text:
September 9, 2011 2:32:28 am
The government had on Monday increased the minimum export price of onion by a sharp US $175 per tonne to US $475 a tonne. A day earlier,it had announced that it would sell onions at Rs 20 per kg through retail outlets of NAFED and NCCF in Delhi from September 12.
Both the moves have been prompted by a surge in domestic retail prices of a vegetable that remains a kitchen staple as well as a political hot potato. With erratic rains affecting the cultivation of the kharif crop,and traders holding on to stocks in expectation of a rise in prices,the government has acted to pre-empt a situation like last year when prices had gone up briefly to Rs 80 a kilo.
The fear of a fall in kharif output has created the recent spurt in prices despite the fact that government estimates a better onion yield of over 15 million tonnes this year against last years 14.6 million tonnes.
In the last one-and-a-half months,onion prices have gone up by Rs 10 per kg and it is being sold at Rs 25 per kg in the national capital. On an annual basis for the week ended August 20,onion prices jumped by over 57 per cent in the wholesale price index. This is believed to have significantly contributed to food inflation,which crossed double digits (10.05 per cent) mark after five months.
Estimates suggest a shortfall of about 13 lakh tonnes of onion in the ongoing kharif season as compared to last kharif, Food Minister KV Thomas told The Indian Express. While the kharif onions last year stood at about 47.32 lakh tonnes,this kharif yield is estimated at about 33.67 lakh tones.
At the beginning of this month,onion prices in wholesale markets were around Rs 1,100 per quintal (Rs 11 per kilo) following erratic rainfall in three top onion-growing states Maharashtra,Karnataka and Gujarat resulting in late sowing. The kharif yield is expected to be 15 to 20 per cent less than last year in Maharashtra and Gujarat,and 50 per cent less in Karnataka.
The onions currently available in the markets are those harvested and stored during the rabi season last summer (April-May 2011). The rabi crop can be stored for over six months (unlike the kharif and late kharif crops that are highly perishable),and the traders as well as farmers who have stored it are controlling the supply with an eye on the prices. They will continue to release the stocks slowly,expecting higher returns as the situation worsens.
By mid-November,the stocks of rabi onions would exhaust,and the fresh kharif onions would be expected to ensure onward supply. However,considering the expected low yield of kharif harvest due to inclement weather,the situation may worsen.
The parallels with last year are obvious. At the beginning of September last year,onion prices in the wholesale markets were around the same,Rs 1,000 per quintal (Rs 10 per kilo). The stocks of rabi onions harvested during the summer of 2010 were depleting,like now. The crisis came when the kharif crop failed because of erratic rains,creating a scarcity. By December,prices were up to Rs 3,500 per quintal (Rs 35 per kilo) in the wholesale markets.
The government that time woke up late,declaring a ban on export of onions only on December 21,to ensure adequate supply in the domestic markets to control the prices. The ban continued till February 17,2011.
However,even the export ban hadnt helped much because traders had already exported their quality onions and the highly perishable kharif crop that remained couldnt be stored for long. Finally,the government had permitted import of onions to ease the situation.
The warning signs are clear this year,and everybody is waiting to see if the government actions prove timely and adequate. Out of about 28 lakh tonnes of onions stored by traders and farmers (last summer),about 45 per cent has been consumed by now, a senior agriculture official said. The remaining stocks can ensure supply till mid-November… but the problem is that the next crop,which,under normal circumstances,ensures smooth supply November onwards,will not be adequate.
Sources said a committee of secretaries had recommended a temporary ban on onion exports. However,Minister Thomas said they were opposed to such a ban,preferring to go in instead for an increase in minimum export price to discourage outbound shipments.
Exports are estimated to be to the tune of 5-8 lakh tonnes. The Agriculture Ministry is not in support of a ban, Thomas said.
He had discussed the matter with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee,Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Commerce Minister Anand Sharma,he added. Pawar is expected to meet growers and traders from key onion-producing regions in a couple of days to analyse the situation.
Thomas is hopeful that rabi onions from Rajasthan would help meet a substantial part of the current shortfall. The 2010-11 rabi was a good harvest,when the onion output stood at about 84 lakh tonnes. There are carryover stocks from last rabi,which can help ease the situation. We will be able to manage it, Thomas asserted.
Hopes also rest on the late kharif crop,that arrives in January-February. Following the recent heavy rains,it is expected,this crop will be good.
Why onions matter
Onions are widely used across almost all households in India. Consequently,any increase in prices affects all,and can play costly for any ruling government. During 1998,adverse weather conditions had affected kharif onions,pushing prices up to Rs 20 per kilo in the wholesale markets,resulting in onions being sold for up to Rs 50 per kilo in the retail markets of Mumbai and Delhi. The defeat of the BJP in polls in four states was partly attributed to this. The annual onion production then had plummeted from 42 lakh tonnes to 36 lakh tonnes. Since 1998,onion production has been increasing in the country.
Maharashtra tops in onion production,followed by Karnataka and Gujarat. According to official estimates,the production of onions during the kharif season would be 15 to 20 per cent less in Maharashtra and Gujarat following erratic rains and late sowing,while it will be around 50 per cent less than last year in Karnataka. However,kharif prospects are good in some other states like MP,Rajasthan and Bihar.
The kharif (monsoon) onions are sown during May-June and harvested during September-December. The rabi (summer) onions are sown during October-November and harvested during April-May. About 60 per cent of onions are grown during the rabi season and they can be stored for six months from April-May to September-October. Kharif onions are highly perishable. If the kharif crop fails,there is scarcity till the next rabi crop is harvested. A few states grow onions by sowing during August-September and harvesting in January-March. This crop fills the gap.
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.


text:
Digital downloads represent a whopping 92 per cent of all PC game sales across the world, PCR can reveal.
This means that physical copies make up less than ten per cent of PC game sales globally.
Analyst DFC Intelligence told PCR that digital games made up 92 per cent of all PC game sales in 2013, and the firm expects this number to increase in years to come.
This stat does not include sales of hardware or accessories – just the games themselves.
In the UK specifically in 2013, £1.18 billion was made from the sale of downloadable mobile, console, PC, and tablet games – an increase of 16.4 per cent over 2012 – while £1.015 billion was made from the sale of physical games.
This means that digital game sales overtook physical in 2013, according to Entertainment Retailer’s Association, based on GfK Chart-Track and IHS data, as reported by MCV.
DFC said earlier this year that the PC games market has surpassed the console gaming sector in terms of revenues.
The news comes ahead of PCR’s gaming special, due to arrive in the first week of September.
Check out our upcoming gaming issue for a more in-depth look at how the PC and console game market is changing, and how retailers can make money from both digital and physical goods.
Image source: Shutterstock

domain: news


text:
Stay tuned for more adventures in copyright as the balance between rights owners and “fair users” lurches along towards future high-profile showdowns.
It is time to take a close look at the classic approach to labor law in America and decide whether the sharing economy should be sacrificed to an ideal from the Great Depression or whether labor laws fashioned then should be updated for today’s post-Great Recession and global economy.
Five political and technological trends that are emerging in this election cycle, beginning with the rather remarkable Republican presidential debate on Fox last week.
New York City officials on Wednesday abruptly abandoned plans to rein in Uber, dropping a fiercely contested proposal to cap the company’s growth in its largest market.
The Zenefits story is fascinating, both ADP’s snarky legal reply and the unusual circumstance of a disruptive entrant challenging a de facto monopolist.
Recent decisions in California and France threaten the continued viability of Uber’s ride-sharing service and the sharing economy it epitomizes.
New Year’s is always a time for remembrance and nostalgia, with lots of “top” lists. This is another, focused on the most important, entertaining and reverberating technology law cases of 2014.
The massive data breach at Sony Pictures Entertainment may well turn out to be a tipping point in the adoption by corporate boards and officers of strong cyber threat prevention, detection and remediation practices.
Even before the landmark United States v. Microsoft Corp. antitrust case, competition law was a bit schizophrenic when it came to the question of interoperability. Monopolists have no general duty to make their products work with those of competitors, but what about the situation where a dominant firm deliberately re-designs products to render them incompatible with others? That […]
Nearly six months before this week’s reveal of iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple was in talks with Comcast Corp. about “teaming up for a streaming-television service that would use an Apple set-top box and get special treatment on Comcast’s cables to ensure it bypasses congestion on the Web.” For content, the […]


