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Absolute Hotel Services partners with Diversey to heighten their hygiene and safety protocols
The new hygiene and safety programme will address all facets of hotel operations
Absolute Hotel Services, the brand owner of U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, Eastin Easy, has announced the launch of an integrated hygiene and safety program We Care.
The new hygiene and safety programme will address all facets of hotel operations and assure its employees and guests with enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols.
For this initiative, the hotel group through its quality assurance team has collaborated with their global hygiene partner Diversey, to ensure stringent clinical levels of hygiene and safety. The hotel group is also working towards creating new Standard Operational Procedures, which will serve as the “New Norm” for its guests and employees.
“We Care, will reflect the expected changes in hotel industry norms, behaviours and standards to ensure both hotel guests and employees are confident in our cleanliness and safety habits. Our initiative represents a new level of focus and transparency for an industry whose foundation already stands on rigorous standards for hygiene, cleanliness, care and personal safety. The program is built in accordance and guidance issued by local, government, industry, and related health authorities. Absolute Hotel Services as a hotel group is committed in its relentless effort to re-build the confidence to stay at will, once again,” says Sameer Dharkar, Managing Director – Indian continent & Middle East, Absolute Hotel Services.


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With the new season beginning on September 12, Spurs have now released their latest strip for purchase, and it looks rather different to previous offering.
While the home kit includes blue arm bands and a yellow trim around the collar, the all-green away offering has white details with a navy trim.
In response to the home kit, one fan wrote: “Is that our worst home shirt since the one from the 90s?”
A second fan added: “Enough. Nike have again given us terrible kits. How do they keep getting this so wrong?”
A third wrote: “HATE the blue shoulder straps & not keen on the white pattern! Could the club remind Nike that our shirts should be PLAIN white with NAVY shorts?”
With a fourth saying: “We're stuck with these clowns making terrible kits until 2033.”
After seeing the away kit, another fan wrote: “Looks better than decent imo.”
Another said: “These green ones look sick.”
A third wrote: “Navy green. Ready to go to war.”
With a fourth saying: “I have to say it's not that bad.”
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The club said after the release: T”he collection combines Club traditions with a modern streetwear style, using exciting new colours and bold graphics.”
Before adding: “As part of the Club’s wider aims to minimise its impact on the environment across all operations, all Home and Away shirts are constructed with 100 per cent recycled polyester fabric, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.
“To create kits that deliver peak performance with low impact on the environment, plastic bottles are collected, cleaned and melted down to produce a high-quality yarn for manufacturing.”

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“It all comes back to our three-fold mission statement: to love the body we live in, the people we live with, and the earth we live on,” said Combe. “Everything we do pushes that mission forward, and that’s why Spoon Me is leading the explosive growth in the frozen yogurt industry.”
Explosive aptly describes Spoon Me’s growth. Founded in October of 2007 by Combe, former VP of Lehman Brothers in California David Jaynes, and Utah orthopedic surgeon Wayne Mortensen, the chain currently has eight franchises operating in Utah and Arizona. Three more are slated to open in the fall in Idaho and Calgary, Canada, and an additional 28 have been sold to franchisees. Combe estimates that in the next year, Spoon Me will be in 12 states and scattered throughout Western Canada.
According to Combe, there is no better time to start a frozen yogurt franchise, despite a chilly credit market and shrinking disposable incomes across the country.
Part of the reason is Americans are eating healthier, and though they may not want to give up dessert, they are eager to try less fattening or sugary options. Spoon Me yogurt is fat-free, low-calorie, and has no artificial flavoring, colors, sweeteners, or table sugar. It does have, however, live active cultures, vitamins, and minerals and is high in calcium. Combe said he, his team, and food chemists spent nearly six months tasting current frozen yogurt options and tinkering with just the right balance of creamy and sweet to develop a winning recipe.
The best part is Spoon Me yogurts retail at between $4.00 and $6.00. Combe said people may opt for a pasta dinner at home, but things have to get really bad before they cut back on a $5.00 dessert.
“We also target the 16- to 30-year-old demographic,” he added. “These are high school and college-aged kids with limited disposable incomes but no mortgages and no mouths to feed, and they are looking for a hip, healthy, new place to hang out.”
The company maintains a low price point despite the use of more expensive biodegradable spoons, cups, straws, napkins, and more by using innovative and efficient shipping and storage processes and shrewd negotiations with distributors. In addition to hurting for more business, Combe said all the vendors the company works with are sold on its mission and eager to invest in its future success.
That isn’t to say Spoon Me hasn’t seen its share of challenges. In a highly competitive industry, the company decided to pursue franchising to grow quickly, but Combe and his team had little experience in that process. So, they partnered with Franchise Foundry, a strategic investment partner for franchise concepts, in February. The firm’s streamlined process weeded out the curious from the highly motivated and guided the company through the sales process.
“The biggest challenge we’ve dealt with has been the lack of franchisees; people are scared to start a venture in this economic climate, and there isn’t a lot of capital to support them,” said Combe. “Franchise Foundry has been an invaluable partner in attracting and retaining franchise partners.”
He added that the company announced a six-month royalty vacation for all new franchise owners, which Combe said are immediately part of the Spoon Me family. “We believe in our concept, and we will do everything we can to support our partners and make them successful.”
So as Spoon Me’s start popping up across the country, Combe and his team are developing new ways to trim back costs and drive up revenues. He said social media marketing has been a big part of the company’s strategy. Spoon Me has Twitter and Facebook accounts, a company blog, and T-shirts and other merchandise featuring tongue-in-cheek adaptations of the company name.
Additionally, from the beginning, Combe and his team developed a unique corporate atmosphere to set Spoon Me apart at the highest level. There are no TVs in any location because Combe said they want to foster a social setting. The first thing associates say to customers when they walk in isn’t the typical fast food greeting “What can I get for you” but rather “What’s up dude.” The music playing in each location is also carefully selected, as are the color schemes and designs for the stores.
Because of the effort from the top, Spoon Me stores have hundreds of applications from young people eager to be a part of that culture, and it’s easy to pick the cream of the crop and plug them into this model, according to Combe. “It’s very easy to make a frozen yogurt dessert; I would say 95% of our training for associates deals with building relationships with the customer. And even that doesn’t require very much because that comes naturally when you put a high-performer in this atmosphere,” he said.
Combe said the most important reason for successful creation of the culture at Spoon Me is how everything has been tied into a bigger purpose from the beginning. Rather than taking tips, each location has jars labeled “Keep the Change,” and the money collected is donated to a different local charity each month. So far, Spoon Me stores have raised in excess of $30,000, and Combe expects to shatter that record in the coming year.
“We aim to succeed financially, but we don’t consider ourselves truly successful unless we are showing the customers how much we appreciate their business by giving back to the communities that give to us,” Combe concluded.


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Calor will be exhibiting at this year’s Freight in the City Expo, promoting its alternative fuel offering for freight operators looking to meet the ambitions of the government’s Road to Zero strategy. The company will be highlighting how renewable liquefied petroleum gas (BioLPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) can offer a low-carbon, cleaner option for hauliers operating in urban areas. Calor is the first fuel provider in the UK to offer BioLPG to the freight industry. A renewable fuel created from […]
Howard Tenens has added two more dedicated 26-tonne dedicated gas Scania rigids to its fleet after the “highly successful” trial of its initial two units, which joined the operation in October 2017.
Booking is now open for this year’s Freight in the City Expo, which will take place on 2 November at London’s Alexandra Palace.
An electric road system (ERS) is the only viable future for long-haul HGVs, with hydrogen far too expensive, the director of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight has told delegates at new transport and logistics event ITT Hub.


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Just yesterday, on Facebook, the subject of George Orwell’s novel “1984” warning about the future regarding “Big Brother” controlling media, behaviour, thoughts, history records, wars, sexual behaviour, surveillance, just about all of human activities.
The gist was that he intended this as a warning rather than a prediction. In fact. it is now a reality. Another post warned about our laptop camera being a source of unintended broadcasting of our images, possibly the mic providing the audio. Suggested a piece of the ubiquitous ‘duct tape’ as a solution.
Today, the risks associated with smart TV’s are highlighted. Of course, this can only occur if your WiFi is connected and on. This has been mooted for some time, but here we have conclusive evidence, an admission from the manufacturer.
(ANTIMEDIA) — In a troubling new development in the domestic consumer surveillance debate, an investigation into Samsung Smart TVs has revealed that user voice commands are recorded, stored, and transmitted to a third party. The company even warns customers not to discuss personal or sensitive information within earshot of the device.
This is in stark contrast to previous claims by tech manufacturers, like Playstation, who vehemently deny their devices record personal information, despite evidence to the contrary, including news that hackers can gain access to unencrypted streams of credit card information.
“Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party.”
This sparked a back and forth between the Daily Beast and Samsung regarding not only consumer privacy but also security concerns. If our conversations are “captured and transmitted,” eavesdropping hackers may be able to use our “personal or other sensitive information” for identity theft or any number of nefarious purposes.
There is also the concern that such information could be turned over to law enforcement or government agencies. With the revelation of the PRISM program — by which the NSA collected data from Microsoft, Google, and Facebook — and other such NSA spying programs, neither the government nor the private sector has the benefit of the doubt in claiming tech companies are not conscripted into divulging sensitive consumer info under the auspices of national security.
So there you have it, indisputable evidence.
Read the complete article here.


