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A Good Sign for Investors: Ford Motor Company and General Motors Put Their Money Where Their Mouths
Monthly vehicle sales numbers adjusted for an annual pace. Source: Automotive News DataCenter.
Investing in the cyclical automotive industry has its ups and downs, literally. Over the last couple of years, the industry has substantially rebounded and with the average age of vehicles still at a record high of 11.4 years, pent-up demand will continue to fuel new-vehicle sales in the years ahead. Ford and General Motors believe there is much growth to be had and are currently putting their money where their mouths are. Here's a look at how both are investing in their future and what it means for investors.
The strength of any automotive company essentially comes down to the vehicles it produces and the value consumers see in them. It's important for automakers to find the right balance between refresh rates, which typically take place on vehicles every three to four years, to optimize sales and profitability. The good news is that both Ford and General Motors are much better at matching supply to demand, and refreshing vehicles in a timely manner, than in years past. That should bode well as both companies look to expand their vehicle launches this year to boost future sales and revenue growth.
Last year, General Motors launched 18 vehicles in the U.S. and will keep its pace similar this year as it introduces 15 new or upgraded models. In China, General Motors and its joint ventures will roll out 17 new or upgraded models this year and will open four additional plants by the end of next year. General Motors continues to sell well in China and topped 3 million deliveries last year; with the opening of the additional plants there, it will enable GM to produce up to 5 million units annually.
Ford's launching the all-new F-150 this year. Photo credit: Ford.
Ford is taking an even more aggressive approach this year, when launches are compared as a percentage of overall vehicle counts, and will unleash 16 new vehicles in the U.S. market. Across the globe, Ford's all-new or significantly refreshed count surges to 23 vehicles, which is more than double the amount the automaker launched in 2013. In other words, Ford is launching roughly 45% more vehicles this year in the U.S. alone than it did across the globe in 2013.
Currently, GM drives its business through the U.S. and China and significantly leads crosstown rival Ford in the latter region. General Motors has more than 14% of market share in China while Ford aims to claim 6% in 2015. That said, Ford is catching up and growing its market share; it currently has six major facilities under construction in the region and two will begin production in China this year while two more will begin in 2015.
What it means for investors
All these vehicle launches, refreshes, and capital expenditures come at a cost and will directly affect GM and Ford as investments this year. As you can grasp from the numbers previously stated, GM will be executing fewer launches and investors should expect modest improvement on its operating performance and earnings before interest and tax.
Expect GM's North American margins to be similar to last year, which improved over the last four quarters sequentially from 5% to 6.2%, 8.4%, and 9.3% in the most recent quarter. General Motors' goal is to sustain margins above 10% in North America, but investors shouldn't expect that to happen just yet - look for margins to dip back below 9% this year.
Meanwhile, Ford is ramping up its capital expenditures to continue gaining market share in the U.S. and China and it will come at a cost significant enough to lower margins and earnings this year - something that sent some investors to the door recently. As you can see below, its spending and fresh vehicle lineup has enabled Ford to gain more market share in the U.S. than any other major automaker.
Graph by author. Source: The Wall Street Journal.
Ford now expects this year's pre-tax earnings to come in between $7 billion and $8 billion, compared to 2013, which is expected to hit $8.5 billion. I believe long-term investors should take Ford's speed bump in stride as its investments in many vehicle launches will fuel market share and revenue growth over the back half of this decade. Moreover, while margins will take a slight whack, Ford has already proven it can sustain North American margins above 10%, and will be able to accomplish that again as soon as 2015.
Ultimately, I believe the automotive rebound still has legs, especially as the average age of vehicles nears 13 years -- a point in time where owners scrap vehicles at a drastically higher rate, providing more vehicle demand. Ford and General Motors seem to agree and are putting their money where their mouth is this year to capture growth in the years ahead, and that's a good sign for long-term investors.
Which automakers are poised for market-beating returns?
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The article A Good Sign for Investors: Ford Motor Company and General Motors Put Their Money Where Their Mouths Are originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Ford. It also owns shares of General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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Despite a jump in its revenues and profits, Apple failed to impress Wall Street with its fourth quarter earnings report. However, the quarter may be remembered as the starting point for Apple’s big pivot towards services. Shashank Venkat reports
Despite a healthy fourth fiscal quarter
, Apple’s shares took a tumble by 6% taking it briefly below its $1 trillion market cap
, underlining the vagaries of Wall Street. Top analysts were apparently not too impressed with a major shift in Apple’s quarterly reporting structure. Going forth, the company will not report the number of iPhones, Macs and iPads it sells each quarter. Instead, Apple will report the progress of these three product lines through a consolidated revenue figure.
Apple has made it clear that the number of units sold is a less important metric for them, given their wide portfolio of offerings. The Cupertino-based tech giant missed its iPhone sales expectations but ended up with a higher average selling price for each iPhone on the back of its new, pricier models. So, the slowdown of iPhone sales has been offset by the increasing price of iPhones. Wall Street analysts, though, said that it was a tough pill to swallow
and hinted the lack of transparency may dent Apple’s standing in the market.
However, the shift in Apple’s reporting mechanism is also indicative of the strategic direction for the company. For the first time ever, Apple will now report ‘Services’ gross margin – a metric which will allow investors to determine the profits generated from its services such as Apple Music subscriptions, App Store revenue and Apple Pay. While we have been hinting for some time that Apple’s next growth phase may be driven by services
, this new inclusion affirms that the company is indeed thinking along similar lines.
In fact, Apple brought in $10 billion of revenue from its services segment in the fourth quarter of 2018, up 17% from the same period last year. 330 million Apple users now subscribe to Apple’s various services, a number that has risen by 50% over the last year. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, also emphasised that the company is entering the holiday season with its strongest ever lineup of products and services
. He also spoke about its large customer base and the growing opportunity to monetise the services business
With a video streaming subscription service
and a combined tv, news and music subscription bundle
in the works, there are lots of reasons to be excited about its services. Tim Cook is targeting $14 billion in services revenue per quarter by 2020, a figure that is easily attainable considering Apple’s current momentum.
Morgan Stanley analyst, Katy Huberty, has also predicted that services may generate more than 50% of Apple’s revenue growth in the next five years, making it more important than its hardware segment. Little wonder then that Apple is trying to slowly move away from its positioning as a pure-play hardware company. And that may be reason enough to cheer for those with a long-term view of things!
Apple has already moved towards subscriptions, how about you? Plan your move into the subscription industry through our Beginner’s Guide to Subscriptions e-Book.

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New shoots seen in Wilpshire as Daisy's for East Lancashire Hospice set to open
On Saturday 29th May 2021 at 10:30am, Daisy’s, for East Lancashire Hospice will be opening its doors to the people of Wilpshire and the surrounding areas for the first time.
This new, flagship, boutique style shop will be the latest to join to East Lancashire Hospice Retail Portfolio and aims to lead the way in charity retail with a luxury boutique style store which represents a new movement in ethical retail. Located at 781, New Whalley Road, Blackburn, BB1 9BE, it will be selling pre-loved and new clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories many of which will also be available to purchase online soon.
It isn’t however just the concept for the new shop that’s special, in fact the owners of the premises, Adrian Swindlehurst and his wife Lisa have a particularly special link to the hospice having previously run an newsagent and post office from the location for over 20 years. Recently, when the time came for them to retire, they could think of no better way to support their local hospice than to offer them the premises.
Adrian describes how the hospice has a ‘special place in his heart’ after his mother, Maddalena was cared for there, initially as a day patient going in every Thursday which she thoroughly looked forward to as it was the highlight of her week and later as an Inpatient. Adrian went on to explain that he initially had to talk his mum into being admitted, however once she was there, she realised it wasn’t what she had at first thought it would be.
He added, “I really wanted the hospice to have the shop and I feel that mum is up there now watching down over us and is proud of how we are supporting the hospice and that gives us great comfort. We wish the hospice the best of luck with their new venture and are confident that they will make a success of it supported by the wonderful community of Wilpshire and the surrounding areas”.
Instrumental in the re-development process were Darwen based company Blue Insignia, and Liza Riccioppo, Director at the company describes how they were involved in creating a bold new concept for charity retail – a boutique charity shop experience for fashion lovers; one that cares about its curation of fashionable product, cares about its community and cares about customer retail experience. We are so delighted to be given the opportunity to work with such a wonderful charity, and would like to thank the team at the hospice for giving our company the chance to make their ideas a reality. Blue Insignia always deliver craftsmanship from concept to creation and we can’t wait now to see the doors open and watch it become a success!”
Sharon Crymble, Income Generation and Marketing Lead for East Lancashire Hospice Commented “We are very excited to be opening our flagship store Daisy’s, in Wilpshire this Saturday and on behalf of everyone at the hospice we would like to thank Adrian and his wife Lisa for enabling this to happen. Also huge ‘Thank You’ must also go to Liza and the team at Blue Insignia who have taken our dreams and made them a reality. We wanted a store with a difference, one that would give our customers the ‘Wow factor’ and offer them a ‘shopping experience’ and that is absolutely what we have got and I now cannot wait to welcome our first customers inside.
There are lots of exciting events planned for ‘Opening Day’ including a Fashion Show at 12pm and would encourage you to come down and take a look for yourselves, but don’t worry though if you can’t make it on the day, as we’ll be open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm thereafter”.
For further information please contact Katie Elliott – Marketing & Communications Lead on:
Telephone: 01254 287015


