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Gaming outlet Kotaku reviews that tech big Google is outwardly engaged on a gaming platform which might tackle Xbox and PlayStation. Google’s rumoured platform codenamed Yeti, goes to deal with sport streaming, with the corporate planning on buying growth studios to create unique titles.
Jason Schreier, author at Kotaku wrote an article about Google’s plans on taking up yet one more leisure medium. The corporate we most frequently affiliate with Youtube, Android and Gmail seemingly may be very all for becoming a member of the bandwagon of historically non-gaming centred corporations which can be set to make large waves within the business. Like Amazon which began a couple of years in the past by shopping for sport growth studios and the preferred sport streaming service Twitch, Google is sensing a attainable revolution within the seasoned gaming business.
All of it comes right down to streaming. On this case, not music or video however video games. In reality, Google is by far not the primary firm that exhibits curiosity on this matter. Prominently, Sony was one of many greater gamers in gaming that managed to place the fantasy into actuality by launching PlayStation Now in 2015. Customers are capable of stream and play video games by way of the cloud, rendering the acquisition of pricy devoted out of date.
Whereas the thought of enjoying the most recent and biggest video games on tablets, laptops and TVs is attractive, infrastructure issues have been hindering the idea of reaching nice success. Streaming video games calls for a excessive bandwidth reference to quick obtain and add speeds to scale back latency and uphold pristine image high quality. Even in 2018, many customers merely lack the mandatory web connection high quality for an excellent sport streaming expertise.
Regular upgrades on infrastructure and new wi-fi community requirements reminiscent of 5G are poised to enhance the state of affairs nonetheless. Possibly it’s that perception which enabled many large corporations not too long ago to announce or trace at their very own sport streaming plans, like Microsoft and Digital Arts did throughout this 12 months’s E3.
Google should persuade not solely prospects but additionally growth companions that their enterprise into video games by way of streaming received’t find yourself being deserted like many earlier tasks of the tech firm. There’s one factor for certain although, Google has vital potential to ascertain sport streaming as a extremely profitable new know-how with their immense presence in information facilities and expertise in streaming content material throughout the net.
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According to Romanian media, Samsung has put for sale its 45 MW solar power plant in Giurgiu in southern Romania, and has already received several offers.
Samsung commissioned the power plant in 2012, after the investment of some 120 million euros.
Samsung operates the solar power plant throu
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The moment sci-fi fans have been waiting for is on its way – as this week it was confirmed that the latest installment of the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek Into Darkness will hit Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D on 2nd September.
When a ruthless mastermind (Benedict Cumberbatch) declares a one-man war on the Star Trek Federation, Captain Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise are pulled into an exhilarating man hunt to stop him. Things spiral out of control and as the team face their darkest hour, they find themselves in dire need of a hero to save them.
For the first time ever, the featurettes on this latest Blu-ray release will be produced entirely by director J.J. Abrams. These Blu-ray extras are set to include a look at how the incredible set was designed, and some behind the scenes pieces with stars Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch.
For more info, check out IGN.


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India’s powerloom sector can double its earnings in the next five years, if it can focus on value addition, modernisation, and productivity gains, said SSM Mathivanan, President, Tamilnadu Powerloom Federation Limited.
Mathivanan said the industry needs to embrace modernisation – and go for automatic looms to produce wider-width fabrics which are in high demand. With the existing powerlooms, India can produce fabrics only of 48 inches width. But automatic powerlooms can produce fabrics of 63 inches that are sold for a premium.
Talking about productivity, he pointed out that China is the number one producer of fabrics and India comes sixth, despite India having more machines than China. “We have about 50 lakh handlooms, over 25 lakh powerlooms, and nearly 2 lakh automatic looms.
But we are unable to increase the output value, mainly because our productivity is low. One powerloom can produce 50 meters of fabrics a day but we hardly produce 25 meters a day, he pointed out.


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News tagged ‘tv’
Monday, 19 Mar 2012
Now TCL, one of China's biggest television makers, takes the limelight as it shows off its huge 110-inch 3D TV.
Friday, 13 Jan 2012
While all major TV brands have long adopted their own Smart TV platforms, it's only this year where we're seeing a major shift in remote controller designs to accommodate their new platforms. We check out what the big four brands were up to in CES 2012.
Tuesday, 3 Jan 2012
At CES 2012, LG will be unveiling its 55-inch OLED TV, weighing 7.5kg and having a 4mm thin profile. The OLED TV is likely to go on sale sometime in Q4 2012.
Friday, 30 Dec 2011
At CES 2012, LG will be unveiling the world's largest 3D Ultra Definition (UD) TV. The 84-inch 3D TV will come with a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160, four times higher than existing full HD TV panels.
Monday, 31 Oct 2011
Google TV was launched a year ago to lackluster response due to its complicated user interface and a dearth of TV shows caused by broadcast issues with US TV networks. But a major update is coming.
Thursday, 6 Oct 2011
Consumers surfing the Internet and social networking sites whilst watching TV is on the rise, according to Ovum, an independent telecommunications analyst firm.
Tuesday, 21 Jun 2011
Irdeto announces that Toshiba has decided to adopt Irdeto's dynamic security solution for its high-end Cinema Series HDTV sets.
Tuesday, 7 Jun 2011
Sony's range of products grows by one with the introduction of a new 24-inch Full HD 3D LCD display which also allows two viewers to see two unique displays at the same time.
Monday, 14 Mar 2011
The concept of TV Anywhere is being introduced in Singapore with the release of VueCube, a 4GTV Broadcast Trial. Multiple channels will be available that will provide a variety of non-stop content for users over the 4G network.
Wednesday, 25 Aug 2010
Sanus Systems has announced the shipping of their VisionMount VXF220 All Weather Full-Motion Mount, an all-weather rust-resistant and stainless steel mount made to withstand 42 to 75-inch flat panel TVs.


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Mike Novogratz, a crypto billionaire, has come out to announce the launch of his non-fungible token (NFT) for charity. He collaborates with the Rotary Fund, one of the biggest charity funds in the world. They will create an exclusive NFT available on December 21, 2021, on Rarible.
Rarible is a multi-chain NFT marketplace with Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos integrated. The platform has $274 million in trading volume, over 400k NFTs created, and 1.6 million total users. The sale will be an auction, and every sale will go to charity with the help of the Rotary Fund.
Whoever buys the NFT will get an exclusive metaverse version of Mike Novogratz himself. The buyer will also be invited to join the Rotary club, which is made up of investors, entrepreneurs, big benefactors, and many others. The Club pass makes it possible for people to attend Rotary events all over the world, usually it’s given to a person who donates more than $100,000 in total, and it can be re-sold with the NFT token in the future.
The NFT launch is also supported by X10 Agency, one of the leading blockchain and crypto PR agencies worldwide, and has worked with big names in the crypto industry.
Details About the NFT Launch
The Mike Novogratz NFT auction will begin December 21, 2021, at exactly 10 AM UTC and will end December 23, 2021, at 10 AM UTC. Anyone and everyone can participate in the auction to own the Mike Novogratz NFT and the benefits that come with it.
It is not every day that one gets exclusive access to seasoned and experienced investors and business moguls. However, this benefit awaits anyone who buys the Novogratz NFT. The person is just buying a non-fungible token; he is also buying “access to billionaires”.
The auction will be available here: https://rarible.com/rotarynft
Who is Mike Novogratz?
Michael Edward Novogratz hails from the United States and is currently the CEO of Galaxy Digital Holdings, which focuses on cryptocurrency investments such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. He is an ex-hedge fund manager and was ranked a billionaire by Forbes in 2007 before the global financial crisis of 2008. However, he regained his fortune after investing in digital currencies. In 2017, Mr. Novogratz stated that 20% of his net worth was in Bitcoin and Ethereum. He went ahead to reveal he made $250 million from cryptocurrency from 2016 to 2017. This is proof that he is not new to the crypto space, and he certainly understands the industry.
About Rotary Fund
Rotary Club Kyiv International is a part of Rotary International, an international non-governmental organization uniting Rotary Clubs all around the world. They are a network of non-religious and non-political charitable organizations for all countries, regardless of racial affiliations, religion, and political views. As a community, Rotary has served for more than 115 years in more than 200 countries.
The world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA, was formed on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris. The name “Rotary” was derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. Currently, 35,000 plus Rotary Clubs exist in over 200 countries and territories. The principal motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self.”
Contact Person: Felix
Website: https://rarible.com/rotarynft/ / https://x10.agency


