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Home Service Oil to Launch Sustainability Program at Express Mart Sites
BARNHART, Mo. — Home Service Oil Co. is teaming up with GreenPrint and the Arbor Day Foundation to launch a reduced emissions program at its nine Express Mart locations.
The turnkey sustainability program is set to launch in March. The program will benefit consumers of Jefferson County, Mo., by reducing their tailpipe emissions on all grades at the pump and later. It will also reduce emissions on the products inside the store and to whole distribution.
Emissions are reduced through GreenPrint’s proprietary platform and investments in local, regional and global certified carbon reduction projects that sequester carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The program does not require any new hardware or software, new tanks or new equipment.
"As we continue to strengthen the Express Mart and Home Service Oil brand, we're thrilled to partner with GreenPrint to support these efforts while making a community impact and giving back," said Home Service Oil Co. President Zach Mangelsdort. "Our mission is to leave a lasting impact and keep our loyal customers, and our new program with GreenPrint will help us to do so."
Based in Barnhart, Home Service Oil Co. provides oil and gas services. It operates nine convenience stores under the Express Mart banner across Jefferson and Washington Counties.

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The world's largest memory chip and smartphone maker said it expects operating profit of 9.9 trillion won (US$8.82 billion) in the January-to-March period, representing a year-on-year increase of 48.2 percent, thanks to strong sales of memory chips and display panels. The current record was set in the third quarter of 2013, when Samsung's operating profit hit 10.1 trillion won. Sales are expected to be 50 trillion won. But that might not be such a bad sign, considering the Galaxy S7 launched in Q1 previous year and the Galaxy S8 isn't going on sale until later this month - not to mention the fact that Samsung doesn't have a new Galaxy Note on sale right now.
It is the group's best quarterly profit in nearly four years.
The good news for Samsung comes even in the wake of the explosive Galaxy Note 7 handsets and a political bribery and corruption scandal which is now on-going in South Korea. Today Samsung India announces its latest smartphone Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro, which claims to offers all the three.
The South Korean company said Friday it expects its operating profit in the first quarter was 9.9 trillion won ($8.8 billion), up 48 percent from 6.7 trillion won in the same period a year ago.
Lee was arrested in February and appeared in a Seoul court on Friday.
LG shares rose 0.4 percent on Friday, outperforming a 0.1 percent drop for the broader market .KS11 .
In recent weeks, the Korean tech giant unveiled its new flagship smartphone: the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Choi, a former Samsung Group vice-chairman considered a mentor to Lee, left the conglomerate on March 1 after it dismantled its corporate strategy office - a nerve centre long considered an instrument for the founding Lee family's management of the companies.
Samsung is due to give more details of its financial results later this month.
Samsung was forced to recall it late past year after reports of the device overheating and exploding.
A refreshed focus on the Galaxy S7 was able to able to bring in some additional revenue for Samsung when we saw the company releasing additional color variants throughout the year. "Assuming that a Note 7-like catastrophe doesn't rear its ugly head again, Samsung's phone sales should have the potential to add to what is already a booming components business in the quarters ahead", he added.


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Amazon reported higher-than-expected financial results on Thursday.
Amazon’s net sales increased 17 percent to $59.7 billion in the first quarter, it announced, compared with $51 billion in the prior-year period.
When unfavorable foreign exchange rates are excluded, net sales increased 19 percent.
Profits increased to $3.6 billion, or $7.09 per diluted share, compared with $1.6 billion, or $3.27 per diluted share, in the prior-year period.
Operating income increased to $4.4 billion in the first quarter vs. $1.9 billion in Q1 2018.
When broken out, North American net sales rose 16.5 percent vs. the prior-year period, from $30.73 billion to $35.81 billion.
Product sales rose 8.47 percent in Q1 2019 vs. Q1 2018 while service sales rose 30.77 percent.
The retailer said it expects second-quarter net sales to be between $59.5 billion and $63.5 billion, up between 13 percent and 20 percent vs. Q2 2018. Operating income, meanwhile, is expected to be between $2.6 billion and $3.6 billion, compared with $3 billion in second quarter 2018.


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These days it takes a deal to get people in the door, evento fill up their bellies. So local restaurateurs are using creative methods to secure a loyal following, bring new people in, and otherwise boost revenue.
Many of the creative methods can be used for other types of businesses.
L Wine Lounge and Urban Kitchen recently made Sunday “Locals Night” in an effort to generate revenue without raising operational costs. The two-year-old restaurant was closed Sunday nights until a couple of months ago, but now offers all-you-can-eat flat-bread pizza for $12 from 3 to 9 p.m. Happy hour prices are offered nightly.
“It increased the revenue from the overall weekend,” L Wine Lounge co-owner Marcus Marquez said.
Marquez said revenue has been steady as L Wine Lounge has worked to tap into the needs of potential customers.
“When you develop programs you first think of the guest that comes in,” he said. “At 1801 L St., we have guests right above us.”
So at L Wine Lounge’s weekly $10 wine-tasting events, 1801 L residents pay $5. Marquez said he’s well aware that many people are short of cash.
“You hear about people losing their jobs and you still want them to experience local food and great entertainment,” he said. “You try to help them, which in turn makes us more viable. You don’t want to lose guests because of the economy.”
At Biba Restaurant, where revenue is down between 20 percent and 30 percent, owner Biba Caggiano has introduced a fixed-price menu of pre-selected dishes.
Biba has been offering the three-course dinner menu Monday through Thursday for six months. The menu changes every two months. The meal costs $28, plus tax and tip.
“It gets people in that we never had,” Caggiano said. “They can get the same good food for less.”
And while Caggiano launched cooking classes almost two years ago she said they are another way of generating revenue when fewer people are eating out. The once-a-month, hands-on pasta making classes cost $125. There’s generally a waiting list.
“I tell you, it’s wonderful,” she said. “It puts me back in touch with the people, and teaches people how to save money.”
Randy Paragary, owner of Paragary Restaurant Group, also launched a fixed-price menu that rotates between Esquire Grille, Paragary’s Bar and Oven, Spataro Restaurant and Bar, Cosmo Cafe and Centro Cocina Mexicana.
“Price is something that people are very concerned about today,” Paragary said. “When people are choosing to go out, they’re looking for affordable meals.”
Paragary is using a promotional code for his fixed-price menus. The $20 three-course meal is offered only to people who sign up with Paragary’s free loyalty program called iEat and provide a promotional code when making a reservation.
The online promotion doesn’t cost Paragary and can bring in as many as 60 to 90 additional customers per night.
Higher-end restaurants in the Paragary Restaurant Group are getting hit the hardest, and revenue is down 20 percent compared to last year. Centro is down 5 percent and all three Cafe Bernardo restaurants are flat.
Across town, after the cash-strapped state of California began issuing IOUs last month, Grange Restaurant & Bar began issuing IOUs of its own.
Grange launched IOU Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays beginning July 20, featuring discounts up to 60 percent. Grange IOUs, redeemable for a complimentary appetizer, are presented with a receipt to be used for future dining before Sept. 7.
Grange opened Dec. 1, and executive chef Michael Tuohy said the summer has been “steady.” “We’re ahead of projections,” he said, declining to be specific.
Grange also offers a Follow the Chef Lunch on Wednesdays where a dozen customers join Tuohy for a tour of the farmers’ market across the street, followed by a three-course lunch made from locally grown ingredients. The Follow The Chef Lunch is offered for $35.
Tuohy said he was limiting it to 12 people, but demand has been high so he’s raising the limit to 20.
While Tuohy said the lunch was created out of a desire to celebrate the farmers’ market at Cesar Chavez Park — not because of the recession — he said “in good times I’d probably charge more.”
Ingredients for success
- