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September 5, 2002 |
NEW DELHI: TWO-wheeler major Kinetic has roped in Kapil Dev as its brand ambassador for the next two years. He will be primarily involved in the promotion of the new volume driver 100 cc bike Kinetic Boss. The Pune based Kinetic Engineering Ltd is also ramping up its distribution channel and has earmarked Rs 15 cr for promotional expenditure for the next 15 months. Sulajja Motwani, Jt MD Kinetic Engineering Ltd, informed reporters that the company is targeting to sell 60,000 units of Boss this fiscal of which 20,000 are already on the roads in the first three months of launch.
May 12, 2004 |
NEW DELHI: LG Electronics on Wednesday signed Yuvraj Singh as its brand ambassador to endorse its premium products. Interestingly, the young cricketer is one of the few left in the Indian cricket team who are not in rival Korean company's Team Samsung. LG Electronics already has Indian captain Sourav Ganguly along with ex captains- Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Kris Shrikant to endorse its products. Speaking on the occasion of the seventh year of operations in India, K R Kim, managing director of LG Electronics, said, "Our aim was to create a great competitive value of building a premium brand in 1997 and have led the effort by establishing a unified corporate identity that extends to all of our marketing activities.
April 15, 2008 |
MUMBAI: Toshiba India, a subsidiary of Japan's Toshiba Corporation, on Tuesday, announced actress Vidya Balan as the brand ambassador for its new range of consumer durables like LCD televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and notebooks. The company, though a late entrarnt in India, is aiming for at least 10 per cent market share in the consumer durables over the next couple of years. While in the longer term, it is targetting revenues of $1 billion dollar by the year 2015.
July 30, 2002 |
NEW DELHI: Indian textiles on Tuesday found an unusual ambassador in international tennis maestro Boris Becker who said he was "very fashion-oriented" and totally enamoured of the great dexterity of the textiles of India. "People keep taking my snaps. I know I have to look good and I have always been fashion-oriented," he told a news conference launching 'Body Care' fabric of textiles major Siyaram Silk Mills. Asked about the consideration for which Siyaram has signed him as brand ambassador, Becker said in a lighter vein "I do not speak French.
July 27, 2015 |
MUMBAI: Renault India, one of the country's fastest growing automobile manufacturers, announced India's leading actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador. The association marks the union of two iconic brands that are synonymous with passion and innovation, have universal appeal and boast of an illustrious and successful lineage. This association will leverage the versatility and legacy of both Renault and Ranbir Kapoor, as he represents the underlying brand promise of Renault: 'Passion For Life'.
November 12, 2013 |
KOLKATA: Emami has roped in renowned athlete Milkha Singh to endorse its premium health supplement, Zandu Kesari Jivan. This is the first ever brand endorsement of Singh, popularly known as 'flying sikh'. Emami director Harsha V. Agarwal said the brand Zandu Kesari Jivan which promotes good health, youthful vigour & energy found a perfect fit in Milkha Singh, who even at the age of 84, is a symbol of youthfulness and vigour. The brand is also endorsed by Birju Maharaj.
November 7, 2009 |
LONDON/NEW DELHI: If you meet Megha Mittal in passing, she and her husband Aditya could still pass off as students of Wharton Business School. But the young daughter-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal has obviously acquired a chip off the old block. She's just ousted serious fashion industry insiders, including the founders' son and a former head of Gucci, and convinced the German insolvency administrator and a bunch of hungry creditors to make her first foray into the world of high fashion by buying out bankrupt German fashion brand Escada through a family trust.
July 7, 2008 |
NEW DELHI: Completing a phase-out of its aging cricket brand ambassadors, soft drinks major has dropped master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, whose long-standing contract with the company expired in May. The dropping of Tendulkar comes on the backdrop of Pepsi axing the other two members of the Indian batting trioka -- Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly -- earlier this year. Industry sources said Pepsi did not renew the contract with Tendulkar, who has been their brand ambassador since the 90s, following its decision to focus on younger cricketers.
June 16, 2010 |
An SUV TV commercial opens with a shot of a photo shoot in progress. The model is cramped into a small car and begs the photographer to get her out of there. Enter the model, rather the car model in question that comes to the rescue of the damsel fighting near claustrophobia . Then, long legged female models enter the SUV, along with the ace photographer and there are shots of these models seated comfortably on the car as well as inside. That the vehicle has a lot of room is a message conveyed loud and clear.
May 3, 2012 |
NEW DELHI: The Dirty Picture actor Vidya Balan will now be in a new role- as brand ambassador of government's sanitation programme -and Union Minister Jairam Ramesh is hopeful that her involvement will make the campaign to end open defecation a "national obsession". "For an actor, what can be a better thing than doing a dirty picture on screen and off screen a clean picture. I think this role will work a lot because we are working on a national movement," Balan said after meeting Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh who has successfully roped in the celebrity to spread awareness about the drinking water and sanitation campaign "This is a clean picture (for Vidya Balan)


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Among today’s many fast-moving changes are the very real prospect of U.S. energy independence, the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing, and the advent of 3D printing. Each brings implications for national-security policy changes and challenges.
Citigroup analysts report that because of hydraulic fracking, the new gas-drilling technology, we are the world’s fastest-growing oil and natural-gas producer. Including the output from Canada and Mexico, North America is becoming the new Middle East. Citigroup suggests that the United States, and perhaps all of North America, may be able to achieve energy independence by 2020.
U.S. oil imports could drop 20 percent by 2025, says the U.S. Energy Information Agency. Investor T. Boone Pickens thinks we can end oil imports from Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries through new drilling and by shifting diesel-powered trucks to natural gas. Some say the energy supply-and-demand revolution could boost gross domestic product by 2 to 3.3 percent, with ripple effects including U.S. re-industrialization.
In his 2012 Atlantic Monthly article “The Insourcing Boom,” Charles Fishman focused on the huge General Electric (GE) appliance manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky. The facility was so large in the 1950s and 1960s that it had its own power plant, fire department, and, after 1963, even its own zip code. Employment peaked in 1973 at 23,000. By 2011 it was less than 2,000. Then something changed in 2012, as GE opened an all-new assembly line that had been dormant for 14 years to make high-tech water heaters, which the company had been producing in China.
Several months later, GE opened a second new assembly line to make refrigerators that had previously been put together in Mexico. Another line opened this year to make washers, dryers, and dishwashers. CEO Jeffrey Immelt wrote in the Harvard Business Review that outsourcing “is quickly becoming mostly outdated as a business model for GE appliances.” This is not an altruistic decision: “I think we can do it here and make more money.”
Others are also bringing manufacturing work back to the United States. Whirlpool’s appliance manufacturing and Otis’s elevator production are both coming home. As Booz & Company analyst Thomas Mayor reports, industry after industry is reassessing. Combined with the potential for U.S. energy independence, this means the domestic economy looks different. But the change isn’t limited to finance. If we do not depend for energy on the Middle East or for consumer goods East Asia and Mexico, greater freedom of action could result.
President Barack Obama noted in his February State of the Union address: “A once-shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the art lab where new workers are mastering the 3D printing [process] that has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.” The first industrial revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century with the mechanization of the textile industry. The second came in the early 20th century, when Henry Ford mastered the moving assembly line and ushered in the age of mass production. Now comes 3D printing.
Several converged technologies, including smarter software, new materials, and more agile robots, have resulted in the capacity to “print” three-dimensional objects. A product can be designed on a computer and produced by the 3D printer, which creates a solid object by building up successive layers of material. The digital design can be modified with a few mouse clicks. The printer can run unattended and make many objects that are too complex for a traditional factory to handle. Already hearing aids and high-tech parts of military jets are being printed in customized shapes.
Maersk Vice President Steve Carmel opined recently, speaking in his capacity as an industry expert and not as a representative of his company, that 3D printing will change supply chains. No longer will a component be made in country X and then shipped to country Y for final assembly, and finally to countries Zs for sale. Instead, products will be “built” where the market is. This could completely redefine the containership industry and, for that matter, maritime trade in general. The Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group says that in the foreseeable future, when a sailor needs a new part, he or she will simply press the print button and voilà, a new part for a radar, gun, or fire pump will be available.
We can’t be certain how momentous all this will be, but it could lead to a national-security policy less tied to overseas resources and markets. Should that occur, it does not mean we should withdraw from the world, which would lead to greater instability and influence of countries that do not share our interests or values. For this reason alone, we must track the changes carefully.

domain: news


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A white Lexus CT 200h will be spending the Holiday season in the window of Harrods of London, the UK’s most famous luxury store:
From now until 15 January Knightsbridge shoppers will be among the first to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h as part of a four-window Lexus display.
It is not a case of look-but-don’t-touch: the presentation has been designed so that people can access the new full hybrid luxury hatchback, plus its sister RX 450h SUV model that is also on show.
Anyone wanting to arrange a test drive, or to place an order will be able to do so inside the store, with a Lexus team on hand to provide further information and immediately forward customer details to the appropriate Lexus centre via iPads.
Here are some photos of the display:
Harrods is a London institution, and a prime location to do some holiday advertising. Pre-production Lexus vehicles must like spending Christmas in the UK — last year, the LFA was stationed at London’s Lexus Park Lane dealership.
[Source: Lexus UK]