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Trump tariffs strengthen “perfect storm” slamming Nevada farms
Cattle in Elko County. Famartin [CC BY-SA 3.0]
A wall of surplus beef, Donald Trump’s trade wars, and a drop in demand for milk and cheese threaten profits for Nevada’s $1 billion farming and ranching industries.
“Hogs were hit very hard. Pork exports to China got hit the hardest. There’s a hog farm in Las Vegas that’s hurting because they can’t sell their pork to China,” says Doug Busselman, executive vice-president of the Nevada Farm Bureau. “Dairy prices have been challenging for producers all along but tariff wars have made it worse. And hay prices are not going up.”
Hank Combs is the owner of Las Vegas Livestock Farms.
“Any time you lose market share it hurts,” says Combs. “It makes a glut of pigs in the state and lowers prices.”
But the hit to business hasn’t eroded Combs’ support for Trump.
“Sometimes you gotta take the good with the bad,” Combs says. “The economy is doing well. Labor rates are going up so we don’t like that. But I think in the long term we’ll prevail in the trade negotiations and see a rise in commodities.”
Libby Lovig is the manager of Nevada Dairymen, a trade association of dairy farmers mostly based in Northern Nevada.
“We’re stable for now but it’s like a perfect storm,” Lovig says of the tariffs, reduction in demand and accompanying price drops that threaten Nevada’s $170 million dairy industry and the livelihoods of about two dozen farmers throughout the state. The Department of Corrections is also in the dairy business. The Northern Nevada Dairy Farm is adjacent to the Northern Nevada Correctional Facility in Carson City.
Donald Trump’s tariffs on milk exported to Mexico are taking a toll on milk prices, which are already low, given competition from alternative soy and almond milk and the popularity of bottled water, says Lovig.
“Some producers are turning out more cheese in place of fluid milk but it sells for less,” she says.
The nation’s herd of 9 million or so dairy cows decreased by 8,000 between July 2017 and June 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Decreases in the herd are historically followed by a drop in prices.
Busselman says much of the milk produced in Nevada goes through a Dairy Farmers of America processing plant in Fallon, where it’s turned into powdered milk that fetches a premium on the export market.
“With the trade war going on with China they’ve also been affected there. It’s not competitive for it to be sold so it’s going to other places for other uses instead of the price they were expecting to get shipping to China,” he says.
Despite the trade wars and threats to their own businesses, Busselman says many of the 1,100 ranchers and farmers he represents throughout the state remain strong in their support of Trump, even as the president’s support erodes elsewhere.
“We don’t have the same kind of export markets they do in other states,” Busselman says of Nevada’s 4,200 agricultural operations, which cover almost 6 million acres of land. The average operation earned just over $40,000 in 2012, according to the state.
“In some midwestern areas where you have commodities being more drastically affected, some worry and are frustrated as they get more into harvest season,” Busselman says. “They were already having challenging cash flow situations because of economic conditions and the trade disputes have made that worse. There’s a lot of concern in the Heartland among farmers who have been negatively affected by the trade issues. But we had some concerns over the trade situation with Mexico and Canada before, so Trump is doing what he promised to do.”
While only a few dozen dairy farms dot the Nevada landscape, the greater industry-related threat is to alfalfa, the state’s largest cash crop, which is purchased by dairy farmers in surrounding states such as California.
Farmers there are already being squeezed, not just by 40 percent taxes on $126 million in annual dairy exports to China, but also by cuts in demand from Mexico.
California dairies were folding even before Trump’s tariffs went into effect, declining from 1,563 in 2012 to 1,392 in 2016, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Meanwhile, a 2.5 billion pound surplus of beef and poultry in deep freeze throughout the nation is cause for concern to Nevada cattle ranchers, whose herds roam rangelands largely owned by the federal government.
The so-called “Wall of Beef” is the result of trade disputes and a supply glut, government experts say. Canada hit U.S. beef imports with a ten percent tariff on July 1, and China followed with a whopping 25 percent tax on imported beef on July 6.
Additionally, U.S. consumption is down. The National Resources Defense Council says Americans cut their beef consumption by nearly one-fifth between 2005 and 2014, with consumption of chicken and pork falling off, as well.
Nevada’s cattle industry boasts about 460,000 head — mostly breeding cattle and calves — and employs about 1,400 people, according to the state’s Cattle Association.
While the U.S. is the world’s largest producer of beef, Nevada’s contribution is minor — ranking 37th out of the 50 states, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The state is primarily a “nursery” for “feeder calves”, which are born in the spring, sold in autumn and transferred to feeder lots out of state where they are “finished” or fattened up for slaughter, says Busselman of the Farm Bureau.
“We don’t produce a lot of straight beefs. The cows you see in the pastures, they are having the cattle that will someday become beef,” he says.
“The world is developing a taste and liking for American beef,” says Nevada Cattlemen’s Association president Sam Mori of Tuscarora. “Per capita consumption is static. Supply is outrunning demand right now but the export market is increasing.”
Mori thinks the trade wars will have a “minimal, short-term effect.”
“The majority of the protein surplus is pork, not beef,” he says.
Nevada’s public lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, both of which issue grazing permits. The fee for livestock grazing is $1.41 per animal unit month (AUM). An animal unit month describes the grazing capacity of a given pasture. A 1,200 pound cow and her 300 pound calf would be considered 1.5 AU. Additionally, 780 pounds of grass is considered one AUM, meaning a 1,000 pound animal would consume 780 pounds of forage in one month.
The government also assesses a surcharge for the grazing of livestock not owned by the person who holds the permit. Nevada’s surcharge is $2.97 per AUM, the second lowest of the eleven western states. Arizona has the lowest surcharge at $2.83. Nebraska has the highest at $13.44, according to the BLM.
Cattle ranching, for all its history and romanticism, is water-intensive, debilitating to the environment and not as profitable as other land uses such as hay and alfalfa farming.
“Land that grows alfalfa hay that’s baled and sold as a commodity has a higher return than land that is grazed,” says Busselman.
Alfalfa sells at about $180 a ton, he says. Under normal production conditions, an acre will yield four and a half tons a year.
USDA lists the state’s production value of hay at $174 a ton or $195,440,000 annually, and the value of alfalfa hay at $176 a ton, or $146,160,000 for 2017.
Nevada’s best-known alfalfa farmer is U.S. Senator Dean Heller, who owns a 180-acre farm in Smith Valley.
Last week, while the rest of the nation was tuned in to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Busselman and his fellow farm experts were watching lawmakers wrangle over the Farm Bill, which could open a new crop for Nevada farmers.
“There’s quite a bit of interest in growing industrial hemp. It could come off Schedule I. We were involved in the last legislative session for further expansion of the development,” Busselman says. “It’s probably going to be a niche market. Since the 2004 farm bill, it’s been eligible for research activities so there’s been a growing interest of identifying what it takes to grow it, seed varieties, production practices.”
In the meantime, Busselman is keeping one eye on trade talks, especially the North American Fair Trade Agreement among the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“As we go forward there’s a Mexico agreement that has been worked out. There’s some expectation the Canada thing will be worked out and both Canada and Mexico are significantly larger markets for the U.S. than China.”
As for Busselman’s other eye — it’s on alfalfa prices, fluid milk, and the hog glut.
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Bryght AI’s technology will be added to all of QuestionPro's survey and research platforms
QuestionPro, a global leader in online survey and research services has acquired Bryght AI, a conversational intelligence platform that helps companies drive customer retention, satisfaction, conversion and compliance by analysing digital customer brand engagement. QuestionPro will add Bryght AI’s technology across all of its survey and research platforms.
Using artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), Bryght AI analyses millions of customer messages, along with other brand mentions across social media, online reviews, and similar digital venues. The result is a rich data set that helps companies understand the effectiveness of their customer interactions as well as what is being said about the brand outside of company communications channels.
Together with industry-specific terminology, jargon, euphemisms and other keywords, Bryght AI offers sophisticated, proprietary algorithms to make analysis even more accurate for certain industries.
Vivek Bhaskaran, founder and CEO of QuestionPro, said: “In simplest terms, with structured data, you get what you ask for. With unstructured data, you get what you didn’t even know to ask.”
“With advanced analytics now for both structured and unstructured data built into our platforms, clients will now be able to derive even better insights and business intelligence.”
Companies use Bryght AI to predict customer satisfaction/net promoter score; conversion, upsell and cross-sell opportunities; churn; product/feature/competitor references. The platform also analyses, detects and reports regulatory compliance, policy compliance and abuse.
Praful Chavda, founder and CEO of Bryght AI, said: “Unstructured text embedded in customer conversations represents a gold mine of data. Our platform can automatically tag large volumes of such unstructured text data without requiring laborious manual efforts.”
“These insights help customers drive critical actions such as retention/upsell emails, net promoter score (NPS) and customer satisfaction (CSAT) surveys, compliance and risk audits, and personalization via micro-segmentation.”


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A SUSPICIOUS package found in a town which forced a bomb squad to attend the area is believed to have been an organic substance.
Homes were evacuated as a precaution after the discovery of the foil-wrapped package dumped outside the Co-op on Buchan Road in Fraserburgh.
A gardener from the town came across the item, with a battery connected to the top, on the pavement next to a drainpipe.
The store was evacuated while police closed down the street for around seven hours before reopening it again.
A “water bullet” was fired at the package to identify what was inside, understood to be something of an organic nature.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm following an investigation by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, the suspicious package found in Buchan Road in Fraserburgh was not found to contain any hazardous material.
“The incident is now subject to further police inquiry.
“The police cordon was stood down at 7pm.”


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...American apples that is.
Much ado about probably nothing.Back in 2008, European Food Safety Authority began pressing the chemical industry to provide safety information on a substance called diphenylamine, or DPA. Widely applied to apples after harvest, DPA prevents "storage scald"brown spots that "becomes a concern when fruit is stored for several months," according to Washington State University, reporting from the heartland of industrial-scale apple production.
What does that have to do with the US-grown apples now gleaming, spot-free, on supermarket shelves? According to EWG, in 2010, when the US Department of Agriculture last looked for DPA residues on US-grown apples, it found them on 80 percent of samples. Average reading: 0.42 ppm, or about four times the new European limit. In other words, the apple on your countertop would likely be deemed unsafe by European authorities.
So what's our own Environmental Protection Agency's take on DPA-coated apples? It green-lights residues of up to 10 ppm100 times the new European normand hasn't reconsidered its position on the chemical since 1998, EWG reports. Nor does it have plans to do so in the future. Here's EWG:
Earlier this year three scientists in the U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides, which is tasked with pesticide safety reviews, told EWG they were unaware of the new European ban and import restrictions. They said the agency had no plans to reassess DPA safety in light of the European actions.


