reel.
This would signal that the two companies are planning to reveal some kind of visual product, although we’ve been given no other hints as to what.
One possibility is that Google will be providing Mattel with Google Cardboard-style VR tech for the toymaker to use in a kid-targeted product.
Related: Best Google Cardboard Apps
It’s also worth noting that this event is one day before the Toy Fair 2015 begins in Manhattan, New York.
Mattel is assured to attend, and will likely be showing off new wares to flog to this year’s money-toting, child-bearing adults.
An announcement with Google ahead of this event lends further credence to the proposal that a toy will be unveiled.


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Proposed ban on cheese ads 'nanny state gone mad'
A PROPOSED ban on the advertising of cheese on television and radio before 9pm was described as an example of “the nanny state gone mad” by Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Charlie Flanagan.
He said the proposal being considered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland would, if implemented, allow for the ban under section 42 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
“There is very little in terms of a link between moderate consumption of cheese products and obesity,” Mr Flanagan said.
“I am very surprised at the level of bureaucracy involved in that cheese, as a product, should be treated in the same way as sugary confectionery or Coca-Cola.”
He said there was a certain nutritional value attached to cheese, specifically relating to its calcium content.
“If cheese is banned as unsuitable viewing before 9pm, we are sending out the wrong message, with particular reference to our thriving dairy industry, jobs, targets and investment under Food Harvest 2020.”
Mr Flanagan said there were 34,000 jobs in the dairy industry, as well as exports worth €2.6 billion to the economy, with a target to double that in the next eight years.
Teagasc had recently invested €1.5 million in the development of new cheese products, mainly for export.
He urged members of the House to join him in issuing “a clarion call to the authority to stop this madness”.
Minister of State for Communications Fergus O’Dowd said he agreed with the thrust of what Mr Flanagan had said and that people had strong views on the issue.
The authority was an independent statutory body, which had as one of its functions the preparation of broadcasting codes or rules, so the Minister had no function in the matter.
Mr O’Dowd said an audiovisual media services directive obliged states to encourage broadcasters to develop codes of conduct regarding commercial communications for products containing fat, trans-fatty acids, salts or sugars which accompanied, or were included in, children’s programmes.
On a national level, the Broadcasting Act obliged the authority to prepare and monitor compliance with broadcasting codes, including the children’s commercial communications codes, as well as reviewing them from time to time, the Minister added.


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AND SO UKIP’s Tim Congdon won Accountancy Age’s second Debate, overturning the proposal that leaving the EU would damage the UK economy.
What would a ‘free market’ really mean in terms of dealing with EU members, from the outside?
It’s clear from our voting that there are many who think that the many threats: such as having to set up new agreements; and being outside of the decision-making process, are outweighed by other considerations.
Are the structural issues and national interests that have long dogged the ideals of a European Union, issues of prescience, or a fait accompli?
In fairness to our losing proposer, Business for New Europe, they want Europe to work for us. As does UKIP.
The key difference is that the BNE sees that happening from within the current edifice; albeit ‘restructured’. UKIP thinks that things would be more simple and effective out of the mess.
What is clear is that Europhiles have a terrific job on their hands to convince many business leaders – and in turn the general public – that the EU is the place to be.
Kevin Reed is editor of both Accountancy Age and Financial Director
Click here to view the Accountancy Age Debate on UK/EU relations, which ran between 25 and 28 March
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The UK gender pay gap will not close until 2069 unless action is taken to tackle it now, according to new research by Deloitte
Three former Tesco executives, including the former finance director of Tesco UK, have been charged with fraud by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to a £263m accounting scandal at the retailer.
Deloitte chief executive David Sproul is among 11 chief executives to take part in global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson’s CEO for a Day scheme


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Mercedes-Benz recently announced pricing information of its Smart Fortwo electric drive for 2013.
Read This Article
Almost a decade and a half ago the Smart ForTwo ruled the microcompact segment when it was first introduced back in 1998.
Smart has never been the success story Daimler, Mercedes-Benz's parent company, hoped it would be.
Hybrids aren't the only option for consumers looking for fuel-efficient 2011 new cars.