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Google started shipping its Google Wifi routers on Tuesday in the U.S. Users who pre-ordered the three-pack for $299 or just one device for $129 should start receiving it today or in the coming days.
Google Wifi is not the first venture of the company into the network market.
Last year, the company launched the Google OnHub, but it received average reviews and it failed to gain popularity.
Google’s internet business, however, is looking to do exactly that not only with hardware and software but also with services.
Google Fiber recently slowed down deployment efforts in the U.S. as it searches for a way to provide wireless connections instead of fiber-based ones.
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) December 6, 2016
Google recently ordered a third-party study on the Wifi routers’ performance against top competitors Eero and Luma. Results showed the Google Wifi network bests its contenders in every respect, including signal strength and internet speed under a three-point setup.
Google Wifi: Specs and features
Google Wifi routers are compact white disks with just three ports and a LED light ring in the middle. The USB-C port is for power, while the other two are Gigabit Ethernet ports for direct connection.
Each unit comes with Wi-Fi support for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Google Wifi has 4 GB of SSD storage, 512 MB of RAM, and it gets its power from an Infineon TPM and an ARM quad-core processor.
Users must access the mesh routers’ configuration through the Google Wifi app on a mobile device, either Android or iOS. However, there are no apps for desktop computers. To factory reset a Google Wifi, the units come with a dedicated button on the back.
How to install Google Wifi and how does it work
Google packs the Wifi in white boxes containing the router and the power adapter. The three-pack version ships with three of each but only the primary one requires a direct connection to the modem.
To set up a wireless network using Google’s routers, users need to choose one and hook it up to their modem. Then, using the official app on their phone or tablet, they have to scan the QR code printed on the bottom of the unit to pair the device.
Next, Google Wifi needs a name and a password. The app will do the rest before offering the users to add more access points to the wifi mesh.
If you do, you need only to repeat the process: plug into a power outlet, scan the code, and wait for the Google Wifi app to configure the rest according to the original unit’s settings.
The way in which this works is not the same as traditional routers do. Google Wifi and other mesh router systems are both always sending and receiving data between devices so as to cover the largest area with the strongest signal possible.
Google’s software is incredibly helpful with this, as it provides an option to test your Wifi mesh setup to see if it could provide better coverage around the designated space. This test is available under the Network Check option in the Settings menu.
Google Wifi: Price and availability
A single Google Wifi costs $129 and a three-pack goes for $299. If you are looking to improve your wireless internet experience at home or the office, you can order your preferred Google Wifi pack directly from the Google Store.
Google Wifi routers are also available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy stores in the U.S., and online shoppers can buy their units from Amazon.com as well.


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(Reproduced from WSJ 01.28.11)
By SAM SCHECHNER And JESSICA E. VASCELLARO
Just as the digital wave transforms the television industry, Hulu, a pioneer of Internet TV, is in internal discussions to dramatically transform itself.
The free online television service has become one of the most-watched online video properties in the U.S. and a top earner of web-video ad dollars since its 2008 launch.
WSJ's Sam Schechner reports on Hulu re-tooling its business plan to keep up with a changing digital world.
But its owners—industry powerhouses NBC Universal, News Corp. and Walt Disney Co.—are increasingly at odds over Hulu's business model. Worried that free Web versions of their biggest TV shows are eating into their traditional business, the owners disagree among themselves, and with Hulu management, on how much of their content should be free.
ok so let's see. Linked in is definitely the leader in pro social networking with 90 million subs. At $161m revenue, that's about $1.78/sub. At $1.9m profit, that's TWO CENTS per sub. Welcome back, tech bubble.
What you should know about LinkedIn’s IPO
(reproduced from venturebeat 01.28.11)
You’ve probably seen that professional networking site LinkedIn filed for its initial public offering today. Now that the first wave of excitement has died down, let’s take a look at the most relevant facts about the company and its IPO plans, drawn primarily from the filing:
How much does LinkedIn want to raise through the IPO? Up to $175 million.
How does LinkedIn describe itself? “We are the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 90 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Through our proprietary platform, members are able to create, manage and share their professional identity online, build and engage with their professional network, access shared knowledge and insights, and find business opportunities, enabling them to be more productive and successful.”
What does LinkedIn want to do with the money? “We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, including further expansion of our product development and field sales organizations, and for capital expenditures. In addition, we may use a portion of the proceeds from this offering for acquisitions of complementary businesses, technologies or other assets.”
How big is the workforce? The company says it had 990 employees at the end of 2010.
What is LinkedIn’s business model? “We generate revenue from enterprises and professional organizations by selling our hiring solutions and marketing solutions offline through our field sales organization or online on our website. We also generate revenue from members, acting as individuals or on behalf of their enterprise or professional organization, who subscribe to our premium services.”
How much money is LinkedIn making now? In the nine months ending on Sept. 30, LinkedIn says it made $1.85 million in profits on $161.4 million in revenue. In 2009, it lost $4.0 million on $120.1 million in revenue
Who are LinkedIn’s current shareholders? Founder Reid Hoffman (pictured) and his wife Michelle Yee own 21.4 percent of the company. Sequoia Capital owns 18.9 percent. Greylock Partners owns 15.8 percent. Bessemer Venture Partners owns 5.1 percent. CEO Jeff Weiner owns 4.1 percent.
What does LinkedIn see as a potential threat to its future success? Among other things, the company lists security, government regulation, the fact that most of its traffic comes from a minorty of users, and the challenge of balancing members’ needs with moneymaking opportunities as risk factors.
Walden meat sequoia. Sequoia meat Walden.
Sequoia Capital rakes in $1.3B for the Valley and China
Perennially successful tech investor Sequoia Capital is once again setting its sights on Silicon Valley, having raised at least $1.3 billion for a new fund that will zero in on up-and-coming startups, according to a filing released today by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sequoia, a storied venture-capital firm that has invested in white-hot tech companies from AdMob to Apple, Cisco, Google, YouTube and a host of others, will call the new fund Sequoia Capital 2010.
It most recently poured $27.5 million into Square, the mobile payments startup founded by Twitter creator Jack Dorsey, on Jan. 10. That funding valued Square at $240 million overall.
The firm has said in the past that any new fund would focus primarily on early and growth stage companies located in the U.S. and China.
Thus far, Sequoia Capital 2010 has secured more than $1.35 billion in capital commitments since last March, Fortune reported today.
The University of Michigan Regents, which invests with Sequoia, described the VCs’ plans for the fund in a memo released last July:
“In the U.S., venture investments will be primarily in new technology companies formed in the western part of the country, particularly California’s Silicon Valley. The China investments will focus on companies positioned to benefit from China’s growing economy and increasing number of consumers and are expected to be in the financial services, consumer services, technology, and healthcare, and internet sectors.”
A Sequoia representative did not immediately respond to queries about the new fund.
It’s not clear if Sequoia will ultimately take in more than the $1.35 billion sum raised so far — but given recent figures on how venture capital is roaring back in Silicon Valley, not to mention Sequoia’s track record and reputation, it seems like it could easily pull in more.
Why would I want a hotspot at 3G speeds, with all the latencies and of course, the $20 extra dollars ? iPhone is not another droid Verizon :-)
Verizon iPhone hot spot to cost $20 a month with 2GB of data
From MobileBeat 01.26.11
Just as we suspected, Verizon will be charging $20 a month for its iPhone’s mobile hot spot feature, the same as it does for other smartphones, the company told Macworld yesterday.
The feature will allow up to five wireless devices to connect to Verizon’s iPhone and share its mobile data connection. The hot spot will come with a 2 gigabyte pool of data separate from the iPhone’s own data pool. Each additional gigabyte of data will cost another $20.
The mobile hot spot is one major differentiator between AT&T’s iPhone and Verizon’s (other than the fact that Verizon’s model features different hardware to run on its CDMA wireless network). The feature will likely make its way to other iPhones in the upcoming version 4.3 update of the iPhone OS, but like the initial ability to share your iPhone’s mobile internet connection with a single device via tethering, it will likely be left up to carriers to enable it.
That means we shouldn’t expect AT&T to enable it any time soon — it was notoriously slow about offering tethering, and the last thing it needs is more data hungry users on its network. AT&T is also more stingy about data for its tethering plan — it charges $20 a month for iPhone tethering, but the data used is taken out of user’s data plans, which for new users is capped at 2GB a month.
Due to limitations of CDMA technology, Verizon’s iPhone can’t simultaneously handle voice and data traffic. But the promise of a more robust 3G network, plus mobile hot spot support, may be enough for many users to overlook that deficiency.
head of product in colorado. travel 🚀 work 🌵 food 🍔 rocky mountains, tech and dogs 🐾


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The impact of trade policies the Trump administration began implementing in 2018 is starting to come into sharp relief. A new study suggests that Republican-leaning counties are among the areas that have been hit hardest by trading partners’ retaliation to the U.S. tariffs.
The aggregate yearly loss to the U.S. economy from the trade war is about $7.8 billion, or 0.04 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to a working paper by a team of economists that includes Pablo Fajgelbaum, a UCLA professor of economics, as well as Pinelopi Goldberg, chief economist for the World Bank, Patrick Kennedy of UC Berkeley and Amit Khandelwal of Columbia University. The economists examined tariff data from the U.S. International Trade Commission and trade flow data from the U.S. Census.
The study found that prices faced by buyers of foreign goods increased by the same amount as the tariff, costing American consumers and businesses $68.8 billion per year, or almost 0.4 percent of gross domestic product. However, those losses are largely offset by the gains of U.S. companies that benefitted from the higher tariffs.
The authors also concluded that if the European Union and individual countries hit by the new U.S. tariffs — including China, Canada, Mexico, Russia and Turkey — had not retaliated with tariffs against U.S. producers, the aggregate effect of the U.S.-imposed tariffs would have been only one-third as large.
For decades, U.S. policies tended toward lowering trade barriers, but in 2018, the Trump administration enacted several waves of tariff increases on specific products, sectors and countries in what the report describes as a “return to protectionism.” Import tariffs on 12,007 products covering $303 billion (12.6 percent) of U.S. imports increased on average from 2.6 percent in 2017 to 17 percent in 2018. In response, several large U.S. trade partners imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports. Those countermeasures increased tariffs on 2,931 export products, accounting for $96 billion (6.2 percent) of annual U.S. exports, from 6.6 percent in 2017 to 23 percent in 2018. Those retaliatory tariffs resulted in an 11 percent decline in the sale of U.S. goods outside the country, according to the study.
The authors also discovered that the trade war is having a heightened impact on workers and companies in counties that supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
“The pattern of U.S. tariffs protected sectors concentrated in electorally competitive counties, while foreign retaliations affected sectors concentrated in Republican counties,” the authors write. (The paper defines “electorally competitive counties” as those that typically have between 40 and 60 percent Republican vote share.) “Workers in very Republican counties bore the brunt of the costs of the trade war, in part because retaliations disproportionately targeted agricultural sectors.”
The paper calls the increased tariffs the United States’ most comprehensive protectionist trade policies since 1930, when the Smoot-Hawley Act raised tariffs from 40 percent to 46 percent on one-third of imports.