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FedEx (FDX) Upgraded to Buy by Zacks Investment Research
FedEx (NYSE:FDX) was upgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note issued on Wednesday. The brokerage currently has a $282.00 target price on the shipping service provider’s stock. Zacks Investment Research‘s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 13.20% from the company’s current price.
According to Zacks, “Shares of FedEx have outperformed its industry and rival United Parcel Service in a year's time. Solid e-commerce growth is a huge positive for the company. To boosts its e-commerce portfolio, the company acquired P2P earlier in 2018. We expect the company to perform impressively in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 backed by e-commerce growth. Detailed results will be available on Jun 19. In fact, the positive sentiment surrounding the stock can be gauged from the fact that the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal fourth-quarter earnings has been revised 1.4% upward over the last 30 days. Efforts to reward its shareholders are also noteworthy. Moreover, a dividend hike at FedEx in the coming days cannot be ruled out, in light of the savings induced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. High costs, however, continue to hurt the bottom line.”
Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on FDX. Robert W. Baird reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $270.00 price objective on shares of FedEx in a research report on Monday, February 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded FedEx from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $290.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 23rd. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on FedEx from $265.00 to $274.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, March 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $315.00 price objective on shares of FedEx in a research report on Monday, March 19th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upgraded FedEx from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $284.00 to $295.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and twenty-three have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company presently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $280.38.
FedEx (NYSE:FDX) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 20th. The shipping service provider reported $3.72 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.11 by $0.61. The firm had revenue of $16.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $16.17 billion. FedEx had a return on equity of 21.65% and a net margin of 6.99%. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.35 EPS. equities analysts expect that FedEx will post 15.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.
In related news, Director Paul S. Walsh sold 4,400 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.00, for a total value of $1,122,000.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 14,400 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,672,000. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Frederick W. Smith sold 124,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, April 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $255.99, for a total value of $31,742,760.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 14,864,465 shares in the company, valued at $3,805,154,395.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 8.45% of the company’s stock.
A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FDX. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of FedEx by 14,866.7% during the first quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 449 shares of the shipping service provider’s stock valued at $108,000 after purchasing an additional 446 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of FedEx during the fourth quarter valued at about $144,000. We Are One Seven LLC acquired a new stake in shares of FedEx during the fourth quarter valued at about $148,000. Centaurus Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of FedEx during the first quarter valued at about $156,000. Finally, Noesis Capital Mangement Corp acquired a new stake in shares of FedEx during the fourth quarter valued at about $202,000. 73.87% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
FedEx Company Profile
FedEx Corporation provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services worldwide. The company's FedEx Express segment provides various shipping services for the delivery of packages and freight; international trade services specializing in customs brokerage, and ocean and air freight forwarding services; assistance with the customs-trade partnership against terrorism program; and customs clearance services, as well as an information tool that allows customers to track and manage imports.
For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com
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(Reuters) – Olam International has completed the acquisition of the global cocoa business of Archer Daniels Midland Co. in a deal valued at $1.2 billion, the companies said on Friday.
The deal, first announced in December last year, catapults the Singapore-based commodities firm into the top tier of global suppliers to the chocolate business.
It boosts Olam’s processing capacity to about 700,000 tonnes, behind only Barry Callebaut and Cargill Inc. with operations in major producing countries Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana and Brazil as well as coming markets in Europe, the United States, Canada and Asia.
The combined entity will be looking to source from around 850,000 tonnes to 900,000 tonnes annually, Gerry Manley, Olam’s head of cocoa said.
“We want to be really focused on the cocoa products market and supplying the chocolate industry, cocoa powder users, and really not set ourselves up in competition to chocolate manufacturers,” Manley said.
“Most importantly of all for us from a producing country point of view and indeed a consuming country point of view, we get Brazil. It’s the largest producing country where Olam has not been involved before.”
Manley said Olam was also looking at increasing its interest in the Japanese market.
Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp bought a 20 percent stake in Olam in August.
“Clearly in the joint venture Mitsubishi are looking to see how they can increase the links with Olam in Japan and indeed understand more about the various agricultural businesses that we’re involved with,” he said.
Olam’s cocoa business will continue to be headquartered in London although the company has opened a new office outside of Geneva where the Switzerland-based staff from ADM will be relocating.
Olam said the acquisition was expected to be earnings, returns and cash flow accretive in the first full year of consolidation.
The company said the acquired business was expected to generate earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of between $180 million and $200 million including synergies in 2018. (Reporting by Sarah McFarlane and Nigel Hunt; editing by Adrian Croft)
The Coca-Cola Co. has promoted Evguenia (Jeny) Stoichkova to president of global ventures, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Ms. Stoichkova joined Coca-Cola Bulgaria in 2004 and was most recently the president of the company’s Eurasia & Middle East division, a role she has held since 2021.
US-based Perfect Day, is partnering with Onego Bio, which specializes in creating animal-free eggs, aiming to accelerate the timeline to bring the eggs to the market. The business, with the use of its technology, plans to commercialize animal-free ovalbumin, the most abundant egg white protein extracted through precision fermentation.
Food waste costs the EU €143 billion per year (US$141.7 billion), with a report by Feedback EU raising the alarm of how it’s vital to reduce waste from farm to fork 50% by 2030 and the only way this will be achieved is by enforcing a mandatory directive forcing the food industry to do better and retailers to pay a tax of food waste.


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Where do you tend to watch your YouTube cat videos? If you’re like many people, you’re watching them around the house and in public while glued to your smartphone or tablet screen.
In an earnings call yesterday, Google CEO Larry Page confirmed just that, announcing that 40 percent of YouTube traffic now comes from mobile screens, up from 25 percent last year and 6 percent in 2011.
The substantial rise comes from the simple and long-predicted fact that more and more people across the world own smartphones and that those who do are also using them more. YouTube has been prepared for mobile domination since 2007, when they formed a dedicated mobile team and worked to get their YouTube app pre-installed on Apple iPhones. However, when Apple announced that the YouTube app would no longer be included on their newest iOS operating system late last year, there were rumors that YouTube had lost out. It turned out, of course, that YouTube merely wanted to take control of its own app development, so that they could focus their app on one thing: ad money.
And it worked. Last June, YouTube announced that it had tripled its advertising sales from mobile viewing over the first six months of 2013. Developing their own app for Apples iOS devices allowed YouTube to run ads on their app, which netted advertising sales to the tune of $350 million in revenue for YouTube during that time. Lucas Watson, vice president of sales at YouTube, said then, “The commercial business has exploded. It’s a huge part of our business, and we know where it’s headed.”
Since then, YouTube has worked hard to improve their app – they already had a dedicated mobile team in place in 2007, relatively early in the mobile game, just for such occasions. So far over the past year, YouTube has added multi-tasking functionality with a picture-in-picture feature to their Android app, InVideo Programming for its content creators, and live streaming and TV play. In the latest iOS 7, the YouTube app includes features like the ability to watch a video while searching for other videos and choice of video quality while on Wi-Fi.
All of this is to say that YouTube on mobile is big, very big — all the more reason YouTube had better get over its feud with Microsoft quickly.


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There have been many reports recently about some of the latest Android devices not working properly with Android Auto and Google has now come through with a fix. A new update has been pushed out for Google Play Services, which basically manages Google's apps and services on an Android device, and it enables Android Auto on the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge.
Google announced Android Auto last year, the software lets users extend the Android experience of their smartphone to the car's touchscreen system. Many major car manufacturers have already committed to supporting this platform in their newer models and OEMs have also developed aftermarket head units which bring Android Auto support for existing vehicles.
Apps like Google Maps, Google Now, Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora and many others can then be used when an Android device is connected to the system. The custom user interface has been designed in a way that requires minimal interaction from the driver so that they can keep focusing on the road, it's also possible to control Android Auto using voice navigation. It works only with devices running Lollipop and since the Galaxy S6 is already on the latest iteration of Android you shouldn't have any problems now when hooking it up to an Android Auto system.


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Silver Spur Gun and Blade Show Is This Weekend in Lubbock [Interview]
Thursday on The Chad Hasty Show, Kim Sansom from Silver Spur Trade Shows joined the broadcast to talk about their gun and blade show taking place this Saturday and Sunday, July 25th and 26th, 2020.
Sansom shared details about vendors attending, and what to expect in the way of new rules in the age of the coronavirus. The show will have over 400 tables with guns, accessories, ammunition, reloading supplies, and much more.
Visit their official website for more details about the show and for discount information for military, law enforcement, NRA members and more.
Listen to the entire interview with Kim Sansom in the video above.
The Chad Hasty Show airs weekday mornings live, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM on News/Talk 95.1 FM and 790 AM KFYO. You may also listen to the show live online at KFYO.com, on the fantastic, free and easy to use KFYO App, all Alexa-enabled devices using the KFYO Skill, as well as on Google Home devices. You may follow Chad on Twitter: @ChadHastyRadio, Instagram: instagram.com/chadhastyradio, Snapchat: @ChadHastyRadio. Much more information about Hasty, as well as his extra-show content and commentary may be found at kfyo.com/author/chadhasty. Be sure to tune in to KFYO and check our website for the latest news and commentary, follow KFYO Radio on Twitter: @KFYO, and subscribe to KFYO's YouTube channel.
12 New Places to Eat in Lubbock


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China onshore weakens again today. USD/CNY above 6.9
7 is thought to be a bit of a line in the sand. Not there quite yet but not far away at the pace CNY is losing ground:
The PBOC has been allowing the yuan to fall. The view is the currency is not being 'weaponised' (i.e falling to make Chinese goods cheaper in the face of increasing tariffs).
To pop my tin hat on for a moment - that's what China would love us to think though.
The argument supporting the PBOC not wanting it fall too far is that it will encourage capital outflow, which the PBOC is trying to keep under control.