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The premiere of 24 on Tuesday night showed that Ford will have substantial product placement in the series, as it did with “American Idol.” It also was the only sponsor on Tuesday’s no-commercial debut. Sources say it will be the biggest sponsor of the series this season. The model has a lot to support it as a win for both sides. Ford, by setting itself as a series-presenting sponsor, gets credit from the consumer for no ads, and gets away from TV auto ad clutter. Fox gets an opportunity to give viewers a no-interruption trial for 24.
“It’s a great idea, but only the big clients can afford it,” says Pat Wallwork, partner at SantaFe’s McKee, Wallwork and Henderson. “I’m sure Fox negotiated a good rate for this. Planners and buyers always know this kind of deal is negotiable but you have to justify the cost and sometimes that’s tough.”
Fox did not respond to queries about the deal. According to overnight Nielsen ratings from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., 24 won the key demos by a wide margin and edged out CBS for first place in total viewers, although CBS had a bigger household rating for The Guardian.
Other experts think the deal was driven by Ford’s desire to find a marketing hook in a busy new model season. IN fact, Peen State Smeal Business School professor Andrew Bergstein believed that the premiere deal was probably negotiated with product placement and full-season support included.
“Look at what the other car companies are doing,” he says. “There’s only so much you can do with low finance rates. This gets you away from clutter and possible gets the client away from a straight CPM deal.”
One more element to consider, according to Wallwork. Is this an experiment for days when a large percentage of the population can skip commercials with PVRs? Will one sponsor and product placement become more commonplace?
At this week’s TV network roundtable, concern about that was minimal.
"I don't think we're at a point of crisis yet," said The WB's Jordan Levin.
UPN's Dawn Ostroff said that at best, PVRs have captured less than 1% of the nation's TV households. "Right now we've got a long way to go before they're prevalent."


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Automation Leads To Efficiency Gains But Job Losses At Southern California Port
Controversial issue to be discussed at upcoming UCLA conference on zero-emission freight at Southern California’s ports
Automation threatens to eliminate many manufacturing jobs around the world, as robots now perform factory line tasks that used to be done by humans. Now the technology is starting to be deployed through self-driving vehicles in places like ports, with similar results.
It’s an issue we’ll discuss at the upcoming free UCLA/Berkeley Law conference on June 8th at UCLA on zero-emission freight at Southern California’s ports (featuring a keynote presentation by California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols).
Recently, I had an opportunity to tour the world’s first zero-emission marine container terminal at the Port of Long Beach (see photo). The terminal uses fully automated battery electric cargo handling equipment to move containers, with more than 60 lead acid battery electric units running in every day service.
Here is a video I took of the autonomous vehicles, which are pretty mesmerizing to see move on their own:
The entire project cost well over $1 billion to build and took years to secure all the permitting, according to port officials who led us on the tour. Despite the productivity gains, port leaders seem unlikely to expand the use of the technology anytime soon, given funding constraints.
Still, the terminal is not without controversy. Emily Guerin at KPCC radio in Los Angeles ran a piece that described the battle between labor unions and port officials over the project. These critical areas of freight typically offer some of the highest-paying union jobs around for longshoremen. But the terminal project led to layoffs due to the automation component.
The video below was shot by one of the laid off workers from the Long Beach port, and it shows in stark terms both the promise of autonomous, zero-emission technologies, as well as the human cost (warning: profanity included):
As port officials, policy makers, and advocates move toward cleaner freight at the ports, issues such as automation and workforce participation will play a major role in determining the technologies and implementation going forward.
To learn more on this and other issues related to sustainable freight at the ports, register today for the UCLA conference on June 8th (MCLE credit available).


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Bahrain FinTech Bay launches eNewsletter for the month of May!
Welcome to our monthly newsletter! Our monthly newsletter is a digest of all the exciting things that have been happening at the Bahrain FinTech Bay. From upcoming and past events, to the different visits that we have been lucky to host, lots of exciting news in this issue and we cannot wait to share them with you!Stay tuned for more interesting updates and events every month! Click here to read more.
FinTech Consortium announces the launch of InQvest Partners and its US$100 Million Global FinTech Fu
Singapore, Bahrain, New York Monday, 7th May, 2018: Fintech Consortium announces the launch of its global fintech investment platform, InQvest Partners, which has also established a presence at Bahrain Fintech Bay, further committing to the Kingdom. InQvest Partners will pursue investments and deploy capital through its debut investment vehicle, InQvest Fintech Holdings, as well as its US$100 million Global Fintech Fund, which is backed by regional and international instituti
Bahrain FinTech Bay Announces Appointment of Independent Director of the Executive Board
Manama, 4 May 2018: Bahrain FinTech Bay (“BFB”), the largest fintech hub in the Middle East & Africa, is pleased to announce Dr. Saeeda Jaffar as an independent director of the Executive Board. Dr. Saeeda Jaffar is currently Managing Director of Alvarez & Marsal in the Middle East and focuses on innovation and technology strategies for financial institutions. She previously worked at Bain & Co. in Dubai and McKinsey in New York. Dr. Saeeda Jaffar holds a PhD in Chemical Engi


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Parity Professionals selected as one of the founding members of the Scotland Food and Drink Skills Academy
Through the Scotland Food & Drink Skills Academy, Scotland’s £10.4 billion food and drink manufacturing industry can now benefit from a single point of access to leading-edge workforce training, study and skill upgrades designed to boost productivity, profitability and innovation.
As a Champion Provider for the National Skills Academy (NSA) for Food & Drink, Parity Professionals has delivered Leadership and Management development solutions for some of the UK’s most prestigious Food and Drink Manufacturing companies including Associated British Foods (ABF), Premier Foods, Foyle Food, Moy Park, Dovecote Park and Baxters Food Group.
Parity Professionals has been doing business in Scotland for the last 25 years and is currently delivering Talent Sourcing Solutions to the public and private sector. Parity Professionals has recently combined its Talent Sourcing and Talent Development lines of business to bring a unique offer to the Scottish market, in particular, the Food and Drink sector.
Scotland is now becoming one of the world’s leading food and drink nations, boasting the country’s largest manufacturing sector employing over 43,000 employees.
Vivien Weldon, Head of Client Solutions at Parity Professionals said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Scotland Food and Drink Skills Academy to further develop world-class leadership and management capacity and capability within the food and drink industry in Scotland.”
NSA CEO, Justine Fosh, said: “In a rapidly changing industry, astute leadership and smarter management are critical to every business in the search for ever-more productive, leaner and greener ways to operate. Parity Professionals’ track record in delivering real business improvement through leadership and management skills enhancement makes them an ideal leader of future Academy provision.”


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U.S. stocks closed little changed on Thursday, with the S&P touching highs, as investors weighed mostly upbeat earnings and mixed economic reports.» Read More
Actually, no. Too bad Chris Cox doesn't know that.
Nearly 1.4 billion shares and over $16 billion traded yesterday in CNBC's Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge. Check out the bets being made today...
On Mad Money we pander to neither panic nor euphoria. On Tuesday, an up day, Jim urged everyone to get out of the financials. I can't emphasize how important it is that we go negative on up days, but history can. The 234 point rout yesterday afternoon is a pure example of what I'm talking about. We try not to be too down on down days, and emphasize extreme caution on up days because that's useful.
For as long as I've worked the auto beat, I've heard the same thing, "watch out for the Chinese car companies!" The theory/fear being, Chinese automakers will get to the U.S. market and work quickly to make their mark.
Mazda Motor is confident it will achieve its U.S. sales target of 290,000 vehicles in the business year to next March despite a sharp downturn in that market, a top executive said on Tuesday.
Q: On Fast Money’s trader radar we look at the stock that was lighting up screens across Wall Street. $4 oil has some wishing they could escape their big gas guzzlers... and with the public's renewed interest in fuel efficiency this company is trying to better focus on what’s working. Today, the stock was higher on speculation that it could sell its Volvo unit. Who is it?
To help put the current inflation spiral into perspective, Guy Adami examines another period in history when inflation was out of control. The 1970’s!
For the short Independence week ending Friday, July 3, 2008, the U.S. Markets ended the week in bear market territory with the Dow and the NASDAQ off more than 20% from their market peak set in October, 2007.
Talk about a tough week. On Monday Chrysler announced it would be shutting an assembly plant outside St. Louis and stripping out the shift of another one in Missouri. Then yesterday, the company reported June sales that put the company's market share for the month at 9.9%.
As automakers dropped their latest batch of awful sales numbers on the market on Tuesday, reinforcing the gloom spreading across the economy, the troubles confronting American workers seemed to intensify, the New York Times reported.
There's a good chance stocks could hold onto some of their positive tone Wednesday, and maybe even into Thursday, as traders search the rubble for bargains.
Stocks coasted to a positive finish, fueled by better-than-expected sales from General Motors, short covering and a pop in a manufacturing gauge, in what was a rollercoaster start to the first half.
This morning, in discussions with my colleague Dylan Ratigan, I stuck my neck out and said that the market should trade up modestly today for several reasons: 1) ISM was better than expected, 2) first day of the third quarter is historically an up day, and 3) the market is as oversold and bearish as I have seen it in many years.
General Motors surprised investors with a sales decline that was much less steep than expected, and the company's shares skyrocketed higher.
It was a rocky start to the second half for Wall Street as the market digested a mixed bag of auto sales, a $2 jump in oil prices and an encouraging reading on manufacturing.
Talk about throwing a curve to the experts. June auto sales shows that some people have been too quick to jump the gun and assume certain automakers would sell, or not sell.
Stocks had a wobbly start to the first half as a $3 jump in oil prices and selloff in European banks rippled through the market.
Here's to a better second half. We could use it. You've heard the superlatives. The market has had its worst first half since 1970. Think men on the moon and bell bottoms, and GM shares trading higher than they are now. Ouch.
When a company’s in debt as much as GM and Ford, it’s the creditors that hold sway – not the shareholders.
Shares of General Motors tumbled to a 54-year low while smaller rival Ford Motor hares fell as much as 10 percent on Monday on concerns record oil prices would further hit U.S. demand for vehicles.