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For those hungry hackers who can't tear themselves away from their keyboards, Pizza Hut has the solution: Dial up your pizza, with choice of trimmings, on the Internet.
The nationwide chain is test marketing the new system in Santa Cruz, which has a large concentration of pizza eaters and Internet users at the University of California, Santa Cruz.The 90-day trial that began Monday will enable users to order a pizza, simply by logging on to "PizzaNet" in the World Wide Web and typing http:(slash) www.pizzahut.com."
The order will be transmitted to a computer in the company's Wichita, Kan., headquarters, where it will be confirmed and routed back to the Santa Cruz outlet.
"A lot of our customers are on the Internet," Pizza Hut vice president Rob Doughty said. "If they get hungry in the middle of the night, we want to be there for them."
If the Santa Cruz trial is successful, Pizza Hut plans to expand it to other communities where the Internet, the web of computer networks that links users worldwide, is popular.
Pizza Hut's system isn't the only delivery vehicle on the information superhighway. Domino's is developing an interactive television ordering system.


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Google Meet Free Access Rollout Complete, Gmail Integration to Arrive
Google Meet Free Access Rollout Complete, Gmail Integration to Arrive in Few Days
The Google Meet was recently made free to everyone with a Google account in a bid to leverage from the new norm of working from home. These rollout are conducted in a staged manner, and Google are now confirmed that the rollout to this free access to everyone is complete. Its means that anyone with a Google account it can start a video call easily at meet.google.com. They company looks to take on Zoom & Microsoft Teams with this new free access. Earlier, Google Meet its was only accessible by enterprise and education customers via G Suite.
Google Meet Free Premium Feature
The Google Meet is now accessible for free alongside premium features is like simple scheduling, screen sharing, real-time captions, & layouts that adapt to your preference.The Live captioning looks to make the Google Meet more accessible to varied users like those with hearing loss. These is also a new low-light mode its has been added in Google Meet its can automatically adjust your video to make you more visible to others. These tech giant took to its blog to confirm that the rollout for free access of all these features is now complete.
Its can access Google Meet on the Web via meet.google.com, these app is also available as a free download from App Store & Google Play Store. The Users its will need to have a Google account to start using Google Meet though, & if you do not have one, it's best to get one created. Google also notes that Meet its will be accessible via Gmail in the coming days. This feature was introduced earlier this month for enterprise & education accounts, but it is now set to be available for free for all users. This new Google Meet integration should show up in the left sidebar panel in Gmail, and it will allow users to ‘start a meeting' or ‘join a meeting' without having to switch between apps. The Google essentially looks to ease the process of starting a video meeting with this new feature.
Google Meet are made free two weeks ago, the tech giant its has seen daily usage grow by 30x, with Meet hosting 3 billion minutes of video meetings daily. In the Last month, the company had said that it was adding roughly 3 million new users every day.


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According to the Washington Post at least four people — who had worked at Walmart, Trader Joe’s and Giant — have passed away in recent days due to the coronavirus.
“Though more than 40 states have ordered nonessential businesses to close and told residents to stay home to stem the spread of the virus, supermarkets are among the retailers that remain open.
Thousands of grocery employees have continued to report to work as U.S. infections and death rates continue to climb, with many reporting long shifts and extra workloads to keep up with spiking demand. Many workers say they don’t have enough protective gear to deal with hundreds of customers a day. Dozens of grocery workers have tested positive for the coronavirus in recent weeks”, reports the Washington Post.
Industry experts say grocery chains made an error of judgement by not providing masks and gloves early on. Now that the virus has taken its toll, many expect believe it to be difficult hiring new staff.
Walmart, the nation’s largest grocer is trying to hire 150,000 new workers and have instituted one way lanes inside the store and limiting the number of shoppers at one time. In addition, both Walmart and Kroger’s are checking worker’s temperature at the beginning of each shift.
It’s reported that more than 356,000 Americans have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Monday, and nearly 10,500 have died.


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Today, April 25, 2012, Apple announced the availability of 150 student developer scholarships to its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. While the June 11-15 event sold out in less than two hours, the scholarship process is open until May 2, 2012.
On its scholarship page, Apple shares:
“If you're a student that’s creating some really cool apps, tell us about yourself. We want to reward outstanding student developers with the opportunity to attend this year's conference on a WWDC 2012 Student Scholarship.”
Disclosure: At Story Institute and MousePad Travel, we receive compensation through iTunes, Amazon, HostMonster, and Google affiliate programs by linking to products. We are independently owned and share only our personal opinions.


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Boom predicted for retail clinics after years-long lull
■ A report says clinics will double in number due to the Affordable Care Act and physician shortages, though some in the industry see less expansion.
- WITH THIS STORY:
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The number of retail clinics will grow by more than 100% by the end of 2015, according to a report by Accenture. It says that unlike the last growth spurt, retail clinics won't try to compete with doctors — they'll help them manage a growing patient load.
The report estimates that there will be more than 2,800 retail clinics operating in the next three years, with a growth rate between 25% and 30% per year. That projection is based on about 1,400 clinics operating across the country at the end of 2012. The expected addition of millions of newly insured patients when the Affordable Care Act is enacted in full on Jan. 1, 2014, should provide plenty of patients for retail clinics and help take the load off physicians who might be overwhelmed by new patients, Accenture said.
“There had been tremendous growth a few years ago [in retail health clinics], and we expect to see that again,” said Jill Dailey, senior executive and managing director of health strategy at Accenture, a management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company.
Retail clinics grew rapidly from 2001 to 2007, peaking with 442% year-over-year growth in locations in 2005. During that period, Wal-Mart announced that it wanted clinics, owned and operated by local health systems, in 2,500 of its stores.
But clinic operators found their business to be highly seasonal and difficult to make profitable, especially as patients cut back on seeking care because of the 2007-09 recession and the slow growth that followed. The number of clinics grew only 1% in 2009, 3% in 2010, 11% in 2011 and 5% in 2012, Accenture said, with most growth concentrated in CVS-owned MinuteClinic and Walgreens-owned Take Care Clinics, which began expanding services to help reduce seasonal fluctuations in traffic.
Rather than opening 2,500 clinics, Wal-Mart was seeing them close. Its number of stores declined to 125 as of Dec. 1, 2012, down from 142 the previous year, according to Merchant Medicine, a retail clinic consultancy and research company in Shoreview, Minn.
But Accenture said the enactment of the ACA and a growing physician shortage will push demand for retail clinics. Nationwide physician shortages are projected to reach 91,500 by 2020, according to the Assn. of American Colleges' Center for Workforce Studies.
Accenture expects 1,743 clinics to be open by the end of 2013, 2,243 by the end of 2014 and 2,868 by the end of 2015. By 2015, retail clinics will account for 10.8 million patient visits per year, Accenture predicted. That will save about $800 million per year in health care costs, according to the report, in part because the clinics will attract patients who otherwise might rely on a hospital emergency department.
In retail clinics, care is provided by nurse practitioners, who are supervised off-site by physicians. Often, a clinic hires a local health system to provide the supervision and is then allowed to put its name on the local clinic location. Some health systems also operate their own clinics directly.
CVS seen as leader
Although there will be growth in this sector in next two years, the gains probably will be more modest than what Accenture is predicting, said Tom Charland, president and CEO of Merchant Medicine. Instead of about 1,500 new clinics, he said he expects to see between 600 and 800 new clinics, primarily through CVS' MinuteClinics.
“I would say their projections are too optimistic,” Charland said. “Wal-Mart is not opening any [clinics] and has been going downhill, and Walgreens has been flat,” Charland said. “I say [Accenture] is off by about 1,000.”
CVS has been at the forefront of the retail clinic movement, Charland said. The pharmacy chain opened 68 clinics from Dec. 1, 2011, to Dec. 1, 2012. MinuteClinics represented 44% of retail clinics with about 620 locations.
Another reason for MinuteClinic's success has been its ability to form relationships with prominent health systems, Charland said. For instance, MinuteClinic has partnered with Cleveland Clinic, UCLA Medical Center and Indiana University Health.
“CVS will lead the way,” Charland said. “They are the most sophisticated in this area. They are entering agreements with [health systems], and they are putting technology in place. They are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest in their thinking.”
Walgreens' Take Care Clinics may be another big player in the market, although the pharmacy chain's position is less clear, Charland said.
As of Dec. 1, 2012, it had 362 locations. It had nearly flat growth for the second consecutive year in 2012, opening five locations in a years's time, according to Merchant Medicine.
But Walgreens announced in April that it is expanding services at its Take Care Clinics. These include diagnostic and treatment services for common chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Doing so makes Walgreens the first health clinic chain to offer a one-stop shop for diagnosis and treatment for certain chronic diseases.