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File this under "When is not a business really a bargain?"
Three months ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved a generic version of the anti-allergy device EpiPen and pointed out that the new product from Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) would offer a "lower cost option". But Teva does not offer The type of alternative envisioned by the agency: its $ 300 catalog price is identical to that charged by Mylan (MYL) for its so-called generic EpiPen allowed.
Prices seem to underestimate the idea advocated by FDA officials, that the approval of a larger number of generics can help alleviate the pressure that weigh on the portfolio of many. Americans on the cost of their drugs. In announcing its approval last August, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb pointed out that such initiatives were part of a "global effort to remove barriers" to drug access ". Of crucial importance ".
He cited the Teva product as an example, as the pricing of EpiPen was so controversial two years ago. At the time, Mylan had become the price defender after nearly a decade of ongoing price increases that brought the cost to $ 608 for a two-pack. The costs outraged families at the start of the school year that year and sparked other Congressional investigations into pharmaceutical prices.
A spokeswoman for Teva declined to discuss prices. We have also asked the FDA to comment and we will keep you informed accordingly.
For its part, Mylan has tried to avoid blame by citing the remedies that drug makers claim have to pay pharmacy compensation managers to get a favorable position on the forms, the list of drugs benefiting from. an insurance cover. But the company also later began selling a licensed generic version – which is essentially the same product – for $ 300.
During this time, two things happened. As we noted, the FDA has sought to appease the public by focusing on the approval of generic versions. But Mylan then stumbled because of product shortages caused by the company that manufactures the device. The company, which belongs to Pfizer, was cited by the FDA a year ago for its quality control collapse and Mylan struggled to replenish.
Of course, consumers can pay well under $ 300. In fact, according to GoodRx, several large retailers sell EpiPen at a price of 150 USD for a coupon. According to Linda Cahn, a consultant who advises health care plans and employers on pharmaceutical compensation contracts, the price and supply chain of opaque pharmaceuticals may well lower the price of the Teva product.
"If you look at the list prices of most generic drugs, they are actually different from the actual selling price. We do not yet know what the consumer could pay before seeing the price charged by the company to wholesalers and the surcharges taken. I think Teva wants to gain market share. Therefore, matching the price does not make sense if it is not logical, because, for the moment, they can take advantage of shortages. "
She pointed out that last fall's drug allowance managers were asking health plans to allow alternatives to EpiPen in light of current shortages.


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Hint: April Fools
Western Union, facing growing competition by startups offering mobile and online payments, is trying to transform its business for the digital generation. The company, once known for telegrams, is now investigating new types of digital transactions and investing in analytics to help the company adjust pricing for its electronic money transfer services.
The company is looking at the use of digital currencies like Bitcoin as well as the role Western Union can play in other online transactions, from Internet telephony to video gaming–a far cry from its current business offerings of money transfer, bill pay and prepaid cards. “If you want to top up a Skype account or add value to an online gaming platform, those are the kinds of partnerships I’m working to develop,” said David Thompson, executive vice president of global operations and CIO at Western Union. Read More


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Is the Pixelbook Go Google’s next laptop? Here’s everything we know so far
Thanks to its clean design and powerful internals, the Google Pixelbook remains one of the best Chromebooks on the market today, and a capable Windows or Mac replacement. It’s been more than two years since the Pixelbook went on sale, however, leaving us hoping for its successor to soon be announced.
It’s been over year of rumors and speculation, but it’s become increasingly apparent that the successor to the Pixelbook is coming soon, and may be called the Pixelbook Go. Here’s everything we know so far.
Google has a hardware event currently scheduled for October 15, 2019. Though the Pixel 4 will undoubtedly be in the spotlight, it might make sense for the Pixelbook Go to also make an appearance. In addition, 9t05Google’s latest report on the matter says that “multiple sources familiar with the plan” have said that the technology company does plan to debut a new Pixelbook during the October 15 event.
Rumors originally suggested the Pixelbook successor would initially launch at Google’s October 2018 hardware event, but instead Google announced the ill-fated Pixel Slate. The was canceled less than a year after its launch.
The exact pricing of the Pixelbook Go is still unknown. The original Pixelbook was priced starting at $999. It’s always been the most expensive Chromebook you can buy, and we don’t expect that to change for the Go. If Google ends up offering a 4K model, you can expect it to be even more expensive. The official price and release date is likely to be announced during Pixelbook Go’s unveiling at next month’s hardware event.
The Pixelbook Go? Not the Pixelbook 2?
The original Pixelbook was a 2-in-1, meaning it had a 360 hinge that could be flipped over into a “tablet mode.”
According to a recent report by 9to5Google, the next Pixelbook is expected to resemble more of a traditional clamshell Chromebook, sporting a 16:9 13.3-inch screen, 4K resolution, and support for the Pixelbook Pen. After the failure of the Pixel Slate, it seems like a bit of a pivot in terms of direction for the design.
Furthermore, it’s not going to be called the Pixelbook 2. This new laptop will be named the Pixelbook Go; a name that undoubtedly is a reference to how its design has a clear emphasis on portability.
The Pixelbook Go is expected to offer variety of options when it comes to its processor, RAM, and storage size. According to the same 9to5 Google report, the Pixelbook Go may become available with different processor configurations including: Intel Core i3, i5, and i7. Two choices for RAM (8 or 16 GB) and three tiers for storage (64, 128, or 256GB).
We don’t yet know, however, exactly what processor generation Google will use. Given the recent launch of Intel’s 10th-gen Ice Lake processors, that seems like the best choice for the Pixelbook Go. The mobile processors are available in either Y-series or U-series chips, both of which offer quad-core chips and improved Iris Plus graphics.
When it launched in late 2017, the original Pixelbook shared the same 7th-generation Intel mobile processors as Apple’s 12-inch MacBook, making it a capable machine for a Chromebook. Google eventually did make the switch to Intel’s 8th-generation processors in October when it announced the Pixel Slate. That device debuted with Intel’s Amber Lake Y-Series processor, coming in a dual-core, four-thread architecture that’s designed for thin and light devices.
Sticking with Intel chips this year could help the Pixelbook Go improve on the performance of the original, but it could also help Google bring dual-boot support to Chrome OS. The feature could have allowed Chrome OS hardware to also boot into Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system, making the Pixelbook Go a more competitive device for business users. Unfortunately, Google did not debut the dual-booting feature when it unveiled the Pixel Slate, and it’s unclear if dual-boot support is in the works anymore.
Leaked images show black chassis with moderate bezels
Thin bezels had been at the top of our wishlist for new features on the next Pixelbook. According to leaked photos from 9t05Google, the side-bezels are significantly thinner than those found in the original Pixelbook, they’re not as thin as other leaks had suggested. The bottom bezel, on the other hand, seems almost as thick as the bottom bezel found in the original Pixelbook.
The Google’s anticipated successor also showed a black chassis, whereas the original Pixelbook was only available in aluminum. This was later confirmed by later reports also indicated that unnamed sources said that the Pixelbook Go would be available in the following colors: “Just Black” and a very pale pink called “Not Pink.” If that’s true, the silver model may have been replaced altogether.
Better portability, improved speakers, and USB-C
Like it’s name suggests, the Pixelbook Go’s design seems to be all about being portable.
The 9to5Google report states that the bottom of the Pixelbook Go was designed to have a tactile feel to “make it easier to hold.” In addition, the Go’s lightweight design can be attributed to its magnesium-alloy body.
The same report also states that the Pixelbook Go will have “much more powerful speakers than the Pixelbook”; of which there will be two, and they’ll both be front-firing. There will also be two, front-facing microphones to capture sound and a front-facing 2-megapixel camera with the ability to capture 1080p video at 60 FPS.
FCC filing indicates updated connectivity
One reason we believe that the Pixelbook Go is on its way in fall 2019 is that the manufacturer Quanta has filed with the FCC to modify a wireless chip inside an unnamed computer device. Quanta creates Google devices, including the Pixel Slate, so it’s a good guess that this new filing pertains to upcoming chips for the Atlas project.
The change is an updated Intel chip that will improve both Wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities for faster connections. No past Google devices have this particular update, which makes it very likely that it will be part of a new device release.
The Pixelbook Go is also expected to still have two USB-C ports and a headphone jack.