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BRC criticises go ahead for supermarket ombudsman
The Government has today announced it will set up a supermarket ombudsman to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
The announcment follows the Competition Commission’s recommendation for a grocery sector body.
The plans have been criticised by the British Retail Consortium, which says it will add millions onto customers’ bills.
The BRC says the “costly new bureaucracy” is the only example of an ombudsman set up in favour of corporations over consumers.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson, adds: “This would tip the balance of negotiating power in favour of multi-national food manufacturers allowing them to drive up the prices customers pay. It’s disappointing that the Government has decided to pursue this despite the lack of evidence that it is needed.
The Code of Practice comes into force on 4 February, quickly followed by a consultation on how to enforce the GSCOP, including who that body might be and the powers it could have.
Consumer minister Kevin Brennan says: “The revised GSCOP is a great improvement on the current regime. However, the power that large grocery retailers remain able to wield over their suppliers can still create pressures on small producers, especially in these difficult economic times, which ultimately may impact on consumers.
“Free and fair competition is the key to a healthy market and it is right that there should be an enforcement body to make sure that consumers are getting the best value for money. “
The government says the enforcement body would not have a “significant impact” on consumer prices but will “strike the right balance between farmers and food producers getting a fair deal” and supermarkets offering consumers quality food and affordable prices.
Following its investigation the Competition Commission found that that large grocery retailers were passing on excessive risks and unexpected costs to their suppliers and recommended a body be set up after supermarkets rejected voluntary measures.


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Entries in 'vivendi' (55)
French media giant Vivendi could once again be preparing to try and sell its interest in Activision.
Vivendi’s failure to court interest in Activision could lead the way to a dramatic new outcome – an MBO spearheaded by boss Bobby Kotick.
Barclays and Goldman Sachs have been called into to help Vivendi secure the $8.1bn sale of Activision Blizzard, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Word from the US is that Vivendi wants to sell its majority 61% stake in Activision Blizzard - worth $8.1bn.
Ongoing rumours suggesting Vivendi is considering selling owned publisher Activision have once again resurfaced.
Media conglomerate Vivendi has divested 35 million of its shares in Activision Blizzard, the company said yesterday.
Maryland-based group Bethesda Softworks has been cited as the new publisher of A2M’s forgotten acrobatic shooter, Wet.


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RANTGAMING.COM - This week on The Rant Round Up, it seems that there has been a lot of discussion about this little game called Halo 4, created by this little company called Microsoft Studios. I know, big surprise, right? It also seems that a massive amount of people are playing it. I will admit, I am not much of a Halo fan, but Halo 4 looks nice, from what I’ve seen.
Halo 4 was released this past week, along with other titles. But those don’t matter here. Look! It’s Master Chief!


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Officials from Iran and Iraq stressed the need to use the national currencies to enhance mutual trade relations.
Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Abbas Aliabadi and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani emphasized using the national currencies of ‘rials’ and ‘dinar’ for bilateral trade exchanges.
During their meeting in Baghdad on Tuesday, the two sides discussed bilateral ties and explored avenues for using the national currencies in bilateral trade exchanges and financial transactions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office said, “Today, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani hosted Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Abbas Aliabadi. In this meeting, the two sides explored avenues for strengthening bilateral relations and bolstering mutual trade exchanges and participating in various fields.”
The Iraqi prime minister expressed his country’s readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in the fields of petrochemical industries and fertilizers.
According to this statement, Iran’s minister of industry, while conveying the warm greetings of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, emphasized the need for advancing trade and economic projects in the face of existing economic challenges in the region and the world.


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Some other restaurants that used to be buffets are currently serving food family-style, like Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort changed up their service by bringing out the meat in skillets instead of walking around with skewers. However, Boma reopened as a buffet and Biergarten switched back to their buffet style, and more restaurants (like Crystal Palace in Disney’s Magic Kingdom) are planning to do the same. So how do you feel about the return of buffets to Disney World? We asked our readers, and now we have the answer!
Back in July, mask policies changed in Disney World and mask policies recently were updated again slightly. Currently, Disney requires all guests ages 2 and older to wear masks indoors and on most forms of transportation.
Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen some price changes when it comes to face masks, and for a time it was pretty difficult to even find Disney masks in the parks. Today, we saw masks available in Disney World, but there’s a BIG reason why you wont want to buy them in the parks.
Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of AUGUST?! This year has been much quicker than last year!
Over the past 7 months, we’ve seen a lot of huge changes and massive news bombs come out of Disney World, and the wild ride is just beginning! Not everything has fully reopened yet and some things are even taking a step backward in terms of health and safety protocols, so if you’re traveling soon, here are 11 things you need to know about Disney World in August.
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop, we’ve seen a number of changes made in California, Florida, and beyond.
Recently, the CDC updated its indoor mask policy for those who are fully vaccinated. Even before that change, LA County, California and Universal Studios Hollywood started requiring individuals to wear masks indoors. Now, Disneyland Resort has updated its indoor mask policy. What does the policy require and what does Disneyland look like now with this updated policy in place? We’re sharing all the details here with you.
Due to the changing situation with COVID-19, mask rules have changed in select places.
Already, masks are required indoors in Los Angeles County, California and Universal Studios Hollywood. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also updated their guidance regarding wearing masks indoors. Now, one major Florida attraction has updated their mask rules.
The situation with COVID-19 continues to develop and change throughout the United States and the world.
We’ve shared a look at the current situation with COVID-19, particularly in terms of the case numbers rising in Florida and how one Central Florida mayor noted that they are in “crisis mode.” Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update regarding their indoor mask recommendations. And now it looks like Disney has made some recent changes when it comes to its mask prices.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve around the world, including in the United States.
Recently, the mayor of Orange County, Florida has noted that they are in “crisis mode” due to the rising COVID-19 cases in the county, and we shared that the United States will not be lifting its travel restrictions due to COVID-19 concerns. Earlier today, we shared that the Centers for Disease Control may be updating their recommendations regarding mask wearing and now we’ve got an update.
The situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop throughout the United States.
Yesterday, we shared updates as to the COVID-19 situation in Central Florida. We also shared some news as to the United States’ travel restrictions for other countries. Now, we have news about a potential change that may be coming to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask guidance.
Rules regarding face masks, social distancing, and more have been changing at Disney World and Disneyland over the past few weeks.
Just recently, masks became optional for fully vaccinated guests at Disneyland in most locations. Now, we’ve seen a big change made when it comes to mask rules for Disneyland’s Cast Members.
Mask and distancing rules have been changing a lot at Disney World over the past few weeks.
Masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests in most locations around Disney World, and distancing measures have been reduced in many places. But today we spotted another change that has been made to Disney World’s mask policies when it comes to Cast Members.


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San Diego, California, United States - 03-30-2023 (PR Distribution™) -
The plastic surgery marketing firm is celebrating its 15th year as exhibitors at the annual conference of The Aesthetic Society®.
San Diego, CA – Rosemont Media, a plastic surgery marketing firm based in San Diego, will be exhibiting at the annual meeting of The Aesthetic Society® for the 15th consecutive year. Previously known as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The Aesthetic Society® is one of the most prestigious medical organizations in the world devoted to fostering continuing education and upholding a high standard of ethics in the plastic surgery and aesthetic enhancement profession. The Aesthetic Society® gathers board-certified plastic surgeons, aesthetic professionals, and other industry experts together each year to share information on news and advances that continue to help propel the field of cosmetic enhancement into the future. Rosemont Media CEO Keith Humes and his team will once again be attending the event to provide guidance and updates on some of the latest strategies in medical SEO (search engine optimization), website design, and marketing for practices focused on plastic surgery and aesthetic services. While this will be the 15th year of attendance for his company, Rosemont Media, this will mark Humes’ 24th year overall as an attendee of the event.
While The Aesthetic Meeting 2023 officially begins on April 19th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, exhibition dates will start on April 21st and go through April 23rd. In addition to a variety of panel discussions, presentations, and other educational programming, visiting professionals from across the globe will be able to travel through the exhibit hall and access a variety of information about services that provide critical support to the field of plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancement. Rosemont Media will be located at booth #2448 this year and will continue its annual tradition of educating professionals on options such as custom website design, original and customized content marketing, social media marketing, and many other services the company provides that can help practices maintain excellent online footing in a crowded field.
Rosemont Media’s exhibition booth will be available on:
- Friday April 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
- Saturday April 22nd from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Sunday April 23rd from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
As the pandemic has had an effect on virtually every aspect of business, society, day-to-day living, and certainly healthcare since early 2020, Humes says it is exciting to be able to see important gatherings such as The Aesthetic Meeting back in full swing. “We’ve all been through a lot these past few years. What has always remained steadfast is The Aesthetic Society’s commitment to ensuring that the highest possible standards of ethics and education, in addition to the continuing advancement of treatment techniques and methodologies, remain clear and indisputable touchstones. I couldn’t be prouder of Rosemont Media’s long history of attendance at this organization’s annual meetings and we are looking forward to doing our part in advancing the field as technology innovates further and further into the future.”
About Rosemont Media
Rosemont Media is a comprehensive marketing agency focusing on website design, development, and custom Internet strategies for clients in the medical and dental fields. Based in San Diego, CA, CEO Keith Humes and his team of digital marketing experts offer an extensive array of marketing services, from responsive website design and customized content to SEO strategies, reputation management, social media marketing, media buying, email marketing, print advertising, and more. Part of Rosemont Media’s mission for the company’s clients is to provide them with a strong competitive advantage through market exclusivity, along with advanced and effective methods of growing their online presence so they are able to stand out among the rest.
To view the original source of this release, click here: https://www.rosemontmedia.com/keiths-corner/rosemont-media-heading-to-miami-for-the-aesthetic-meeting-2023/
For the original news story, please visit https://www.prdistribution.com/news/rosemont-media-heading-to-miami-for-the-aesthetic-meeting-2023/9594715.