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Fasig-Tipton has cataloged a record 1,254 for its Kentucky fall yearling sale, which will be held Oct. 22-24 in Lexington. The number is up 24.5% from last year's total of 1,007.
A Big Brown -- Cool Ghoul colt that was the most expensive 2-year-old in training sold this year at public auction has been named Darwin.
Musical Romance, the champion female sprinter of 2011, will be consigned to the upcoming Fasig-Tipton November sale, Three Chimneys announced Sept. 18.
The $1.3 million Big Brown colt that was the most expensive 2-year-old in training sold this year is nearing his first career start, according to Demi O'Byrne, a member Coolmore Stud's buying team.
Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 254 head for its Fall Mixed Sale in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Tuesday, Oct. 9. The sale in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion begins at 11 a.m. (ET).
Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 375 yearlings for its Eastern fall yearling sale. The number is down 29.9% from last year's total of 535.
The Aug. 27 Fasig-Tipton Texas yearling sale, to start at 4 p.m., offers a 170-lot catalog that includes 47 Texas-breds, 27 Oklahoma-breds, and 65 Louisiana-breds.
Veterinarians from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital presented information about radiographic images of joints, endoscopic videos of throats, and changes in conditions of sale during an educational forum on sale yearlings.
The dams of two of this year's Triple Crown stars, I'll Have Another and Bodemeister, will be offered at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed sale.
Blue Horse Charities has announced it awarded grants totaling $138,150 in 2012 to 44 non-profit organizations that place registered Thoroughbreds into adoptive homes.
Commercial breeders and pinhookers found the going tougher at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale as prices and profits declined from a year ago.
Fasig-Tipton New York-bred yearling sale ends two-night run on a powerful upswing for a second straight year, with a strong closing session Aug. 12 and 20 horses sold for $100,000 or more--including a $330,000 sale topper.
Buyer Jim Crupi of Crupi's New Castle Farm talks about changes at the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred yearling sale and his purchases Aug. 11.
Jonathan Thorn talks about a $220,000 Majestic Warrior colt Thorndale sold for owner Seth Gregory. The colt was the top selling yearling Aug. 11 at the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred sale.
Opening night for the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred yearling sale saw increases in revenue but also in the buy-back rate compared to last year, as a $220,000 yearling topped session one Aug. 11.
Interview with John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale, about their Street Cry colt, who sold for $1.2 million on August 6 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale.
It's a good time to own a horse from the Empire State. That's what everyone is saying heading into the Fasig-Tipton New York-bred Yearling Sale in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Aug. 11-12.
- By Vic Zast
The media took about a nanosecond to realize that both trainer Roger Attfield and jockey John Velazquez, who teamed up to win Monday's feature race with Kissable, were about to enter the Hall of Fame on Friday. read blog
After suffering significant setbacks in prices on its opening night, the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale experienced a welcome surge in business during its second and final session Aug. 7 in upstate New York.
A daughter of Medaglia d'Oro became the current sales topper during the Aug. 7 session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale, bringing a final bid of $1.575 million from trainer Todd Pletcher.
Based on pre-sale expectations, the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale fizzled more than it sizzled in its opening session Aug. 6 in upstate New York.
With few hours left before the first session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale Aug. 6, trainer Kenny McPeek shared the short list of horses he believes will bring big prices.
The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling auction could close out its two-night run Aug. 7 in New York with a bang, based on the positive reviews for many of the horses on offer.
- By Vic Zast
The rains began about 30 minutes before the first race and then ended after the second race finished. read blog
- By Esther Marr
Esther Marr talks with Tom VanMeter of VanMeter Sales and Pat Costello of Paramount Sales about their Galileo yearlings. watch video
Sheikh Mohammed and other top buyers are ready to shop at the yearling auction in upstate New York.
- By Esther Marr
Esther Marr asks Mark Taylor of Taylor Made Sales about his optimism in the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale. watch video
The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale will be first test in 2012 of the top of the market for yearlings. Here's what people had to say about their expectations and other thoughts about the auction.
These Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select sale yearlings could sparkle in the auction ring during the first session Aug. 6.
Well-known trainer Dale Romans has expanded his involvement in the horse business to include selling.
Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga auction, scheduled for Aug. 6 and 7 in New York, has a number of half brothers and half sisters to racing royalty in its catalog.
The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale in New York Aug. 6 and 7 has seven young horses that were acquired previously at public auction for $200,000 or more apiece.
Havre de Grace, the 2011 Horse of the Year who was retired earlier this year after sustaining an injured ligament, will be sold at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky breeding stock sale in Lexington Nov. 5.
- By Vic Zast
Rain entered the picture early on Thursday. By 7:00 am, it was teeming. Then it stopped and stayed dry for the rest of the day, although a few miles away there were downpours. read blog
Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 170 yearlings for its Texas summer yearling sale at Lone Star Park. The number is down 54.3% from last year's total of 372.
Havre de Grace, 2011's Horse of the Year, is "doing terrific" in retirement, according to her owner, Rick Porter, and he's planning to send her to a November mixed sale in Kentucky.
- By BloodHorse Staff
- Thoroughbred Racing, Northeast Region, Kentucky, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association will conduct a Pedigree and Conformation Clinic on Monday, Aug. 6, and a Thoroughbred Ownership Seminar on Thursday, Aug. 9, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Commercial breeders were better off financially following the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July select yearling sale than they were in 2011. But pinhookers didn't fare as well they did a year ago.
Read what buyers and consignors had to say about the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July select yearling sale.
Fasig-Tipton July select auction received generally good reviews as it launched the 2012 yearling selling season in a solid fashion.
An Afleet Alex colt fetched the highest price thus far at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July yearling sale when he was bought for $250,000 by trainer Mark Casse, agent.
Esther Marr interviews Sean Feld of Spendthrift Farm at the Fasig-Tipton July Sale.
The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July select yearling sale opened with a bang when the first horse in the sale ring, a Colonel John filly, commanded $200,000 July 10 in Lexington.
Larry Zap provides some insight on the yearling market at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July sale July 10.
Bloodstock agent John Moynihan gives observations during the Fasig-Tipton July sale July 10.
Trainer Ken McPeek discusses the sales market and what his clients are looking for this year. watch video
Here is a list of some yearlings that consignors and others believe have what it takes physically to bring the highest bids during the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July select yearling sale.
Mark Taylor explains what he foresees during the Fasig-Tipton July Sale. Mark also highlights a few stand out horses. watch video
Esther Marr asks Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning about expectations for the July Sale. watch video
The yearling market ended a four-year slump in 2011 and many horsemen are confident that the rebound will continue during the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky select yearling auction.
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The Turning Stone Resort Casino today announced a new retail expansion, in partnership with Syracuse-based fashion retailer Joel Shapiro. Four new independent boutiques will be coming to Turning Stone this fall, including a jewelry and accessory store, a men’s and women’s active wear shop, and two stores featuring women’s fashion.
The new stores will be situated near the entrance to The Tower hotel, and they will carry both national brands and original lines.
The new boutiques will replace two existing retail stores in an expanded space next to the resort’s Winter Garden. Shoppers will also be able to earn and redeem TS Rewards points at the new boutiques.
“These new stores will offer an innovative, personalized shopping experience and will be a great addition to the array of world-class amenities already available at Turning Stone,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “Since we are always looking to reinvest in Central New York, it was a natural fit to work with the Shapiro family and their Syracuse company to bring this vision to life.”
The retail shops will be operated by Shapiro, who runs Syracuse’s menswear store Mr. Shop, owned by his family since the 1960s. Shapiro is also an active proponent for local businesses in the community and has served on the Syracuse Downtown Committee, Armory Square Association and Landmark Theatre Board of Directors, the announcement said.
“The new stores will add to the vibrant energy of Turning Stone,” said Shapiro.
“Shoppers will love the choice of colors, fabrics and styles. These shops will offer a friendly atmosphere that’s full of excitement, while maintaining the premium service which guests are already accustomed to at Turning Stone,” he added.


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Raising a Glass to a New Wine Grape
At the University of Minnesota, grape research hasn't just sprouted a few new vines—it's spurred the growth of an industry.
The U of M's newest grape, Itasca, is the latest in a line of cold-hardy wine grapes developed by U researchers that have played a crucial role in building the winery industry in regions where low temperatures once hindered grape growing. Unlike more well-known wine grapes, these varieties can survive winter temperatures well below -20F.
Today, the cold-climate grape-growing and winery industry has a more than $400 million economic impact nationwide. Since 1996, producers in 12 states have planted an estimated 5,400 acres of cold-hardy grapes. Itasca joins the grapes known as Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, and Marquette, all developed by the U of M.
"Through its wine grape breeding program, the U of M has been primarily responsible for the emergence and growth of the northern grape wine industry," says William Gartner, professor with the Department of Applied Economics in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
Itasca, perfect for making dry white wines, has lower acidity and high sugar levels, says U of M assistant professor of horticultural science Matt Clark, coupled with high resistance to common grape pests such as downy and powdery mildew and certain insects.
Licensed nurseries will begin selling Itasca in 2017.
- Science and Technology