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Lenovo owned Motorola’s next-generation Moto X smartphone is still far away from unveiling but this haven’t stopped the rumor mill from buzzing .A recent leaked image indicates that Motorola’s fourth-generation handset Moto X, may come with a heat pipe for passive cooling at the back panel, and will also flaunt a metal frame design. Also the tipster claims that the company may finally sport a fingerprint scanner to its latest fourth generation Moto X handset which is expected to launch next year.
The Chinese technological website TechWeb also claims that the Motorala Moto X 4th Gen will feature the latest chipset of Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 820 processor instead of Snapdragon 810 processor to get rid of the heating issues from which company’s previous handsets were suffered. Keeping Snapdragon 810 chipset’s performance in mind, it is understandable that the company is not taking any risk with the upcoming flagship device and thus opting for a better processor accompanied by a heat pipe placed under the hood at the rear for advanced cooling technology. If this rumor turns out to be true, Motorola will follow the path of Microsoft and Sony which introduced the liquid cooling technology on the Lumia 950 XL and Xperia Z5 Premium to cool down the entrails of the smartphone, especially the chipset components.
Not only that, another rumor suggest that the latest Moto X (4th Gen) will sport a fingerprint scanner and comes with a full metal unibody. Unfortunately, as there is scarce in resources we are not entirely sure whether the fingerprint recognition technology will be placed on the front panel or at the rear panel of the handset. The leaked image also confirms that the Motorola Moto X 4th Gen will sport a metal band around the body. But as the back panel has been taken off in the image we are not completely confident whether the handset will feature the same all metal body or not. So for more news about the new Motorola Moto X (4th Gen),stick to our website.
According to the various sources working in this project Motorola Moto X 4th generation will hit the market somewhere near the second quarter of 2016.Currently Moto X comes in two variants; Moto X Style and Moto X Play. Among these two, the previous one has been released back in July and is the true successor of the Moto X Gen 2.


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Story from The Jackson Sun
It seems the Great Recession is giving way to Great Plans here in Jackson. Developers have plans for North Jackson that include a new grocery store, office complexes, eateries and even a movie theater.
New business construction plans are a sign Jackson may finally be breaking free of the economic downturn. Builders and developers say some projects are evidence of pent-up demand from businesses that held back on investments while the economy was shaky, and financial times were challenging.
And though many of us still feel financially challenged by these times, we can look around and see signs of change, real change, and shades of a brighter future.


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Oreo Just Brought Back a Popular Cookie Flavor
Oreo is bringing back a famous limited-edition cookie flavor perfect for cozy season just in time for the holidays and colder months.
That's right! The first Hot Cocoa Oreos in years are returning to retailers nationwide. On X (previously Twitter), Oreo announced the reintroduction of the limited edition
flavor this week. The brand posted a snapshot of hot cocoa cookies with hot chocolate toppings and teased that they're back on shelves.
These Oreos have marshmallow and hot cocoa cream between two chocolate wafer biscuits.
The brand released this limited-time taste in 2017, according to Allrecipes, but hasn't sold it again in years.
Local businesses have sold some returned Oreos packages. Oreo guaranteed they will hit shops soon, so fans should keep a watch out.
Soon after they arrive, grab a pack! Oreo is releasing limited-edition cookies again. Walmart sells Hot Cocoa Oreos for $2.98, but prices may vary.
Only the latest limited-edition Oreo flavor to return in 2023 is Hot Cocoa. For the first time in eight years, Cotton Candy Oreos returned in May.
These 2015 limited-edition cookies have golden Oreo wafers with a Double Stuf layer of pink and blue cotton candy-flavored crème.
Oreo also temporarily released Red Velvet Oreos last month. Oreo called its red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing creme its "most requested flavor" ever.
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Natural ingredients for improved sleep
Consumers increasingly are seeking foods, beverages, and supplements that can provide immediate results, including for improved sleep quality. Which ingredients hold the most promise?
Millennial consumers, in particular, have driven rising demand for natural ingredients for improved energy – and the flip side of this is a need for better sleep. According to recent research from Kerry Group, improved sleep, reduced stress, and energy management have become top priorities for consumers of all ages. In a survey of 1,000 US consumers, it found that sleep was a personal health priority for 38% of respondents, but many relied on medication instead of dietary solutions, suggesting an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to provide more products with sleep benefits.
Among consumers, there are many compounds attracting interest as potential sleep aids, including some that have little evidence to support such claims.
According to Kerry’s research, the top five ingredients that consumers perceive to support sleep are melatonin (53%), chamomile (51%), lavender (48%), valerian root (21%), and passion flower (16%). Some of their perceived benefits are based on anecdotal evidence that scientists so far have not been able to prove. A growing body of research suggests that ingredients like melatonin and valerian root, for instance, can indeed help promote sleep, and while passion flower has been less well examined, it has been shown to have a sleep-inducing effect in mice. However, two of the most common ingredients for sleep support – chamomile and lavender – have little scientific backing.


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There are antidepressant drugs that can help ease depression, and there are nutritional supplements that are also supposed to improve brain health. Individual studies have suggested that some supplements can boost the potency of antidepressants, particularly among patients on antidepressants whose responses have been disappointing, but it's only recently that enough trials have accumulated to begin to collectively judge them.
Now a review of 40 clinical trials that tested the effect of supplements on depression in people who were also taking antidepressants finds that the combination of antidepressants and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) can help relieve depression in people whose response to the drugs alone has been poor.
The strongest favorable evidence came from trials of omega-3s.
The potential to improve the mental health of people who have an inadequate response to antidepressant drugs.
“Many studies have shown omega-3s are very good for general brain health and improving mood, but this is the first analysis of studies that looks at using them in combination with antidepressant medication,” Jerome Sarris, the review's lead author, said in a statement.
Most of the omega-3 studies tested the effect of either eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or ethyl-EPA. All were randomized controlled trials where people who did not take omega-3s took a placebo. The patients in the studies were all taking an antidepressant, and their changes in depressive symptoms were measured, most often by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D).
Three other nutrients also gave positive results — s-adenosylmethionine or sam-E, vitamin D and methylfolate.
There were four studies of the supplement s-adenosylmethionine. Three found a significant positive effect, while the fourth study had mixed results. Positive results were also found for vitamin D (two out of two studies) and methylfolate.
Mixed results were found for several other nutrients — zinc, folic acid, vitamin C and tryptophan, with non-significant results for inositol. No major adverse effects were noted in any study, though some people did report minor digestive disturbances.
Omega-3s, including those contained in fish oil, may interact with drugs ranging from aspirin to birth control pills. And taking them may worsen certain medical conditions. So even though they can be bought without a prescription, it's important to talk to a doctor before taking them.
“We're not telling people to rush out and buy buckets of supplements. Always speak to your medical professional before changing or initiating a treatment,” Dr. Sarris said.
The researchers are currently conducting a new trial that tests the effectiveness of combinations of supplements at easing depression.


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Last week’s announcement that Aspen Skiing Co. is partnering with private equity firm KSL to purchase Intrawest Resort Holdings and Mammoth Resorts made waves throughout the ski world. In fact, the company’s entree into the acquisition and consolidation game (the Aspen/KSL partnership will boast 16 ski areas among them when the deals are completed) is probably the biggest splash the North American resort industry will feel in many years.
Here’s what you need to know about the acquisitions, some thoughts from Aspen Skiing Co. COO David Perry, and what others are saying about it.
- Announced April 10, a new entity formed by a partnership between Aspen Skiing Co. and KSL will acquire Intrawest Resort Holdings in a deal that’s expected to close by the end of September 2017. Two days later, the acquisition of Mammoth Resorts was announced with the same players and same timeframe.
- The acquisition of publicly traded Intrawest is valued at approximately $1.5 billion. Intrawest stockholders will receive $23.75 in cash per share (a 40% premium over Intrawest’s stock price in January 2017 when rumors first surfaced of a potential acquisition).
Intrawest owns Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado, Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Stratton in Vermont, Snowshoe in West Virginia, and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada — plus Canadian Mountain Holidays, a heli-skiing company.
- KSL Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure, controls Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in California, which will become part of the new partnership but will continue, for now, to operate under current management. KSL is also Skico’s partner, along with East West Resorts of Avon, in the new ownership of Snowmass Base Village.
- Mammoth Resorts, which is privately owned, includes Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain, all in California. Details of that deal, also expected to close by the end of the third quarter, have not been disclosed.
- Season passes products will continue to be honored for the 2017-’18 winter season at all resorts involved in both deals, including multi-resort products like the Mountain Collective, Rocky Mountain Super Pass, and M.A.X. Pass.
After letting the news sink in for a few days, we asked David Perry, COO of Aspen Skiing Co., to give us some of the bigger-picture reasoning behind the deals.
Perry explained that the company has been well aware for years that “connected groups of resorts” are what guests are increasingly looking for, including Aspen’s. “As much as our guests love Aspen Snowmass, they’re not monogamous,” he noted.
The answer to how to cater to guests’ travel patterns came in the form of the Mountain Collective, a multi-resort pass product created by Aspen Skiing Co. that launched in 2012 and now includes 16 independent resort worldwide.
The Mountain Collective has been very successful, Perry said. “We learned a lot, and we found we had a lot in common with other resorts.” Then, with the consolidation trend in the ski industry not slowing down over the past few years, “we saw we had a lot of competition, and thought maybe this would be a good time to branch out as the next step in our business.”
Now that Aspen Skiing Co. is becoming a major player in the destination resort world, what does that mean for the future for Aspen Snowmass?
Perry bets that “not a whole lot will change in Aspen Snowmass.” He sees more potential for back-of-house changes, such as investments in technology that can improve access to information and purchasing, and create efficiencies across the resorts.
Otherwise, Aspen Skiing’s approach to the acquired resorts will be different, Perry says, than the trend to standardize resorts under new ownership. The collection of resorts will provide guests with several very different options.
“Each destination is very unique and special,” Perry said, noting, for one, their geographical diversity and the populations they serve. “We want to focus on their individual characters and do a better job at growing them into what they are.”
Reporting on the first announcement about the Intrawest acquisition, SKI Magazine’s editors dubbed it a “mega-merger.”
Noting that the acquisitions expand Aspen Skiing Co.’s reach to the East Coast, Canada, and California, SKI also commented on the Colorado-based Aspen/Vail rivalry (for the record, Aspen will have 16 ski areas under its belt compared to Vail Resorts’ 14): “The merger also makes Colorado the hub of the red-hot battle of consolidation as Aspen/KSL gains traction against Vail Resorts in the fight for winter market share, and also in the key area of future growth of summer resort business. … “[T]he new collective marketing muscle of Aspen and KSL [is] undeniably taking on Vail Resorts’ leadership position in the resort industry.”
Also speculating on the business reasoning behind the deals, the Aspen Daily News spoke to financial experts in Aspen.
“Chris Ryan, principal of Ryan Investment management in Aspen, said SkiCo/KSL’s strategy appears to be ‘bigger, better and branding’,” reporter Madeleine Osberger wrote in this article.
Another financial analyst pointed to Vail’s stock price, which has jumped over the past year after several acquisitions and seems to be reflective of the attractiveness of mountain resorts to investors.
The Aspen Times’ Scott Condon spoke to multiple ski industry experts, who had differing opinions on the urgency for Skico to enter into the acquisitions race.
Mac Clouse, professor of finance at the Daniels College of Business at Denver University, told the Times that cutthroat competition in the ski industry, most notable from Vail, likely forced Aspen’s hand.
The Times quoted Clouse as saying, of Skico: ”I think they’re perhaps seeing how things are being successful for Vail and if they don’t start getting in now, it might be too late. … Vail is seemingly looking to expand as well and these are some prime areas that Vail could have taken over.”
But others, such as John Norton, a former Aspen Skiing Co. COO who now works in Crested Butte, said that while he understood the concern, “he felt Aspen-Snowmass was one of the few independent ski areas that could thrive in the ski industry without consolidation.”
Whatever the forces behind it, Clouse said that consumers benefit from ski resort consolidation, especially now that its two biggest players will have to go head to head offering competitively priced passes for 30 resorts.
“I think we’ll probably see more consolidation,” Clouse told the Times. “The scary thing for the industry would be if Vail and the Aspen group merged.”