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Johnny Depp, famous for being in nearly every Tim Burton movie, is now the new face of Dior.
Depp joins Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron, and Natalie Portman.
The renowned perfume brand is keeping mum about the endorsement deal, but he will be the face of a new fragrance that is yet to be released.
We wonder what it will smell like — will it be inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, or from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
Only time will tell.[via LuckyShops]


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The global small-molecule injectable market was valued at US$ 55.8 Bn in 2020. Expanding at a 7.3% CAGR, the market valuation is expected to top US$ 112.9 Bn by 2031, finds ESOMAR-certified consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI) in a recent market analysis.
The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has sparked efforts to repurpose already-approved medicines for treatment. Several clinical studies are now being conducted on different antiviral medicines and small-molecule injectables that have been utilized in the past to treat diseases including SARS, MERS, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. For instance, Remdesivir was approved by FDA for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized adult and pediatric patients.
This is expected to fuel sales of small-molecule injectables over the forecast period. Besides this, rising prevalence of chronic illnesses especially cancer and cardiovascular diseases across the globe are anticipated to usher developments in the small-molecule injectables market.
To remain ‘ahead’ of your competitors, request for a sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/REP-GB-14117
Pharmaceutical companies are aiming at production facility expansions to reduce corporate tax rate (in the U.S.), and to expand their footprints in emerging markets such as India and China, where production cost is low as compared to regions such as Europe and North America.
Recent tax reforms in the U.S., which include reduction of the corporate tax rate, have encouraged various large pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest in production facilities.
For example, in July 2020, Pfizer announced its plan to invest around US$ 465.0 million to build a sterile injectable plant in Portage, Michigan. This step is a part of its announcement that it made earlier in 2020 about its plans to invest around US$ 5.0 billion in a U.S.-based capital project due to the recent corporate tax reforms in the country. These developments are indicative of lucrative growth prospects for small-molecule injectable market players.
- By product, the analgesics segment is expected to hold 23.9% of the total small-molecule injectable market in 2021, expanding at 8.0% CAGR.
- In terms of applications, demand for small-molecule injectables in the infectious disease segment is expected to hold 31.7% of the total market share in 2021.
- By route of administration, the intravenous segment is anticipated to hold 50% of the total market share in 2021.
- Sales of small-molecule injectables through hospital pharmacies are projected to account for 67.8% of the total market share in 2021.
- The U.S. is anticipated to dominate the North America small-molecule injectables market, holding 92.4% of the market share.
- Germany is expected to hold of 21.9% of the Europe small-molecule injectable market share by 2031.
- Small-molecule injectable market in China is projected to expand at a 9.0% CAGR over the forecast period.
- Demand for small-molecule injectables in India is forecast to grow at an impressive 11.1% CAGR through 2031.
- Sales of small-molecule injectables in South Korea and Japan are anticipated to rise at 5.0% and 8.8% respectively.
Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-14117
The key market players covered by FMI include Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck & Co. Inc., AstraZeneca Plc, Pfizer Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Novartis AG, Baxter International, Fresenius Kabi, Cipla Ltd, Mylan N.V., Sanofi S.A, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
Why Future Market Insights?
- Comprehensive analysis on evolving purchase pattern across different geographies
- Detailed insights of market segments and sub-segments for historical as well as forecast period
- A competitive analysis of prominent players and emerging players in the keyword market
- Detailed information about the product innovation, mergers and acquisitions lined up in upcoming years
Ground breaking research and market player-centric solutions for the upcoming decade according to the present market scenario
Contact Sales for Further Assistance in Purchasing this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/14117
More from Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Medical devices Market Insights :
Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. FMI’s latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.
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The Village has decided to do something about it: using a combination of photo recognition, IP address targeting and social networks, they're exposing parking jerks all over town.
Google Play. The app is CoPilot GPS, a free version of ALK's navigation software. ALK also has CoPilot Live for Android offering turn-by-turn navigation and off-line mapping selling for £20.
Pebble, the e-paper Bluetooth watch that's broken the crowdsourcing record with an incredible $7.9 million raised. The designers have said from the beginning that they intend to allow app development for the watch, which is capable of pairing with Android and iOS devices. The first confirmed developer to take up the challenge is FitnessKepper, whose RunKeeper app has been downloaded millions of times on Android alone.
Eee Pad Transformer Pad who were dissatisfied with the all-metal tablet's GPS reception, promising to send them an external GPS dongle to fix the issue. The first of those dongles (or as ASUS calls them, the "TF201 GPS Extension Kit") are now reaching owners' homes. If you havent's ordered one, you can register your Transformer Prime and apply for a free dongle at the ASUS support site.
TeleNav, an alternative available on both Android and iOS. But plenty of others are: the company announced today that it had passed 27 million paying subscribers and 3.3 million free users as well. On Android four versions of TeleNav on offer: the standard app, a tablet version and modified versions specifically for Verizon and T-Mobile. They've also got an HTML5-based web navigation service that can be accessed by apps.
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime, listen up: you're automatically eligible for a free GPS dongle to alleviate some less-than-stellar satellite reception. ASUS has just opened their registration page with instructions on the four-step process to claim your free hardware. The GPS dongle (which ASUS is calling the "external GPS extension kit") fits into the Transformer Prime's docking port and comes in a dark or light color to match your tablet.
Eee Pad Transformer Prime tablet, the company has committed to sending out free GPS dongles for affected customers. Land of Droid managed to grab a photo of the purported dongle, and, well... it's more of an antenna. And assuming that this is indeed the final hardware, it's very, very big. From the fuzzy pictures provided it looks like the dongle is about the same size as the locking mechanism on the Transformer Prime's keyboard dock.
planning on releasing free GPS dongles called the "GPS Extension Kit" to combat the tablet's well-documented lack of signal. Now ASUS itself has told AllThingsD that indeed the program will go forward, with signups for the free extension beginning on April 16th (two Mondays from now). All owners of the Transformer Prime should be eligible for the free GPS dongle.
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime has been plagued with reception issues since its release, most notably in the WiFi and GPS department. It looks like ASUS has finally found a solution to the GPS issues, at least, which are speculatively due to the tablet's all-metal chassis. Since radio waves can only be improved so much by software, they've gone the hardware route, and are planning on providing an external GPS dongle that plugs into the Transformer Prime's docking port.


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Liverpool’s new deal with Nike was officially announced earlier this month and one designer has made some brilliant concept kits.
Liverpool’s new kit deal with Nike was officially confirmed earlier this month.
The Oregon-based giants will replace New Balance as the suppliers of club strips in a multi-year agreement.
Last year, Liverpool and New Balance contested a High Court battle over the future of their terms.
The club’s case was successful, bringing to an end the partnership which had been in place since 2015.
Nike and the Reds will be official partners from June 1 this year – with the brand taking on manufacture and supply all of Liverpool’s playing, training and travel wear.
Speaking about the Nike deal, LFC’s managing director and chief commercial officer Billy Hogan said last week: “Our iconic kit is a key part of our history and identity.
“We welcome Nike into the LFC family as our new official kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club, both at home and globally as we continue to expand our fanbase.
“As a brand, Nike reflects our ambitions for growth, and we look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting products.
“We’d like to thank New Balance for their support over the last few years and wish them well for the future.”
Football fans and designers have been getting creative online, producing ‘concept kits’ showing how Liverpool’s new Nike strips could look.
And these designs from @graphichunters_ on Twitter have gone down particularly well.
Graphichunters posted mock-ups of Virgil van Dijk in a home kit and Trent Alexander-Arnold in an away version.
Reds supporters were impressed, with one Twitter user saying: “This is by far the best I have seen!! Love the gold.”
Another added: “This actually looks really good. Would love if Nike did this.”
And some of the subtle elements in the designs were picked up on, with a third fan commenting: “Loving the little Liverpool skyline on the sleeve.”
Nike have yet to release any details of how the new kits will look.