text:
Almost four years after federal law was updated to let you get free copies of your credit reports and more easily fix mistakes found in them, you can indeed get your reports for free. But correcting erroneous or nefarious information still can be nearly impossible.
"Credit reports are plagued with errors," Chi Chi Wu, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, testified Tuesday before the House Financial Services Committee. And credit reporting companies continue to respond to disputes with "perfunctory" automated systems that tend to repeat errors rather than repair them, she told the panel.
Stuart Pratt, president of the Consumer Data Industry Assn., which represents credit reporting companies, said reports of widespread inaccuracies were overblown. About 11% of the 52 million free credit reports issued in the last two years were disputed, he said. In some of those disputes, he added, consumers were merely attempting to update information that had been accurate but was out of date.
All sides agreed, however, that key portions of the 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act had not been put into practice, including a provision that would warn consumers if they appeared to be victims of identity theft.
In addition, regulators haven't come out with rules governing how and when banks, retailers and others who provide credit information must respond to consumer disputes. Nor have they issued rules that would help consumers dispute information with the credit grantor, rather than the credit reporting company -- a move that the credit reporting companies say they welcome.
Part of the blame rests with federal agencies that were asked to work together to establish rules and regulations, said Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.).
Credit issuers, which include retailers as well as banks and other financial companies, are regulated by a patchwork of state and federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve. The law required the federal agencies to create standard rules for all issuers of credit to follow when reporting consumer payments to credit bureaus. But, the agencies haven't produced the rules.
"I am very disappointed in the agencies and their inaction in fashioning regulations," Bachus said.
"So many years to accomplish a congressional task is really ridiculous and unacceptable," said Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.).
Officials of the FTC and the Fed testified that they'd accomplished many tasks demanded by the law but said that "interagency rulemaking" was not "efficient."
Wu said that some of the work the agencies had already done was inadequate to protect consumers from having erroneous information added -- sometimes repeatedly -- to their credit files.
Credit reporting software is tolerant of mistakes, Wu said, so consumers with similar names or Social Security numbers continue to have their files merged. The process also fuels identity theft because, with only a portion of accurate information, a thief can get credit and have the account issued to the thief's address, rather than the address that the victimized consumer has on file. Regulators have noted this problem in reports since the 2003 law was passed, but they have been hesitant to require better data matching because creditors contend that minor errors could cause them to toss out relevant data.
Moreover, companies that buy delinquent debt from creditors sometimes add data to consumer files by reviving long-dormant information, Wu said. The 2003 act was supposed to curb that practice.
Pratt countered that the law had helped consumers but needed to be given more time to work as intended.
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said that if the federal agencies were unable to forge an agreement on the remaining regulations demanded by the act within three months, he would sponsor legislation to give jurisdiction to the FTC. The FTC would have to consult only with the other agencies, he said. He said he also planned to introduce legislation to reinstate the consumer's right to sue over inaccurate credit reporting.


text:
Sony said Monday that it had discovered that more credit card information and customer profiles had been compromised during an attack on its servers last week.
In a news release issued by Sony, the company said that it had discovered hackers had gained access to the Sony Online Entertainment servers, which contain approximately 24.6 million customer accounts and 12,700 credit card and debit card numbers. Sony said the hackers might have stolen this information, but the company could not be sure.
Sony Online Entertainment is a division of Sony that creates multiplayer online games for the PS3 and PlayStation Portable gaming platforms.
The announcement of more compromised customer information was another black eye for Sony, which is facing international pressure to answer questions about the attacks on its servers, and to disclose exactly how many customers were affected by the breach.
Congress has asked Sony to respond by the close of business Tuesday to several questions related to the attacks.
Sony said it had decided to shut down the Sony Online Entertainment servers and Web site so it could upgrade its servers and add more protection to the service.
Sony also noted that information taken from the entertainment division of the site included customers’ names, addresses, e-mail addresses, birth dates, phone numbers and usernames and passwords. It also said that 10,700 debit cards from users in Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Spain were compromised.


text:
Illuminarium promises "VR without the glasses"
A new, high-tech consumer entertainment experience opening today in Atlanta promises to transport users to exotic destinations with the aid of immersive video, touch feedback and more.
Why it matters: Illuminarium — which is set to expand to other cities in coming months and years — is a bet that consumers are ready to come back for in-person entertainment, and that the latest in visual technology can come close to replicating some of the experience of traveling to some of the world's most remote locations.
What's happening: Visitors who come to Atlanta's Illuminarium will enter a 7,500-square-foot space ringed by screens as high as 22 feet, where they'll be enveloped in video and sound recorded on location for the center's first show, WILD Safari.
- Throughout the 50-minute show, says Illuminarium Experiences founder Alan Greenberg, "you are going to see it as if you are there, hear it as if you are there, feel in your bones through the haptic system in the floor, even smell it in the air."
- A lidar system can track the movement of audience members throughout the show, "allowing us to track people throughout their journey but also permitting them to affect the content as the content plays out," says Brian Allen, executive vice president of technology and content at Illuminarium.
This is VR without the glasses.— Alan Greenberg, Illuminarium
Between the lines: Greenberg — a serial entrepreneur who served as publisher of Esquire in the 1980s — believes Illuminarium will benefit from the pent-up demand for in-person experiences in the post-COVID age.
- But he also argues that hybrid virtual experiences like what Illuminarium offers "democratizes access to extraordinary experiences" at a moment when international travel, at least, is still far from cheap or easy.
- "Instead of getting on an airplane for 20 hours, you can be in Nashville or Charlotte and drive down to Atlanta to do safari," he says.
What's next: The company has already begun building its second Illuminarium in Las Vegas, with plans to open there by around the end of the year, and has further expansion plans in Miami, Chicago and Mexico City.
The bottom line: As technology improves and the real world gets harder to navigate, expect to see more energy in the hybrid virtual space.


text:
UK fintech StonePay has vowed to alleviate SMEs from late payments through its Business to Business (B2B) offering.
In a statement, the community-led app noted that two in five UK invoices come in as late payments. The company then went on to state its mission of helping businesses bring overdue transactions to a minimum, promoting the appeal of regular payments at the same time.
Filippo Mazzei, CEO of StonePay, said: “There is a huge need for B2B businesses across the globe to be able to trust each other and to control their business reputation without having to rely on traditional methods that cost money and cause delays in operations.
“Our aim is to eradicate late payments, limit risk, and offer the good payers the benefits they deserve!”
The offering is based on a system that can trace transactional history and turn on-time payments into points, creating a score margin for both companies and customers so that future partners can better understand each other’s performances.
StonePay pointed out that the practice of indicating whether a profile is trustworthy or not is important to factor in when businesses are issuing the contractual terms and conditions.


text:
As of June 2019 Nier: Automata has sold over 4 million digital and physical copies. Proof that this game’s popularity isn’t going away anytime soon. To this date the game’s characters are still widely cosplayed due to the characters’ appeal and the game’s popularity.
The game has plenty of other cosplayable characters but the character named 2B is undoubtedly the most cosplayed character since the release of the game Nier: Automata and believe it or not both men and women have chosen this character to cosplay. With that said, here’s another wonderful 2B cosplay that’s gaining attention over at the Chinese version of Twitter called Weibo. These cosplay images not only circulated around Chinese social media but also on Facebook cosplay pages and on Instagram and was received enthusiastically by fans of the game.


text:
Next has announced it will open its new shop in Cheltenham High Street at 10am on Thursday.
That is the same day and time as the opening of the nearby new John Lewis & Partners shop.
It follows a complete re-build of the unit where the previous Next shop had been.
That had been a single-storey one but the new one will be on two levels.
Store manager Linda Cross said: “We are so excited to be returning to Cheltenham High Street in our fabulous new store which now offers two floors full of amazing products.”
The 20,755 square feet shop, selling clothes for men, women and children and items for the home, will open from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
Next’s shop on the site closed in September last year, with customers being told it would be open again by the summer of 2018.
Our video below shows the state of the building in June of this year.
The summer 2018 deadline was missed, with the opening being put back to the autumn.


text:
No LG Nexus 4 in India yet, but LG Optimus G launched at Rs. 34,500Author : Supriya February 28, 2013 0
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Google LG Nexus 4 hasn’t seen the light of day in India yet. However, LG Electronics Inc launched its high-end smartphone LG Optimus G, which is packed with powerful hardware upgrades.
Priced at Rs. 34,500, the smartphone has impressive features like 13 megapixel camera which a user can instruct to take snaps by talking to it, 1.3 megapixel front camera, 4.7-inch screen with apparently a sharper picture quality than both the iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy S III, Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon processor.
The Optimus G will work on superfast m obile networks and be able to carry out several functions at once, such as showing a television broadcast and simultaneously sending text messages or searching the web.
Although LG Nexus 4 too has impressive features like 4.7 inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 8MP main camera and 1.3MP front camera, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, 2GB RAM, and so on, the delay in India launch has upset Indian consumers.
”LG was not selling well before Nexus. Therefore when Google roped it in and gave its demand projections, LG chickened out and became conservative in rolling out the phones..anyways, I got the phone here in the US after a week of ordering and I can say that its better than anyphone at this price point. At $299-$349 and with Google Now/Android Jellybean, its just unbeatable,” says a CIOL viewer.
”I really don’t understand how a savvy company like Google can allow delay in launch of this much awaited product. That too in one of the most biggest market. Latest data shows that iPhone 5 (which is btw a premium smartphone) has increased market share through aggressive pricing,” says another viewer on CIOL.
However, now that LG Optimus G is available in India at Rs. 34,500, what do you wish to do? Will you wait for the Google LG Nexus 4 or go for the LG Optimus G? Do let us know.


text:
n response to the challenges posed by the 2023 freight recession, Bolt Express, a leading transportation solutions provider headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, has introduced a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning system designed to revolutionize digital freight matching. This innovative system marks Bolt Express’s strategic investment in technology, positioning the company as an industry leader in the wake of adversity.
Bolt Express’s new digital freight matching system represents a significant leap forward in streamlining the freight matching process. By seamlessly integrating via API, EDI, or XML with high-volume shipping accounts, the system ensures efficient and effective management of logistics operations. Moreover, for ad-hoc customer shippers, the system simplifies shipment setup by harnessing the power of advanced AI to promptly process new requests submitted via email, phone, or text. This ensures swift and accurate responses to customers’ most pressing shipping needs.
Optimizing efficiency with freight optimizer
Central to Bolt Express’s innovative system is the freight optimizer component, which automatically matches new shipment requests with appropriately sized vehicles. This optimization not only expedites the shipment process but also maximizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness for customers. By swiftly and accurately assigning the right resources to each shipment, Bolt Express ensures timely deliveries while minimizing expenses.
Chuck King, COO of Bolt Express, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction amid evolving logistical challenges. “We understand the challenges our customers face and the important role we play in helping them maintain a supply chain schedule,” affirms King. He emphasizes that Bolt Express is the preferred choice for customers seeking to recover from delays or ensure the safe and timely delivery of critical freight. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Bolt Express streamlines the transportation process, delivering on its promise of an exceptional customer experience.
Looking ahead, Bolt Express’s technology team is dedicated to enhancing the mobile app experience for both customers and drivers. The company aims to provide quick and easy access to essential information, images, and support team members for all TIME CRITICAL™ shipment activities. By prioritizing user-friendly mobile solutions, Bolt Express seeks to further elevate efficiency and convenience for its stakeholders.
Bolt Express is a premier transportation service provider offering TIME CRITICAL™ solutions across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, the company is committed to setting the standard for reliability and trustworthiness in the transportation industry. This commitment is reflected in Bolt Express’s culture, attitude, and dedication to delivering unparalleled quality of service.