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Relatively small in newsworthiness compared with laser-equipped hybrids and all-new cockpit concepts, Audi has also announced a branded, Android-powered tablet called Smart Display at CES this week.
- Damon Lavrinc
- Feb 16, 2011
According to reports coming out of South Korea, Hyundai is in talks with Samsung to develop a next-generation connectivity system that could allow tablets to be fully integrated into its cars by 2013.
- Chris Paukert
- Jun 17, 2010
Upon unveiling its most ambitious offering at April's New York Auto Show, Hyundai also made a splash by announcing that its 2011 Equus luxury sedan would come with a multimedia tablet PC in lieu of an owner's manual. Better still, not only would the device replace the weighty glovebox staple and save a few trees, but it would also serve as a digital liason between the owner and his or her dealership, helping to schedule maintenance through its Service Valet program, remind of routine maintenance
- Damon Lavrinc
- Apr 1, 2010
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Hyundai_to_use_iPad_as_owner_s_manual_for_new_luxury_sedan'; The big surprise during the Hyundai Equus reveal today at today's New York Auto Show was the automaker's announcement that it would supply each new Equus owner with a "multimedia tablet" to replace the owner's manual. While Hyundai USA president John Krafcik didn't explicitly say that the device in question will be an Apple iPad, the image presented above unquestionably the company's latest gad
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The development of meme stocks has changed the way investors invest. “A new way to invest in the stock market is here,” said Mike Zant, a veteran investor of 12 years after hearing about meme stocks. “Investing used to be all about how much money you had and what companies you could buy shares from.”
But now it seems like anyone can invest in any company! How is this possible? Well, it’s because meme stocks exist, and they’re traded on an online marketplace called Dank Market.
What are meme stocks?
Meme stocks are companies that sell the shares of their company but have no clue exactly what they do or how they function. Investors buy these stocks for fun and don’t care about the product being bought so long as it’s called a “meme” stock. There is a meme stocks list available for perusal.
We traded them online on the marketplace Dank Market. The future of meme stocks is uncertain but growing exponentially due to demand from investors who want in just for fun or money-making purposes with little regard to the products being bought into. You can find meme stocks online by typing “meme stock” into Google search engine results or searching for it on your trusted broker’s website.
How it works
You can buy and sell shares in memes just like any other company that exists in modern society today. Interestingly, meme stocks, though, most shareholders don’t own or care for the products they bought into. They just wanted to be a part of the movement.
“I just bought into Meme, Inc purely because it’s a meme stock,” said Peter Meyers from his parent’s basement that he now lives in after losing his job at a tech company for leaking memes. He has since been unemployed and living off of unemployment checks until he can find employment again. “I mean, sure, I do not know what they do or how this entire system works, but if you tell me to buy something, then I’ll buy it! It sounds like fun!”
If people like Peter are looking to invest in things they don’t care about or understand, why would companies sell their stocks? Well, the simple answer is money. If investors want to buy into your company, then you’re going to be making money. They might not care about what the business does or how it works, but they will pay because they want in on the action.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of investments lately,” said Nicole McMahon, manager of Meme Inc. She has seen stocks shoot up by 10% just this week alone because of investors like Peter sinking their hard-earned cash into her company. “I think it’s time we expand our business too.” And that’s precisely what Meme Inc did! They opened up nine more stores last quarter alone, bringing 13 stores across the United States. Why are they expanding so rapidly? Because the shareholders want them too!
The future of meme stocks
“Investors have been very helpful in getting us where we are today,” said Kathy Goss, CEO of Meme Inc. “We wouldn’t have grown at this rate if it wasn’t for their continued support.” And that support has led to Meme Inc releasing five new products this year alone, resulting in a revenue increase of 6%. Their stocks also showed growth because of the investments people like Peter made into their stock portfolio.
Many businesses are trying to cash in on meme stocks these days, and they only expect it to grow over time as more business ventures find out how much money they can make with memes at their disposal. You can now buy shares in any company you like, as long as there will be investors who want to buy those shares as well. The system is simple and can be done from almost anywhere at any time with anybody! But make sure that the companies you invest in are something you care about because if not, well, then it might be time to diversify your portfolio a little more.


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Janese Silvey is a story specialist/strategist at Stephens College.
The Historic Costume Gallery at Lela Raney Wood Hall on the Stephens College campus has been transformed into the closet of an imaginary socialite this semester — and last week, our muse got tired of waiting for Mother Nature to catch up and swapped out her winter pieces to make room for spring garments.
The second phase of “Emergence” — a two-part exhibit showcasing fashions as they evolved from 1947 through 1990 — opens Thursday and continues through May 5. The initial exhibit, featuring all winter wear, opened Feb. 22, and some of the featured garments will remain in the second collection.
The concept for this year’s Costume Gallery revolves around a fictional upper-class metropolitan woman — and what she would have worn as she evolved over the decades from college student to wife to volunteer and socialite.
Museum curators were so in tune with what the woman might have been like, they unknowingly pulled many of the garments donated to Stephens’ Costume Museum & Research Library by the same several women, said Monica McMurry, dean of the School of Fashion and Design.
More than a coincidence since the library has more than 13,000 garments, many of the exhibit pieces belonged to Virginia Burns Oppenheimer and Frances Kelly. The collection also includes items from designers Yves Saint Laurent, Pauline Trigère and Adele Simpson.
Winter selections included the heavy suits our muse would have worn while doing volunteer and charity work during the daytime, and the embellished cream-colored dresses she would have worn to operas, dinner parties and other evening events.
Her spring wardrobe brings lighter garments in emerald greens, rich yellows and soft pinks. Also emerging in the second collection is her wedding dress, circa 1955.
Although she took some fashion risks — including a Cristóbal Balenciaga-inspired dress featuring back draping — our socialite was no Carrie Bradshaw. She wore the same fitted, high-quality pieces year after year — which meant, like many women of her generation, she kept her slim figure throughout the years so she could continue to wear them.
The Historic Costume Gallery is open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May 5. This year, it’s also a stop on Columbia’s Artrageous art crawl from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 19.
The Stephens Costume Museum & Research Library has more than 13,000 garments donated by designers, alumnae and friends.
This story is part of a section of the Missourian called From Readers, which is dedicated to your voices and your stories. We hope you'll consider sharing. Here's how. Supervising editor is Joy Mayer.


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“Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games” has finally been released for the Nintendo 3DS which was released for the Wii last year. It has numerous mini games featuring different competitions in Olympic Games. Players start the game with Mario and Sonic as competitor against the CPU or in multiplayer mode with other players and goes through the Olympic events.
2.4 million copies of the game have been sold for the Wii version in North America and Europe in first two months, making it a very popular game. And now as it is released for 3DS, players can enjoy more play time with their hand-held console. This game will be available in US soon and already available in Europe. You can check out the launch trailer in YouTube.


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As the UK’s largest event for homecare, disability and rehabilitation, Naidex is your best opportunity to touch, test and compare all the latest new products and services available.
Mission Cycles have booked a stand and will be found at E145. The company will be exhibiting a new folding trike from pacific cycles, along with the very popular Italian Di Blasi folding trikes..
Use www.naidex.co.uk from now until the show to plan your visit to Naidex 2008. Exhibitors will be constantly uploading information about their products.
Registration is now open and pre-registration is free and will guarantee entry to the exhibition and enable you to avoid the queues.