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Solar Company Shares Jump On Chinese Energy Subsidy
MARCH 26, 2009
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Shares of solar companies soared Thursday after the Chinese Ministry of Finance said on its Web site that it will offer a subsidy for solar energy.
The subsidy will provide RMB20 ($2.93) per watt for projects over 50 kilowatts, according to analysts. Raymond James analyst Pavel Molchanov said the subsidy is comparable to what California is paying as part of its solar-rebate program.
Analysts called the subsidy generous and some estimated it could cover more than half the cost of a solar panel.
"This is the first time we've seen a national solar subsidy in China," Hapoalim Securities USA Inc. analyst Gordon Johnson told Dow Jones Newswires. "China is a huge market, and there's a lot of energy consumption done in China. The assumption behind this is that the government will support a lot of these companies that need help."
Johnson added he believes the market reaction is overdone because the subsidy's impact on demand for solar projects is going to be relatively minor.
Chinese-based solar companies gained the most Thursday, as Cowen & Co. analyst Robert Stone told Dow Jones Newswires that these companies stand to benefit the most from any Chinese subsidies. He added that the Chinese companies also advanced more than others because they had been trading at a discount to U.S. and international stocks.
"The valuation gap is closing somewhat today," Stone said.
In recent trading, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (STP) soared 47% to $11.50, and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd. (YGE) rose 44% to $5.98. LDK Solar Co. Ltd. (LDK) jumped 40% to $8.25, and Trina Solar Ltd. (TSL) rose 46% to $12.65. China Sunergy Co. Ltd. (CSUN) climbed 34% to $3.35, and JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (JASO) gained 43% to $3.79.
Meanwhile, SolarFun Power Holdings Co. (SOLF) jumped 28% to $4.58 as Canaccord Adams analyst Jonathan Dorsheimer upgraded SolarFun's stock rating to hold from sell, saying margins have likely bottomed out. On Wednesday, the company reported it swung to a fourth-quarter loss on inventory write-downs and falling prices.
Non-Chinese companies also traded higher, though they are less likely to benefit from the subsidies.
First Solar Inc. (FSLR) gained 13% to $151.43, while SunPower Corp. (SPWRA) rose 16% to $27.95. Both are U.S. companies.
Analysts at Piper Jaffray said the Chinese subsidy is a long-term positive, but "it is premature to bid up solar stocks significantly on this news alone."
And some analysts expressed caution over how much the subsidy would help the companies.
Cowen's Stone said it's unclear whether the subsidy is restricted to building-integrated PV, or BIPV, cells - which means the modules have to be an element of the building structure - or whether it could also be used for retrofit modules, which are less expensive and can be put on an existing building.
Hapoalim's Johnson said BIPV solar panels are a small niche market in China and account for only about 2% to 3% of solar demand.
Barclays Capital analyst Vishal Shah said in a note the program is applicable for both BIPV and regular solar module applications, but analysts at Piper Jaffray said in a note only building owners and manufacturers of PV products can take advantage of it.
In addition, analysts at both Piper Jaffray and Barclays said the new subsidy program likely won't be capped.