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- 19 October 2020
- Transport / Logistics Services
Home gym equipment specialists JTX Fitness have taken on 2-person delivery company ArrowXL to deliver their entire product range to customers around the UK. This follows an 800% growth in demand for the company’s goods since the start of the pandemic thanks to gyms remaining closed.
Under the deal, JTX will send its gym equipment from Felixstowe and then warehouse the goods at ArrowXL’s new Enfield site before the goods are delivered to customers. Where lockdown rules permit the equipment will be taken to the customer’s room of choice as part of the delivery service.
JTX customers will be able to choose the date of delivery and will be able to track the goods throughout the delivery process.
Lloyd Martin, MD at JTX Fitness, said: “We set up JTX Fitness in 2009 with a very simple aim; to help our customers reach their fitness goals, conveniently, safely and with the best customer service in the industry and our choice of delivery partner is key to this. ArrowXL will help us to onboard larger volumes of product to meet increasing demand and get them to our customers quickly and safely.”
Craig Kavanagh, Sales Director at ArrowXL, said: “JTX products are in high demand and as their volumes continue to increase, they have identified the need for a delivery partner that understands and shares their customer service ethos.”


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Twelve months ago Tesla was the darling of the automotive business and was a rising force, set to revolutionise the cars and trucks we drive.
Its flagship Model S sedan was the must have amongst luxury-car buyers, the Tesla Autopilot system seemed far ahead of its competitors in self-driving technology. Its chief executive, Elon Musk, was promising that the more affordable Model 3 would soon roll off its assembly line and bring emission-free driving to the masses and a truck was on its way as well.
Financial markets were overjoyed and the company’s market value rose to outdo both General Motors and Ford, two companies both with more than a century of experience and success in the business.
That was a year ago but it seems the last 12 months has been a much more bumpy ride for Tesla.
On two days last week the Tesla share price plummeted 16 per cent in value. The shares dropped eight per cent on Tuesday and then another eight per cent the next day and while they regained some ground the next day, they have lost almost a quarter of their value in less than three weeks.
This comes on the back of massive problems with the manufacture of the less expensive mass market Model 3 which saw a myriad of glitches and delays in what founder Elon Musk described as manufacturing hell, while Tesla’s efforts at producing and testing its driverless technology have been overshadowed with crashes and deaths, while the company has continued to lose money quarter after quarter.
Tesla’s troubles have intensified in the past seven days with ratings agency Moody’s downgrading the company’s credit rating concerned with the rate it is burning through cash. Those concerns have grown so dire that some analysts are asking whether the company could run out of money by the end of 2018.
“I’ve said for some time that Tesla is far from a sure bet, or a stable company for that matter,” said Clement Thibault, a senior analyst at Investing.com. “Tesla has been living on borrowed time and money for quite some time.”
On the truck front Musk unveiled his plans to build a battery powered heavy duty prime mover in front of a screaming audience of several hundred acolytes and guests in November 2017. Mr. Musk unveiled the battery-powered truck along with a two-seat high performance roadster.
He vowed to begin producing the truck by the end of 2019, even though the company does not have a factory to build it in and is still trying to work the kinks out of the Model 3 assembly process at its manufacturing plant in Fremont, California.
Tesla’s troubles extend beyond the balance sheet with US Federal investigators looking into the crash that that killed a Tesla driver last week in California, including the possibility that Autopilot was in use.
Then on Thursday Tesla issued a recall for 123,000 Model S cars made before April 2016 to replace bolts that hold a power-steering motor in place. The bolts can become corroded and break, leaving drivers with only manual steering.
The company said no crashes or injuries related to the issue had been reported. Tesla’s reversal of fortune is a jolt for both the company and its chief executive, who had built a reputation not only as a visionary but also as an achiever, masterminding an automotive brand, breaking ground on a battery plant that would be the world’s biggest building, and launching rockets through his SpaceX venture.
Tesla has ridden a wave of enthusiastic support from its customers and investors, even though it has generated virtually no profit in the 15 years since its founding.
Company events to present new models tend to have the feel of a religious revival, with hundreds or thousands of owners cheering wildly at each new pronouncement from Mr. Musk.
The announcement of the Model 3 prompted nearly 400,000 prospective customers to put down deposits of $USD1,000 each generating close to $USD400 million for the company before a car was even built.
Karl Brauer, a senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book says that a huge part of Tesla is simply presentation and not substance and that Musk is a master at messaging.
“The problem is the reality is starting to stack up, and that’s a reality of accidents the cars have had, quality issues, and massive misses on Model 3 production numbers. You add all that up and there’s a real question about whether this company can deliver what it promises,” said Brauer.
There’s no doubt Tesla has achieved some breakthroughs that have left the established automakers scrambling to catch up. It has proved that there is a viable market for electric cars, and that they can command premium prices. It has pioneered methods of upgrading cars through software updates beamed over the air, the way iPhones can download new operating systems.
Autopilot is the system that set off a race to develop advanced driver-assistance systems that can guide cars under certain circumstances and actively prevent collisions — though Tesla’s technology appears to have been surpassed by the self-driving systems from other companies, including GM and the Google spinoff Waymo.
However Tesla has repeatedly failed to meet its own targets and deadlines, especially with the Model 3. Mr. Musk originally predicted that the Model 3 would arrive in 2017 and that the car would push the company’s sales to 500,000 cars a year by 2018. He later lowered his prediction to 100,000 Model 3s in 2017. Backtracking again, he said last August that the company hoped to make 20,000 a month by December, and added that “people should have zero concerns” about Tesla’s ability to increase its output of the Model 3.
But in the fourth quarter of last year, Tesla built just 2425 Model 3s , its most recent plan says that it hopes to lift production to 2,500 Model 3s a week. The company is expected to release first-quarter production totals in the next few days.
The Model 3 is crucial. The company needs to ramp up its Model 3 business to generate revenue so that it can pay back investors and fund development of future vehicles including the electric truck.
Moody’s concluded that Tesla probably needed to raise more than $USD2 billion from investors to be able to finance its operations, continue capital investment and pay debts and other financial obligations that will come due soon. According to Moody’s, Tesla has $USD200 million in convertible bonds due later this year, and $USD900 million due in early 2019.
“Liquidity is going to be very tight by the end of the year,” Bruce Clark, a senior vice president at Moody’s, said in an interview. “They need to re-establish credibility with the capital markets.”


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Raising Jake Studios has updated Telephone to version 2.1.0 with the following changes: Reduced CPU load for all versions on Mac. Added Audiosuite support for Pro Tools. Added automation...
German-American plug-in makers ujam has announced the release of Finisher Fluxx, the the company's third addition to their series of virtual multi-effects, saying: You may...
Ueberschall has released Synthesizer Solos, a new library for the Elastik player. Here's what they say: When it comes to virtuoso solo performances, virtual instruments...
Camel is a plugin suite incarnating two iconic British brands that have earned a reputation as industry leaders for their innovation and technological achievements. Camel includes four...
Cableguys have released v1.1 of HalfTime, the VST/AU plugin 100% dedicated to half-speed/slowdown effects, used by David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, members of 808 Mafia and more. ...
MFD 1.1 is a major update from the original version of Martin France Drums. Beautiful acoustic drum kits, hi-hats, toms and cymbals. Martin France Drums is simply one of the most realistic-sounding...
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Our first shot of Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in the new Tomb Raider movie looks awfully familiar.
Two new games have just joined the Xbox backward compatibility program, and you won't have to play them alone.
Psyonix is not ruling out a Nintendo Switch release for Rocket League.
Prepare for the release of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX with this final trailer.
It's morphin' time in Minecraft thanks to a brand new skin pack.
Firaxis Games has shared the full patch notes for Civilization VI's next major update.
Final Fantasy XIV's free trial is no longer time-restricted, Square Enix has announced.


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Another UltraWideBand start-up, Radiospire Networks, has shut its doors, despite producing a first generation chip, Airhook, which demonstrated gigabit performance and targeted at replacing HDMI cables for digital TVs. UWB specialists are falling like flies, while former big name supporters like Intel are diverting their attentions elsewhere, so a new report from In-Stat, predicting that 802.11n will dominate the wireless HD market for at least the next few years, is hard to contradict.
After the folding of various UWB start-ups such as WiQuest and Tzero, and the winding up of the WiMedia Alliance, Radiospire is the latest casualty. \'Our investors decided late last summer to pursue a merger and acquisition exit, and the timing couldn\'t have been worse for us - no one was buying anything in the fall,\' co-founder Tan Rao told EETimes. \'We are winding the company down and selling the assets now.\'
Radiospire filed about 40 patents one of which has been issued, a broad patent on HDMI cable replacement. The company was also working on a 60GHz device. The main remaining UWB start-ups are Pulse~Link, Staccato (merged with Artimi), Wisair and Alereon.
UWB and two other initiatives - 60GHz WirelessHD and WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface) - are the main contenders for the high speed home media network, though other 60GHz and UWB-based developments are also seeking their place in the market. But the ubiquity and backwards compatibility of Wi-Fi make high speed 802.11n \'unstoppable\', says Brian O\'Rourke of In-Stat. \'The installed base of Wi-Fi is immense. The primary drawback to 802.11n is expense, since it requires codec technology on both ends to transmit HD video. Neither of its primary competitors, WHDI and WirelessHD, requires codecs.\'
In-Stat estimates that nearly 24m digital TVs will ship with some type of Wireless HD technology in 2013, but WHDI and WirelessHD will have slow starts, because they are currently expensive, power hungry and rely on start-ups; while UWB will not make much impression at all. They could all be reworked and evolved to grab more of the market in the next generation, but this one belongs to Wi-Fi, says the report.