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CARE Pharmacies joins NASP as founding corporate member
TAMPA, Fla. — The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy on Tuesday announced that CARE Pharmacies has joined the association as a founding corporate member. The founding members represent all practice areas within the industry including specialty pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, health care services, group purchasing organizations and manufacturers.
“We are honored and excited to welcome the support from CARE Pharmacies as a founding member and their commitment to building an association that has a strong vision and an overall goal of bridging the gaps in our industry to improve patient outcomes,” stated Gary Cohen, NASP president. “We believe strongly collaboration is essential to address current challenges and identify opportunities for the future.”
Recognized by the National Retail Federation as the 6th fastest growing retailer in the country for 2012, CARE has more than 85 locations in eight states including the District of Columbia.
“We are excited to join the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy in its mission to improve patient outcomes,” stated Mike Wysong, CEO for CARE Pharmacies. “Our strength in the specialty pharmacy space coupled with NASP’s desire to support specialty pharmacy through its professional certification programs made it a natural fit."
NASP, founded in 2012, represents specialty pharmacy professionals in all practice settings and highlights the value its members bring to patients and the healthcare system.
Competitive Promotion Report releases briefing on taking on big data
MARIETTA, Ga. — Competitive Promotion Report is hoping to help consumer packaged goods manufacturers parse large and complex data sets in a new report.
CPR announced Wednesday the release of a business brief, "How Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturers Can Unlock Big Data," explaining the types of data available to the CPG industry and a description of the company’s advanced analytics system, Integrated Data Management. CPG manufacturers in the health, beauty and wellness industry often receive data from a variety of sources. The brief is available on CPR’s website.
"Although managing big data is daunting, manufacturers have to address it sooner rather than later," CPR president and CEO Glen Davis said. "We have a proven process and approach to gathering disparate data and turning it into market intelligence so companies can make better-informed decisions."
The brief also provides information on how CPR Consulting Group can provide manufacturers with analytics or support in-house analysts. Organizations lacking the resources to contend with disparate data sources can minimize start-up costs and save time by partnering with the company, it said, touting its knowledge of the health, beauty and wellness industry.
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Closer collaboration between payers, physicians could reduce cancer care costs, studies find
DUBLIN, Ohio — Healthcare company Cardinal Health has released a series of studies showing ways that it says could reduce the cost of treating cancer.
Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield started the studies in 2008, in which physicians in the CareFirst network collaborated to develop evidence-based treatment regimens — also known as clinical pathways — for breast, lung and colon cancers that maintained care quality, reduced costs and ensured fair compensation for doctors. According to Cardinal, cancer care costs could reach $170 billion by 2020.
According to the study, presented this month at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, collaboration between payers and physicians was a significant factor behind the success of the program, which reduced CareFirst’s overall costs by 15%, primarily through a 7% decline in emergency room visits, shorter lengths of hospital stays, increased use of generic drugs and more appropriate use of chemotherapy. While spending on drugs was reduced overall, reimbursements to physicians for drugs increased, as did reimbursement overall.
"These positive results prove that when implemented collaboratively with physician input and buy-in, our clinical pathways can create a new paradigm for the delivery of cancer care — one in which all stakeholders can win," Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions VP and chief medical officer Bruce Feinberg said.


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The long-awaited % Arabica Thailand flagship store is finally set to open in Bangkok next week.
A whole year since the Japanese coffee chain brand unveiled the store’s design, % Arabica Thailand recently offered a sneak peak of the first store in the country (pictured below).
Located on the first floor of the giant IconSiam shopping centre, it is similar to some other % Arabica’s outlets around the region, featuring a minimalist white design with an uncluttered interior.
The flagship store was originally set to open in January and the site has been shrouded in a giant billboard announcing its impending appearance for months. However, due to the Covid-19 crisis affecting shopping centre trading, the opening was twice postponed, the latest official date being June 1.
Even though that day is near, it has yet to be finally confirmed. Meanwhile, the company is finalising the formalities required to open. Thailand has extended its Covid-19 state of emergency until June 30, but has allowed malls to reopen, under strict social-distancing requirements.


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Smartphones may loosen their grip over family life as voice devices rise
SAN FRANCISCO — The smartphone's grip over our every moment may be slowly loosening as digital assistants leap into speakers and other devices that bring the Internet into the public sphere.
So far, the field belongs to Amazon's Echo and its voice-activated assistant Alexa. An early hit since it became widely available a year ago, it is still in only a sliver of homes. But its interactions, distinctly different from smartphone use, have caused academics to take notice.
"When you talk to Alexa and she answers, everyone in the room can listen. There’s nothing personal or private about the Echo,” said Julie Kientz, a professor in the University of Washington’s department of Human Centered Design and Engineering in Seattle. “It’s definitely a paradigm shift.”
Since the advent of the BlackBerry in 1999 and then the iPhone in 2007, we’ve come to accept that often using technology disconnects us from others.
Images of parents furtively tapping at their phones under the dinner table or groups of teenagers oblivious to each other as they stare into their phone screens fill popular culture. And up until now, everything people have done with computers has been largely visual. We type, we tap, we swipe, but we’re still interacting individually with with words or icons on a screen.
That tide may be turning with the combination of voice recognition software and the Echo, a stand-alone device that for the first time is meant for public, or at least family, use.
Intrigued by its popularity — Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said last month it's in such demand the company can't keep them in stock — other companies may soon follow with their own stand-alone voice-activated speakers/assistant,.
A report in The Information in March said Google had a secret project to create a product to compete with the Echo. Wireless audio company Sonos has identified voice control as a key part of how people will experience music in their homes in the future. Samsung has added voice recognition to some of its TVs.
Apple has taken Siri, the familiar voice for iPhone users, into Apple TV and Apple CarPlay, though so far it hasn't announced plans for other devices.
The co-founder of the digital assistant Siri, a familiar voice for iPhone users, introduced an artificial intelligence-powered digital assistant named Viv on Monday that would be available via any device and powered by every service.
Siri creators introduce Viv, the new AI assistant
The Echo is a wireless speaker and microphone with voice recognition that connects to Alexa via the cloud. Third-party vendors can build what Amazon calls “skills” for Alexa, effectively apps that let their devices interact with the Echo.
Together with the smaller Tap and Dot speakers, all three account for 26% of Amazon’s device sales, estimates Slice Intelligence, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based market research. Amazon hasn't broken out individual device sales.
Alexa is competing in a crowded field of voice-recognition software that is using artificial intelligence to better understand and mimic human conversation.
Millions of people talk to Siri, OK, Google or Microsoft’s Cortana on their smartphones. The technology giants are pushing hard on this technology as a way to keep a user forever engaged within their own ecosystems of apps and services.
Personal digital assistants are on the rise (and they want to talk)
But still, those assistants are largely designed to be used individually.
The public interaction of Echo is what makes the interface different, said Regina Bernhaupt, head of research at Ruwido, an Austrian remote control company that makes extensive use of voice commands.
“People want to be social. They are at home with other people and they want to share,” she said.
From the user’s perspective, there’s suddenly no barrier between them and a veritable smorgasbord of things that a spoken command brings to life.
“The whole notation of an interface disappears,” says futurist and Stanford University professor Paul Saffo. .
Not a personal assistant
The social nature of voice-activated technology that's made to be public has changed the dynamics of technology use in some households. "We have a 'no tech after dinner rule' but Alexa doesn't count" because it doesn't pull family members away from each other, Kientz says.
Though social niceties of Alexa haven’t quite been worked out yet. Is it OK to ask someone else’s Alexa for the weather report or to play a song?
Only if you ask your host for permission, says Daniel Post Senning, author of Manners in a Digital World and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute.
If he wanted to use someone’s else’s voice recognition system to check the weather or call a car, he’d first do the “briefest" of check in’s, to see if they minded.
As for just how revolutionary the Echo and other voice-activated systems will be, that depends on how people end up actually using them, said Marc Weber, a curator at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif.
There are dozens of failed attempts to create new user interfaces in the museum’s collection.
“It’s interesting that Amazon’s Echo brings that right out in to the open. It may be that they’ve come across the secret of making voice recognition socially acceptable,” he said.


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Online medical supplies aggregator Medikabazaar has raised $5 million in a funding round led by Quadria Capital-backed healthcare venture capital fund HealthQuad.
Other investors in the Series A round include Elan Corporation, Sasaki Foods, CBCCo. Ltd, Kois Invest, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital and its existing investors Sunil Kalra, Arun Venkatachalam & Rebright Partners II Investment Partnership.
Mumbai-based Medikabazaar plans to use this funding to strengthen technology and increase its team size including senior leadership, according to an official statement.
It also plans to use the latest capital to streamline its supply chain and logistics capability to reach 50,000 hospitals and clinics by the end of next financial year, as well as increase its fulfillment centres to over 20 from seven now.
“In a price sensitive healthcare environment, cost optimization and quality delivery will become critical success factors for any healthcare provider. Medikabazaar has disrupted the entire supply chain model, to directly reach hospitals and clinics across metros and smaller towns, offering competitively priced quality products in desired time-frame through its technology platform,” said HealthQuad founder Amit Varma.
HealthQuad was founded in 2016 by the co-founders of Singapore-based healthcare-focused private equity firm Quadria Capital, Amit Varma and Abrar Mir, as its venture capital arm to capture opportunities in the healthcare sector at an early stage.
Recently, DEALSTREETASIA had reported that Quadria Capital-backed HealthQuad was looking to raise a $100-million vehicle in 2019, a big jump after the $12 million vehicle it had closed in June 2016.
Founded in 2015 by IIM alumnus Vivek Tiwari and serial entrepreneur KetanMalkan, Medikabazaar had earlier raise $1 million in pre-series A round of funding by Rebright Partners II Investment Partnership, Sunil Kalra and Arun Venkatachalam and another angel investor from Japan.