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In the first half of 2022, crypto companies were flooding the job market in Singapore. The bull market was still well underway and there was no shortage of capital in the industry. At the time, we made a list of 10 companies that were among the most prolific in their hiring practices.
Needless to say, a lot has changed since then. First, it was the LUNA/USDT crash which triggered a domino effect, claiming companies including Three Arrows Capital and Hodlnaut.
More recently, the collapse of FTX sent shockwaves across the industry — further harming consumer trust and deepening the market crash.
As it stands, a recovery doesn’t seem to be in plain sight. However, it seems apt to revisit our list of 10 companies to see how well they’ve been weathering the storm.
Binance has been the world’s largest crypto exchange for over half a decade now. Following the collapse of FTX, its market dominance has expanded even further. The next competitor, Coinbase, only records around 10 per cent of Binance’s trading volume on a daily basis.
Amidst the crypto layoffs that started mid-2022, the company continued to hire. At the time, CEO Changpeng Zhao spoke about a “healthy war chest”, with the capacity to expand while competitors downsized. Going into 2023, this remains just as true.
At a crypto conference this January, Zhao announced plans to grow headcount by 15 to 30 percent this year. Currently, there are over 500 job openings listed on the Binance website, around 100 of which can be applied to by those based in Singapore.
As such, Binance is hiring more aggressively now than it was during the bull market, when the previous iteration of this article was written.
Although the company has faced allegations of poor fund management and misrepresented losses over the past few months, it doesn’t seem to have affected operations. In fact, Zhao has refuted some of these claims, claiming that the reported loss figures are off the mark by billions of dollars.
Crypto.com hasn’t fared quite as well through the market crash. The company invested heavily in marketing through 2021 and 2022, committing almost a billion dollars to sponsorships alone.
US$700 million bought Crypto.com the naming rights to Los Angeles’ iconic Staples Center, and another US$100 million let the company decorate the promotional boards at Formula 1 events.
Since then, the company has quietly downsized its partnerships as per Ad Age. This has included backing out of deals with the UEFA Champions League and Twitch. Crypto.com has also been downsizing, with as much as 40 per cent of its workforce allegedly let go in the second half of 2022.
This January, CEO Kriz Marszalek announced a further 20 per cent reduction to headcount, stating that the company was unable to withstand the market impact brought about by the collapse of FTX.
Despite these cuts, Crypto.com is still hiring for a select few roles in Singapore. Included are positions such as Product Manager, Brand Designer, and Mobile Developer.
Okcoin has maintained its healthy standing through the market crash, as per a Twitter thread by CEO Hong Fang.
Fang states that the company has never lent out customer assets to others or tried to grow via leverage trading. This has helped them avoid much of the fallout from the collapse of firms like FTX and Three Arrows Capital.
Fang emphasises that Okcoin will continue to focus on technological developments rather than take on a banking role which many other crypto exchanges have opted for. “We will continue to refrain from taking on balance sheet risks,” she adds.
There have been no public reports of company-wide layoffs at Okcoin following the market crash. Although the company is not hiring in Singapore at this point of time, it has positions open in countries including Malta, South Korea, and USA.
4. Alchemy Pay
Unlike most of the companies on this list, which are crypto exchanges, Alchemy Pay’s primary business is to enable crypto payment solutions.
The firm works with a host of e-commerce and crypto partners — including Shopify, Paytend, Binance, and Huobi — to ease the conversion process between fiat money and cryptocurrency.
Going into 2023, Alchemy Pay has ambitious plans to continue expanding across the globe. It intends to add countries such as India, Korea, and Venezuela into the list of places where it’s on-and-off-ramp solutions are accessible. Along with this, Alchemy Pay has also become one of Visa’s official service providers and began supporting Apple Pay for fiat-to-crypto purchases.
It’s unclear whether Alchemy Pay had to lay off staff following the market crash. The company did not respond to Vulcan Post’s request for a comment. At this time, the company isn’t hiring in Singapore.
Coinbase found itself in the same boat as Crypto.com following the market crash, having to carry out multiple rounds of layoffs.
In June 2022, CEO Brian Armstrong admitted that the company had grown too quickly over the past year. The downturn exposed operational flaws and revealed a need to manage expenses better. This triggered a decision to downsize by 18 per cent.
Since then, Coinbase has continued its struggle to navigate the bear market. This January, the company made a decision to lay off another 20 per cent of its staff, amounting to almost 1,000 employees.
Armstrong admitted that the initial layoffs in June hadn’t been enough, and the subsequent collapse of FTX had further impacted the company’s standing.
Currently, Coinbase is only hiring for a HR & Recruiting position in Singapore. The job comes with perks including a gym and commuter allowance, and volunteer time off.
BTSE seems to have fared well throughout the market crash, suffering no direct consequences from the LUNA/USDT crash or the collapse of FTX.
BTSE offers spot and futures trading with over 1,200 trading pairs for users to choose from. Last December, the company reclaimed its spot as one of the top 10 derivatives exchanges, as ranked by CoinGecko.
Much like the wider crypto market, BTSE’s native crypto token has lost significant value since 2022. It’s down over 60 per cent from its all-time-high last March. Despite this, CEO Henry Liu remains optimistic given recent signs of market stability and recovery.
BTSE is only recruiting for a marketing position in Singapore at the moment, and it is looking to expand its network of influencers and key opinion leaders to help grow the BTSE brand.
Despite being among the longest standing exchanges — with a fair share of experience dealing with crypto winters — Kraken was forced to downsize by 30 per cent last December.
The company announced that it would lay off 1,100 employees in an effort to adapt to the prevailing market conditions. This decision came just six months after Kraken had started a process to expand its staff by 500.
Financial News reported on a “savage” redundancy process wherein employees were locked out of their computers with little to no warning. News about the layoffs had reached the media before the employees themselves were even informed.
Currently, Kraken remains the third largest crypto exchange by trading volume, behind only Binance and Coinbase. The company is currently not hiring in Singapore, however it has almost 100 positions open in other parts of the world including Europe and North America.
Singaporean crypto exchange Coinhako has weathered the storm without controversy. The company spent the first half of the year focusing on its institutional services — a segment which recorded a 300 per cent increase in trading volume during the time.
Following the onset of the crypto winter, Coinhako continued hiring with an intention to expand across Asia.
More recently, the crypto exchange has been easing the process for Singaporeans to purchase crypto. Users can now fund their accounts using PayNow, which only takes around a minute and doesn’t come with any fees.
Currently, Coinhako is hiring for over 20 jobs in Singapore. These include internships as well as full-time positions in fields including software engineering, product management, and data analysis.
The crypto winter is often referred to as a time for building — when developers get to strap in and focus solely on the product. Zilliqa has continued growing its ecosystem over the past year, with major upgrades planned for 2023.
The network is pushing for the support and development of DeFi protocols, starting with Ionise — an app which facilitates short-term borrowing and lending. According to CEO Matt Dyer, this is an important step towards breaking the misconception that Zilliqa is solely meant for blockchain gaming.
As it stands, Zilliqa isn’t advertising any open positions exclusive to Singapore. However, the company does have roles in PR and Data Analysis for remote workers based anywhere in the world.
Cobo was among the many crypto companies to move their operations from China to Singapore back in 2021. Since then, the firm has continued expanding its presence with the launch of a new regional headquarters last September.
As per co-founder Discus Fish, the next aim is to establish partnerships with other firms that make up Singapore’s financial sector. “Singapore has opened its borders to crypto and we hope to be able to provide infrastructure and develop the crypto ecosystem in Singapore,” Fish told Vulcan Post.
Cobo is actively hiring in Singapore, with open positions in Sales, Customer Service, and Website Development. The company is also seeking out local institutions to offer internships to students.
Featured Image Credit: Binance / Zilliqa / Crypto.com / Coinbase


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McDonald’s shares advanced after the company reported better than expected first-quarter results and closed the week at $236,08.
Fundamental analysis: UBS raised its price target from $240 to $255
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, this company’s business is going well, and McDonald’s reported better than expected first-quarter results last week. Total revenue has increased by 8.7% Y/Y to $5.12 billion, while the GAAP EPS for the first quarter was $2.05 (beats by $0.24).
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Total revenue has increased above the expectations (+$80 million), and the company expects this trend to continue as we move into the post-pandemic recovery. Global comparable sales increased 7.5% during the quarter while the U.S. comparable sales rose 13.6%.
McDonald’s serves 10s of millions of customers each day, across almost 40,000 local restaurants, and since the pandemic began, the company leaned into this competitive advantage by continuing to improve drive-through service. McDonald’s is expected to achieve strong revenue and earnings growth in 2021, especially if the world gets rid of the COVID-19 pandemic.
UBS raised its price target from $240 to $255 on expectations that McDonald’s will continue to provide improvements in the upcoming quarters.
“We continue to like McDonald’s 2021 U.S. comp catalyst path, but also believe the brand is positioned for a multi-year period of sales outperformance. Structural improvements to marketing, digital, and updated store base, drive-thru efficiencies, and menu upgrades should provide ongoing share gain opportunities,” an analyst from UBS reported.
Evercore ISI raised its price target to $260 on McDonald’s as it sees this company well-positioned for a multi-year period of sales outperformance. McDonald’s is a stable company with a good position in the market, but the current risk/reward ratio is not good for value investors.
McDonald’s valuation is currently at an all-time high, and lots of positive expectations have already been included in the price of the stock. McDonald’s trades at more than nineteen times 2020 EBITDA, and the current dividend yield is around 2.2% which is not attractive for dividend investors.
Technical analysis: McDonald’s shares advanced to record levels
McDonald’s shares advanced to record levels after Q1 earnings results, and for now, there is no risk of the bear market.
The important support levels are $220 and $200, $240, $250, and $260, represent the current resistance levels. If the price jumps above $245, it would be a signal to trade McDonald’s shares, and the next target could be around $250.
Rising above $250 supports the continuation of the bullish trend for McDonald’s, but if the price falls below $220, it would be a strong “sell” signal.
McDonald’s shares advanced to record levels after Q1 earnings results, and analyst firms remain positive on McDonald’s. UBS raised its price target from $240 to $255, while Evercore ISI raised its price target to $260 on McDonald’s as it sees this company well-positioned for a multi-year period of sales outperformance.