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Good news for Cow Hollow neighbors: Cole Valley-based grocery store Luke’s Local is expanding to 2190 Union St. (at Fillmore). Construction is already underway for a planned November debut.
The expansion has been in the works since the Cole Valley store first opened in 2016, said marketing and content lead Emily Lubormirsky.
At an expansive 4,500 square feet, the Cow Hollow Luke's Local will be about one and a half times the size of the Cole Valley store (960 Cole St.) The extra space will allow it to offer an expanded cheese selection, pet food, more bulk foods, and a more robust beer and wine selection.
Like the original, it will also offer a coffee kiosk and deli sandwiches, alongside everyday groceries like fresh produce, bread, meat and milk.
The space at 2190 Union St., which was most recently a rug store, has its roots in the grocery business. Its landlord is the the grandson of Antone Zietich, who founded Grand Union Market (later Tony's Quality Market) there back in 1914. Zietich was known for offering delivery to customers in the neighborhood via horse and buggy.
“Knowing we have the privilege to continue the heritage of the space in the same way we did on Cole Street is both inspiring and, we hope, auspicious,” Lubormirsky said.
While it doesn't use a horse and buggy, Luke's does offer delivery — a service Lubormirsky says has grown sharply in the wake of the pandemic.
Luke's has its own app, with same-day delivery throughout San Francisco. Having a base in the northern half of the city will help it reach customers in an even wider delivery radius.
Lubormirsky says that Luke's recognizes its good fortune as one of the few local small businesses to do better under the pandemic, and is committed to giving back to the community.
"While we have learned a great deal through our experience in Cole Valley, we are eager and excited to continue this growth in Cow Hollow and to meet the unique needs of this new community," she said.


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Economic and cultural ties between Europe and Africa run deep, but Germany has been a relatively minor player in intercontinental trade flows. Today, however, a greater focus on business partnerships is reshaping bilateral relationships and the overall view of relations between African nations and Europe’s leading economy.
The opportunities for Germany and Africa to utilize historical ties and current political initiatives to boost enterprise are vast, and many German companies taking notice: Volkswagen continues its efforts to expand its operations in Africa, with the company starting production in Kenya in 2016; German-based Bayer officially opened its new subsidiary, Bayer Middle Africa Limited, in Lagos in 2015; Deutsche Bundesbank and the South African Reserve Bank finalized a deal to house a Bundesbank representative in South Africa; and, expanding on its African presence, Lufthansa just launched a new direct flight between Frankfurt and Cape Town. Germany is one of the most important trading partners for South Africa, ranking second in trading volume behind China.
Many in Germany, such as the Federation of German Industries (BDI), see Africa as an ideal place for investment and are working to rebuild and establish new relations with emerging economies on the continent.
Germany’s forays into Africa began in 1884 when the Berlin Conference regulated European colonization and trade in Africa. Though late to the fray in comparison to other European powers (South Africa was colonized by the Dutch in 1652), Germany quickly launched its own colonies in Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, and Togo.
In contrast to its European neighbors, however, Germany’s colonial conquests in Africa were quite brief and its claimed territory limited — Germany had relinquished control of its few African colonies by 1919, though this period established lasting ties between Germany and many African countries.
Germany’s involvement in Africa was limited post-World War II, and established diplomatic ties were divided between Western and Eastern Germany. Although most official diplomatic ties started after German re-unification in 1990, Germany now maintains a distinct cultural and economic presence on the continent.
Germany has been particularly active in South Africa, with trade and business ties well developed by West Germany before reunification. Today, relations with South Africa are governed by the Binational Commission that was signed in 1996 and the country receives a large tranche of trade and foreign direct investment from Germany.
Official bilateral relations between Nigeria and Germany regained momentum after military rule ended in May 1999, but German companies and cultural institutions have had a long presence in the country. The Goethe Institute of Nigeria in Lagos, for example, has been operating since 1962, according to the German Embassy in Nigeria, and Nigeria and Germany are celebrating 158 years of relations with plans to release a historical book detailing the different areas of cooperation between the countries.
Ghana also has close ties with Germany and business opportunities in the country abound. The Federation of German Industries has worked since 2009 to attract German investment to Ghana, establishing organizations like the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana. The €40.1 million in loans for a solar plant in Ghana from Germany’s lead development bank announced in November 2016 is a prime example of these strong relationships.
Global competition for Africa
Though German actors in Africa are certainly not a new phenomenon, German activity on the continent is far behind its greatest competitors, especially China and India. German trade with Africa is only $60 billion annually, compared to $200 billion with China.
According to the PwC report The Future of World Trade, developing countries in Africa are poised to become a new source of demand for exports, as the middle class in Sub-Saharan Africa grows exponentially and demands for pharmaceuticals, clothing, green technologies, high-end manufacturing, and healthcare technologies grows substantially.
China is still projected to be Africa’s largest trading partner through 2030, but despite this clear lead, Germany has plentiful opportunities on the continent, according to Dr. Evita Schmieg of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Her report states that two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africa’s imports are finished products, and many of those products are of great interest to German exporters, especially engineering products, vehicles, and chemicals.
The Federation of German Industries labels Africa a “continent of opportunities” and is working to establish a presence in West Africa and East Africa particularly.
Politicians aim to expand ties
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, recognizing the value of closer relations between Africa and Germany, sought mutually beneficial policies on development, peace-keeping, and migration in a three-day visit to Africa in October 2016. Her trip ended with a speech at the African Union in Ethiopia, in which Ms. Merkel vowed to make Africa a priority for Germany’s G20 Presidency.
Germany’s Presidency of the G20, which started in December 2016 and ends November 2017, has committed the group to achieve sustainable economic progress in Africa. Specifically, the German G20 Presidency “aims to promote infrastructure development on the African continent,” and will hold a separate conference in June 2017 entitled “Partnership with Africa” in Berlin.
Germany is continuously developing relations with African countries, sending $9 billion in foreign direct investment to Africa annually. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany is soon to lead a high-powered delegation to Nigeria, the German consul-general for Nigeria announced in January, and a trade delegation is also set to visit Togo. Ms. Merkel recently hosted the Kenyan and Mozambican presidents in Berlin and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier plans to visit Niger and Mali in 2017.
Germany is the world’s third-largest exporter and an established leader in technological innovations and industrialization. In contrast, Africa, as the world’s fastest-growing region, is a hotspot for investment and is in need of infrastructure, power, and industrialization. With an intertwined history and perfectly opposing needs, Germany and Africa are poised to create profitable partnerships in 2017.


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Fashion retailer Joules is being courted by several potential bidders - including LVMH’s private equity arm L Capital.
L Capital, which was created in 2001 with backing from LMVH, Groupe Arnault, is thought to be in the running to take a stake in the business alongside LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group.
Graphite Capital is understood to be out of the running, according to The Independent.
Joules, which has more than 70 stores, has hired advisers at Rothschild and is mulling options to raise funds for expansion in the UK and overseas.
It was thought that founder Tom Joule wanted to sell only a minority stake but he is now considering selling a majority shareholding. It is understood that Joule, who founded Joules in 1994, wants to remain in charge of the retailer that bears his name.
Joules, which is valued at £55m, is on track to make underlying profits of £7m in its current financial year.


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Perusing the industry PR swarm, we find some hits and misses in the U.S. pickup marketplace. We here at Hard Working Trucks are glad to pass the savings on to you but, please, no wagering. As always, your mileage may vary.
• The Ram 1500 Big Horn, with a 15.2 percent savings off MSRP, currently tops the list of the best deals on new vehicles, according to TrueCar.com, the negotiation-free car buying platform. Published monthly, “TrueDeals” analyzes recent transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.
“Automakers are likely to be more aggressive with incentives on popular models, trying to entice consumers even in the midst of the polar vortex,” saysTrueCar Executive Vice President Larry Dominique. “Consumers willing to brave extreme weather conditions will be the beneficiaries of swelling dealer inventories.”
Here’s the TrueCar box score for the 2014 Ram 1500, Big Horn, Crew Cab 4X2 Short Bed:
MSRP – $37,145
Market average – $31,504
Savings/ percent – $5,641/15.2%
Estimated monthly payment: $452.87
MPG (city/highway/combined) – 18/25/21.3
• Maybe Cadillac didn’t cut many money deals, or maybe buyers just weren’t interested – I’m betting it was a lot of both. Or maybe the luxury brand planned it this way, to keep their pickup “elite.”
Anyway, a Forbes.com roundup of the 10 Worst Selling Cars of 2013 includes one truck: the Cadillac Escalade EXT – not that it qualifies for much discussion here on HWT. Still, I wouldn’t kick it out of the garage for being impractical.
Here’s what Forbes said:
This part luxury SUV/part pickup always seemed like a dubious idea for a variety of reasons. Even with top versions of conventional pickups now crossing the $60,000 mark, this blinged-out would-be hauler seems out of its element.
MSRP: $63,060-$73,910; 2013 sales: 1,972.
• Of course, there’s MSRP and cutting a deal up front, then there’s the latest big buzzword/acronym: TCO, or total cost of ownership. And dependability is a big part that equation. So the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study has named GMC Sierra HD the top-ranked truck in the Large Heavy-Duty Pickup class, with its sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado HD ranking second. No other model in the segment performed above the segment average, according to the report.
In the Large Light-Duty Pickup class the GMC Sierra LD ranks highest, followed by the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Avalanche.
The study, now in its 25th year, examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
The study finds that overall vehicle dependability averages 133 PP100, a 6 percent increase in problems from 126 PP100 in 2013. This marks the first time since the 1998 study that the average number of problems has increased.
“Until this year, we have seen a continuous improvement in vehicle dependability,” says David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. “However, some of the changes that automakers implemented for the 2011 model year have led to a noticeable increase in problems reported.”
Not surprisingly, J.D. Power finds that the fewer problems owners experience with their vehicle, the greater their loyalty to the brand.