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Stocks in the news: Emami, Jet Airways, ONGC, Adani Ports and Glenmark Pharma
KKR is in advanced negotiations to invest Rs 2,000 cr in the Emami Group.
Jet Airways: Founder Naresh Goyal is set to lose control of his beleaguered airline after the board approved a proposal allowing a consortium of banks to become the largest shareholder. The stake of Goyal, who founded the airline in April 1992, could drop to as low as 20 per cent from 51 per cent now while Etihad Airways — along with a partner — may eventually become the biggest shareholder.
Emami: US private equity firm KKR is in advanced negotiations to invest as much as Rs 2,000 crore in the Emami Group through a structured credit deal, said people with knowledge of the matter. Emami is seeking to repay some of its high-cost debt and raise funds for working capital requirements.
Adani Ports: Nearly 3.31 crore pledged shares of Adani Ports amounting to 1.60 per cent stake in the company have been released by the two lenders, according to a regulatory filing on the stock exchanges. These shares were pledged by the company’s promoters – Gautam Adani and Rajesh Adani on behalf of S B Adani Family Trust — and were encumbered in favour of IDBI Trusteeship Services and Axis Trustree Services.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals: The drug maker said it will spin-off its innovation business into a separate company in the US, which will focus on therapeutic areas of immunology, oncology and pain management.
ONGC: Oil and Natural Gas Corp’s third-quarter profit has jumped 65 per cent, boosted by higher crude oil prices and a weaker rupee. The state-run explorer’s profit rose to Rs 8,263 crore in the October-December quarter from Rs 5,015 crore a year earlier. Revenue climbed a fifth to Rs 27,694 crore.
Ashok Leyland: India’s second-largest truck maker Ashok Leyland beat the street estimates after its profit for the quarter ended December 31 fell less than what was estimated following tepid sales during the Diwali season, reports Our Bureau. The Chennai-based maker of commercial vehicles reported a net profit of Rs 381 crore, down 21 per cent from the corresponding quarter in the previous year. The Bloomberg consensus estimate for the company’s profit was Rs 275 crore.
Ricoh India: In a rare instance and probably the first of its kind in India, minority shareholders have bid for a company – Ricoh India -- that has filed for bankruptcy under the NCLT. Kotak Investment Advisors, Karvy Data management services and Bengaluru-based WEP solutions are already in the race to acquire the company. The scrip is suspended for trading due to penal reasons.
GSK Consumer: Packaged consumer goods maker GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH) reported 35 per cent increase in net profit at Rs 221 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, it said in a stock exchange filing. The maker of Horlicks and Boost health food drinks had reported net profit of per cent163.6 crore in the year-ago quarter, reports Our Bureau.
MTNL: State-owned MTNL reported widening of its standalone loss to Rs 832.26 crore for the three months ended December 2018, compared to about Rs 639 crore in the year ago period.
Videocon Industries: Debt-ridden Videocon Industries reported a net loss of Rs 1,023.08 crore for the third quarter of the current fiscal.The company had reported a net loss of Rs 1,314.96 crore in the year ago period.
JK Tyre & Industries: The company posted over two-fold increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 26.89 crore for the third quarter ended December 31.
Cox & Kings: The travel firm reported a 31.30 per cent dip in its standalone net profit to Rs 23.22 crore for the third quarter ended December 31. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 33.80 crore for the corresponding period previous fiscal, Cox & Kings said in a BSE filing.
Gammon Infra: The company posted a standalone loss of Rs 80.35 crore for the December quarter. It had posted a standalone profit 'for the period from continuing operations' of Rs 7.24 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, Gammon Infrastructure Projects said in a filing to the BSE.
Nestlé India: A unit of Nestlé SA reported 9.6 per cent increase in net profit for the fourth-quarter ended December 31, 2018, reports Our Bureau. The maker of Maggi noodles and Nescafé coffee said in a stock exchange filing on Thursday that growth was driven by strong demand for its products in its home market. It reported profit of Rs 342 crore in the three months ended December 31, compared with Rs 312 crore for the corresponding year-ago quarter.
Infibeam: India’s first listed e-commerce entity, Infibeam Avenues, reported a jump in net profit by 1294 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) FY18-19, reports Our Bureau. Net profit stood at Rs 26.6 crore compared to Rs 1.9 crore year-on-year basis. IT revenue for the December-ended quarter surged by 104 per cent and stood at Rs 150.3 crore compared to Rs 73.6 crore for the same period last year.
American depositary receipts (ADRs) of Tata Motors rose 2.09 per cent, ICICI Bank 1.47 per cent, and Vedaaaanta 0.82 per cent. HDGC ADRs dropped 1.14 per cent. Meanwhile, MTNL saw its ADRs plunging 28.57 per cen in overnight trade after the state-run company said its losses widened to Rs 832.26 crore in December quarter.


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Enterprise software giant Oracle (ORCL) reported a 25% rise in fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, helped by strong sales of new licenses and market share gains at the expense of the company's chief rival, SAP (SAP).
For the three months ended May 31, Oracle posted net income of $2.4 billion, or 46 cents a share, up from $1.9 billion, or 38 cents, booked in last year's fourth quarter. Excluding items, Oracle would have reported earnings of 60 cents a share, well ahead of analysts' average forecast of 54 cents, according to data from Thomson Reuters.
Revenue rose 39% to $9.5 billion from $6.9 billion a year ago, which was in line with Wall Street's average estimate.
"We continue to take large chunks of market share away from SAP," Charles Phillips, Oracle's president, said in a statement. "Over the last twelve months Oracle's applications business has grown 5% on a constant dollar basis while SAP's business has declined 24% over their previous four quarters."
Grow your nest-egg.View Course »