text:
Free runner extraordinaire Jason Paul and Red Bull teamed up to create a f*cking awesome video rendition of classic 2-bit gaming… Pitting this high flying hero against gosh dern pesky treasure thief.
That is not just a self-proclaimed statement, this is actually Guinness certified as the “World’s Most Expensive Burger.” 2 Chainz & GQ tries out this burger on their Most Expensivest Sh*t segment. Damn, that looks like one hell of a hamburger.
Boner should set in right at 39 seconds. 1 minute 28 seconds in: boner turns to frightened sobbing and sadness.
It’s crazy to me that people are so obsessed with this drink, but oh well. BuzzFeed recruited a coffee expert to give his take on Starbucks’ almighty Pumpkin Spice Latte. The results? Well, probably just about exactly what you would expect.
This will probably go down in history as one of the most badass ways to quit a job. Alaskan news anchor, Charlo Greene, announced during a live TV broadcast that she was not only quitting her job, but she was also the president of the Alaskan Cannabis Club. Greene has said she quit in such a memorable fashion in order to draw attention to the legalization marijuana. We can’t think of any better way to do so.
Richard Sherman and Nike just recently released this new campaign called “Never Finished.” The set of videos attempts to show the mentality of “There is no finish line.” Cameos in the series include Johnny Manziel, Victor Cruz, Ken Griffey Jr., Damon Wayans Jr., and more.
This Christmas will bring another movie from the tandem of Seth Rogen & James Franco. This time around they’re heading to North Korea to take out Kim Jung un. This is the official red band trailer, and it looks hilarious.


text:
NTT IndyCar Series will solve one of the biggest shortcomings of having a new and dedicated console and PC game ready for debut in 2023. Set for the same year where the series will introduce its first hybrid engine package, a new IndyCar game for PlayStation and Xbox platforms and windows-based computers will fill a significant void that has existed since the mid-2000s.
Like all other major racing series has grown its modern audience through games, IndyCar will finally join its rivals and add some form of esports competition that the series hopes to uncover before the end of the year.
“Our partnership with Motorsport Games will bring the fierce competition of the NTT IndyCar series to a global gaming audience that is hungry for quality sports content,”
Championship rival Pato O’Ward was among IndyCar’s next generation stars to pay tribute to the delayed game solution.
“I’m really excited that fans will be able to bring the NTT IndyCar series into their homes with this new video game franchise,” the driver told Arrow McLaren SP. “This is such a great opportunity for fans to connect with our series even more, from watching us on the weekends to playing like us on their favorite tracks whenever they want.”


text:
Most multipurpose smartwatches that can also double up as fitness trackers have been panned by critics for inaccurate collection of data like number of steps walked, heart rate, etc. To counter this problem, Apple reportedly collected over 18,000 hours of health and fitness data spread across 10,000 workout sessions.
A segment of ABC News' Good Morning America show featuring Apple executives Jeff Williams and Jay Blahnik took the audience around a secret testing facility where Apple employees participated in these workout sessions for almost two years. In typical Apple fashion, these employees were kept in the dark about the purpose of this experiment until the Apple watch was unveiled to the world. The employees wore masks, to check how hard they were breathing, and other expensive sensor equipment. An Apple Watch prototype was also attached to their hands.
Jay Blahnik, Director of Fitness and Health technologies, Apple, stated that Apple tested the Watch's resistance in extreme climes by transporting to the device to places like Alaska and Dubai. Moreover, the secret fitness labs were also fitted with special 'climate chambers' that could simulate extreme heat or cold. Not surprisingly, these labs were also used to test HealthKit.
If Blahnik is to be believed Apple might have collected 'one of the world's largest pieces of data on fitness.'
It is quite unlike Apple to allow media inside its secret labs and the last time it did so in 2010, the company was trying to salvage itself from bad press it received for its iPhone 4 'Antennagate' issue.


text:
The Ford Ranger has won the International Pick-up Award 2020, beating Mitsubishi’s Triton (also known as the L200 in some markets) into second place.
The Blue Oval brand’s bakkie – which is, of course, built right here in South Africa – won the biennial title, with the Triton grabbing a close second place and the Toyota Hilux coming in third.
A group of 18 jurors said the Ranger was triumphant thanks to its “new cleaner and greener drivetrain” as well as “a number of technical and safety advancements”.
Jarlath Sweeney, chairperson for the International Van of the Year jury, revealed that just six points separated the top two contenders.
“The Ford Ranger scored 78 points to the 72 gained by the Mitsubishi L200 [Triton], with the Toyota Hilux coming in third,” Sweeney said.
“Jury members adjudged the Ranger to be the best all-rounder and noted that it’s a best seller too, as the previous version together with this revised model dominate the European marketplace with almost 30 percent share of the one-tonne segment. So the public recognises its merits also.
“Marks were allocated on each vehicle based on powertrain efficiencies, load volume and capability, driver and passenger comfort and safety aspects, as well as low total cost of operation from a business point of view,” Jarlath said.
The Volkswagen Amarok won the title in 2018, with Nissan’s Navara winning in 2016.
Original article from Car
See Full Ford Ranger Double Cab price and specs here


text:
Keeping you in the know
The New Connected Economy
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | 11:45 a.m. EST
The unforeseen has accelerated a change in the economy, shifting from sharing to connected. An economy that places more value in meaningful experiences with a focus on authentic human connection, supported by revolutionary new technology that allows consumers greater access than ever before.
NELSON’s own Robyn Novak will join the panel to discuss four key pillars retail brands need to address in order to better meet consumer expectations through innovation in action.


text:
Kanye West‘s latest downfall continues.
As brands question their relationship with him, adidas has had enough and has officially ended its partnership with the embattled creative.
The German-born athletics company made the announcement via press release early Tuesday morning citing Ye’s recent antisemitic remarks being the last straw.
“adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.,” the press release reads.
It also reveals that the partnership is terminated immediately and all production of goods and payments to Ye’s companies will be halted. The three stripes is aware of the financial hit the company will take now that the thorough review is complete, and warned its investors.
“This is expected to have a short-term negative impact of up to €250 million on the company’s net income in 2022 given the high seasonality of the fourth quarter,” the statement continued.
adidas ended the announcement by saying despite the halt of all Ye-related products, the company owns the design rights to all previous merchandise as well as future colorways so while Ye’s involvement is done, the future of the line is still murky.
Twitter is satisfied with the decision and some users are wondering what the hell took so long. Check out some of the reactions below.
Photographer & OG Travel Influencer Elton Anderson Delivers Clutch Tips For Traveling During Allergy Season
Former Professional Basketball Player God Shammgod Doesn't Let Pain Slow Down His Game
Basketball Legend God Shammgod Inspires His Son and The Next Generation of Players
Kim Kardashian's Thoughts On 'Single' Parenting Spark Outrage On Twitter
Kanye West Rocks Shoulder Pads And Sock Shoes, Twitter Collectively Says WTF
Here's How to Make Your Girl Squirt
The Absolute Best Household Items For Masturbation...Besides Your Favorite Pair of Socks
Gooch Grease Is A Thing, Men Using Maxi Pads To Deal?