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Rumour: Google planning subscription music service
Bloomberg has reported that according to sources close to the matter, Google Inc. is developing a subscription music-streaming service, similar to that of Spotify, that could become available in Q3 of 2013.
This rumoured development was first published by the Wall Street Journal a few days ago.
Google is currently in negotiations with a number of record labels to allow the search engine license to use their music in the service. According to the report Google is also “discussing renewing deals that cover the use of songs in videos made by consumers” on YouTube.
There have also been reports that Apple is in talks with record labels to start a custom radio service similar to Pandora – an automated music recommendation service.


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|Ultimate Cheese and Bacon Cheesy Bread Dog
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Sonic Drive-In has a new addition to its line-up of hot-dog options.
The new Ultimate Cheese and Bacon Cheesy Bread Dog and the Garlic Parmesan Cheesy Bread Dog feature a traditional beef hot dog served with cheddar cheese baked into the hot dog bun. The Cheesy Bread Dogs are available as a limited-time offering.
“It’s become tradition at Sonic to put a non-traditional spin on a fan-favorite item, and the Cheesy Bread Dogs are no exception,” said James O’Reilly, chief brand officer at Sonic Corp. “Our premium hot dogs are a staple for many of our guests, and we always strive to come up with creative additions or unique enhancements that will keep our menu exciting. The Cheesy Bread Dog will appeal to anyone who pulls up to the drive-in, whether they’re looking for something new or just craving an iconic summer meal.”


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Starbucks: The Cup That Cheers
Starbucks: The Cup That Cheers
Berlin. Weltstadt and home to some of the worldâ€™s most famous cultural and historical landmarks. Add to that list Starbucks, who have recently opened two flagship stores; one in the historically Jewish Hackesche Markt quarter, and another in Pariser Platz â€“ a stoneâ€™s throw from the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of Prussian triumphalism and unity. It may be just under 3000 km from Berlin to Tel Aviv as the crow flies, but the two cities form the platform for Starbucks leap into the respective German and Israeli coffee shop markets. The Seattle coffee giantâ€™s move into the Israeli market began in earnest a year ago, but with two coffee shops already in place in Berlin - and another five to ten stores planned for the German capital within the next six months - the big outfit which likes to think small is making major inroads into the German market.
The joint German venture between KarstadtQuelle and Starbucks sees the German retail giant retain an 82 percent controlling interest; with Starbucks providing the priceless market presence vested only in a handful of global brands. Like those other glittering icons of consumerism - Coca Cola, McDonalds and Nike - Starbucks success has been to make its name a synonym of the product it produces: Starbucks donâ€™t simply sell coffee â€“ Starbucks is coffee. Globally, three new stores open every day.
Starbucks chairman and chief global strategist, Howard Schultz proclaims himself to be "very excited about the vast opportunities in Germany, which is one of the highest coffee consuming countries in the world. I am confident that the Starbucks coffeehouse experience will have a strong acceptance in Berlin, an international metropolis with its diverse population." Launching in Berlin - a city not exactly noted for its paucity of coffee shops - Schultz adds that "our entry into Germany comes at a time when our European operations are gaining an incredible momentum."
This at a time when a campaign to boycott American goods produced by companies with strong Israeli links has been launched in several Arab countries with Starbucks top of the list. Other US companies targeted by the student led boycott - which is already being compared to the Arab League embargo of the 1990's - include Burger King, Coca Cola and Estee Lauder. Burger King hit the headlines by building a restaurant on illegally Israeli settled land while the cosmetics firm has come under fire for chairman Ronald Lauderâ€™s ties to the Jewish National Fund who promote themselves as "the caretakers of the land of Israel, on behalf of all of its owners â€“ Jewish people everywhere." Highlights of JNF organised Solidarity Missions to Israel include the chance to meet with Ariel Sharon for briefings on the "conflict" and the opportunity to "shop in Israel and help the Israeli economy."
Mr Schultz â€“ only the latest in a long line of captains of industry who also promote themselves as self-styled roving cultural ambassadors - has come under fire for his links to the Theodor Herzl mission (a pro-Zionist organisation which promotes links between America and Israel) and anti-Palestinian remarks made at a Seattle synagogue. Previous speakers at the mission's gala dinner which also doubles as an awards ceremony of the Friends of Zion to honour those "who have played key roles in promoting close alliance between the United States and Israel" have included such notables as Margaret Thatcher and Newt Gingrich. In 1998 the Starbucks boss was awarded the "Israeli 50th Anniversary Tribute Award" from the Jerusalem Fund of Aish Ha-Torah; a group who describe the occupied Palestinian territories as "disputable" (Stephen Goldsmith, the former Mayor of Indianapolis and Senior Domestic Policy Advisor to George W. Bush was a 2001 Theodor Herzl Award recipient).
A frequent visitor to Israel, Starbucks top man is also a regular on the American university lecture circuit. Speaking to University of Washington students in March about the current tension in the region, Schultz said "one of my missions is to sensitize you; you should not be immune to what is happening in the world". "I travel a great deal" he said, "and one of the things that I see is the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, especially in France and England." True or otherwise, Schultz's anecdotal evidence of the rise of anti-semitism in Europe hasn't dented the coffee concernâ€™s concerted movement into the European market; with further Starbucks ventures planned for Greece and Spain and 500 European outlets in total by 2003.
More damaging though, are the comments made by Schultz in a speech given to Jewish Americans at a synagogue on Seattleâ€™s Capitol Hill in April: "What is going on in the Middle East is not an isolated part of the world. The rise of anti-Semitism is at an all time high since the 1930's" he said, adding that "Palestinians arenâ€™t doing their job, theyâ€™re not stopping terrorism." The hastily retracted comments - which received an ovation from the busy synagogue - have further added to the growing unease amongst concerned corporate watchers who are concerned that Schultzâ€™s growing reputation as a mouthpiece for Israeli propaganda could have an adverse effect on Starbucks business.
The fear now for companies like Starbucks and other American companies charged with close links to Israel is that the boycott doesn't create harmful publicity harmful to new European business. Arab protestors believe the real fears of American corporate board rooms are not on lost revenues incurred in the Arab world, but in the danger that Palestinian sympathisers and anti-globalisation activists will encourage a global boycott of Starbucks. Kirsten Scheid of the Lebanese Act Now group says "we seek to undermine the taken-for-granted legitimacy of Israel every time someone goes to drink a cup of coffee. The deprivation of basic human rights in the name of racial supremacy and the carrying out of war crimes are serious matters. If Schultz had expressed his support for Al-Qaeda, think what the international repsonse would have been; yet Israel has killed many more Palestinians, Lebanese, and other Arabs in its quest for Jewish supremacy."
Starbucks - eager to throw cold water on the flames fanned by Mr Schultz's potentially costly remarks - have tried to put some critical distance between the company and the controversy by claiming that their chairman's comments were made in a personal context and not intended for a media audience. Schultz has since repudiated the anti-Palestinian allegations levelled at him, claiming in a personal statement issued in April that "my position has always been pro-peace and for the two nations to co-exist peacefully." This, despite the fact that he has been praised by the Israeli Foreign Ministry for allowing American students to hear "Israeli presentations on the Middle East crisis".
The former Starbucks CEO - whose previous public pronouncements have been limited to a string of vaguely New Age management truisms published in 1988's "Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time" ("compromise anything but your core values", "some men see things as they are and say...why? I dream things that never were and ask...why not!" and "everything matters" are but a few of the more choice nuggets) - has stated that he wants to use his position as an influential business leader to be able to reach out to politicians and the public alike to help them foster tolerance and sensitivity.
Unfortunately for Starbucks, the blue collar Brooklyn born kid who made it to the top has an unfortunate tendency to eschew plain talking in favour of clumsily formulated and quasi-spiritual attempts at profundity: "A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer lives depended on labours of other men, living or dead and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure that I received." In fairness, Schultzâ€™s feelings about good customer service are equally as strong as his feelings about Israel.
Recognised in 2000 by Forbes as one of the worldâ€™s top brands, Starbucks sets great stock in its carefully managed image as a socially responsible and caring enterprise -"Giving back to our communities is the way we do business. Contributing positively to our communities and environment is so important to Starbucks it is listed as a guiding principle of the companyâ€™s mission." Starbucks has in fact in the past shown itself to be responsive as a company to boycotts; having responded to global boycotts by offering non-BGH milk and Fair Trade coffee. Rattled badly by a public outcry at a Starbucks workerâ€™s decision to sell three cases of water for $130 to members of New Yorkâ€™s Midwood Ambulance Service on September 11, the company pulled its April "Collapse into Cool" poster campaign (which depicts two cups looming above blades of grass and a dragonfly hovering towards one) after a spate of customer complaints that the poster imagery and haplessly phrased slogan bore unfortunate echoes of the terrorist attacks on New Yorkâ€™s twin towers.
The average Starbucks customer visits his or her local Starbucks 18 times a month. Beleagured Starbucks execs hopes must be that American and European coffee connoiseurs thirst for Cappucinos, Caramel Macchiatos and Frappucinos is not quenched by the boycott taking place in its Arab territories. Thus far, Starbucks has limited itself to a stock response issued to irate activists angered by the errant Starbucks chiefâ€™s comments:
As a company working with business partners around the world, we believe it is important for us to embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business and treat each other with respect and dignity. Starbucks, as a commercial organization, does not get involved in international or local politics on principle.
We are aware that our chairman, Howard Schultz, recently spoke at a private gathering and commented on the current Middle East situation. However, we are unable to comment on his speech as he was speaking as a private citizen.
Schultzâ€™s hastily retracted comments are proof further of an increasingly interventionist corporate boardroom mentality which sees CEOs ill prepared for the rigours of serious and considered political discourse entering into the fray tongues blazing. Less gung-ho than Timberland CEO Jeffrey Swarz â€“ who in a "solidarity visit" to Israel in April told The Jerusalem Post that "we know Arafat is the bad guy" and that "The Godfather was wrong when he said this is nothing personal, itâ€™s just business. This is deeply personal" â€“ Schultz nonetheless conflates criticism of Israeli illegal occupation with anti-Semitism.
Diane Langford of the UK based Palestine Solidarity Campaign - which supports a boycott of products produced in Israel and Israeli settlements - says "we make a point of stressing that we are not targeting Jewish individuals or businesses. Anti-semitism is a real and present danger and we oppose all forms of racism. Indeed we are proud to be part of the anti-racist movement in Britain. Many of our campaigners are veterans of the anti-apartheid movement and see the plight of the Palestinians as even worse than that of Black people during the apartheid regime. It's Sharpeville every day in Palestine. This has been borne out by visits to the region from the ANC."
Speaking to Context magazine in August 2001, Schultz had this to say about the importance of branding:
"Managing a brand is a lifetime of work. Brands are fragile. You have to recognize the success of Starbucks, or any company or brand, is not an entitlement. It has to be earned every day. The ability that we have had at Starbucks to make human contact with our customers, through our people, is one of the reasons we have been so successful."
Starbucks has â€“ rightly - been quick to react to real or imagined American sensitivities post September 11. The Arab world might just have to wait a little longer, so long as Americaâ€™s proud corporate wonders fail to stick to their day jobs. "If you leave this synagogue tonight and go back to your home and ignore this, then shame on us" Schultz ministered Seattleâ€™s Capitol Hill temple worshippers: perhaps good brand management values donâ€™t extend to customers and people of a Palestinian complexion. KarstadtQuelle - reluctant to comment on the appropriateness or otherwise of their new partner company chairmanâ€™s adventures in international diplomacy - issued the following statement on the 8th July:
"KarstadtQuelle has no reason to comment or even assess statements made by a CEO of a partner company which have no link to the existing business relationship."
Fans of Starbucks or not, Berliners also know only too well the political and personal realities of division. You pays your money, you takes your choice.