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LG Display is planning to unveil a 20-inch OLED panel by the end of the year for application in personal devices.
LG Display vice president Kang Won-seok said during a forum hosted by the Korea Display Industry Association said demand for personal displays has risen during the pandemic and the new panel size is aimed at meeting this demand.
Kang also explained that for OLED panels aimed at gaming, it was seeking immersive reality in development whereas it wants to offer natural reality for its OLED panels aimed at conventional TV viewing.
For gaming OLED panels, which saw demand also increase during the pandemic, fast response time was the top priority while the company is also working to make sure the realistic resolution stays the same even when the surrounding environment is too bright.
LG Display was also working to secure a bendable OLED technology and was in talks with a customer for their development.
The technology will allow consumers to control the curvature of the screen depending on the game they are playing, the VP said.
Most consumers prefer a curvature between 800R to 1000R(equivalent to a circle with a radius of 1000mm).
LG Display’s Kang also said its white OLED technology was the only technology that can offer a bendable screen as it uses only one substrate.
Though he didn’t mention it directly, this is a jab at Samsung Display’s quantum dot OLED screen that uses two glass substrates.
Kang also said LG Display is planning to unveil a 77-inch transparent OLED screen next year.
Currently, the largest transparent OLED screen is 55-inch.


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You can ask anyone that knows me — there are not that many things that can bring me as much joy as shopping.
I know, it sounds shallow, but I can’t help it. I adore shopping, and all the tasks associated with finding and purchasing that “perfect” item. Fashion and style has long been one of my passions. If I could sit at home and fawn over style magazines, review blogs, and develop post after post of my own outfits, I would certainly love to do so.
But, alas, a girl’s got to eat (and shop obviously) so, therefore, my world of billable hours drones on.
Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported on a seemingly trite issue. A 31-year old student and Coach employee, Gina Kim, bought a $428 handbag with her employee discount. She realized she was constantly hesitant to use it due to the white material and her fear of it getting stained.
What did she decide to do? Like many others, she put it on eBay, hoping to find the designer handbag a different home. Um, WSJ, why are you reporting on this again? The news world slow that day? Well, here’s why — shortly after Gina submitted her eBay ad, she received a cease-and-desist letter from a law firm representing Coach.
In the letter, Coach accused her of selling counterfeit goods and threatened her with up to $2 million in penalties. The letter further instructed her to sign a statement admitting wrongdoing, along with a demand that she pay Coach $300. After receiving the letter, Gina wrote the law firm back through counsel, stating that Coach’s allegations were false. After this response to Coach, Gina received notification from eBay that her post was being reinstated on the site.
What did Coach do in its due diligence before sending its cease-and-desist letter to Gina? We aren’t sure. On first glance, it seems like Coach just sends these letters to anyone and everyone attempting to resell a Coach product. This is part of the reason why Gina and her attorneys filed a complaint in Seattle federal court alleging violations of the state Consumer Protection Act, along with additional claims.
The lawsuit requests class-action status and claims that Coach’s real motive for sending out these letters is to squeeze out the resale of used items. This would force people to pay MSRP to Coach for a new bag.
Jay Carlson, one of Gina’s attorneys, makes a good point. “If Coach wants to send letters threatening $2 million lawsuits against their own customers, they should at least do minimal investigation to see whether those claims are accurate. What we’re interested to see through discovery is how many people got this letter, got scared, signed it and simply paid Coach.”
While no one wants to advocate the bullying of consumers with outrageous threats of multimillion-dollar legal action (especially when they have not done any investigations to back up their claims), how do designers and retailers protect their products? Everyone knows that counterfeiting is a huge issue for designers and retailers — I mean, just take a walk down a busy D.C. neighborhood and you will encounter at least one knock-off handbag kiosk every few blocks.
Companies should have the rights to monitor sites such as Craigslist and eBay for counterfeit items, but they should also be mindful that consumers have a right to sell legitimate secondhand items. An Associated Press account of Gina’s story quoted an eBay representative noting that the company has a program called Verified Rights Owners, through which companies can flag items that appear to be counterfeit so that the auctions are shut down.
Joseph LaRocca, a senior advisor for asset protection at the National Retail Federation, said companies take a variety of steps to protect their intellectual property, including using programs like eBay’s, hiring contractors to search for knockoffs online and hiring private investigators. However, these programs should not infringe on a consumer’s right to resell products they originally purchased legitimately.
“That’s brand penetration,” he said. “It’s a good thing when everyone on the street is carrying your product. You just want to make sure they paid for it.”
LaRocca and Madison Riley, managing director at the retail consulting firm Kurt Salmon, both said companies typically investigate before taking legal action. This may involve buying items from a suspect seller and figuring out whether they’re really counterfeit.
This makes you wonder what Coach’s motives really are, considering a case like Gina’s. They seem to have sent out letters without any real suspicions that counterfeit products were being sold.
It will be interesting to see how the level of copyright protection in the world of fashion design evolves. A boutique group of IP lawyers who practice in the fashion world may see an increase in the need for their services in the next few years.
Late last year, the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act was unanimously passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill was sponsored by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who worked with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the American Apparel and Footwear Association to develop the legislation.
The bill provides three years of copyright protection for “unique and original designs.” It also provides an added level to the current protection of prints, unique elements, and jewelry. The maximum penalty is $50,000 in the aggregate or $1 per counterfeit item.
But you see what I mean when I say that Fashion IP lawyers are hearing the “cha-ching” as you try and decipher what exactly “unique and original designs” means. The bill amended Chapter 13 of the Copyright Act to create protection for original and novel fashion and accessory designers based upon a “substantially identical” standard, but that hardly creates a “bright-line” rule for interpretation.
Like I said, I have never practiced in the complicated world of IP for the fashion industry. What advice can I offer? Stick to reputable sample sale sites like Gilt Groupe, HauteLook, ideeli, and Ruelala. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably fake. So, if you see a pair of $800 Louboutins for a fraction of the price, think long and hard before you pull the trigger.


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Sustainability is the New Mandate
Updated: Sep 26, 2019
Changes in the Promotional Products Industry
London, UK - With shrinking resources on our planet and increasing costs of raw materials, brands are responding to the global demands of clients for more eco-friendly, sustainable and ethically-sourced products as part of their promotional marketing strategies. Sustainability is not a trend that will soon pass due to fickle tastes. It is a permanent shift away from rampant consumerism towards a more ethical, greener approach in the product merchandising industry.
According to a 2016 study, writing instruments were the most popular category in the UK that people had received from a company within a 12-month period, followed by shirts, calendars, bags, drinkware, office suppliers and caps/headwear. With 88% of people surveyed claiming they remember a brand if they receive a promotional product from them, the power of merchandising is all too prevalent (BPMA). But with the UK’s recent aversion to single-use plastic items and a feeling of over-consumption in many areas of life, product manufactures are having to stay one step ahead of the sustainability mandate.
Some suppliers have become very inventive with their eco-offerings. Jack Nadel International (JNI), a leading global promotional product distributing company, reports that companies large and small are competing for the best, sustainable and ethically sourced products, gadgets and designs the market has seen in years. Using cork, hemp, wood, bamboo and other sustainable materials, products such as biodegradable pens, plants in a wooden compostable cube, wheat straw fibre sunglasses, metal reusable straw packs, cork coffee tumbler, ceramic mugs with wooden lids, copper vacuum bottles and bamboo desk organisers and speakers, are being sourced from all over the globe and providing much-needed employment and revenue for many distant global communities.
Elizabeth Venz, CEO of JNI, says “global clients are reacting to the sustainability mandate in such a way that the old methods are being replaced by millennials looking to change the industry for good and reduce the client’s carbon footprint.” One change that JNI have incorporated is to introduce new single-platform technology that applies an in-location approach that can source, warehouse and expedite orders in any territory. From webstore management and reporting to local physical storage, fulfilment and logistics to product sourcing and procurement, JNI’s new single-platform interface allows customers to manage all their branded merchandise activities using a real-time dashboard and automated reporting in each region. With 23 JNI offices in the USA, JNI’s international head office in London overseas regional offices in Athens, Amsterdam, Sydney, Hong Kong, Delhi and soon Kenya, to be able to keep production within each region and ultimately cut down emissions and shipping costs and provide a greener and more ethical solution for clients wanting promotional products.
As a result of this initiative, JNI increased pre-tax profit by 47% in 2018 from the previous year and has enjoyed outstanding customer service and 35% growth. “It’s all about quality not quantity now,” says Venz. An example of how corporate clients are changing their mind-set is a recent order by Netflix of hand-made, multi-use Kanga sarongs/towels made by disabled people in Kenya. “The production helped these communities with employment and it’s also a branded gift someone will want to keep. They will remember who gave it to them as it provides more meaning than a cheaper single-use giveaway,” says Venz.
One problem is that many product distributors offer so-called green objects but the term can be misleading. For example, some will list a batch of pens as green just because they are made out of bio-degradable plastic. But the same distributor may also offer credible eco-friendly products that bear the FSC label, which means the item has come from a forest and supply chain that is managed responsibly. It shows that even though the industry is making an effort the results are uneven at the present time. That’s why the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) is embarking on an eco/sustainability group developing industry incentives and carrying out research. “It’s safe to say, perceptions have changed dramatically over the past year,” says Jon Birrell, CEO of the BPMA.
As the sustainability mandate continues to trickle down to bring about more employment for far-reaching communities and turn back the tide on over-consumerism of cheap disposable products, we are witnessing economic growth and a more balanced approach to product development.