text:
John McAfee, the founder of the McAfee antivirus gave his thoughts about various cryptocurrencies last week, including Verge (XVG), Monero and Zcash through Twitter’s microblogging platform. However, his tweet about Verge seems to have been quite weighty because the price of the altcoin ended up doubling overnight.
“I am inundated by people asking me for recommendations on cryptocurrencies. If you would use your heads you would figure out that the privacy coins (anonymous transactions) will have the greatest future. Coins like Monero (XMR), Verge (XVG), or Zcash (ZEC) cannot lose,” stated McAfee in a tweet.
I am inundated by people asking me for recommendations on cryptocurrencies. If you would use your heads you would figure out that the privacy coins (anonymous transactions) will have the greatest future. Coins like Monero (XMR), Verge (XVG), or Zcash (ZEC) cannot lose.
— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) December 13, 2017
The cybersecurity guru’s tweet seems to have created a big impact considering the fact that the price of Verge went up by 100 percent. It also highlights the fact that McAfee has some influence in the cryptocurrency community. He has been known to be quite vocal about cryptocurrencies and is especially biased towards digital currencies that are focused on Privacy, such as Verge, Zcash, and Monero.
Zcash and Monero are top performers in the cryptocurrency game as far as market cap is concerned. The fact that he mentioned them together with Verge seems to have encouraged a positive investor outlook on Verge. The price of the digital currency went up from $0.009367 on December 13th to $0.131282 on December 20th. Verge currently has a market cap of $1,897,663,154 and is currently holding down the 20th position in the cryptocurrency ranking.
It is interesting that McAfee believes that cryptocurrencies that focus on privacy will emerge on top in the future. Such currencies have been growing more popular but then again the future is full of uncertainty. It is also a bold claim especially considering that governments from all over the world are trying to get some degree of control over cryptocurrency transactions. This is one of the reasons why some digital coins focus on privacy.
Meanwhile, the security guru also described XVG as one of the best altcoins to purchase currently. However, he also advised investors to be careful when selecting the altcoins they want to invest in because there is a lot of risks involved. As for Verge, its recent surge was quite impressive but it is also worth noting that it also tanked slightly after that. However, investors are watching keenly to see how the digital currency will behave especially now that it has been tossed into the spotlight by McAfee.
McAfee has also talked about Bitcoin in the past and even went as far as stating that the price of bitcoin will go up to $1 million. However, a lot of people believe that that forecast might be too ambitious.
We will be updating our subscribers as soon as we know more. For the latest on XVG, sign up below!
Disclaimer: This article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide, investment advice. Please conduct your own thorough research before investing in any cryptocurrency.
Image courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr
Elon Musk Advises Crypto Users To Secure Their Crypto Keys Properly
The crypto community has not gotten over the fact that the world’s richest man has now invested in Bitcoin and has been pretty active in the industry.
However, the community is now receiving security tips for storing cryptocurrencies from Tesla’s chief executive officer. While pointing the security of cryptocurrencies, Tesla also criticized Freewallet app, a crypto wallet for its slack in security.
He also added that crypto investors should not bother doing business with wallets that don’t provide them with private keys.
Users should store their private keys
The unique way cryptocurrencies are stored makes them not redeemable when the keys are lost. Whether the holder stores them with third-party custodians or exchanges, the owner can only claim them when they provide keys to the crypto funds.
That makes securing the keys the most important thing when dealing with cryptocurrencies. As a result, selecting the safest hot or cold wallet is a priority if users want to keep their crypto investments safe.
Elon Musk has come out to advise investors to always store their private keys personally. For a company to receive the attention of the world’s richest man is something to take advantage of to grow. However, FreewalletApp’s short conversation with Musk is a sort of negative publicity to them.
After the company engaged with Musk about a Dogecoin-related post, the Tesla founder pointed out faults with the firm.
He advised digital asset investors to stay…
Bitcoin Surges After Tesla Bought $1.5 Billion Worth of BTC
The sudden rise of Bitcoin has been connected to the decision taken by the Tesla electric car company to buy $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin.
The company explained in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it bought Bitcoin to diversify its cash returns and more flexibility.
Musk’s Tweets also impacted Dogecoin’s price
Tesla also added that it will start accepting Bitcoin payments for all its products, although this will be based on a limited basis and applicable laws. If the company concludes and starts accepting cryptocurrency, it will make it the first major car manufacturer to accept Bitcoin payments. The company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has developed an interest in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
He has been tweeting severally about the viability of the Dogecoin (DOGE), which doesn’t have an important market value attached to it.
ur welcome pic.twitter.com/e2KF57KLxb
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 4, 2021
Few hours after endorsing Dogecoin, the cryptocurrency rose by an impressive 50%. But regulatory authorities are still concerned about the risks in cryptocurrency investments, with several regulatory bodies warning traders and investors they could lose all their money from crypto investments.
But for Tesla, the company decides to diversify its funds and increased its cash returns. However, Tesla also warned investors about the volatility of Bitcoin’s price in its SEC filing. According to the SEC…
Partnership Between Bridge Mutual & AllianceBlock Announced
Decentralized peer-to-peer discretionary digital asset coverage platform Bridge Mutual has announced a partnership with AllianceBlock. AllianceBlock is a decentralized, blockchain-agnostic layer 2 protocol bridging decentralized finance with traditional finance. The partnership will allow AllianceBlock and Bridge Mutual to provide traditional investors with a protected bridge to DeFi through decentralized coverage.
“Discretionary coverage is a very important part of our ecosystem, so we are excited to partner with Bridge Mutual and leverage each other’s technologies,” says Rachid Ajaja, CEO of AllianceBlock. “We look forward to building an ecosystem where all participants have access to the best products while mitigating the ever-present risk of smart contract failure, hacks, and the resultant loss of collateral value.”
In 2020, as much as $200 million worth of digital assets was lost in attacks on major digital asset services. Bridge Mutual’s platform gives users the option to purchase and provide discretionary coverage, reducing investors’ risk of losing funds because of theft, exchange hacks, stablecoin price crashes, exploited contracts, and other vulnerabilities in digital assets.
By using Alliance Block’s multi-pair liquidity mining platform, Bridge Mutual will be able to offer BMI token holders instant liquidity through staking and high APY rewards for a variety of pairs. Once integrated into AllianceBlock’s P2P lending platform, Bridge mutual will be able to provide coverage to investors. Additionally, Bridge Mutual is working towards…


text:
CES 2010 - The Lenovo IdeaPad
Been waiting a while? Get Flash to see this player.
The third part of our look at Lenovo's presence at CES 2010 reveals its new IdeaPad consumer notebook range - including the eyecatching hybrid model.
Notch-free device claims to wield "four technological breakthroughs".
Dell, HP, and Lenovo are now offering commercial desktops and laptops featuring these APUs.
This 15.6-inch laptop sports a 10nm Core i3-8121U, AMD Radeon RX 540 2GB, at $449.


text:
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will seek alternative sources of sample collection kits, after Swiss manufacturer Berlinger Special AG's announcement it is pulling out of the business.
WADA in January said it was looking into a potential integrity issue with Berlinger's sample collection bottles. The accredited laboratory in Cologne had discovered it might potentially be susceptible to manual opening "upon freezing".
The bottles are used to collect and store urine and/or blood samples when an athlete undergoes a doping control test.
In a statement on Friday, WADA said it was gathering information from the company and its customers to come up with solutions that would maintain the integrity of the doping control process.
It said it had already contacted anti-doping organisations, accredited laboratories and sample collection agencies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee.
"WADA wishes to reassure athletes, anti-doping organisations and other stakeholders that it remains resolutely committed to following up with Berlinger and affected stakeholders as necessary until the matter is resolved ...
"It should be noted that manufacturers of security bottles, such as Berlinger, are responsible for the development, testing, distribution and monitoring of the equipment they produce and provide to their customers."
Bottle security became a major concern when officials learned athletes' analytical results were manipulated and samples swapped at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Russia was banned from the PyeongChang Winter Olympics after the IOC found evidence of an "unprecedented systematic manipulation" of the anti-doping system.
Berlinger said on it website that while it had decided to cease production of its doping control kits in the medium term, it would continue to supply the kits being used at the Winter Paralympic Games in PyeongChang "for as long as stocks last".
The company said "increasingly institutionalised forms of doping malpractice" had increased and changed the demands made on its anti-doping kits.
"These developments are not only damaging to sport: they have become increasingly incompatible with our corporate values and core competencies," said board chairwoman Andrea Berlinger.
"And in view of this, we have taken the strategic decision to make an orderly withdrawal from this business segment over the next few months ..."


text:
Swift Transportation announced today, June 1, that its wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, Trans-Mex, has become one of the first Mexican trucking companies to deploy a trade processing system developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that accelerates cross-border commerce while improving security at U.S. borders. Swift says this arrangement allows it and Trans-Mex to seamlessly expedite shipments between Mexico and the United States, while providing customers with a safe, secure and efficient solution for cross-border shipments.
The Automated Commercial Environment, or ACE, is part of a multi-year modernization effort by the CBP to automate the flow of information between the trucks and the border agents about cargo approaching U.S. borders, making it easier for customs agents to decide what they wish to inspect. The electronic manifest for trucks replaces a paper-based process.
“Tying our Trans-Mex business information systems to ACE not only provides our customers with tangible benefits such as faster Customs clearances, it also supports the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s dual mission to facilitate legitimate trade and secure our nation’s borders,” says Jerry Moyes, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Swift Transportation parent Saint Corp. “Because Trans-Mex moves hundreds of shipments across the border every business day, a significant amount of paperwork was required under the old system. ACE changes all that, completely automating the truck manifest inspection process.”
With the new ACE system, Trans-Mex provides CBP with shipment information electronically through an EDI (electronic data interchange) connection, as well as information on the vehicle and the Trans-Mex driver. CBP now can quickly verify the legitimacy of vehicles and drivers and run the shipping data through electronic filters to make inspection selections, allowing the selections to be determined before a shipment reaches the border. Goods not selected for inspection and in compliance with U.S. laws can be expedited.
“Programs like these that expedite trade particularly benefit Swift and Trans-Mex customers, because Swift is the only U.S. carrier that owns 100 percent of a Mexican carrier, which allows us this seamless capability,” Moyes says. “It’s also consistent with our company’s emphasis on superior customer service, safety and security.”
Swift views international transportation with Mexico to be an area for substantial growth. Currently, the Phoenix-based company handles less than 3 percent of the 3.2 million crossings from Mexico each year.