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People are stocking up but staying at home more, and the coronavirus is gearing up to be bad for business.
Reports about the consumerist boom brought on by the novel coronavirus are everywhere. Yes, people are stocking up on things like hand sanitizers, face masks, and household disinfectants, in addition to washing their hands more often (which could lead them to buy more soap), but Covid-19 — which has infected more than 100,000 people worldwide and poses a threat to human lives, especially in cities where outbreaks are rampant — could, despite appearances, be really bad for business.
Empty store shelves and TikToks of frantic stockpiling aside, most businesses and brands are primed to lose revenue. On top of that, this will undoubtedly affect workers, especially those in the service industry who are less likely to have paid time off if they’re sick.
As Vox’s Matthew Yglesias wrote of the stock market’s recent meltdown, “Markets [were] down because events abroad imply bad business conditions are coming in the near future.” Covid-19 doesn’t have to get significantly worse in the US to impede the economy (although health officials say it’s likely that more cases will emerge). If people start going out less or if the government encourages “social distancing” to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak, that’s going to hurt companies across many sectors — from mom-and-pop restaurants and film distributors to major airlines and the alcohol industry. (Corona beer might have a marketing dilemma on its hands, but the spirits business is more worried about how coronavirus will stall imports and alcohol production.)
Then there’s the issue of the global supply chain. Financial analysts have predicted a “ripple effect” from supply chain disruption, which would slow down the production of familiar American goods, from Diet Coke to iPhones to Baby Yoda toys. The scope of a supply chain disruption has yet to be determined because, as Elisabeth Braw pointed out in Foreign Policy, “no CEO actually knows his or her companies’ complete supply chain,” adding that “the suppliers have suppliers of their own, who may, in turn, even have a third layer of suppliers.” To put it simply, if a business relies on a coronavirus-impacted country for production or has a significant overseas customer base, the outbreak could have a substantial negative impact on its sales and manufacturing.
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Maryland Food Bank adds Mobile Market Program to toolbox
BALTIMORE — The Maryland Food Bank is offering the Mobile Market Program, as its latest addition to its arsenal of hunger-fighting solutions.
According to the food bank, Mobile Market vehicles act as nimble “grocery stores on wheels,” providing nutritious food and fresh produce to food-insecure communities statewide.
Its two 26-foot vehicles travel to targeted locations in regions the food bank serves, offering a no-cost food shopping experience where residents have limited access to grocery stores and affordable, nutritious food.
The food bank’s first Mobile Market was unveiled in February 2020 and it was designed to allow neighbors to walk through the vehicle and select food items from easy-to-reach shelves. During the pandemic, however, the vehicle was used to transport food bank Back Up Boxes, 15-pound or 30-pound boxes of shelf-stable groceries.
But this spring, the vehicle’s original intent of allowing individuals to walk through the aisle of the refrigerated truck and “shop” for a variety of food will again become standard, the food bank said.
“With continued inflation and costs rising for just about everything, we know that more than 1 in 3 Maryland adults are finding it difficult to pay their bills,” said Jennifer Small, vice president of partner logistics and programs. “Our Mobile Markets are offering relief to Marylanders who might not otherwise be able to access healthy food as they try to make their limited budgets stretch as far as possible.”
According to a recent evaluation of the Mobile Market Program conducted by the food bank’s strategy group, the initiative’s effectiveness and its impact on neighbors in unserved and underserved areas has been significant.
From Nov. 1, 2021 to Oct. 31, 2022, the two Mobile Markets served 11,266 households across Maryland, or an estimated 29,742 Marylanders in need, and generated a return on investment of $4.20 for every $1 invested.
“Earlier this month, we were thrilled to offer neighbors in Deal Island our first opportunity, since the onset of COVID, to select the foods they wanted for their families,” Small said. “From fresh produce to dry goods to frozen proteins, the Mobile Markets offer a maximum level of choice, which is critical in creating a positive, supportive experience for people in need of food assistance.”
In addition to food, the Mobile Market Program partners with a wide range of community allies to share critical resources with neighbors in need, referring them to specialized support services and offering wraparound services that help open paths to economic security.
SNAP enrollment assistance and health screenings, for instance, are available through community partners and MFB programming at no cost to neighbors who visit a Mobile Market.
“We’re targeting communities that include hard-working households challenged by transportation and geography,” Small said. “These families are living along the water and on farmland that are miles from any grocery store, let alone a food pantry. In some cases, these communities don’t even have access to running water or electricity.”
Since adding a second Mobile Market in March 2022, the vehicles travel across Maryland’s Eastern Shore as well as to counties in the northern, southern, and western region of the state, targeting communities that lack brick-and-mortar food assistance facilities and don’t have easy-to-access social services for residents.
“Our Mobile Markets have a proven track record of success. They’re working really well, which is why we’ll continue to invest in and expand the program this year with a third vehicle that will be equipped with a freezer and cooler to transport and distribute even more protein, meat, and dairy products,” Small said. “We’re excited to have all of our vehicles on the road more frequently, crisscrossing the state to deliver hope while feeding our neighbors in need.”