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The north-western African country is a part of company’s goals to increase its pan regional presence
Dubai, May 25, 2022: Hotpack Global, the world’s leading manufacturer of disposable food packaging products, announced a regional expansion in Morocco, joining hands with the retail leader of the African nation, Retail Holding through its investment arm, Best Financiers.
The partnership agreement was signed by Mr. Abdul Jebbar P.B, Hotpack Global Managing Director, Mr. Zouhair Bennani, Chairman of Best Financiers, Mr. Abdellatif Merzaq, Director of Samaz (currently President of the new entity) and Mr. Ziad Merzaq, General Manager of Hotpack Global SA Morocco in Morocco in the presence of Mr. Riyad Alaissaoi, Financial Director of Best Financiers.
In a statement, Hotpack said the partnership will lead to an increased presence in the African countries and investment in manufacturing facilities in Morocco.
“Our increased foothold in Morocco is part of our strategic expansion focused on African countries. We have already established a firm presence in African regions, such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco too. With our latest expansion plans in Morocco, we are gradually growing our presence in the African countries and expanding our reach into the Europe,” said Mr. Abdul Jebbar.
Mr. Jebbar added, “This partnership will help us penetrate the neighbouring countries and increase our retail market share there. It is also going to enhance our operations in North-West Africa and Ghana.”
The new company, Hotpack Global SA Morocco, earlier jointly owned by Hotpack Global UAE and Samaz Consulting Morocco, will now be able to offer the Moroccan market a wide range of quality packaging products across multiple outlets, as Best Financiers are owners of Carrefour Morocco, Label Vie, Atacadao, Burger King, Kiabi and Virgin Megastore, among others.
“The partnership between Best Financiers and Hotpack Global is a milestone development for the packaging market in Morocco and African countries in general, as it will set new benchmarks for health, safety and quality in this category. The country will also be one of the main manufacturing hubs of Hotpack,” said Mr. Zouhair Bennani, Chairman of Best Financiers.
Best Financiers would also enable Hotpack Global SA Morocco to capture 80% of the food packaging products market in Morocco with Hotpack’s healthy, hygienic, and quality approved packaging solutions.
“Hotpack products will stand out in the Moroccan market for their excellence since it comes from manufacturing facilities run by expert and skilled employees who have created best-in-class standards in production and with a customer-centric approach,” said Mr. Abdellatif Merzaq.
Hotpack will soon be expanding to other markets in Africa as part of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) expansion focus. The company already exports to over 100 countries and the base in the north-western African country will further boost its capacity and export reach.


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The fourth Chilling Facts report will widen its review of supermarket refrigeration performance, according to Natasha Hurley
The Environmental Investigation Agency has published three editions of our Chilling Facts report since 2008, and last year we saw a significant improvement in terms of UK supermarkets’ commitment to phase out HFCs.
Last year’s report showed that the number of stores using climate-friendly refrigeration in the UK had gone up from 46 to 239 in the space of a year – this was up from just 14 three years earlier.
However, despite big improvements by some retailers, others continued to lag behind.
Let us not forget, HFCs are global warming gases many thousands of times more potent than CO2, and continuing to use them, even at reduced rates, is not a long-term solution.
Chilling Facts III showed that, after the good intentions expressed in previous years, the roll-out of non-HFC refrigeration was finally under way.
Crucially, it demonstrated that there is a clear business case for switching to HFC-free technology, and that with the right kind of system design, big energy and cost savings can be made.
There had also been significant reductions in leakage, more monitoring and considerable investment in the training of engineers.
We’re currently working on our fourth Chilling Facts report. This year, we’ve extended our reach to the European retail sector and have had a good level of response.
We’re still analysing all the data, but our expectations are that supermarkets that were already on the right track will have continued the good work, and those that were lagging behind their peers will have sat up and taken notice of the opportunities out there for switching to low-GWP alternatives.
From the very beginning of the Chilling Facts campaign we have looked at a whole range of aspects related to commercial refrigeration, including leakage, energy efficiency, training and measures such as doors on cabinets.
In fact, if you look at last year’s report, you’ll see that leakage reduction is right at the top of the list of the elements we considered.
We certainly think it’s important to look at the big picture and it’s clear that refrigerant choice is only one part of the picture – but it’s a vitally important one nonetheless, and from our point of view it’s something that can be tackled effectively and permanently.
Regarding changes for this year’s survey, we’ve made some of the questions more specific, but it follows the same basic template as in previous years.
We felt it was important not to change things too much given that – for the UK supermarkets at least – the idea is to demonstrate progress over the years.
As mentioned, we are expanding our reach into Europe. Having spent three years investigating the UK market, we felt it was time to broaden our focus this year. Frankly, we’ve been so impressed by the changes we’ve witnessed on the UK market since the publication of our first report, that we thought it was worth adopting a similar approach at European level.
We tend to think of UK supermarkets as pioneers in the field, but maybe we’ll be proved wrong. It won’t have escaped anyone’s notice that the EU F-Gas Regulation is currently under review; this has created an added sense of urgency for retailers as they gear up to adapt to new legislation.
Against that backdrop, we hope that this year’s report will showcase some of the good work that’s happening within the sector, and provide some examples of best practice for others to follow. We also want to highlight areas which are trailing behind, such as food transport, where high-GWP HFCs are still alarmingly prevalent.
Publication of Chilling Facts IV is scheduled for July.
Natasha Hurley is global environment campaigner for the EIA


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Taylor Swift Twins Travis Kelce’s Jacket for New Year’s Eve Game
New Year’s Eve games hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. They mark the transition from one year to the next, often accompanied by memorable moments and surprises. The latest New Year’s Eve game made headlines not only for its thrilling match but also for a surprising fashion statement made by none other than Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift’s Surprise
In an unexpected turn of events, Taylor Swift made a dazzling appearance at the New Year’s Eve game, capturing the attention of fans and spectators alike. However, what set this appearance apart was Swift’s choice of attire, specifically a jacket that bore an uncanny resemblance to one worn by Kansas City Chiefs’ star, Travis Kelce.
Travis Kelce’s Jacket
Describing the jacket as stylish would be an understatement. Travis Kelce’s fashion choices have often been in the spotlight, and this jacket was no exception. Its unique design and bold colors became an instant hit among fashion enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
Social Media Buzz
As soon as Taylor Swift shared a side-by-side comparison of her outfit with Travis Kelce’s jacket, social media erupted with excitement. The post quickly garnered likes, shares, and comments, with fans expressing their amazement at the unexpected twinning moment.
The influence of celebrities on fashion trends is undeniable, and this incident only reinforced that notion. Swift’s jacket-twinning post became a talking point in the fashion world, with many praising the duo for their inadvertent coordination.
Taylor Swift’s Style Evolution
Swift’s journey from country music sweetheart to global pop sensation has been accompanied by a remarkable evolution in her fashion choices. The incident at the New Year’s Eve game offered a glimpse into her current style, showcasing a perfect blend of glamour and sporty chic.
Behind the Scenes
While the jacket incident delighted fans, it also provided a peek into the friendship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The behind-the-scenes camaraderie hinted at potential collaborations in the future, sparking curiosity among followers of both celebrities.
Pop Culture and Sports Crossover
The convergence of pop culture and sports is not a new phenomenon, but instances like these amplify its impact. Celebrities attending sporting events bring a new level of excitement, enhancing the overall experience for fans and creating memorable moments.
Breaking Social Media Records
Swift’s post showcasing the jacket twinning moment didn’t just stop at creating a buzz; it broke social media records. Analyzing the reach and engagement, it became evident that such moments play a crucial role in connecting celebrities with their audience in the digital age.
The incident also shed light on the trend of celebrities endorsing each other’s endeavors. The mutual support exhibited by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce showcased the potential for positive collaborations and marketing opportunities for brands associated with both celebrities.
The Power of Influencers
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, each influential in their respective fields, wield a considerable impact on their audience. This incident exemplifies the power of influencers in shaping trends and influencing the masses, extending beyond their primary domains.
New Year’s Eve Traditions
The New Year’s Eve game, coupled with Taylor Swift’s surprise appearance, added a new dimension to traditional celebrations. The fusion of sports, entertainment, and fashion created a unique and memorable experience for fans.
Fan responses to the unexpected twinning moment varied from sheer excitement to heartfelt emotions. The connection between celebrities and their fans was palpable, emphasizing the emotional resonance that such incidents can create.
Recap of Memorable Moments
As the New Year’s Eve game concluded, it left behind a trail of memorable moments. Swift’s contribution to the event’s significance added a touch of glamour, making the night unforgettable for fans and attendees.
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s unexpected twinning with Travis Kelce’s jacket added an extra layer of excitement to the New Year’s Eve game. This incident not only showcased the influence of celebrities in various realms but also highlighted the power of unplanned, genuine moments to captivate audiences.
- Did Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce plan the twinning moment? No, the twinning moment was entirely unplanned, adding to its charm.
- How did fans react to the jacket-twinning post on social media? Fans flooded social media with positive reactions, expressing their delight and admiration for the unexpected coordination.
- Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce friends in real life? Yes, the behind-the-scenes camaraderie suggests a genuine friendship between the two.
- Did the jacket incident impact Travis Kelce’s fashion influence? The incident further solidified Travis Kelce’s status as a fashion influencer, drawing attention to his unique style.
- Will we see more collaborations between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in the future? While nothing is confirmed, the incident has sparked curiosity about potential future collaborations between the two celebrities.