text:
Balance of trade to shift permanently to the east
- China and India alone to account for almost one-fifth of global trade flows by 2020
- China’s exports to Europe at over US$1trillion almost twice as large as US exports to Europe.
- Europe’s exports to Africa and the Middle East at more than US$900b will be around 50% larger than its exports to the US
London, 28 November 2011 – Global trade which has long been dominated by so called “advanced economies” is now shifting permanently eastwards according to Ernst & Young’s forecast Trading places: The emergence of new patterns of international trade prepared in conjunction with Oxford Economics. Asia-Pacific will experience the fastest growth in global trade to 2020 and intra-regional trade there will lead to a renewed concentration of international demand.
Although global trade was severely restricted during the financial crisis, it has since bounced back strongly, led by trade amongst emerging markets. Global trade was dominated by the advanced nations at the start of the 1990s but their share has declined markedly and this trend is set to continue with ever more speed through to 2020.
Jay Nibbe, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa Markets Leader at Ernst & Young
comments, “While the advanced economies muddle through the financial crisis the rapid-growth markets are going from strength to strength and are an increasingly significant part of the global economy. They will become an even more dominant force in global trade and as a result businesses are going to have to adjust their strategies to reflect the increasingly regional pattern of world trade that is developing and will intensify over the next decade.”
Global trade across Asia to 2020
“We estimate that the continuing shift toward global outsourcing of production-, as well as the growth of regional supply chains to serve the rapid expansion of demand from rapid-growth markets - will compress the share of the advanced economies in global trade from a little over 60% in 2010 to around 55% by 2020” says Adrian Edwards, Global Supply Chain Leader of Ernst & Young.
Asia will continue to be the most dynamic region in terms of trade, with the fastest growth of exports in goods occurring within the region itself. India and China will drive the continued rise of the emerging markets and together these economies will account for almost one-fifth of global trade flows by 2020.
India and China also represent the fastest growing source of demand for exports from other countries. The forecast shows that two of the most rapidly growing trade routes will be US exports to China and India, which Ernst & Young see growing at an average annual rate of almost 16%. So while the US share of world exports fell significantly over the past decade, our forecast implies that this trend will be reversed over the next ten years as the US capitalizes on its strength in exporting to Asia
Europe’s share of global exports will decline, from 38% in 2010 to 34% by 2020. However, the forecast shows that Europe is the developed region that will gain the most in terms of export values from the expansion of demand in China, with exports to China rising by US$370b over the next ten years. China’s predicted exports to Europe at over US$1trillion will be almost twice as large as US exports to Europe.
Rain Newton-Smith, senior economic adviser to Ernst & Young explains, “Despite the fastest growth occurring in Asia in terms of trade volumes our forecast shows that it is intra-regional trade within Europe that is still expected to experience by far the largest rise in dollar volumes over the coming decade. The second largest rise in overall trade volumes is forecast to occur between China and the Rest of Asia, with flows in the opposite direction coming third.”
Regional patterns of trade
New markets for exports are also opening up within MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa as these economies grow in size. Total exports to these regions are forecast to grow more rapidly than exports to the US, Europe, Japan and the rest of the Americas. The forecasts suggest that European exporters will capture around one quarter of the growth in final demand from Sub-Saharan Africa, but exporters from Asia will capture close to half of this growth. Strong investment by other emerging markets and China in particular, may facilitate the strong growth that Africa needs.
Europe’s exports to Africa and the Middle East at more than US$900b will be around 50% larger than its exports to the US. Europe will be the most important market for Sub-Saharan Africa’s exports, accounting for a quarter of all its trade. But the overall size of the flow from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe will still be relatively small at US$108b.
In Latin America, plentiful natural resources and strong FDI inflows will enable improvements in productivity to support potential growth. Large populations and the rapid accumulation of wealth, particularly in Brazil, will also support the growth of domestic demand within the region. By 2020 Latin America and the Caribbean’s exports to the US at around US$769b will be slightly larger than Europe’s exports to the US.
Regional flow of services
Trade in services is also likely to witness rapid growth with Asia once again leading the way. By 2020, the total flow of services from Europe to Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) will be larger than to North America.
As Nibbe explains, “One of the major drivers of this expansion will be the growth in banking, insurance and other financial services as the Asian economies mature and middle class develops. Demand for more sophisticated financial services is already growing rapidly with rising wealth levels and the region growing in importance as the financial center.”
It is not just financial services where growth is expected to be rapid in Asia, tourism is also likely to be an increasingly important sector as the number of international tourists travelling from China to international destinations is forecast to double from 32m in 2010 to 59m by 2020. The increase in associated spending will be even more significant, rising from US$52b in 2010 to US$222b in 2020.
It is intra-regional trade of services in Europe that will witness the largest increase over the period. The US and Europe will continue to dominate this market, with China and India only gaining a significant market share within the rest of Asia.
The “machinery and transport equipment” sector (which includes consumer electrical products, such as computers, televisions and washing machines, as well as industrial machinery) will make the largest contribution to trade growth over the next ten years, followed by other manufactures such as textiles, lumber and rubber. In total these dominant sectors will account for close to 54% of merchandise trade by 2020. This reflects both the strong growth in demand for consumption and investment goods expected from emerging markets and the potential to fragment the supply chain as companies increasingly produce components in different locations. China’s share of global trade in this sector is projected to rise from 18% to 24%.
Risks and uncertainties
With the global supply changing so rapidly and demand uncertain, there are a number of alternative scenarios and risks that could threaten, or boost, global trade growth for the current 2020 forecast. Newton-Smith concludes, “Perhaps the most dramatic would be a currency realignment scenario, implying a rebalancing of domestic demand between the US and Asia-Pacific region. This would have significant impacts on projected patterns of trade. Alternatively, even a partial acceleration of trade liberalization could drive a larger-than-expected rise in global trade flows.”
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.
This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.


text:
Hungary’s food authority Nébih has detected insecticide fipronil in further egg products, the authority reported on Thursday.
The authority announced on Monday that the presence of the banned chemical was detected in a batch of Hungarian eggs.
Further details concerning the affected products are available at the authority’s website.
Earlier in August, Dutch, Belgian and German egg production plants were closed down after the banned substance was detected in the eggs. The European Union’s rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) alerted Hungarian authorities to the presence of fipronil in Tamago Ei-Omelett-Block’s deep-frozen semi-finished products, which had been imported from Germany.
Hungary has been declared free of avian influenza yesterday, according to the regulations of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the farm ministry said.


text:
Gyms Are Adding New Equipment and Services
Say sayonara to beat-up treadmills with broken audio jacks. Gyms are already stepping it up with fancy new equipment, which may be an effort to target would-be at-home gym equipment buyers.
"Radically different resistance mechanisms are going to replace legacy fitness equipment across all fitness sectors, not just rowing and weight lifting," Bruce Smith, founder and CEO of Hydrow, a high-tech rowing machine, told POPSUGAR. Noting that much of your run-of-the-mill gym equipment (like barbells, for instance) hasn't changed "in more than a century," he said we're finally starting to see "new resistance mechanisms, which offer computer-controlled resistance that is quiet, light, and extremely adjustable."
In addition to better equipment, expect to see more variety in services at your local gym. "Massages, juice bars, and places to meet friends for a healthy meal are going to be taking over more and more of the real estate at high-end gyms," Bruce said.
Because many consumers can now have high-quality gym equipment in their homes (if they have the space and budget for it), gyms will have to offer experiences and services that an at-home "studio" cannot: social time, made-to-order smoothies, recovery services like massage, and more. Bruce believes people will "treat the [gym] more like a club."


text:
McDonald’s is wishing fans a Happy Valentine’s Day with a special giveaway, an 18K gold stackable “Bling Mac” ring. To win the seven-tiered diamond and gemstone beauty representing the ingredients of the Big Mac (champagne diamonds for its two all-beef patties, lettuce, pickles, and onions made from tsavorite, gold cheese, and orange sapphire for the Special Sauce) fans must write “vows of love” to their favorite Big Macs on Twitter and tweet them @McDonald’s with #BlingMacContest.
The diamond industry has long tried to decode millennial buying habits and attitudes about diamonds. Research is finding that Chinese millennials put more stock in owning a diamond as a sign of independence and not one of love or marriage. Eternity or Identity? What Diamonds Mean to Chinese Millennials. This is shifting many brands focus from marriage towards women’s empowerment.
Do you celebrate Galentine’s Day? For those not romantically coupled or those just wanting to celebrate their girls, February 13 (declared Galentine’s Day in a 2010 Parks and Rec episode) is the perfect day to show appreciation for the women in your life. Borsheims is all about Galentine’s Day, partnering with both Sabby Style for a bling box giveaway and The Renovated Acre for a Galentine’s Day party post!
In recent years, Galentine’s Day has gone far beyond gifting, waffles and girls night. Here The Atlantic discusses the importance of this “fictional” holiday. Galentine’s Day: How a Beloved Fiction Became a Beloved Tradition.
Continuing the theme of female empowerment, Lagos has promoted Jamie Hector to Public Relations Director. Lagos is notable in the industry for its strong reliance on a predominantly female executive team, something we can relate to at Borsheims and as a partner to the brand.
Perfect for gifting, translucent stones like rock crystal and moonstone are having a major moment right now. Clearly Trending: Translucent Stones.
Apparently, millennials aren’t just putting avocado on their toast. The internet is all abuzz about an #avocadoproposal The Avocado Engagement Ring Box Is a Real Thing—Sort Of!
Will the “man-gagement” ring be a new trend? Going a step beyond the engagement watch Ed Sheeran’s fiancee has made him his own engagement ring.


text:
One of the UK’s most established and well-known online-only letting agencies, Upad, has revealed that it is closing its doors to new business.
Its homepage no longer features any of its products or services and instead redirects visitors to a page revealing that it is ‘no longer accepting new business’. It also thanks past customers for their support.
Upad has pioneered the online-only lettings model since it was established in 2008 by its CEO and portfolio landlord James Davis (left) who, until the arrival of competitors such as OpenRent and Howsy, was one of the most high profile digital disruptors in the lettings market.
For many years Upad was also the largest online-only lettings agency in the UK and recently claimed to have been used by 12,500 landlords and listed 30,000 properties. It is claimed that 450 landlords will be affected by Upad shutting up shop.
The company’s announcement reveals that both tenants and landlords using its service who have entered into tenancies arranged through or managed by Upad should contact each other directly to work out future arrangements.
Landlords who paid Upad for a tenant find service after 1st October will be able to claim a refund, but those who paid before that date will not.
“This will be a particularly difficult and sensitive time for Upad and their clients and so I have sent the James Davis an email offering our full support to him and his landlords and tenants,” competitor Jonathan Daines of LettingAProperty.com has told The Negotiator.
“We are currently putting together a Upad Client Support service to continue their services with as little disruption to their landlords and tenants as possible.”
In September last year the company significantly altered its fee structure to a basic £149 find a tenant service, hoping to then upsell more services that landlords could bolt on.