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by Will Purcell
The diamond and specialty minerals stocks box score on Friday was a weak 71-105-124 as the TSX Venture Exchange fell two points to 739 while polished diamond prices inched lower. Bryce Crocker's Jervois Mining Ltd. (JRV) added two cents to 28 cents on 1.47 million shares. Jervois is primarily a cobalt explorer in Idaho, but its feasibility study is being delayed because of the pandemic, and lately the company has been touting plans to drill a copper and gold target in Uganda.
Dermot Desmond and Stuart Brown's Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (MPVD), up five cents to 36 cents on 402,000 shares Thursday on the company's second quarter financials, dropped one-half cent to 35.5 cents on 69,000 shares today. Mountain Province racked up a $39-million operating loss in the quarter ended June 30, compared with a $12.8-million gain the previous year, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that crushed rough diamond prices and closed most traditional avenues for selling rough diamonds.
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Khloe Kardashian showed off her 8-month baby bump in a new promo shoot for Good American, and you’re not going to want to miss it!
Khloé Kardashian is expanding her Good American line. In January, the 33-year-old showed her fans, via social media, the prototypes she had gotten for her new maternity jeans line, which will be called Good Mama. She finally announced it will launch on March 15 with prices ranging from $149-$179. The collection will feature two different styles — fit for all stages of pregnancy, in sizes 00-24.
Khloe looks incredible cradling her bump in a black bra and black bottoms, and we can’t wait to see more of the collection. She first broke the news that she is launching maternity denim back in January.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW
“Good morning, guys I am really, really excited because I received the first prototypes of our Good American denim…I have been working on this for honestly 6 months, even before I even got pregnant,” Khloe said in a series of videos posted to Snapchat. Well, it looks like we will finally be able to feast our eyes on her newest collection. So, exciting right?


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After testing its new GPS delivery tracking technology for most of the year, Domino’s Pizza, the world’s largest pizza company based on retail sales, is ready to start adding it to their stores across the U.S.
Approximately 25 percent of Domino’s stores nationwide will have this technology in place by the end of 2019, while many of the remaining locations are expected to have it in 2020.
When ordering from stores with GPS delivery tracking capabilities, customers will be able to see an interactive map on the order confirmation page that shows the location of their order and delivery person. Additionally, customers will receive an estimated delivery time and can opt into text alerts that let them know when their order is on its way, when it’s about two minutes away and when it has arrived.
“We know that customers love Domino’s Tracker® and the ability to monitor their orders in the store. Now they will also be able to watch their orders on the way to their house with our delivery tracker,” Dennis Maloney, Domino’s senior vice president and chief digital officer, said in a release. “Customers are not the only ones who love the technology – store managers and delivery experts do as well because of the transparency it provides and how it improves the delivery experience for everyone.”
Store managers will be able to view where their delivery drivers are out on the road, making in-store logistics easier to manage, while delivery people can benefit from optional navigation, one-touch customer callback and customers who are better prepared to meet them.
Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world based on retail sales, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world’s top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 16,500 stores in over 85 markets.
In the U.S., Domino’s generates more than 65 percent of sales via digital channels and has developed several innovative ordering platforms, including those for Google Home, Facebook Messenger, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo and Twitter – as well as Domino’s Hotspots®, an ordering platform featuring more than 200,000 unique, non-traditional delivery locations. In late 2017, Domino’s began an industry-first test of self-driving vehicle delivery, and in June 2019 announced a partnership with Nuro, furthering its exploration and testing of autonomous pizza delivery.
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Audi launches the TT Roadster and coupe simultaneously, the former offering open-air driving and excellent handling, but less passenger and cargo room.
The third-gen Audi TT uses its Quattro all-wheel-drive system to hold the road, and its Virtual Cockpit to let you operate infotainment while keeping your eyes forward and hands on the wheel.
Audi showed off the 2015 TT at the Geneva auto show, retaining the car's sporty flavor and adding the Virtual Cockpit, a new paradigm in cabin electronics.
The 2012 Audi TT RS could be a brilliant sports car, but the 6-year-old TT generation on which it is based means outdated cabin tech and some inferior tuning.
Audi product manager Anthony Garbis calls the third-generation TT model "a true sports car." In convertible form, it's also a true Roadster.
The third-generation Audi TT maintains the spirit of its predecessors' design, but moves things forward with R8 looks and a unique cabin tech interface that will ripple through the Audi lineup.
Over the years the Audi TT has become one of the most recognisable sports cars on the road. Some dismissed it unfairly, but the new one should change some minds.
The seasons are changing and so too is the new Audi TT. It's a roadster edition on display at the 2014 Paris Auto Show, and it's already available for order.
The new TT is getting the cabrio treatment here in Paris, with Audi unveiling the 2015 TT Roadster. It gains 200 pounds and a lot of headroom but loses nothing when it comes to looks.
Audi releases polished photos of the drop-top edition of the 2015 TT.


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There's A Demand for Sustainable Brands in the Philippines, According to Study
The Philippines Sustainability Study has revealed that Google, YouTube, and Nestlé are the top sustainable brands in the Philippines. Conducted by research firms Blackbox Research and Dynata, the survey had 752 participants of different age groups, gender, and educational levels.
Though the three foreign brands ranked highest, the index says there's a clear demand for more sustainable brands locally. Ninety-six percent of the participants said they were open to buying brands that employed sustainable operations.
It's also worth mentioning that Samsung and Shopee were the only Asian brands that ranked above average in the index with scores of 1.13 and 1.04, respectively.
"The pandemic has highlighted a need to fast-track our efforts to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. Our research makes it clear that this has major economic implications, given that Filipinos have demonstrated a preference for brands that are sustainable," said Blackbox Research chief operating officer Saurabh Sardana.
Sardana adds that progressive Filipino brands can become pioneers for sustainable business. Where can brands start? The report found that Filipinos want businesses to practice responsible consumption and production, provide employment to help economic growth, and improve interconnectivity and trading between countries.


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When The Huffington Post introduced its streaming video network HuffPost Live this morning, viewers were greeted with a nontraditional video experience that gave just as much real estate to viewer comments as it did video content.
HuffPost Live Sought Up to $5 Million for Launch Sponsorships
For marketers, that nontraditional approach carried a hefty asking price. HuffPost Live initially asked $3 million to $5 million for launch sponsorships, Ad Age has learned. And the price of Verizon and Cadillac's launch sponsorships, which last through the end of the year, each hit seven figures, Huffington Post Publisher Janet Balis confirmed in an interview, although she declined to be more specific.
HuffPost Live arrives with the ambitious promise of 12 hours of live programming a day, five days a week, and a belief that video broadcasting in the social age should incorporate the opinions of everyday people as much as talking heads. The user experience Monday morning stressed viewer participation, devoting half of the screen to a stream of comments. At least initially, comments sometimes scrolled past too quickly to even read.
As part of that focus on viewers, The Huffington Post is saying that it is not going to incorporate any video ads into its live streams. Instead, when viewers loaded HuffPost Live this morning, they were greeted with a brief video message that announced "HuffPost Live is proud to have Cadillac as our founding partner." (Ms. Balis said the creative was still being readied for a similar clip for Verizon as of this morning. Another launch hiccup saw the Verizon logo missing for the first hour or so of broadcasting this morning.)
The two sponsors also get a small rectangular logo in the bottom-right section of the screen. But other than that , the sponsors are simply guaranteed that their brands will be mentioned in some way once every two hours of the live programming. HuffPost Live producers have menus of approved brand integrations and language to choose from. Initially, those integrations might be a traditional lower-third graphic on the video, or a verbal mention by a host when the timing seems appropriate.
In a telephone interview, Cadillac execs said it's going to take 30 to 60 days for them to start unveiling "custom integrations" into the live programming; they want to first study HuffPost Live viewer-consumption habits.
Ms. Balis said it is "highly unlikely" that commercials will ever appear during live broadcasting because the network's whole idea is to disrupt the model of traditional broadcasting.
If internet history is any indicator, however, much of the viewing of the content created by HuffPost Live will be consumed on demand -- where launch sponsors will have an outlet for their more traditional video ads. The Huffington Post said it will syndicate the clips across its own site as well as AOL's new video portal AOL On with 15- or 30-second pre-roll advertising. On-demand viewing of the live segments from this morning seemed to be available almost immediately after a segment aired.
So what goes on between segments without commercials? HuffPost Live has been alternately showing rather bland live footage of the HuffPost Live studio or testimonial-like video clips of "everyday people" explaining why they are looking forward to the network's launch.
As for the content itself, the segments thus far have ranged from a moderated political-themed debate powered by Google Hangouts, showing "everyday people" discussing Paul Ryan alongside a Huffington Post politics editor, to a segment on entertainment news tied to the Olympics' closing ceremony. Three hours in, HuffPost Live was running a segment titled "Lessons from Drag Queens."
Interestingly, the closing word in the political discussion came from a retired Marine who said on camera that the HuffPost conversation he just took part in sounded a lot like the partisan debates and punditry that HuffPost Live moderators were saying the network aspires to rise above. It may not have been the best initial endorsement for the network, but it was a sign that viewers really will have a voice there.


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Want to join the conversation?
Industrial conglomerate $HON said it signed an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to offer Ground X- Vehicle Technologies program. As part of the deal, $HON will deliver virtual reality instrument panel to replace glass windows.
$GOOG’s Waymo accuses Uber of stealing its intellectual property. Startup Otto, which was recently acquired by Uber, also named in the lawsuit. Stage set for another dramatic legal battle!
We all knew $VALE CEO Murilo Ferreira was going out soon, but now I hear he has no idea who will succeed him!
$JCP, another traditional retailer that just shocked us with its biggest number of store closures.