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Wang Sicong brought down to earth
Wang Sicong, online celebrity and son of Chinese real estate and film industry tycoon Wang Jianlin, has been restricted from high-end consumption following disputes involving Panda TV by a local court following a contract dispute.
Panda TV was closed down on March 30 this year after it removed its apps from the Apple Store and Google Play on March 7.
According to an official order posted online, Jiading District People's Court accepted the case on August 12 this year. Since Panda TV did not fulfill its duties according to the execution notice in time, its owner Wang Sicong was banned from high-end consumption, including buying real estate, staying in high-end hotels or spending at nightclubs or golf courses, selecting high-level classes on flight, trains or ships, and paying high premiums. Tourism and vacations are also prohibited.
Earlier news showed Wang Sicong blacklisted by Beijing No.2 Intermediate People's Court on Monday as owing some 150 million yuan (US$22.4 million).
Besides Panda TV, Wang Sicong is also the chairman of Prometheus Capital, known in China as “Pusi Capital,” a private equity company, which was founded with 500 million yuan his father gave him. Last month, the fund’s equity was frozen by a Shanghai court.


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Barber’s business bristling
Two decades ago, when Alison Jamieson started in the hairdressing industry, she never expected to own a barber shop in the Goldfields.
Four months ago, Ms Jamieson took over ownership of the Boulder barber shop, moved it to Burt Street and renamed it The Outback Barber Shop.
Ms Jamieson operates on a walk-in basis, six-days-a-week, and so far the business has been so successful she is looking to take on another hairdresser.
“It has been fantastic, we’ve been busy since we opened the door, it’s been non-stop,” she said.
“There is a lot of passing trade, a lot of people going to the Post Office — it has been a good move.
“I’m looking for a hairdresser or barber, someone who has some experience in barbering.”
Before taking on the venture, Ms Jamieson, who trained in England, was planning to move to Mandurah. But her decision to start The Outback Barber Shop and move it to 85A Burt Street has restored the shopfront to its former glory.
Ms Jamieson said 85A Burt Street had a long history of being a barber shop.
“The shop has previously been a barber’s over the past 30 to 40 years,” she said.
“It’s nice to bring back a bit of history.”
Boulder Promotion and Development Association co-ordinator Danielle Stones said it was great to see another business thriving on upgraded Burt Street. “Boulder is looking great at the moment with a real bustling feeling on the street during the day,” she said.
Ms Jamieson said she was not deterred from opening a new small business by the gloomy talk about a downturn in the local economy.
“There are still plenty of men still here,” she said.
Ms Jamieson plans to complete a course to be able to offer specialist services for beards.
She said there were a lot of people asking for the service.
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The recent APAC Android TV Summit in Bangkok saw Amino unveiled by Netflix as a Hailstorm Partner in front of hundreds of operators. Hailstorm is the Netflix initiative designed to reduce the effort of integration and time-to-market for partners looking to launch Netflix services as part of their consumer offering.
According to the company, “This announcement follows on from our established and close working relationship with Netflix through which we have built a unique set of skills and experience in developing, certifying and deploying Netflix to customers. At the Bangkok event, Alan Wong, Netflix Hailstorm Director of Device Scaling described how after just a couple of hours interaction between the Amino and Netflix engineering teams, we were able to integrate Netflix, AminoOS and the operator’s CAS to provide a next generation hybrid broadcast and OTT solution. This enables Netflix to solve what Alan calls the CTO challenge: i.e. reducing the time for an operator to integrate Netflix with their service from as long as 12 months to a few weeks by using Amino’s solution.
“Being asked to join Hailstorm further enhances our ability to merge traditional TV with OTT to deliver smart, modern TV experiences. Combined with our 24i business unit’s ability to deliver any content to any device, we have all the apps, devices, services and software technologies to enable operators to successfully manage and expand connected TV audiences.
“By joining Hailstorm, we’re enabling operators to gain a strategic advantage by making it far easier and quicker to provide a high-quality integrated Netflix experience at scale.”


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Three males are being sought by police after robbing a convenience store and assaulting a member of the public in Southsea. Police say two teenagers entered the shop and another male waited outside.
Two males entered Best Wine and Food on Eastney Road on May 2. A member of staff and a member of the public were both assaulted, according to police reports.
The thieves took cigarettes, vapes, and money. According to witnesses, they were estimated to be between 14 and 17 years old.
READ NEXT: Things to look forward to this summer in Hampshire including Karen's Diner and Victorious Festival
In a statement, Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are appealing for information and witnesses following a robbery at a shop in Portsmouth. At about 9.30pm on May 2, two males entered Best Wine and Food on Eastney Road while a third male believed to be with them waited outside.
"One member of staff and a member of the public were assaulted before the two males that entered the shop went behind the counter and stole cigarettes, vapes, and money. Witnesses described the two males who entered the shop as white and aged between 14 and 17 years old.
"One had mousy coloured hair and was wearing a black hooded jumper, cream jogging bottoms and red and black trainers. The other had brown hair and was wearing black Nike shorts, white trainers and a dark long-sleeved Nike t-shirt.
"Following initial investigations we are appealing for any further witnesses to come forward. We would also like to speak to the member of the public who was assaulted. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 44230172507."
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Boston Scientific has signed an agreement to divest its drug-loadable microsphere and bland embolic bead products to cancer care solutions provider Varian Medical Systems.
Varian is set to pay $90m for the products, which are indicated for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations and hypervascular tumours.
The deal covers Boston Scientific’s drug-loadable Oncozene and Embozene Tandem microsphere as well as bland embolic Embozene bead products.
Oncozene and Embozene microspheres are calibrated microspheres that are engineered to provide better embolization control and improved visualisation during the suspension, noted Boston Scientific.
Varian expects the acquisition of the bead products to boost its new interventional oncology platform while leveraging the products’ regulatory clearances in more than 35 global markets.
Varian Medical Systems president and CEO Dow Wilson said: “This acquisition from Boston Scientific will strengthen Varian’s growing position in the high-value interventional oncology segment and is consistent with our long-term strategy to become a global leader in multidisciplinary, integrated cancer solutions.
“We look forward to completing this acquisition and are excited to add these drug-loadable microsphere and bland embolic bead products to our portfolio to provide our clinical partners with expanded advanced treatment options.”
Varian Medical Systems added that the deal does not include any Boston Scientific operations.
The companies entered transition services agreements to prevent any interruptions to product delivery before Varian implements a manufacturing and distribution plan.
The deal is scheduled to close around August this year and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval and the closing of Boston Scientific’s proposed acquisition of BTG for $4.2bn.
The agreement comes after the FTC requested additional information and documentary material from Boston Scientific and BTG in February. In its request, FTC highlighted Boston Scientific and BTG’s therapeutic beads businesses.


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The number of people missing mortgage payments has more than doubled since the start of the year, according to research released today
The number of people missing mortgage payments has more than doubled since the start of the year as the impact of rising interest rates is beginning to bite, according to research released today.
The study by moneyexpert.com, a price comparison site, estimates that 77,000 mortgage payments are being missed every month, up from 36,000 at the beginning of the year. The research also indicates that the proportion of take-home pay that people are spending on household costs has risen from 33 per cent in 2003, to 44 per cent this year.
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service says that it is


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Trade-Deal: Beef-Producers in Germany and Europe endangered
EU-Study about effects of free trade deals on the agriculture leaves out important parameters
Berlin, 18 November 2016 – Free trade deals like TTIP are expected to have negative long-term effects on several agricultural sectors in Europe. Requested by 20 EU farm ministers, the European Commission was pushed to carry out a scientific study on the impacts of twelve current and proposed trade agreements on European farmers. Especially the producers of beef, sheep and rice will have to expect drawbacks – in these sectors, the European trade balance will likely degrade. The initiative SME against TTIP also criticize the sole focus on tariff reductions, although the quality of our future agriculture will be mainly effected by the standards of environmental and consumer protection.
Please find here the whole press release: http://faireconomyalliance.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/161117-PR-Agrarstudie-EU-English.pdf


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Scarlett Johansson addresses criticism over SodaStream deal
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Scarlett Johansson is responding to criticism over her new ad campaign for an Israeli company that operates in the West Bank.
The actress says in a statement released Friday to The Huffington Post that she never intended on being the face of any social or political movement as part of her affiliation with SodaStream International Ltd.
The Israeli drink maker recently signed the "Her" actress as its first "global brand ambassador." She is to appear in a television ad during the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.
Oxfam International took issue with Johansson because the humanitarian group opposes "all trade" from Israeli settlements, claiming they are illegal and deny Palestinian rights.
Johansson has served as a global ambassador for Oxfam since 2005, raising funds and promoting awareness about global poverty.
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An agreement over a licencing dispute, a positive financial year, and consolidation of two class actions is moving Noumi, formally Freedom Foods Group (FFG), further from its annus horribilis in 2020.
Freedom Foods reported more than $590 million in write-downs and almost $175 million loss for FY20, after the board uncovered internal abuse of its equity incentive plan, inventory write-downs and capital expenses not recorded as such.
US$35m settlement with Blue Diamond Growers
A dispute over a licencing agreement to manufacture and distribution Almond Breeze products has been resolved in US Arbitration, with FFG agreeing to pay Blue Diamond US$35 million.
The agreement stipulated FFG pay Blue Diamond US$17 million within 20 days of the agreement being signed and future payments totalling US$18 million paid in US$4.5 million instalments over four years, from 1 September 2022.
It also laid out a wind-down and termination of the licence agreement by 20 June 2022, with a 12-month packing by FFG option for Blue Diamond and payment of its Australian court costs. FFG would then be free to sell nut-based beverages including MilkLab without restriction.
Chair Genevieve Gregor said it limited by the terms of the settlement in what FFG could say, but it meant a major legacy issue was resolved.
“While the settlement amount maybe greater than we would have hoped, importantly it provides us with the certainty we need to pursue our ambitions in nut-based beverages in Australia and elsewhere through our key brands, such as Milklab and Australia’s own, and it saves us from a lengthy and costly arbitration process in the US,” Gregor said.
Two class actions combined
The two class actions brought against FFG have been consolidated into one proceeding,
The claims allege the company and its auditor Deloitte Touche Tomatsu breached the Corporations Act, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act, and the Australian Consumer Law Act.
The Victorian Supreme Court ordered the two proceedings be consolidated into a single proceeding.
Total revenue rose 8.2 per cent for Freedom Foods Group (now Noumi) in FY21, with a $76.4 million earnings turnaround.
- net revenue up 8% to $559m
- adjusted operating EBIDTA up 141% to $22.4m
- daily UHT sales up 5% to 256mL
- lactoferrin sales up 170% to 28t
- plant-based sales up 6% to 87mL
The company reported an adjusted operating EBITDA of $22.4 million, up 141 per cent on the restated FY20 loss of $54 million.
The group’s statutory net loss after tax was $38.8 million, a 72 per cent improvement on the restated FY20 loss of $136.4 million.
Milklab continued to be the strong performer for the group, with domestic sales increasing 50 per cent and export up 46 per cent. The Plant Based Beverages unit increased revenue by 15.6 per cent to $152.9 million.
In Dairy & Nutritional revenue rose 6.8 per cent to $394.3 million. There have been operational improvements at its Shepparton plant in Victoria, with sales of its lactoferrin brand PUREnFERRIN rising 215 per cent. Sales of nutritionals were slow due to Covid closures of gyms and specialty stores but rose five per cent all up.
CEO Michael Perich made special mention of the Shepparton improvements, saying, “The focus on quality right first time, reducing milk wastage, increasing line efficiencies and complexity, has resulted in progress on key metrics of productivity.
At the AGM the name change was also approved.
Gregor said it provided a “clean break” from the past 18 months, describing the period as “the greatest challenges its history”.
“This has been a defining year for the company. We have been pursuing a three-phase ‘Reset, Transform, Grow’ transformation strategy. In addition to the financial reset, we have undertaken an enormous amount of work to improve the operations, culture and governance of the group,” Gregor said.