text:
Tesla’s exhibit here is so mobbed, it’s almost impossible to get a photo of the cars, and people are waiting in line to sit in the driver’s seats.
Posts Tagged: Tesla Model S
In this new video, aimed at emergency personnel, rescue experts Brock Archer and Ron Moore explain the special issues faced by first responders to EV accidents.
Tesla’s 2012 Shareholder Letter reads like a bundle of good news for EV fans, but the bean counters on Wall Street are less impressed.
Margaret Sullivan concedes that Broder didn’t use especially good judgment, and “left himself open to valid criticism."
It’s an epic battle, folks, and fight fans are the big winners. The New York Times stands by its statement that Tesla’s super-sedan Model S ran out of juice on a snowy test drive. Tesla says the media behemoth set it up, and staged the whole thing. On the face of it, both scenarios feel wrong…. Read more »
In one corner, America’s newspaper of record! In the other corner, one of our most eloquent entrepreneurs, a man who never shrinks from defending his creations against attacks in the media! This impromptu bout promises much entertainment for EV boosters and bashers alike. The story so far: On February 8, The New York Times published… Read more »
Tesla’s director of Model S programs said that the company’s Fremont, California assembly plant is running at its full rate of 400 vehicles per week (20,000 per year).
Tesla hasn’t said whether or when US customers will be able to buy adapters for CHAdeMO and the new SAE Combo US standard.
Automakers are devoting a lot of effort to making cars lighter these days, and the quest is especially critical for builders of electric vehicles, as less weight can translate into more range…or lower cost. A German research institute called FKA has done a new study, at the behest of a pair of aluminum trade groups,… Read more »
The new stations are located at highway rest areas in Milford CT and Wilmington DE. The company plans to install more stations along the Northeastern corridor in the future.


text:
While it’s not unusual for ads to appear on a television, Samsung is kicking the concept up a notch — and igniting some ire in the process.
The South Korean electronics maker is reportedly adding more ads to its smart TV menu bar in an effort to make up the losses from sagging TV sales — and in the process threatening to alienate the people who actually do buy their sets. The program, currently being tested in the U.S., is expected to roll out soon across Europe.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung is trying to sell the interactive ad units to ad agencies promoting the placements as a way “to deliver relevant brands and content to consumers.” The ads appear next to apps, like Netflix or Hulu, and are interactive when clicked on. For example, Walt Disney Co. bought one last year and made an quiz matching people to a character from their movie “The Good Dinosaur.”
Older Samsung smart TV users aren’t safe either since it’s developing a software update that will retroactively install the technology.
Some people — notably and unsurprisingly Reddit users — aren’t happy with the news and are threatening to trade in their Samsung TVs for rivals. “If they are going to start that shit, well I have a Chromecast that will be more than happy to not give me ads,” one user said.
Another person noted: “They’re trying to make it where a person can’t escape ads.” Perhaps the rise of the television adblocker might not be too distant in the future.
More in Marketing
TikTok has officially launched its new e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, earlier this month on August 1. Using the new e-commerce platform, brands and creators can sell products directly on the platform, potentially creating new revenue streams, and tap into the short-form video platform’s growing popularity.
‘The influencer industry can be really vile’: Confessions of an influencer marketer on the industry’s unfair hiring practices
While the influencer industry might sound exciting and like it’s full of opportunities, one marketer can vouch for the horrific scenarios that still take place behind the scenes.
After a tumultuous 12 months, marketers are getting a clear picture of how they really did during a time of true uncertainty. And, as it turns out, it wasn’t all that bad.
Ad position: web_bfu


text:
Microsoft says to streamline around devices, services
Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said on Thursday he was streamlining the software and media company around devices like phones and game consoles and services in its first major overhaul in five years.
Microsoft, which has been struggling to compete in a world of mobile devices and Web-based services, will reorganize its engineering efforts into four major groups and shift several top executives.
Ballmer is trying to bring products to the market faster and make the company more efficient, and wants to entice people to use Microsoft products, like Word and Office, on a variety of devices besides personal computers.
"We are rallying behind a single strategy as one company ��� not a collection of divisional strategies," Ballmer said in a memo to employees published on Microsoft's website on Thursday.
Its shares were up 1.3 percent at $35.14 in early trading on Thursday.
The four new engineering groups are operating systems, applications, Web-based cloud services and hardware devices. Units will also be dedicated to strategy and research, marketing and business development, Ballmer said.
Under the reorganization, Kurt DelBene, president of Microsoft Office, will retire, Microsoft said.
Cross Research analyst Richard Williams said while the restructuring seemed to make sense from a business perspective, it raised many questions.
"From a strategic perspective, it seems that they're just streamlining the operating groups to bring all ... into one group, all the applications all the cloud focus, all the devices. There's a certain logic to that that makes sense to us."
It was unclear whether, under the changes, Microsoft will offer less financial data about certain products, he said.
"It's a major concern if they use this opportunity to reduce the transparency, so we're hoping that's not the case," he said, adding he hoped for more details during a company conference call later Thursday.
Microsoft has been struggling with sharply declining personal computer sales that cut into its software revenue as consumers and some businesses increasingly favor smartphones and tablets.
Ballmer, who took over as CEO from co-founder Bill Gates in 2000, said he wants the company to be more like Apple Inc. The maker of the iPhone and iPad has roared past Microsoft in sales and stock market value in the past few years by smoothly melding its devices with online services such as iTunes.
Microsoft's last significant reorganization came in July 2008.
(Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Bangalore and Alexei Oreskovic in San Francisco; Editing by Robin Paxton and Jeffrey Benkoe)


text:
- Join Date
- Apr 2005
Sony 4K Movie Service Hitting PS4 / PlayStation 4, 100GB+ Downloads
Today Nilay Patel of TheVerge.com spoke to Sony Electronics President and Chief Operating Officer Phil Molyneux who confirmed in the interview that Sony's 4K movie service will be hitting PS4 / PlayStation 4 and require 100GB-plus downloads!
Below are the details, to quote: "Sony is still being secretive about its forthcoming "world's first" 4K movie download service, but it sounds like it will eventually work with the equally-mysterious PS4. That's the word according to Sony Electronics President and COO Phil Molyneux, who said "I promise you will not be disappointed" when asked if the service would support his company's new console. That certainly makes sense, and it lines up with previous reports that the PS4 would support 4K photos and video, but not games.
Molyneux spoke to The Verge at a Sony event in New York City where he'd invited the press to compare Sony's newest TVs, headphones, and cameras to similar products from competitors - an event designed to highlight what Molyneux called his "utter confidence" in his product lineup. Still, the questions about why consumers would buy 4K TVs remained, especially around the upcoming download service.
And while Sony appears to be moving towards a summer launch for the service, It appears the company still has some work to do in making the 4K download service a realistic option for regular consumers.
Molyneux said that typical 4K movies would be "100 gigabytes and plus" depending on length, and added that file size and average broadband speeds are "challenges that we have to work through... we've got some very good ideas that will make that a comfortable consumer experience."
That sounds like overnight downloading of huge files, which Sony already does for PS3 games - and Sony CEO Kaz Hirai called adjusting to long download times "a journey" for consumers when we asked him about it at CES. Molyneux did say that work on improved compression for smaller files was "in active progress," but it seems the first generation of 4K products will involve huge files.
Even still, Molyneux was bullish about the future of online delivery for 4K - he said that he's personally heading up the download service project, and added that while he was "not discounting" physical 4K distribution on Blu-ray or other media, "the whole world is moving more and more to download."
Asked about the potential for 4K on Blu-ray discs, he noted that "there has been some progress" on a new industry standard, "but there's no conclusion, and I have to let that forum do their work."
More PlayStation 4 News...
03-02-2013 #2Linx86 Guest
It'll be interesting to see if they'll end up supporting the h.265 standard when it's completely ratified.
03-02-2013 #3Kraken Guest
With most ISPs having a bandwidth cap between 150-250GB, this is completely unfeasible for most users.
Hopefully Sony can shake up the stagnant duopoly of internet providers (one having a monopoly on DSL, the other having a monopoly on cable) who claim that users don't want or need better service.
03-02-2013 #4Brenza D Guest
Why you lose your time in this idiotic things?
I was obviously talking to Sony!
03-02-2013 #5mmanolos Guest
That's a good reason to keep pushing Blu-ray disks, but it seems Sony itself is not supporting disk media anymore.
03-03-2013 #6abzii Guest
well i won't be downloading any 4ks until the 4k TVs are at 2000$ and im guessing by then ISPs would have fibre optic in AU and more usage


text:
CEMEX has just signed a partnership with CASE Construction Equipment for the introduction of low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles in several of its European markets. This is the latest initiative from the world's leading building materials industry for climate action, which was announced as part of its global Future in Action programme.
Selection of products
To read also
- Rockwool sponsor of the "Re-Generation" exhibition celebrates African photography in Arles
- Lafarge in Syria: decision on appeal Wednesday on "complicity in crimes against humanity"
- Saint-Gobain sells its specialized distribution business and two factories in the United Kingdom
- New logistics platform of Reynaers Aluminum & Forster France


text:
The Motorola Razr 5G may be launched early next year
Motorola Razr 5G is said to have 48-megapixel primary camera
The phone may carry 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage
Motorola Razr 5G might come with in-display fingerprint sensor
Motorola Razr 5G images have reportedly been leaked, showing a redesigned chin as well as rounded edges. Other new tweaks seem to include a new camera module. The presence of a fingerprint sensor wasn't spotted on the images. This could mean that the company may have opted for an in-display sensor. The smartphone is expected to be the second-generation foldable phone from Motorola. It was earlier rumoured to be launched in September this year, but the launch may have been pushed to Q1 2021.
The alleged live images of the Motorola Razr 5G were first shared on Weibo; however, the original post has since been deleted. Sparrows News has republished by the images and these match with the previously leaked images by noted tipster Evan Blass who also managed to share some of the possible specifications of the phone. Both sets of images show a similar redesigned chin, silver chassis, and a notch-like design on the display. The camera module also seems to have a new look. Rumour mill suggests that the camera will be upgraded to a 48-megapixel sensor from the previous 16-megapixel sensor.
The smartphone will reportedly come with a dual camera setup. Also, the phone may include with a 20-megapixel front shooter, a jump from the 5-megapixel camera sensor in the first generation of the Motorola Razr (2019) foldable smartphone. The phone was earlier expected to be launched in September. However, a recent tip suggests that the device launch may have been delayed to the first quarter of next year.
The Motorola Razr 5G may feature a 6.2-inch flexible display and is expected to run on Android 10. The phone may have dual-SIM support (Nano + eSIM) with 5G capability. Under the hood, the phone is reported to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. As mentioned, the phone may come with a 48-megapixel primary camera and 20-megapixel secondary shooter/ front camera. The phone could pack a 2,845mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
Sourabh Kulesh is a Chief Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He has worked in a national daily newspaper, a news agency, a magazine and now writing technology news online. He has knowledge on a wide gamut of topics related to cybersecurity, enterprise and consumer technology. Write to email@example.com or get in touch on Twitter through his handle @KuleshSourabh.