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Microsoft is giving its Mixer partners $100 to help them through the ever-increasing Coronavirus pandemic.
Mixer partners were surprised yesterday after they randomly received the hundred-buck-payment. While Microsoft and Mixer are yet to reveal that they were behind the surprise payment but, well, who else would it be?
Mixer streamers took to Twitter after the surprise occurred to thank the streaming platform for supporting them during these tough times.
“Mixer are giving us partners an extra $100 to make sure we are all looked after and my heart is so whole right now,” said Mixer streamer SassyKittencx. “Thank you, Mixer!”
“Some hear of Mixer and think “ewww” then see they dropped $100 for their partners during COVID,” said Mixer streamer KabbyTV. “As they uncontrollably spaz out to roast the platform, realize this… It’s damn good to be an underdog & part of a fam, no matter how big or small it was a nice gesture. TY Mixer.”
While some of Mixer’s higher-profile streamers are on multimillion dollar contacts to work full-time for the Microsoft streaming service, the majority of its streamers work as part-time streamers. With the COVID-19 outbreak closing down most businesses, the streamers who don’t rely exclusively on Mixer money could really benefit from the extra Dosh.


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Apple says it would launch a software program replace for iPhone 12 house owners in France, after regulators ordered a halt of gross sales of the telephone over considerations the system was breaching strict radiation publicity limits.
“We are going to concern a software program replace for customers in France to accommodate the protocol utilized by French regulators,” says Apple in a statement to Reuters. “We stay up for iPhone 12 persevering with to be out there in France.”
French regulators ordered a ban of iPhone 12 fashions earlier this week after testing the handset and discovering that its Particular Absorption Charge (SAR) — how a lot radio frequency is absorbed right into a physique from a tool — exceeded European radiation publicity limits. Belgium mentioned it could review the French findings, with Germany, Italy, and extra international locations saying they’d be monitoring the scenario.
The iPhone 12 first went on sale in late 2020, however France’s ANFR regulator has been carrying out tests on greater than 140 telephones just lately to make sure radiation requirements are being adhered to.
Apple has dismissed the claims and says “that is associated to a selected testing protocol utilized by French regulators and never a security concern” with the iPhone 12 itself. “The ANFR is getting ready to shortly check this replace,” says Jean Noel Barrot, France’s digital affairs minister, in a press release to Reuters.
The considerations over iPhone 12 radiation ranges and a French gross sales ban emerged on the identical day that Apple introduced its new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro handsets which are attributable to launch on September twenty second.


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Now even more people can afford to be draped in Karl Lagerfeld – the Chanel designer is creating a very affordable diffusion line that will hit Net-a-Porter as early as January!
The womenswear label will simply be entitled ‘Karl’ which in itself speaks volumes about his ever-growing influence in the fashion world.
“I just want not too expensive clothes that people may like and perhaps want to wear,” Kaiser Karl told Women’s Wear Daily. “That was my concept for a long time, but my business partners in the past wanted to be like Chanel or Fendi without putting behind what is needed to be like that.”
Vogue reports that the 100-piece collection will be heavily rock and roll inspired, featuring both daywear and eveningwear such as black backless dresses and silver jeans to name just a few. The cheapest item in the collection will be a very reasonable £52, with the most expensive being £391.
‘Karl’ is initially set to exclusively hit the Net-a-Porter website as early as this January, but Vogue reports that there are talks to open temporary Karl Lagerfeld boutiques in the near future.


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9to5 Mac is reporting today that some iTunes users received promotional codes good for one free TV rental from iTunes. As far as anyone can tell, there’s no obvious rhyme or reason as to how they were distributed.
Perhaps they want to stress test their iTunes streaming services a bit. You’ll remember that Apple said the North Carolina data center should be operational by “year’s end.” If it is in fact going to power an iTunes streaming service, here’s a chance to throw some real traffic at it and see what happens.
The only thing we know for a fact is that some lucky customers will be watching TV on Apple’s dime this week. If you’re among them, have fun and let us know about your experience.


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First American News LLC: Raleigh, NC: Pfizer and Nikola are back again in the news reporting positive numbers. Pfizer (PFE) – The drug maker’s shares gained 1.5% in the premarket following a Bank of America upgrade to “buy” from “neutral”. The upgrade is based on factors that include the rollout of the oral Covid-19 pill Paxlovid as well as significant pipeline investments. Additionally, Pfizer signed a new collaboration agreement with German partner BioNTech (BTNX) to develop an mRNA-based shingles vaccine. BioNTech rose 1.7%. Get Bloomberg News and The Wall Street Journal here.
Nikola (NKLA) – Nikola gained 2.2% in premarket action after logistics company USA Truck (USAK) announced a deal to buy 10 electric Nikola trucks. Separately, Nikola has dropped a $2 billion patent lawsuit against Tesla (TSLA), according to a federal court filing in San Francisco. The electric car maker had sued Tesla in 2018, accusing its rival of copying several of its designs. Click here to continue reading on the latest news for Pfizer and Nikola, only at Bloomberg News.


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While so much has already been spoken, discussed and conceptualized on “Future of Touch technology”, here is an another awesome video which has been conceptualized by Corning – which makes the unbreakable Gorilla Glasses used in over 200 million...
Revolution has already began. Companies are beating the boundaries in innovations, people are demanding more from objects and expectations are high. With such high fly, Technology is integrating multiple objects to get them closer to human life. Object screen is one such important facts in human life and if interaction is possible only through ‘Touch’, world will see another revolution.
In a recent move, the Indian Government slapped Amazon on its wrist for not mentioning the country of origin detail for products...
The social media behemoth Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) has once again proved they are the true arch-nemesis of modern-day user-privacy!
The dispute between Amazon and Future Retail is, apparently, far from over anything soon as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) has...
Google has decided to levy fee on instant payment, starting from the US market. A few days back, Google...


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Mexico (México) Digital TV News
Televisa to expand TV CDN with Edgeware solution
Nov 9, 2018 – Edgeware has announced that Televisa will expand its existing TV CDN, adding more capacity and new time-shift features to its service. The time-shift capabilities will enable viewers to pause and rewind up to three hours of TV.
News categories: Edgeware, Televisa, Karl Thedéen, Carlos Eduardo Romero, Cable TV, Content Distribution, Digital TV, Mexico
AT&T US down 297k; Vrio down 73k video subs in 3Q 2018
Oct 24, 2018 – AT&T (NYSE:T) has reported results for the third quarter of 2018. Total U.S. video subscribers declined by 297,000 in the quarter as DIRECTV NOW subscriber additions partially offset linear video declines. For Vrio, gains in Brazil were offset by losses in other regions.
News categories: AT&T, Digital TV, IPTV, Latin America, Mexico, Satellite, Subscribers, USA
Ultravision deploys Conax Go Live multiscreen solution in Mexico
Oct 17, 2018 – NAGRA (SIX:KUD.S) has announced the launch of a secure multiscreen solution with pay-TV operator Ultravision, part of the Ultra Telecom group, in Mexico. The solution marks the first cloud deployment of Conax GO Live in Mexico.
News categories: NAGRA, Ultravision, Tom Wirth, Patricio Zorrilla, Content Protection, Digital TV, Mexico, Multiscreen, OTT
Ultravision to launch IPTV multiscreen in Mexico with Broadpeak
Oct 9, 2018 – Broadpeak has announced that Ultravision, a leading pay-TV operator in Mexico, has selected Broadpeak to power its new IPTV multiscreen service. Ultravision will rely on Broadpeak's BkM100 video delivery manager, BkS400 HTTP video cache servers, and BkS350 origin packager.
News categories: Broadpeak, Ultravisión, Jacques Le Mancq, Patrício Zorrilla, Content Distribution, Digital TV, IPTV, Mexico, Multiscreen, QoE
Totalplay to deploy MediaKind's Encoding Live video processing
Sep 13, 2018 – MediaKind has announced that Totalplay will deploy its Encoding Live video processing solution to support a smooth migration to the cloud and enable the delivery of its IPTV pay-TV content in Mexico.
News categories: MediaKind, Totalplay, Clayton Cruz, Julio Trejo, Content Distribution, Digital TV, IBCShow, IPTV, Mexico
Latin America OTT revenues to climb by $4 billion
Aug 9, 2018 – According to Digital TV Research, revenues from OTT TV episodes and movies for 19 Latin American countries will grow by $4 billion to $6.43 billion in 2023; up from the $2.47 billion recorded in 2017.
News categories: Digital TV Research, Simon Murray, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Digital TV, Latin America, Market Research, Mexico, OTT, Subscribers
AT&T US up 80k; DTVLA up 140k video subs in 2Q 2018
Jul 24, 2018 – AT&T (NYSE:T) has reported results for the second quarter of 2018. Total US video subscribers grew by 80,000 in the quarter as DIRECTV NOW and U-Verse subscriber growth offset satellite declines. For DIRECTV Latin America, subscribers were up 140,000.
News categories: AT&T, Digital TV, IPTV, Latin America, Mexico, OTT, Results, Satellite, Subscribers, USA
Pay TV subscribers in LatAm expected to grow to 79.3 million in 2023
Jun 13, 2018 – According to Dataxis, Pay TV in LatAm is forecast to reach 79.3 million homes in 2023. Mexico will hold 28.9% of pay TV customers and will continue to be the largest market in the region.
News categories: Dataxis, Brazil, Digital TV, Latin America, Market Research, Mexico, Subscribers
Netflix to reach 201 million subscribers by 2023
May 16, 2018 – Digital TV Research has forecast that Netflix will have 201 million streaming subscribers by 2023, up by 82% from 111 million at end-2017. About 28 million subscribers will be added in 2018 – making it the largest growth year ever.
News categories: Digital TV Research, Simon Murray, Brazil, Canada, Digital TV, France, Germany, India, Market Research, Mexico, OTT, Subscribers, UK, USA
- Androidmov Technology unveils IPTV UX software
- Updated specifications for digital distribution of film and TV released
- 2019 predictions from Openwave Mobility
- EU agrees rules to facilitate access to online TV across borders
- 28% of U.S. smart speaker owners use it to control a smart home device
- Consumer IoT to be worth $6.6bn for telcos
- Viaccess-Orca to power Guigo TV live OTT service in Brazil
- Turkcell chooses Metrological to provide TV+ app store
- Wyplay source code powers Telefónica IPTV in Argentina
- EU to investigate acquisition by Vodafone of Liberty Global businesses
- Verizon begins Fios TV One rollout
- Vubiquity and Discover Digital launch VOD with TelOne Zimbabwe
- Telefonica Spain upgrades Movistar+ UI to add Netflix
- Go See TV and Flowplayer launch Shoppable Content Player
- Nordija wins IPTV contract from US fibre operator Ting
- Deutsche Telekom and MediaKind first to stream 6K tiled 360° live sport
- Shanghai sees world's first 4K UHD live broadcast via 5G network slicing
- Freeview NZ PVR combines Freeview features with streaming apps
- Mirada wins contract with Skytel in Mongolia
- 7Park Data tracks path from SVOD viewing to buying on Amazon.com