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No too long ago, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) wrote an amicus brief in support of Blizzard in the infamous MDY v. Blizzard case. Within that brief, the SIIA wrote:
Today, licenses govern most mass market software transactions, and the software industry has grown to over $500 billion in annual revenues.
Here the SIIA points out that the $500 billion software industry almost exclusively uses so-called "licenses" to distribute their products. The appeals court will hopefully carefully take note of this fact, because it is an indicator of what will happen to our country's copyright laws if the district court's MDY v. Blizzard decision is upheld.
The thing is that section 117 of the Copyright Act only has meaning if users of software own the copies of software that they use. If the copyright owners own all of the copies, then there is nobody who is affected by section 117. Section 117 would basically become a dead law. A ghost-town within the law books, complete with chirping crickets and tumbleweeds. It might as well just be dropped from the books.
In other words, by allowing the SIIA and the companies it represents to unilaterally claim that all software is licensed, not sold, the courts would effectively be promoting the software industry to the position of the Third Chamber of Congress. It would give the software industry the ability to write their own "laws" about what actions (or inactions!) would constitute copyright infringement anywhere software is involved. This is because, without section 117, EULAs would be the only voice that would determine what is and what is not copyright infringement. Imagine that a company would get to decide what rules consumers will need to follow, lest they be hammered by the full force of copyright law complete with its exorbitant statutory damages and even criminal penalties. This is a pretty scary prospect, and is a prospect that the appeals court should not take lightly when considering MDY v. Blizzard.


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Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 4 won the initial skirmish over next-generation video-game consoles by exploiting the weak spots in Microsoft Corp.'s plan for the Xbox One: price and used-game policies.
In dueling press conferences earlier this month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Sony and Microsoft each made their pitch to the serious gamers whose opinions set the trend in the $37 billion market for console-based video games and hardware. Then customers were able to start reserving the new console of their choice.
The result has been a rapid shift in expectations for the two machines, with Sony gaining the upper hand with fans and early sales against Microsoft, the console leader for the past two years. The Xbox One will sell for a premium-priced $499 and limit users' ability to buy, trade and resell games. Sony, once dominant in the industry, came in $100 cheaper and won't limit transactions, and has been rewarded with a boom in orders.
"Sony essentially kicked Microsoft's ass," said Gabe Bethke, 19, a sophomore at Occidental College in Los Angeles, who watched online and owns an Xbox 360. "A lot of people who are hardcore gamers are going to be turned off by the Xbox One. It has too many rules and restrictions."
Bethke's comments echoed the views of attendees walking the floor of E3, the annual video-game industry trade show, as manufacturers and game publishers introduce new products meant to fend off a shift toward smartphone and tablets.
Sony lost its lead in the current generation of video-game hardware by charging an initial $599 for the PlayStation 3 seven years ago. Nintendo Co.'s cheaper Wii sold the most units during that round, although Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft's Xbox 360 has topped the monthly charts recently.
Now Microsoft has to justify an extra $100 for its machine, which goes on sale in November — a premium that largely goes to cover the Kinect motion sensor that some gamers aren't convinced they need.
"Four hundred ninety-nine dollars is too much. It should have been $399," said Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Securities Inc. who has been following video games for more than a decade.
Kinect, the Xbox Live service, content partnerships with the NFL, access to Skype video calls and unique features such as the SmartGlass app that allows users to switch between screens set Microsoft apart, Don Mattrick, president of the company's interactive entertainment unit, said in an interview. The console will have 13 exclusive next-generation games, including the next "Halo."
The 24-Hour Connection
"We're overdelivering value against other choices," Mattrick said in an interview. "Any modern product these days, when you look at it, $499 isn't a ridiculous price point."
Microsoft's plan to require an Internet connection every 24 hours to check game licenses has proved unpopular. Game discs can be resold only through authorized retailers, can be given away only once, to friends who have been listed for at least 30 days, and publishers can opt out of supporting resales. Titles, stored online and on the machine, can be shared with as many as 10 family members.
Igor Zabo, a 19-year-old game-design student attending E3 from Sao Paulo, Brazil, called Xbox One's need for a daily connection to the Internet "lame," noting that Web access in parts of Brazil can be sporadic.
"The PS4 has a lot more to offer," Zabo said. "I can get a lot of games. I can play used ones, I can sell or give to my friends."
Both machines will compete against Nintendo's $300 Wii U, which was released in November and has generated disappointing sales. Nintendo announced coming titles for the new machine based on characters including Zelda, Super Mario and Smash Bros.
For game publishers, the developments are encouraging, said Frank Gibeau, president of labels at Electronic Arts Inc., the second-largest U.S. game publisher. While Sony and Microsoft have differences in their approaches to online services, title slates and how they use the power of the machines, the dialog with the public is still very early, he said.
"You're going to see sentiment shift between now and the time they go on sale," Gibeau said. "We will monitor the ebb and flow and develop where the audience is."