text:
Newly Released Report, and Associated Organic Dairy Brand Scorecard, Enables Defrauded Consumers and Wholesale Buyers to “Vote with Their Pocketbooks”
When commercialized in the 1980s, the organic dairy movement was viewed by many farmers as opting out of a rapacious agricultural marketing system that had already driven the majority of dairy farm families off the land over the preceding two decades. Now, a quarter century later, history is repeating itself with giant “factory farms” flooding the organic dairy market with fraudulent “organic” milk and economically devastating family businesses and rural communities.
According to the latest USDA records, organic milk production jumped 18.5% in 2016 alone, far eclipsing the growth in market demand. As a result, wholesale purchasers of raw organic milk have cut prices to farmers by 25-30% or more. In addition, some buyers have set quotas, mandating production cuts, further impacting cash flow. The largest organic dairy name brand, Horizon, owned by Groupe Danone of France, is terminating contracts with some farmers, at a time when there are no alternative markets available. Industry experts have called the moves by the world’s largest dairy a “death warrant” for farmers.
With the glut of organic milk, and the USDA abdicating their legally-mandated oversight responsibilities, authentic organic farmers and their customers are poised to band together to take their fight to the dairy coolers of the nation’s groceries and specialty retailers.
The Cornucopia Institute, a prominent organic industry watchdog, has just released a comprehensive history and study of the industry, exposing how factory farms, some milking as many as 15,000 cows in desert-like conditions in the Southwest, are defrauding consumers by depriving them of the documented nutritional superiority in pasture-based organic dairy production.
The report includes a companion Organic Dairy Scorecard rating approximately 160 brands in terms of their authenticity and quality of production.
“With the USDA’s failure to protect ethical industry participants and consumers from outright fraud, using our Organic Dairy Scorecard is a way for organic stakeholders to take the law into their own hands,” said Mark A. Kastel, Codirector and Senior Farm Policy Analyst of The Cornucopia Institute. “In every market and product category, consumers can vote in front of the dairy case to economically support authentic organic farmers while simultaneously protecting their families.”
With the support of a growing legion of consumers looking for safer and more nutritionally dense food, the organic industry has grown into a $50 billion juggernaut. No longer do consumers have to go out of their way to buy organic produce, dairy products and processed foods at specialty retailers like Whole Foods or the nation’s 300 member-owned natural food cooperatives. Costco is now the largest organic retailer in the country, with Walmart, Target, Kroger, and many more of the country’s major food retailers rapidly expanding their organic offerings.
The dairy scorecard rates brands in terms of their procurement practices, separating major industry players, like the private-label milk brands at big-box retailers that exclusively source from mega-dairies, from the many smaller family-owned operations where cows often have names, not numbers.
“Unlike the industrial dairies, true organic farmers concentrate on soil fertility and nutrient-superior milk production from fresh pasture, and end up with cows that live long and healthy lives in comparison to ‘organic’ industrial dairies that are so similar to the inhumane and ecologically damaging conventional factory farms consumers condemn,” said Ed Maltby, a longtime industry observer and Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.
True organic, pasture-based production produces milk with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial antioxidants. Testing, done as part of an investigative report in 2017 by The Washington Post, found milk from Aurora Organic Dairy, the industry’s largest supplier to grocery chains like Costco, Safeway and Walmart, was nutritionally deficient compared to organic family-scale production.
“Consumers are being ripped off. My family and I have dedicated ourselves, as have the majority of the over 2,000 organic dairy farmers in this country, to creating a superior product in terms of both flavor and nutrition,” said Kevin Engelbert, who was the first certified organic dairy farmer in the country in the 1980s. “The inaction by the USDA in enforcing the law is depriving consumers of the healthful benefits they are seeking and competitively damaging ethical farmers.”
Engelbert, who farms in Nichols, New York, was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture during the Bush administration to serve on the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) charged by Congress to review and recommend regulations protecting organics farmers and their customers.
“Nonprofit, public-interest groups like Cornucopia should not have to go to the expense of researching comparative brands that are and are not meeting the organic standards. That’s supposed to be the job of the USDA and, through successive Democratic and Republican administrations, they have woefully failed in their responsibilities,” Engelbert added.
To illustrate the grotesquely disproportionate scale of some of the organic “dairies” operating in the semi-desert conditions of Texas, Idaho, Colorado and California, the Lone Star State alone produces 1.4 times more organic milk than Wisconsin, the state with the most organic dairies—even though Wisconsin, commonly known as America’s Dairyland, has 75 times more organic producers (453 versus six, according to the most recent USDA data).
organic dairy “farms” in Texas creating more milk than over
450 authentic organic farms in Wisconsin
A decade ago, federal investigators found Aurora in “willful” violation of 14 tenets of the organic law. After career civil servants recommended they be banned from organic commerce, Aurora was allowed to continue to operate, without paying a fine, by the Bush USDA.
The Cornucopia Institute’s Kastel added, “After the Bush years we didn’t think things could get any worse, but the Obama administration appointed organic industry insiders who sold out the values the movement was founded upon in deference to short-term corporate profit.” He continued, “When the last administration took over, they proclaimed it the ‘age of enforcement’ but, if anything, the system became even more gamed in favor of corporate agribusiness and their lobbyists at the Organic Trade Association.”
The Obama USDA dismissed evidence-filled complaints compiled by Cornucopia that employed aerial and satellite photography of the giant dairies confining their cattle to sheds or feedlots instead of grazing. After the heat was turned up by the Post’s investigation, USDA staff visited Aurora’s largest operation in Colorado, managing over 20,000 head of cattle. But they conveniently made an appointment to do so.
“Whoever heard of a law enforcement agency calling up a suspected meth lab and setting up a mutually convenient appointment to carry out a search?” said Francis Thicke, a longtime certified organic dairy farmer from Fairfield, Iowa and a former Obama-era appointee to the NOSB.
If some industry observers were hoping the Trump administration would right the listing organic ship, they are likely already disappointed. During its relatively short tenure, the director of the USDA National Organic Program has left under an ethical cloud, and the department has expressed their tacit approval for growing organic fruits and vegetables without soil in giant hydroponic greenhouses and scuttled a regulation, just set to go into effect, that would have forced factory farm egg producers to offer outdoor access to their birds (an existing legal requirement that continues to be skirted).
“The good news is that for every type of product, fluid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, and more, consumers can have continued confidence in organic dairy foods by locating the most reputable brand on the Cornucopia organic brand scorecard,” said Kastel. “Parents who have made the decision to switch to organic food, wanting to lower the toxic load and increase the nutritional value of the food they are serving their children, are not about to go back to conventional products. The scorecard allows the most important participants in the organic industry, consumers, to have the final say in this controversy.”
“Between livestock factories producing ‘organic’ dairy, meat, and eggs, produce grown in hydroponic factories without the hallmark of organic nutrients/soil stewardship, and imports of grains that have proven to be fraudulent, the USDA’s gross lack of fulfilling their oversight and enforcement responsibilities is forcing consumers to do their own research,” Kastel added.
Decades ago, Kastel, and many other early organic movement proponents, suggested switching to organic production, a style of agriculture shunning toxic agrichemicals, drugs, and genetic engineering, practicing rigorous environmental stewardship, and subscribing to a more humane animal husbandry model — an approach to farming and marketing that, for the last quarter century, has allowed a humane scale of agriculture to economically survive.
“During the Nixon administration, Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butts’ message to farmers was, ‘get big or get out,’” stated Kastel. “With margins being squeezed by giant industrial-scale dairies, most family farmers didn’t really have a choice in the matter and were forced out of business.”
Organics was viewed as a viable and economically sustainable alternative for family-scale dairy producers until the recent crash in farmgate milk prices.
To aid marketplace research, Cornucopia has updated both its Organic Dairy Report and its Organic Dairy Scorecard. When it was first published in 2006, the scorecard listed 68 organic brands. The updated scorecard will feature information on a total of over 160 certified organic dairy brands. The products, both name brand and private-label (store brand) options, are rated on the basis of a questionnaire, site visits, aerial photography and satellite imagery, and data mining of state and federal regulatory records.
Recently, the USDA’s National Organic Program announced that it would be more closely scrutinizing some of the largest, suspect dairies. “In the past,” said Kastel, “the USDA’s activities have been more focused on burnishing the reputation of the program, and the certifiers they oversee, rather than judiciously cracking down on overt illegalities.”
Kastel opined that this new announcement could be a direct response to the public pressure it received when it “inspected” a massive Aurora Dairy facility last year after alleged wrongdoings were profiled in the Washington Post. In that case, the USDA was criticized for making an appointment to verify if the cattle were being properly grazed.
“There are businesses marketing milk that skirt organic regulations,” says Kestrel Burcham, JD, Farm and Food Policy Analyst for Cornucopia and lead researcher on the dairy project. “These dairies harm the environment, compromise the nutritional content of organic dairy products, and sacrifice the well-being of livestock. Essentially, they echo the practices of the conventional livestock market.”
“Of special importance,” states Burcham, “is the ability to differentiate these brands on the store shelf, because not everyone can take the time to do the background research that is sometimes needed in our complex food market. The scorecard does just that—letting people know how brands rate on things like grass feeding, dedication to pasturing, how the calves are treated, and so much more.”
The Cornucopia Institute, a farm-policy research group based in Wisconsin, has also published scorecards empowering consumers and wholesale buyers to make discerning marketplace decisions in their purchases of eggs, soy foods, breakfast cereals, and other certified organic products.
The new Organic Dairy Scorecard is mobile-friendly, allowing users to check brand ratings, in real-time, while shopping.