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Today, Nintendo announced that there would be nation-wide tour for Splatoon, which will be playable at various shopping malls on May 5th, June 12th, and in July, August, September and October. Players will be able to enjoy local 4 vs 4 battles thanks a special stand designed after a traditional Japanese food stall (which wasn’t an April Fool’s after all!).
Here’s some pictures of the “food” stall (which only servers…. weapons!):
Next, here’s pic of various Splatoon goodies from Banpresto, which will be available in June in Japan:
Also, here’s some goodies that visitors will be able to get from Nintendo’s stand at the NicoNico Choukaigi event tomorrow and on Saturday:
Visitors will also be able to take pictures with a Splatoon background:


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Former Market Basket president Arthur T. Demoulas offered to return the crippled chain to normal operations Sunday night by resuming control of the business while he continues to negotiate to buy the company from rival family members.
The move came just hours before a deadline the company had set for employees loyal to Demoulas to return to work or risk being fired and replaced. It was not immediately clear whether the offer was part of a strategy to help spare those workers.
In a brief and oblique statement, the ousted head of the family grocery empire said that he has offered to “move immediately to return to work” and rehire top managers who had been fired for organizing the remarkable protest on his behalf. He said his goal is to “stabilize and begin to restore the business.”
The move offered a glipse into intense negotiations between Demoulas and his cousin and main rival, Arthur S. Demoulas, as the former president attempts to buy out the half of the multibillion-dollar chain that is held by Arthur S. and his family. The timing of the offer seemed designed to ratchet up pressure on rival shareholders to take action by offering himself as an immediate solution to the company’s rapidly crumbling fortunes.
Arthur T.’s statement made clear that the negotiations are not just focused on financial terms, but also on what role he would play and the timing of his return.
In its own statement Sunday night, the board dismissed Arthur T.’s offer to immediately return to the company, and reaffirmed its support for the current co-chief executives, Felicia Thornton and James Gooch, who it named to replace Arthur T.
“Demoulas Market Basket is considering strategic alternatives directly with parties in private conversations,” the statement said. It encouraged minority shareholders, including Arthur T., to “continue providing constructive proposals.
“Following the board’s evaluation of all of offers, it will convey its recommendations to the company’s shareholders who have the final decision as to which strategic alternative, if any, to accept.”
The board, whose majority is controlled by Arthur S., has continued to support Gooch and Thornton in recent weeks, even as employees loyal to Arthur T have refused to work for them, leaving stores devoid of fresh food and normal customer traffic.
Arthur T.’s statement said that his side of the family has “been working around the clock to pursue their offer to buy the 50.5% of shares in [Demoulas Super Markets] they do not own for a full and fair price.”
While expressing hope the crisis would be resolved, his statement called it “critical” that the company’s board accept his offer, warning, “time is of the essence.” He offered to return by midnight Sunday, bringing back his entire team.
The move by Arthur T. seemed to be an attempt to avoid an ugly showdown between the new executives and the thousands of protesting employees.
Making such an offer public is a gamble, said David Lewin, a professor of management at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“He’s trying to put pressure on the other side. It’s a tactic,” Lewin said. “It may work, but it may not.”
But former employees applauded the move.
“He’s doing that out of compassion for us, I’m sure,” said Steve Paulenka, a top Market Basket supervisor who was among eight employees fired in July. “I would not be that magnanimous if I were in his position.”
The company’s directors have acknowledged that Arthur S. is considering selling his ownership stake to Arthur T., but it is unclear how likely he is to do so.
In the meantime, the grocery chain, which industry specialists estimate is worth $3 billion to $3.5 billion, remains crippled. The shelves at many of the chain’s 71 stores are bare because workers have refused to deliver goods. And customers, either in solidarity with workers or out of frustration with missing grocery items, are largely staying away. As a result, managers have said, sales at some stores have plummeted as much as 75 percent since Demoulas’s firing.
Store managers loyal to Arthur T. said they hoped the offer was a signal that behind-the-scenes negotiations are leaning Arthur T.’s way.
“We all fully believe that Arthur T.’s going to be running this company again,” said John Garon, a manager at the Burlington Market Basket. “He continues to give full and fair offers to the other side of the family. He’s saying, ‘Hey, I’m ready to go back tonight and fix the big mess you guys said I created.’ It would be the best-case scenario for all involved.”
But Garon cautioned that undoing the damage of the past month would not happen overnight.
“There’s a lot of work to do first,” he said. “If we hear the news, we’re going to have more work to do than we’ve ever had in our lives to get our stores up and running and full.”
Paulenka said he would not declare victory until a sale to Arthur T. was finalized, but he and other fired managers said they were ready to return to work immediately.
“When and if that word comes, I’m ready at a moment’s notice,” said Tom Gordon, a former grocery supervisor who was fired by the company’s new leaders.


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Diversified investment company Hellaby Holdings has acquired Sydney-based Ryde Batteries in a deal valued at $A12 million ($NZ13.51 million) to bolster its automotive division.
The purchase settled on Monday and the Australian wholesale automotive and special purpose battery company will add to earnings per share this financial year, Auckland-based Hellaby said in a statement.
Ryde, which trades as Federal Batteries, distributes nationally in Australia and is complementary to Hellaby's New Zealand battery distributor HCB Technologies.
Automotive is Hellaby's largest unit, with annual earnings before interest and tax of about $20 million.
"This purchase significant strengthens our position in the trans-Tasman battery market," Hellaby managing director John Williamson said.
The acquisition will add about $3 million a year to Hellaby's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.
In the 12 months ended June 30, Hellaby's gearing rose to 17.8 per cent from 6.3 per cent after it increased debt to acquire 85 per cent of oil and gas services business Contract Resources. Its debt remained well below its ceiling of 45 per cent.
The founders of Ryde Batteries will remain in the business in senior positions, Hellaby said.
Hellaby stock last traded at $2.86 and has fallen 14 per cent this year.


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Southport Pizza Hut has had a £254,000 restaurant makeover, creating 15 new jobs for the area.
All of Pizza Hut Restaurants’ famous icons – including the Ice Cream Factory, Salad Station and Buffet – still take centre stage, but form part of the new, interactive design that includes a central preparation station offering a range of desserts including warm cookie dough, and a self-service soft drinks hub allowing guests to refill drinks at their leisure.
Restaurant Manager Vicky Johnson said: "We can’t wait to re-open our doors to our loyal customers and show off the Hut’s new look.
"Everyone's really excited about the redesign and the new menu has already gone down a treat with customers."
The redesigned restaurant provides a more open and inviting dining space for customers along with improved lighting schemes, showcasing the fresh food and "vibrant atmosphere" in the Hut.
Emma Kendal-Crispin, the Hut’s newest member of staff said: “I love the new look of the Hut. The uniforms are amazing and the new menu is great! The warm waffles are my personal favourite."
The investment in Southport is part of a broader £60 million refurbishment and restructuring programme for the business, secured through private equity investment from Rutland Partners in late 2012.