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Beer bars are blooming in Los Angeles
Beer is the third-most-consumed liquid in the world (after water and tea), but not long ago it was still surprisingly hard to find a decent beer bar in Los Angeles. No, not an ultra lounge cordoned off by velvet ropes and cologne-soaked bouncers or a high-end speakeasy specializing in retro cocktails. A bar. One that serves craft-brewed beer.
Not anymore. The beer is pouring.
A handful of new beer bars, such as recently opened Stout in Hollywood and soon-to-open the Surly Goat in West Hollywood are making the city more amenable to suds sippers. And after 18 painful months of red tape and construction (mostly red tape), the Eagle Rock Brewery just last week began brewing, making it the only dedicated commercial brewery operating within Los Angeles city limits. Co-founder Jeremy Raub hopes to release the brewery’s first three beers by the end of the year.
L.A.’s craft beer revolution has been building steadily, but it couldn’t have come soon enough for Alex Kagianaris, 34, co-owner of Stout. “One of the reasons I wanted to open this place was that I couldn’t find a place where I could get a good beer in Hollywood,” he says.
Taking over the former Karma Coffehouse in Hollywood’s Cahuenga Corridor, he and partner Charles Lew, 34, both of whom are lawyers turned bar/restaurant owners, wanted to open a neighborhood place where they could pair high-end burgers with adventurous beers. Dominated by a copper and oak half-circle bar, Stout has 30 taps that pour beers such as Port Hop 15, Saison Dupont and Delirium Tremens. The menu offers nine standard burgers along with suggested beers for each. With the Six Weeker, a coarsely ground, 6-ounce burger dressed with fig compote, arugula, melted brie and caramelized onions ($10) Stout recommends either a Brother David, a rich, light and moderately malted Belgian ale, or a Scaldes, a high-alcohol, heavily malted Belgian dark ale with fruit flavors. Stout has 10 additional 750ml bottled beers ($20 to $50) and six wines ($6 to $13 a glass).
Kagianaris and Lew are already working to expand Stout into a chain of burger-and-beer pubs with three to four more locations planned by the end of 2010. They hope to open the next Stout in downtown L.A. within six months. They’re in good company.
“A lot of new restaurants are interested in having a craft beer list,” says beer aficionado Hallie Beaune, who co-wrote the recently released beer primer “The Naked Pint”; with Christina Perozzi. “We’re young as a city in terms of craft beer establishments, but it’s all happening right now.”
New restaurants and gastropubs such as Wurstkuche in downtown, Boho in Hollywood, Westside Tavern in West L.A., Laurel Tavern and Henry’s Hat in Studio City and Blue Dog Beer Tavern in Sherman Oaks, and Hudson House in Redondo Beach have opened in the last couple of years, emphasizing their eclectic beer menus.
Whatever your thematic proclivities, there’s a beer bar for you. Salaryman, adjacent to the newly opened Umami Burger in Los Feliz, presents itself as a Japanese-themed beer bar; the Chalet in Eagle Rock switched from its Swiss ski resort theme to become the Black Boar, an English country pub in August; El Prado in Echo Park appeals to modern minimalists who still crave comfort and warmth. Cultural authenticity may be at a minimum, but the popularity of craft beer, and places to drink it, is at an all-time high.
“Los Angeles has always been slow on the uptake in terms of craft beer, and my philosophy is that beer wasn’t sexy enough, it wasn’t slick enough,” says Perozzi, better known by her self-appointed moniker, “the beer chick.” “L.A. has a huge nightclub and cocktail culture rather than a tavern and pub culture. It took a while to catch on, but now that it has, it’s exploding. We might be getting oversaturated.”
Perozzi, 37, and Beaune, 32, met while working at the godfather of L.A.’s gastropub trend, Father’s Office, which requires its bartenders to go through an intensive beer school before pouring. Perozzi says the experience opened her eyes to beers like Craftsman’s Triple White Sage, a robust, high-alcohol Belgian-style tripel.
“For a long time, the name of the game was dumbing down beers,” says Ryan Sweeney, 33, co-owner of Eagle Rock bar Verdugo, known for its assortment of craft beers.
When Verdugo officially opened in 2008, it had 16 brews on tap (it now has 22). Beers like Allagash Curieux and Saint Bernardus Abt. 12 quickly made the bar popular among beer nerds. “We had some good beers and some pedestrian beers, and we quickly found that people wanted the good beers,” Sweeney says.
Verdugo co-owner Brandon Bradford has now partnered with Alen Aivazian and silent partner Adolfo Suaya of Osaka and Boho (where Sweeney curates the beer list) to open the Surly Goat, they hope in late December or early January, in a space that was a series of high-end lounges (24K, iCandy, Seven).
“We have enough clubs and ultra lounges. I like this specific location because there aren’t enough bars around here,” Sweeney says. The goal is a homey, neighborhood pub rather than an exclusive club. With a name that pays homage to bock, both the German word for billy goat and a type of strong lager, the Surly Goat will offer 27 beers on tap ($5 to $9), one to two cask engines and an additional 100 750ml bottles ($14 to $50). He’ll also take advantage of the Surly Goat’s walk-in coolers to maintain a cellaring program for more obscure beers and beers that need aging.
“I think there’s a huge demand for good beer bars in L.A.,” says Kagianaris. “And the more spots there are, the more people will want to go to these places.”
Stout Where: 1544 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A. When: 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily Price: burgers, $10; beers on tap, $6 to $10; 750ml bottles, $20 to $50; wines by the glass, $6 to $13 Contact: (323) 460-4188 The Surly Goat Where: 7929 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood When: Scheduled to open late December or early January. Will be open 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily Price: beers on tap, $6 to $9; 750ml bottles, $14 to $50
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More jobs, smaller savings sap entrepreneurial energy
The newly released Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM, report on Jamaica has found that improving job prospects and falling savings have both served to limit total early-stage entrepreneurial activity, referred to as TEA, across age groups.
TEA measures the percentage of the working age population - 18 to 64 year-olds that are in the process of starting or have just started a business. In Jamaica's case, a third of the TEA group fell into the 35-44 age category.
The Monitor says that most households now fall into the low-income bracket where it is difficult to accumulate savings to start a business.
The majority of households 96.8 per cent earn less than $3.03 million annually. This represents a monthly combined household income of $252,378.83, "which is within the low-income bracket and can impact consumer purchasing power and ability to amass funds to start businesses," the report said, while noting that households predominantly comprise three members.
GEM also reports a decline in total TEA to 9.9 per cent, compared to 22.7 per cent in 2008 and 15.6 in 2009.
The researchers said rising unemployment after the recession of 2008 should have been a fodder for entrepreneurship, but the TEA rates have not recovered for Jamaica.
In 2010, the TEA rate declined dramatically to 10.5 per cent as the economy improved, then rose and stabilised at 13.7 per cent, and 13.8 per cent, respectively, for 2011 and 2013.
However, the researchers noted that the years 2013 to 2016 saw "a remarkable period of economic stability with a new IMF agreement and successive years of passing the economic tests related to the agreement. The resulting draw down of funds for public-sector investments, improvements in agriculture and tourism, all militated against individual pursuits in entrepreneurship. It was, therefore, not surprising to see a 9.9 per cent TEA rate in 2016."
The report also found that more than half of the TEA group, 59.2 per cent, were localised in the retail trade, hotels and restaurant category.
Meanwhile, GEM said that the rate at which Jamaicans discontinue business after investing is in line with other countries.
The business discontinuation rate measures the proportion of the working-age population that ceased business operations over the past 12 months by selling the business, shutting down operations or otherwise severing an owner/management entrepreneurship relationship with the business.
GEM cited Jamaica's discontinuation rate at nine per cent, comparing it favourably not only with the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean at 9.6 per cent, but also with North America at 12 per cent. The only region that Jamaica underperformed was Europe, the report noted.


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In a new report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) warns that Internet service providers (ISPs) may use data caps to impose higher prices on home users.
ISPs have argued that consumers could benefit from caps or “usage-based pricing,” because consumers who use small amounts of data would pay less than customers who use a lot more, similar to how the cellular market works. But there isn’t enough competition in all cities or towns to prevent ISPs from abusing data caps, the GAO wrote.
“Although few fixed Internet customers are affected by UBP [usage-based pricing] at this time, the number could grow to the extent that fixed Internet providers increase their use of UBP and data use grows,” the GAO wrote. “Providers could implement UBP in a way that benefits consumers—for example, by offering low-data, low-cost plans for customers who do not want to pay for an unlimited data plan they do not need. However, providers—especially those facing limited competition—could use UBP as a means to increase their profits which could result in UBP having negative effects, including increased prices paid by consumers, reductions in content and applications accessed by consumers, and increased threats to network security.”
Comcast is already testing usage caps and plans to roll it out nationwide to consumers.
In this trial, XFINITY Internet Economy Plus customers can choose to enroll in the Flexible-Data Option to receive a $5.00 credit on their monthly bill and reduce their data usage plan from 300 GB to 5 GB. If customers choose this option and use more than 5 GB of data in any given month, they will not receive the $5.00 credit and will be charged an additional $1.00 for each gigabyte of data used over the 5 GB included in the Flexible-Data Option.
For those who are concerned, there is something you can do to tell the FCC this is a problem.
After learning where your state stands on municipal broadband, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
Some tips in writing your complaint include the fact that the average cord cutter uses 328 GB of data per month just with Netflix and referencing some other statistics from this site.
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“We are committed to keeping consumers updated on the steps we are taking to provide them with the support they need and address any issues they are facing in response to this incident,” read a statement from Equifax that listed five updates.
Those who want to sign up for Equifax’s free credit file monitoring and identity theft protection will not be required to give the company their credit card information. Meanwhile, consumers who sign up for Equifax’s TrustedID Premier will not be automatically charged or enrolled after their first free year of service.
Additionally, Equifax says it has adjusted a PIN generation for security freezes, allowing a randomly generated PIN for consumers who want to place a security freeze. Equifax has also reconfigured its website to better direct consumers to information on the hack.
Check out what to do if you think you’ve been compromised in the Equifax hack here.
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