text:
RENOWNED developer LBS Bina Group Berhad (LBS) launched its first round of lucky draws for the LBS Fabulous 20-21 campaign that went live on its Facebook page on Sept 11.
It pledged some RM445,000 worth of amazing prizes with a total of 4,386 eligible homebuyers – who purchased a home with LBS between Jan 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 – comprising 497 prizes.
According to LBS executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San, the brand aims to do more than just providing quality, affordable homes.
“Though the lucky draw had to be postponed due to the pandemic but like initially planned, it will be nothing short of an amazing experience.
“Buying a house is a huge milestone in one’s life, even more so during the pandemic. Hence, we would like to do more than just providing a quality yet affordable home and add value in ways that LBS homebuyers will remember for years to come,” he said in a recent statement.
The prizes were drawn by Hock San, managing director Datuk Wira Joey Lim Hock Guan and respective directors namely, Datuk Dr Baharum Mohamed, Datuk Tony Lim Tong Lee, Datuk Lim Han Boon and Datuk Lim Si Cheng.
Moreover, the event was witnessed by Steven Tai, a partner of the legal firm Wong & Partners, to ensure that the lucky draw was conducted fairly and just.
Besides that, the grand prizes had been upscaled with the addition of the Proton X50 1.5L Executive, while other exciting prizes include the Proton Persona, Proton Iriz, SM Sport 110 motorcycles, mountain bikes, iPad Mini, Dell notebook, washing machines, refrigerators and hi-fi system, among others.
The brand encourages those who have yet to win any prizes to stay tuned for the next round of lucky draws with LBS Fabulous 20-21.
Those who did not win during the first round – and are eligible homebuyers with a valid sales and purchase agreement between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 31, 2021 – would be automatically rolled over to the second draw.
All LBS homebuyers who purchased properties above RM250,000 from LBS’ list of participating properties during the period would be entitled for the second round of the lucky draw.
The brand ensures that the prizes would be equally enticing and are estimated to be valued at RM750,000.
Check out LBS’ list of participating properties and follow its official social media pages for updates to stand a chance to win amazing prizes.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.lbs.com.my or call 1700 81 8998.


text:
It will be paradise for sourcing. From 19th to 21st January 2020, exhibitors and visitors from all over the world will meet at Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA at the Javits Convention Center in New York. The issue the trade shows will focus on is one that is moving the industry: innovation. How can industry players stand out from the crowd and what are the solutions to a more sustainable production of textiles and fashion? The “Texworld Showcase” area will take a look into the future. New York-based trend agency and strategic consultancy The Doneger Group, known for the development of business strategies for retail and the fashion industry, will add a creative touch to the area that will be called “The Next Dimension” and present the latest trends for the spring-summer 2021 season. The area will feature the four themes “Fundamental”, “Diaphanous”, “Alteration” and “One World”, covering a broad range of new fabrics from design to performance.
There will also be lectures and panel discussions dedicated to new trends and innovations with an emphasis on denim, cotton and functional fabrics. Exhibitor Brrr° is a pioneer in this field. As the name suggests, the company’s textiles have a cooling effect due to the “Triple Chill Effect Technology”. Natural functions of the fabrics, active wicking and rapid drying create a pleasant skin sensation. Fabric producer Lenzing from Austria, meanwhile, will present solutions for a more environmental-friendly fashion industry that range from products made of recyclable materials to an own dedicated seminar series. Following the successful FASHIONSUSTAIN conference last season, the new format FASHIONINNOVATE, which will take place on the 19th January 2020, will, for the first time, address sustainability in the context of new technologies, bio synthetics and smart textiles. A main reason for the industry’s big carbon footprint are the long transport routes. The “Local Loft” area, which was already highly popular at the trade show duo’s previous editions, will this season once again point out production options in the USA.
#Texworld USA #Apparel Sourcing USA #New York #Javits Convention Center #USA
Find more information here:
Press release: New Beginnings for 2020 at Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA This Winter Edition
- Trade Show


text:
Las Vegas Sands Corp. said Tuesday its 300-unit condominium tower being built next to the Palazzo could lay claim as the Strip’s most expensive residential offerings.
In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday detailing the company’s recently announced $5 billion credit facility that will fund its domestic development projects, Las Vegas Sands said it expects to begin pre-selling the condominiums by September.
Construction on the 632-foot high-rise tower near the Strip entrance to the $1.6 billion Palazzo has already begun. The Palazzo, a 3,000-room hotel-casino addition to the company’s 4,000-room Venetian, is expected to open by the end of the year.
The condo tower will sit atop a 90,000 square-foot building that will house Barneys, a New York-based high-end men’s and women’s apparel store that will be part of the Palazzo’s retail development.
In its filing, Las Vegas Sands said it would spend $465 million to build the condominium tower, but expects to offer 970,000 square feet for residential sales. The company did not describe the sizes and configurations of the condominium units.
However, Las Vegas Sands said the residences are expected to sell for between $1,500 and $2,000 a square foot.
As a return on its investment, the company its expects generate potential gross revenues of between $1.45 billion and $1.94 billion in sales.
Bear Stearns gaming analyst Joe Greff told investors the projected sales prices exceeded both his initial estimates and guidance the company previously provided to Wall Street.
The prices could eclipse the price per square foot being collected in sales at other under-construction or announced Strip residential high-rises.
MGM Mirage’s $7 billion Project CityCenter has 2,700 residences in four residential developments, all of which have varied price per square foot ranges.
In February, MGM Mirage said the 200 condominium units atop the planned Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas were selling for an average of $1,584 per square foot. On Tuesday, a company spokeswoman said the units were now averaging between $1,600 and $2,800 a square foot.
The Veer Towers — twin 37-story condominium high-rises with 674 units — is CityCenter’s only pure strictly residential development and is expected to attract sales prices of $880 to $1,500 per square foot.
The Vdara Condo Hotel has price ranges between $1,100 and $1,400 per square foot.
Initial sales recording on the $1.5 billion Trump International Hotel and Tower from the first 1,282-unit building averaged close to $1,250 per square foot, but increased to $1,350 a square foot as the project neared a sell out, said Jack Christie, vice president of sales and marketing for the Trump International.
Reservations are being accepted for the second 1,282-unit Trump Tower, and Christie expects buyers to pay between $1,400 and $1,500 a square foot for the hotel-condo units.
“One of the things you need to remember is that there can a big difference when you’re comparing condo-hotel and pure condominium sales,” Christie said. Condo-hotel units double as residences and hotel rooms that generate revenues for the owners. The Las Vegas Sands condominium tower is residential only.
Sales of other condominium projects not attached to a major casino operator, such as Sky Las Vegas, Allure, Panorama, One Las Vegas and Turnberry Towers, average between $500 and $700 a square foot, said Brian Gordon, a partner in Applied Analysis, a Las Vegas-based financial consulting firm.
In addition to the condominium development, Las Vegas Sands revealed it would spend more than $3.6 billion on domestic development projects, which includes the cost of Palazzo.
The Palazzo’s 300,000-square-foot retail mall will cost $508 million and an expansion to the Sands Expo and Convention Center, to be built across Koval Lane from the existing 1.1 million square-foot facility, will cost $287 million.
Las Vegas Sands also spent $114 million to refurbish the 3,000 guest rooms in The Venetian’s original tower and another $40 million to upgrade the Venezia tower’s 14th floor.
The company plans to spend $637 million on Sands Bethworks, its planned casino and entertainment facility on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel factory in Bethlehem, Pa.


text:
Microsoft Renames Xbox Music and Video Services
Three years after debuting its Xbox Music streaming service, and almost exactly a year after CEO Satya Nadella announced a “streamlining” of its media offerings, Microsoft today announced that the service would now be known as Groove -- a word that “describes what people feel and do with music,” the company says.
In a blog post today (July 6), Microsoft explains that Groove will be available on Windows 10, Xboxes and smart phones (Android and iOS, though not at launch). The app, $9.99 or $99 a year, offers all the streaming standards -- radio play through a selected artist a la Pandora, playlists, and the standard gargantuan catalog -- and works with Microsoft’s cloud storage service OneDrive for MP3 access across devices.
The company has also rebranded its video content hub, from Xbox Video to the more-sensible “Movies & TV.”
Microsoft made the service subscription-only last October, days after Spotify’s announcement of a competitively priced family plan. As well, the relaunch of Xbox Music as Groove comes on the heels of Apple Music, launched last Tuesday by Apple and seen by many as a stout alternative to Spotify.