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CAs, Wealth Managers Work with Luxury Brands to Woo HNIs
Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images
As the lights dim, a young lady of Indian origin with a heavy British accent takes over. The screen lights up with a presentation about a luxury homes project in London that overlooks the Tower Bridge on the Thames. The hostess begins by explaining the tax implications if members of the audience at the Lalit Hotel in central Delhi were to buy any of these apartments priced between Rs 7 crore and Rs 160 crore.
As the lights come on and a wine and cheese spread is opened up, a few in the ballroom have questions; most, though, look convinced by the sales pitch by Berkeley Homes, a London-based property firm. Most of the well-heeled guests who are not sure where to deploy their stash in a slowing economy appear to be ready to delve deeper into this investment avenue. A mid-sized real estate developer who attended the event has signed up for a home, and another person with interests in the hospitality business is in "serious talks".
What Wealth Managers Really Do
Every other evening, chartered accounts and private wealth managers are organising such shindigs to showcase to their clients a piece of luxury-from high-end apartments in London to Porsche cars, Italian luxury men's fashion brand Canali and Jimmy Choo shoes.
"CAs and wealth managers know where the money is. For the luxury firms, we are just another way of bringing out the rich buyer as a slow economy discourages them from heading towards their stores," says Raghu Marwah, managing partner of RN Marwah & Company, a CA firm that organised the get-together for Berkeley Homes.
Last week, American Express invited a bunch of platinum card members to a party with designer Manish Malhotra, where he unveiled his new collection. Amex has done similar events with Jimmy Choo and Porsche.
Citibank recently tied up with a dozen art galleries in Mumbai and invited high net worth clients for an exclusive malt evening. Recently Canali got together with the Wharton Alumni Association to showcase its men's collection; and Berkeley Homes has done similar dos with the London School of Economics (LSE).
Between fiscal 2006 and 2008, when the Indian economy was growing at 9 per cent and over, that period of accelerated growth created a whole new level of affluence in the country. In a recent forecast, Swiss wealth manager Julius Baer estimated that the number of high net worth individuals (HNIs) in India, with assets of $1 million or more, would more than double to 403,000 by 2015.
"When markets soften, brands start to seek collaborations to target their relevant market," says Richa Karpe, director-investments at multi-family office Altamount Capital.
Creating Awareness in the Indian Market
Marketers also see such outings as a way to bring first-time consumers closer to their luxury brands. "It is a good way to introduce the brand to a newer set of people. We can't assume everyone knows about the presence of the brand in India," says Roasie Ahluwalia, general manager at Genesis Luxury, which represents brands such as Canali, Jimmy Choo and Bottega Veneta and has a joint venture with Burberry in India.
The domestic slowdown notwithstanding, India's economy is still one of the fastest growing-at least in relation to the developed world, much of which is struggling to stay afloat. This may be a good opportunity for the country's elite Richie Riches to purchase assets overseas-and for foreign brands to woo the local money bags.
Author: Ravi Teja Sharma
Source: The Economic Times
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Samsung has been ordered to pay Apple more than £400 million in damages in the latest round of a legal battle over patents that began in 2011.Here is what the ruling means.– Why has Samsung been ordered to pay damages?Previous rulings in this long-running court case determined that the Korean firm must pay damages for copying aspects of the original iPhone’s design and technologies.Apple contends that Samsung would not have emerged as the world’s largest smartphone seller had it not copied certain technologies from the iPhone.Samsung was originally ordered to pay more than one billion dollars, but a series of appeals and rulings saw that amount reduce and change on multiple occasions since – the latest settling on 539 million US dollars (£403 million).This was in relation to three Apple design patents and two linked to functions on the original iPhone.– How does the decision affect Samsung?With the issue now solely focused on what Samsung must … [Read more...] about Q&A: What does the Apple and Samsung patent case mean for the smartphone sector?
The smartphone revolution
posted on 04 Aug 2011, 13:37 0 1. DROIDX0430 (Posts: 469; Member since: 24 Nov 2010) LG has not made a statement in the smartphone arena (yet)?--At least from LG smartphones on VW. The last successful phone was the feature phone LG Touch, other than that they have just made mediocre smartphones on VW. The first 4g phone by LG has already been reduced on VW and I see a Revolution 2 in the making...must be smaller/thinner than the current brick model Revolution on VW posted on 04 Aug 2011, 21:56 0 2. skymitch89 (Posts: 1389; Member since: 05 Nov 2010) The Revolution isn't the only phone getting a bug update. My Evo Shift got an update that seems to have fixed quite a few bugs, including the MMS over 3G problem. … [Read more...] about Comments for : Software update for the LG Revolution is being pushed out
Would you trust a carrier enough to let them get inside your phone if you had a technical issue with it? That is the major question at hand after Verizon announced that the new update for the LG Revolution will include a feature called "Verizon Remote Diagnostics". What this does is to allow, with your permission of course, a technician to remotely take over your device to troubleshoot the unit. Will LG Revolution owners see it as a possible tool for gathering information or as a way to see who has rooted their phone? And will Big Red be adding this feature to future updates for other models? These answers will be coming in the future, but for now it is just the LG Revolution that will have this feature.Other changes coming with firmware version VS910ZV8 includes a fix to a reboot problem that the phone has had since upgrading from Froyo to Gingerbread, playing AVI files through HDMI will no longer make the display flicker, placing an alarm on snooze during a call will now set snooze … [Read more...] about Verizon’s update for the LG Revolution adds remote diagnostics feature
The way was paved for the subsequent Android revolution on October 6th, 2009. On that date, slightly more than five years ago, Eric Schmidt and Lowell McAdams met with the press. At the time, both men were the CEO of their respective firms, Google and Verizon Wireless. In those days, Verizon was not considered a likely Android vendor because of the way the carrier had locked down all of its handsets. During the press conference, it was announced that Verizon would sell two Android powered models for 2009, to be offered by two unnamed manufacturers. Verizon said that it would continue rolling out Android devices over the next few years (gotta chuckle when you read that). The Android handsets would come loaded with apps provided by the carrier, Google and third party developers. Nobody knew it at the time, but the smartphone market was about to undergo a huge shift.Earlier that year, the Palm Pre wowed the crowd at CES and it was assumed that Palm's handset would assume the mantle of top … [Read more...] about Five years ago this month, a press conference paved the way for the Android revolution
The latest smartphone sales data for the three month period ending in May has been released by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech and it shows that BlackBerry is facing some very difficult times globally. At the end of May, the Canadian manufacturer saw its share of the U.S. smartphone market drop by an amazing 85% from the year earlier to just .7% of the market from a 3 month average of 4.6% the previous year. Most of BlackBerry's lost share was picked up by the Apple iPhone. More on BlackBerry later.The Apple iPhone's stateside market share rose 3.5 percentage points over the year to end May with a three month average of 41.9%. While Android remained on top in the U.S. with a three month average share of 52% at the end of May, its lead over the iPhone has dropped from 13.5 percentage points in 2012 to 10.1 percentage points. Kantar says that the reason for the strength in the iPhone's numbers in the U.S. is due to the addition of T-Mobile as an authorized Apple iPhone seller.Around the … [Read more...] about The Android revolution continues to roll overseas; BlackBerry crashes worldwide


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Fortnum & Mason has scrapped plans to sell the controversial food product foie gras at its new Dubai outlet after an advert from PETA forced it to change its policy.
The advert, in Arabic, which features Sir Roger Moore calling for a boycott of the new Dubai store over Fortnum‘s sale of the product, has attracted widespread attention in the United Arab Emirates.
It claims that the product is not Halal and does not meet the requirements of Islamic law which states that animals must not be under stress or in discomfort before slaughter.
PETA say that during foie gras production, huge amounts of grain and fat are pumped into the stomachs of geese through metal pipes that are rammed down their throats several times a day. Their distended livers – which can swell to up to 10 times their normal size – press against their lungs, causing them to pant constantly.
“Fortnum & Mason‘s decision not to sell foie gras in Dubai represents a significant step in getting this ‘torture in a tin‘ out of all its stores”, Sir Roger Moore commented. “The next logical step would be for Fortnum to make this a companywide policy.”


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The Iconic wins another $28 million in funding, co-founder promises profit coming soon
Thursday, July 11, 2013/
Online retail start-up The Iconic has taken yet another round of funding, with Berlin-based incubator Rocket Internet handing over another $28 million to the company in one of the country’s largest e-commerce-based investment deals.
But the investment comes at a trying time for the business. Co-founder Adam Jacobs revealed to The Australian Financial Review recently the company let go about 10% of its 300 staff recently, while a report claims the business has lost over $40 million.
Jacobs told SmartCompany this morning The Iconic is not yet profitable, but said the money would be used to improve the website and add some more customer service features.
“We have a goal and a business plan we’re tracking very well against,” he says. “It can take many years to become profitable. And we’re targeting a much faster time frame than that.”
The claim comes despite accepting $78 million in investment cash over the past two years without any profit to show for it. This money has been put into an advanced website and logistics – the site offers three-hour delivery in Sydney – and Jacobs says the business wants to focus on high-margin sales.
For now, though, there are challenges. Jacobs says labour costs are a burden, “which means we have to be productive and efficient with what we do to offset that high cost of labour”.
Jacobs also says the GST threshold is an issue, along with the growth of international retailers – UK-based ASOS is the company’s biggest competitor.
But taking on such huge amounts of cash isn’t a burden, Jacobs says. In fact, he takes it as a reassurance the company is doing something right.
“Our investors are smart people. The latest round to invest were looking at our track record and our due diligence for a while. So when someone makes an investment after doing that and coming to the conclusion we’re delivering well against our goals, then that’s a vote of confidence.”
But while The Iconic believes times are good, others take issue. Billy Tucker, the former chief executive of group buying site Cudo and now the head of several tech start-ups, told SmartCompany this morning The Iconic is in trouble.
“Players like ASOS, John Lewis and Next have incredible buying power given the size of their market and that makes competing with them over time even more difficult,” he says.
Jacobs doesn’t deny international retailers present significant competition. But again, says the company has a plan against which it is “tracking very well”.
“I think we’re in a lucky position,” he says. “We’ve been given another vote of confidence in what we’re doing.”
Forget marketing, the secret to business success is being well-liked Ian Whitworth Scene Change co-founder
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Four tips for playing the long game in business, from Victoria's Small Business Woman of the Year Fiona White Own Body founder


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According to SP announcement on 30 Sept 2019, Singapore household electricity tariffs for October to December are set to fall by an average of 3.3 per cent, or 0.79 cent per kilowatt hour (kwh), compared with the previous quarter.
The Q4 2019 SP household electricity tariff (1 Oct 2019 to 31 Dec 2019) is 25.07¢ per kWh, inclusive of GST. Household electricity tariffs for previous quarter was 25.92 cents per kwh – was the highest in nearly five years. With the tariff decline, households can expect lower electricity bills for the next three months.
The tariff set by SP Group is reviewed quarterly, based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to reflect the actual cost of electricity.
Details of the electricity tariffs are available at SP Group.