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cvs and walgreens sales slowing
Two of the largest drug chains in the country are apparently caught in the tight grip of the current economic slowdown. CVS lowered its second-quarter earnings forecast while Walgreens missed analysts' quarterly earnings expectations despite a rise in its sales and earnings.
Walgreens, which hasn't fallen short of analysts' expectations in recent years, blamed heavy new store growth as well as a cool economy and a slowdown in sales of seasonal and promotional merchandise for its share of bad news. CVS cited the pharmacist shortage as well as the dampening economy for its financial woes.
Walgreens' third-quarter sales rose 16.7%, and earnings were up 10% for the fiscal third quarter ended May 31. But the chain missed the analysts' consensus estimate of earnings by 1 cent.
"Earnings came up short of analysts' expectations because of heavy new store growth we've invested in over the past three years and a decline in gross profit margins," explained Walgreens spokesman Michael Polzin. Noting that more than 1,300 stores in the chain are a minimum of three years old, he said, "It takes the typical store three years to become profitable."
The chain attributed weak sales of seasonal items, such as fans, water accessories, and lawn chairs, to a cool spring in much of the nation. Weak sales of promotional items was caused by the absence of a "must-have" item.
Walgreens' pharmacy sales remain strong, insisted Polzin. "In our core categoriesOTCs and health and personal care itemssales were strong," he said. "We have very steady pharmacy comparable-store sales. In the past year, our comparable- pharmacy sales growth has consistently been between 17% and 20%."
Meanwhile, CVS Corp. announced that it expects earnings per share for the second quarter and full year to be lower than previously anticipated. Todd Andrews, CVS spokesman, told Drug Topics that a slowing in same-store sales growth and increased gross margin pressure led the firm to revise its expectations.
Like Walgreens, CVS cited a softening in the economy and cool May weather for dampening the sale of seasonal items. But heaviest blame for the company's anemic earnings was placed on the pharmacist shortage, which hit the chain hard in the following markets: Washington, D.C.; Hartford and Fairfield counties in Connecticut; Detroit; and Cleveland. "These four markets are where we have a major market sharemore than 40%so when you have a shortage in these areas, it hits hard," said Andrews.
Meanwhile, Walgreens' Polzin claimed that the pharmacist shortage has had no material effect on the chain's bottom line. "We're in better shape today than we were a year ago," he said. "We stepped up our recruiting efforts for currently licensed pharmacists and new graduates ... 1% of our stores or less have any type of reduced hours in pharmacy."
Sandra Levy. Drugstore sector not immune to economic slowdown.


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It’s no surprise that seven of the top ten YouTube video ads last month were Super Bowl spots.
What is surprising is GoPro snagging two of the top ten rankings, generating more than 10 million combined views in February. According to YouTube, the last time GoPro made the top ten list was back in November 2014.
A consistent top performer, this marks the 5th and 6th times GoPro has ever been on the Leaderboard.
Of the most viewed ads in February, Super Bowl ads from Clash of Clans, Adidas, Nissan, FIAT, Jeep, Budweiser and Microsoft all scored a top ten spot.
YouTube said the ten ads listed below earned a combined 165.8 million views, with more than 153-minutes worth of view time.
February 2015 YouTube Ads Leaderboard Top 10 List
1. Clash of Clans: “Revenge” (47,496,617 views)
2. Adidas: “Take It” (30,631,817 views)
3. Nissan: “With Dad” (22,299,466 views)
4. FIAT: “The FIAT Blue Pill” (13,317,527 views)
5. Android “Friends Furever” (12,490,543 views)
6. Jeep: “Be…


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HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
KONA POLICE STATION
OFFICER D. VILORIA
DECEMBER 15, 2000
The Hawaii County Police Department is asking the public’s help in the investigation of a theft which occurred on December 10, 2000, between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., from a cargo container parked at the Liberty house Store at the Makalapua Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Approximately $6,200 worth of merchandise was removed from the container. The merchandise included Roxy brand women’s T-shirts and shorts, Quicksilver brand men’s shorts, men’s aloha shirts and houseware items.
Anyone with information that could assist the police in this investigation is asked to call Officer Duane Viloria, of the Kona Patrol Section at 326-4646.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. Callers will be given a coded number and their identity will remain anonymous. Callers may be eligible for an award of up to $1,000 if their call leads to an arrest, indictment, or recovery or property. Crime Stoppers neither subscribes to the “Caller ID” nor does it record phone calls.
# # #


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On the money: Analysts see established market pressure for Hilton
Hilton reported flat half-year profits
The established markets of UK meat processor Hilton Food Group are under pressure, according to analysts, despite first-half results coming in above some expectations.
The company this morning (11 September) reported flat half-year profits and said it expects annual earnings to be "similar" to the year before.
For the 28 weeks to 15 July, Hilton booked net profit of GBP9.6m (US$15.4m), as it had a year earlier, while sales increased 9.4% to GBP543m
ShoreCapital analyst Darren Shirley said that while headline sales growth was "robust", the primary driver of activity was the relatively new operation in Denmark, with revenues and volumes in Hilton's established markets - the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden - "under pressure".
Shirley cited pressure from "tough" economic conditions, the "relatively high price" of red meat, most notably beef, and "trading down by under-pressure consumers".
Panmure Gordon analyst Graham Jones estimated average meat prices in the period increased by 8%.
"With consumer incomes remaining under pressure, this appears to have driven both falling volumes and down trading to less expensive meat cuts such as mince and burgers at the expense of joints/steaks etc," he said in a note.
Like Jones, Investec analyst Nicola Mallard, cited the company's balance sheet as one of Hilton's strengths.
"Despite the recent investment in Denmark, net debt levels remain very comfortable," she said. "During the half year, the group started to reduce debt and it stood at around GBP15m at the end of June, which is equivalent to just c.0.3x EBITDA. This leaves the group well-placed to undertake further projects with new customers should the opportunity arise."
Shares in Hilton were down 5.8% at 288p at 16:25 BST.
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"There was simply too much lost in income to rationalize keeping an East Coast office open," said Dave Luhr, W&K's director of account services.
After W&K lost the Subaru account, Luhr had said the agency would "most definitely" keep its Philadelphia office open. Yesterday, he said economics made that impossible.
"This agency has always been financially very stable, and we want to make sure we continue that," he said. "Too many agencies today are worrying about their financial problems instead of their clients' problems, and we simply didn't want to be put in that position."
He also said the agency had had no trouble attracting national business to its Oregon office.
At least two clients served from W&K's Philadelphia office said they expected to continue working with the agency, presumably in Oregon: ESPN, a $10 million to $20 million-a-year account, and YM magazine, a $1 million account.
Elizabeth A.N. Williams, vice president of marketing at Philadelphia Newspapers Inc., which publishes The Inquirer, said, however, that PNI and the agency agreed that "it just isn't feasible" to continue their relationship ''given the distance."
Before closing up shop, the agency will complete a campaign to launch The Inquirer's new daily Main Line/Delaware County section, Williams said. The Inquirer's account was worth $1.5 million annually, half the amount originally projected, because the paper postponed plans to produce other daily zoned
sections in addition to the Main Line section.
Subaru had hired W&K to help boost its declining U.S. sales, but sales continued to plunge despite W&K's "What to Drive" campaign.
Other Philadelphia agencies expressed regrets about W&K's departure. "They brought a kind of vitality to the market," said John Goodchild, president of Weightman Group. "It's always great to have someone doing national business in Philadelphia."
Steven Grasse, president of Gyro Advertising, said W&K's presence lent credibility to other Philadelphia agencies.
W&K's Philadelphia office referred all questions to agency headquarters. One employee in Philadelphia said workers were "lining up at the copier" with their resumes.
Luhr said "a handful" of the 45 employees would have jobs in Oregon. "We hired a terrific group of people. . . . It's absolutely dreadful to have to let a majority of them go. People in this business know that it's a risky business, but it still comes as a huge shock, obviously."
Local ad executives said they saw the closing as an isolated case involving W&K's dependence on the Subaru account. But they said other local agencies also were struggling through tough times, taking steps that included layoffs and across-the-board pay cuts.
Luhr said W&K's office closing "is a testament to what happens in the ad business. The average client stays with an agency 2.7 years. That's why the business has been and always will be very volatile."


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The ESA has announced the opening date for fan registrations for their all-digital E3 2021 event.
To recap, E3 2021 will be held via a special online portal and mobile app, which will allow visitors to access virtual booths and all kinds other cool features from June 12th till June 15th. It has now been confirmed that fans will be able to start registering to attend the event on June 3rd via this website.
More details about the portal’s features can be found in our previous coverage here.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.


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Avon is adding a new element to its turnaround — emotions.The beauty company, under the leadership of new chief executive officer Jan Zijderveld, has released a white paper that highlights the increasing importance of emotions, backed up by data, in its business. The paper is set to be presented at the Innocos Summit on Thursday."Technology needs to be harnessed through the lens of humanity — through people, their feelings, their desires. There is an emotional need at the heart of all our choices that is at the core of the future of beauty," writes Zijderveld in the introduction.According to Lisa Gallo, vice president of product development for Avon, harnessing emotions and data, and putting that into the products, will play a significant role in Avon's turnaround. She called steps Avon is taking "very poised to continue to drive us to the turnaround.""You have to bring the consumer relevant products that are meaningful to her — without that, you have nothing," said Gallo.One of Avon's big bets looking forward is cocreation — trying to take the insights it gets from customers and put them directly into the products. One example is the company's Big & Style mascara, which uses a technology from candles to allow consumers to shape their lashes into the desired shape after mascara application.While Avon is open to taking input from one woman at a focus group, or one researcher in a lab, the company anticipates marrying that feedback with data."What computers don’t give you are emotions," Avon writes in the report. "And what emotions don’t give you is logic. There’s a need for both, but in the future, Avon believes, it’s the emotional insight, the human touch, that should drive our scientific research and understanding.""It's critical that you have this knowledge in your memory bank," Gallo said. "What happens, quite frankly, is we study the data — it’s important — we do the research, we take it to heart and then when you are talking to a consumer and you can make those linkages, it just clicks."That communication is critical for product development, Gallo noted. Talking to customers helped Avon learn that in Brazil, its biggest market, what is considered a "natural" finish to foundation is the same that customers in the U.K. and Russia consider "matte," she noted.In the future, Avon expects to know what their customers are feeling, in addition to what they are doing or thinking. That could lead to more customization — like an immediate offering of vitamin-boosted moisturizer for a sleepy Monday morning, Avon writes.Even with increased digital adoption of its representatives, Avon will continue to bet big on face time. The report quotes one Avon rep talking about her Facebook Live parties: "People interact directly with me during the Live session, then once it's over, I'll post links directly to the products, so people can purchase online straightaway."Avon is working to make its products easier to sell online, noting that reps who sell online sell 65 percent more than those who do not. Language choice plays a significant role in communicating for the web. For example, instead of referring to the company's Epic Lipstick as something with intense color payoff, the company uses the term "one swipe.""The whole idea was this beautiful, richly pigmented lipstick had to give an intense result in one swipe — so the consumer would have this easy, effortless experience, but also the rep would be able to demonstrate the effect before her very eyes — rather than just talking about it," Gallo writes in the report.Despite the increase in connections via social media, people feel lonely and are going out of their way to consume content "to improve their health or feel better after feeling down," the report says. That presents an opportunity for the beauty industry to provide products that speak to consumers’ "evolving, emotionally charged needs.""Those strong emotions are going to get us to even more relevant product ideas," Gallo said.
"In order for Shudu to wear garments, she needs to be able to put them on, just like you would in the real world. You have to digitize the outfits," said Cameron-James Wilson on dressing 3-D model @shudu.gram for her WWD photoshoot. #wwdfashion ( 📸: @cjw.photo )
“Shudu is a digital supermodel, a very glamour and amazing woman. But she’s 3-D,” says Cameron-James Wilson, a fashion photographer and the creature of @shudu.gram. Here, Shudu wears @cushnieetochs for her debut fashion editorial. #wwdfashion (📷: @cjw.photo)
“It is the fierce female performances that came before me that made be able to clearly identify for myself what it was that I wanted to do, what kind of artist I wanted to be, what kind of films I wanted to make,” said @brielarson at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards. See more pictures from the event on WWD.com. #wwdeye (📷: Matt Baron)
“On a personal level, it’s my vision to create a really different idea with their look to be at the epitome of women’s fashion in South Korea – to create a new milestone,” said stylist @chochowon on dressing K-pop’s most fashionable girl group, @blackpinkofficial. WWD’s @mistywhitesidell sat down with Won ahead of the group’s new album release, “Square Up,” which is out today. Read the full interview on WWD.com. #wwdfashion #blackpink_squareup #blackpink
For @ralphlauren, 2018 is a reason to celebrate: It marks the brand’s 50th year in business. Last year’s chauffeured show in Bedford, NY featuring his vintage car collection may have seemed like the big celebration to show-goers, but they were wrong. The official celebration will be held on September 7 during #NYFW. Get all the details on WWD.com. #wwdfashion (📷: @giovanni_giannoni_photo)


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Fashion jewelry brand Alexis Bittar, which made its smashing JCK Las Vegas debut last week, has debuted a small-but-creative collection inspired by Pride Month.
Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQ community: It always happens in June to honor the Stonewall riots in Manhattan, which began on June 28, 1969. The 30 days of vibrant, often colorful events and initiatives that happen around the country culminates in the show-stopping New York City Pride March/Parade, scheduled for June 30 this year.
The brand is donating a portion of the proceeds from its Pride-inspired collection to The Center, an organization that serves the LGBTQ communities of New York City.
The brand’s origins are steeped in NYC’s LGBTQ community: Founder Alexis Bittar, who is no longer involved in the company, was a downtown NYC club kid—part of the booming gay nightlife scene in the 1990s—before launching his own line of colorful, accessible jewelry.
Alexis Bittar the brand is famous for its handmade Lucite jewelry and has corralled several of its existing brightly colored Lucite styles into this new collection. But here are the styles that most overtly speak to the Pride theme:
Top: Alexis Bittar gold-tone Transgender Sign slide, $65@jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine


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You may know Jen Selter as a fitness guru and the woman with the most famous ass on Instagram.
She and her frankly mind-blowing behind have got 5.3million followers on the photo-sharing site.
And now, funnily enough, it turns out the 21-year-old has a mum.
A hot mum.
Selter says 47-year-old Jill ‘keeps her going’ when it comes to her fitness regime.
Mummy Selter apparently hits the gym four to five days a week and, well, the results are above left.
The pair showed off their gym fit bodies in a pic for Jen’s Instagram.
Jen, who is her mum’s personal trainer, said she’s very proud of her and her hard work.
She said: ‘You can do anything you set your mind to, no matter what your age or weight is.
‘It is never too late to change your body.’
Well done ladies.
But I bet you’ve lost count how many times you’ve heard that awful ‘you could be sisters’ comment.


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A new video games arcade set to open in Dublin next month has made an urgent appeal for donations for a new wheelchair lift.
Token, a 6000 square foot space in Smithfield that will offer patrons a huge selection of original arcade and pinball machines alongside a range of food and drinks, is set to open its doors in May.
Its owners have billed the space as "Ireland's first restaurant, arcade, and bar", and are promising frequent events including film screenings, board game meet-ups, pinball leagues, eating challenges, and beer tastings.
But ahead of next month's grand opening, the basement of the building is only accessible via stairs, and Token have sought the public's help in funding a wheelchair lift so that those less able-bodied can frequent the venue.
Writing on their Kickstarter page, Token's owners said: "We initially had a quote from our builder regarding the lift, which we felt was incredibly reasonable.
"It wasn't until recently we discovered what the builder had quoted for was purely cosmetic work, and for refurbishment of the lift we would need to seek a quote from a third party."
After contacting several lift companies to make the current lift safe for the public, the owners say their "jaws dropped" at the quote they were given.
A target of €35,000 has been set for the lift, of which almost €22,000 has already been pledged.
There are 10 days left for those who wish to donate, with rewards ranging from a simple certificate of contribution, to 5 hours free on any of Token's arcade machines, to a year's membership.
More information on how to donate and the rewards on offer for doing so can be found here .


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Thanks to changemakers, the fashion industry is becoming more sustainable at a faster pace
Stories about fast fashion, pollution and exploitation by the fashion industry are rampant in the media. We often hear that sustainability in the fashion industry is a slow process. Fortunately this certainly isn’t always the case, as plenty of attention is being devoted to sustainable fashion in fashion education. One of the schools where sustainability is high on the list of priorities is the TMO Fashion Business School. If we are to believe TMO, there’s soon going to be a large group of qualified fashion professionals who are fully trained in sustainability. A group of changemakers who will accelerate the industry’s move towards sustainability.
Students studying at the TMO Fashion Business School learn about sustainability and circularity from the moment they begin their studies. Students embark on a Fashion Awareness Project at the very start of their course. During this project, they investigate the current state of affairs in the areas of sustainable fashion, living wages, the circular economy and CSR. They do this using their own research, group debates and company visits. For example, they must investigate how often an item of clothing is worn before it’s washed and what happens to clothing which can no longer be worn or repaired. The project ensures the students themselves will become more aware of their own clothing consumption. Sustainability will make a return in every semester of the course. For instance, third year students must develop innovative business concepts where sustainability plays an important and organic role. In addition, circular & sustainable business is one of the key topics in the Research Lab course.
Students are now increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability: ‘We feel responsible for creating consumer awareness as fashion students. We want to contribute to promoting sustainability within the fashion industry and truly make a difference’, as can be read in an interview with a TMO student working on the Sustainable Fashion Week. Students are also keen to propagate this commitment. ‘A large wall will be created within the school, on which our changemakers can keep a record of their commitment to a sustainable fashion industry. We have noticed that sustainable fashion is widely supported within the school. We also see that reflected in the fashion concepts the TMO students are coming up with. This includes, for example, the clothing exchange systems, the innovative vintage ideas, reducing waste’, says TMO’s education director, Chris van Veldhuizen. ‘And TMO itself has opted to become a sustainable business school, with the central mindset that each business must act in accordance with sustainability, in terms of finance, people and the environment’.
TMO students who opt for entrepreneurship are now also increasingly ensuring they uphold sustainability as one of their company’s core values. Like the sustainable sneaker brand TRACE, for example, which can be purchased individually. The BARE clothing brand has developed a collection from food waste materials like coffee grounds and pineapple. In addition, one of our former students, Lieke van Hulsbergen recently developed a complete circular swimwear line: TET.swimwear. She first arrived at the idea during her research placement for TMO in Shanghai and her commitment to the project only increased after she saw the plastic soup in Bali with her own eyes. The slogan ‘SAVE THE OCEAN’ is therefore featured prominently on her website.
TMO student, Ades, is also fully focussed on sustainability. ‘I would absolutely love to be able to eventually launch my own sustainable clothing line and TMO has given me an excellent foundation, as well as the required knowledge about the (sustainable) fashion industry.’
Want to know more about TMO Fashion Business School? Click here!


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Independent third-party software quality assurance and testing experts, QA Consultants, has just published a report regarding PC graphics driver stability. The headlining determination from QA Consultants, following its extensive testing is that "AMD drivers are the most stable in the industry for gamers and workstation users alike". Before we go on, even though the lab insists it is fully independent, it is worth considering the fact that AMD commissioned this report.
For a bit of background about QA Consultants; it claims to be a leading North American company in the software quality assurance and testing services industry. It has delivered over 5,000 testing and consulting projects to sectors ranging from automotive, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications - and to both third party companies and (US and Canada) government bodies.
In its test QA Consultants used Microsoft's Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) to conduct a 12-day head-to-head test comparing AMD and Nvidia graphics drivers. Technicians tested six of AMD's most popular graphics cards at the high, medium and budget price points, from both the Gaming and Workstation line-ups against competing Nvidia GPUs (3x GeForce, 3x Quadro). Specifically on the AMD roster were; the Radeon RX Vega 64, RX 580 and RX 560 for gaming, and the Radeon Pro WX 9100, WX 7100 and WX 3100 for workstations, using drivers Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.5.1 and Radeon Pro Software Enterprise 18.Q2, respectively. All the machines were running the same OS, Windows 10 April 2018 Update.
At the QA Consultants facility all the machines ran 12 days of 24-hour stress tests. The key findings were that the aggregate of AMD products passed 93 per cent of the scheduled tests, and the aggregate of Nvidia products passed 82 per cent of the scheduled tests.


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Bigger iPhones, redesigned watches, new Macs — Apple's 2024 plans revealed
- Apple could launch bigger iPhones next year.
- The company is also expected to bring major upgrades to the Apple Watch series, the iPad Pro lineup, and all MacBooks.
Apple just got done with its “Wonderlust” announcements, including the iPhone 15 series, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the USB-C AirPods refresh. The biggest changes have come to the refreshed Pro iPhones, while the rest of the devices present lukewarm upgrades over their predecessors. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is readying a more significant hardware refresh for 2024.
To start with, Apple is expected to launch bigger iPhones in 2024. The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro displays currently measure 6.1 inches, while the iPhone 15 Plus and Pro Max share a larger 6.7-inch display size. Gurman reports that the iPhone 16 Pro models would adopt slightly larger screens in comparison. He doesn’t confirm the exact screen sizes Apple is planning to use on the 2024 iPhones, but a previous claim by display analyst Ross Young suggests the iPhone 16 Pro would feature a 6.27-inch display and the iPhone 16 Pro Max would get a 6.86-inch display.
Gurman’s newsletter also lists other devices Apple plans to add to its portfolio next year. These include the Apple Watch Series X, expected to feature a redesign and new health features like blood pressure monitoring to mark 10 years of the company’s smartwatch. The 7th-gen iPad Pro is also expected to get its first redesign in years, and Apple’s entire MacBook lineup is believed to be getting the new M3 chip.
Apple could also enter the generative AI space in 2024 to compete with Google and Microsoft. Whether that would result in much-needed improvements to Siri remains to be seen. It was previously reported that Apple is working on a large-language model called Ajax and an internal tool called Apple GPT.


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16 April 24
We are thrilled to announce that the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2024 will feature a special welcome home parade for the crew of Maiden on Saturday 20th April, marking a jubilant highlight at this year’s show.
15 April 24
Set against the spectacular backdrop of our flagship Ocean Village Marina, this year’s South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is playing host to several impressive debuts across our exclusive selection of global power and sail brands.
10 April 24
We are delighted to announce the world debut of Cockwells’ Hardy 50DS explorer yacht at our prestigious South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2024, taking place between 19 and 21 April at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.
29 January 24
Following hot on the heels of its world debut at boot Düsseldorf this month, the brand-new Targa 40 will be making its official UK debut at the South Coast and Green Tech Boat Show, taking place against the stunning backdrop of our flagship Ocean Village Marina in Southampton between 19 and 21 April 2024.
26 April 23
Multiple boats sales, sea trial requests and quality leads at the 2023 South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show have left exhibitors delighted, with over 90% already signed up for next year’s show.


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Kinloch Anderson are once again pleased to support The World Corporate Golf Challenge. Not only supplying the World Corporate Golf Tartan but also apparel ranging from trousers to cufflinks. Douglas and Deirdre Kinloch Anderson enjoyed attending the event.
A full week of business networking, emotions and competition was experienced during the twenty-third edition of the World Corporate Golf Challenge Final, the culmination of the world’s largest network of corporate golf days, where the National winners from approximately 40 countries descend on Oitavos Dunes Links, in Cascais, Protugal to compete. This year’s competition was won by Yuzhou Wine from China.


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Zenith: 26% of media consumption will be mobile in 2019
Mobile internet use will account for 26% of global media consumption in 2019, up from 19% in 2016, according to new research by Zenith.
Globally, people will spend an average of 122 minutes a day accessing the internet on mobile devices - an amount that has grown from just ten minutes a day since 2010.
Mobile internet consumption increased at an average rate of 44% a year between 2010 and 2016, driven by the spread of mobile devices, better tech and greater availability of mobile-adapted content. However, the growth rate is slowing, and with it the growth in media consumption overall, Zenith states.
Some of the extra consumption time was cannibalised from traditional media, but the spread of mobile technology has given a boost to overall media consumption by allowing users to access more media while on the move.
The average person spent 456 minutes consuming media in 2016, up from 411 minutes in 2010 - an average increase of 2% a year.
Despite the rapid rise of the internet, traditional media - printed newspapers and magazines, broadcast television and radio, cinema and outdoor advertising - will still account for 69% of global media consumption in 2017.
People will spend an average of 316 minutes a day with traditional media this year, down from 364 in 2010.
Traditional, broadcast TV is still the largest single medium by consumption time, averaging 170 minutes of viewing per day this year, compared to 140 minutes for the internet, and Zenith expects it remain dominant for the rest of its forecast period.
“Mobile technology has thoroughly disrupted consumers’ media habits in less than a decade,” said Jonathan Barnard, head of forecasting at Zenith.
“The pace of change is now slowing - at least until the next disruptive technology takes off.”


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(Bloomberg) — Tesco Plc’s new chief executive officer reported a strong rise in first-half sales as more people bought groceries while working from home during the pandemic.
Tesco’s like-for-likes sales in the U.K. and Ireland, its core market, rose by 7.2% as people ate more at home than in cafes and restaurants. The pandemic has resulted in higher costs of running its stores, however, and the sales gain was slightly below analysts’ expectations.
Ken Murphy, a former executive of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., takes over running Tesco from Dave Lewis, who left after five years. Lewis reshaped Tesco after an accounting scandal, selling operations in Asia and reducing debt while increasing the chain’s price competitiveness in its home market to meet the challenge of German discounters Lidl and Aldi.
Murphy’s strategy for Tesco has yet to be revealed but he joins the grocer as Britain braces for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. Britain’s grocery market is one of the world’s most competitive and is experiencing a turbocharged increase in the number of people shopping online during the pandemic.
The new CEO has moved quickly to appoint a new chief financial officer, hiring Imran Nawaz from Tate & Lyle Plc, who will join next year, succeeding Alan Stewart.
For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com
©2020 Bloomberg L.P.


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Easing the process of reaching your five-star hotel in Yangon, Myanmar now allows tourists to apply for their visas online. Therefore, tourists can place their holiday bookings online at PARKROYAL Yangon without hesitation, while also using online platforms to apply for visas. The country’s electronic visa process is simple, and hassle-free and will not require any trips to the embassy.
A single-entry tourist visa to Myanmar allows travelers to tour around the country for a total of 28 days. By visiting the MyanmarVisa website, potential travelers will be able to apply for Myanmar Tourist eVisas, which will be sent via email to successful applicants within 5-10 business days. All steps pertaining to visa requirements, payment methods, applications, and regulations are stated on the aforementioned website for the convenience of international visitors hoping to visit the country.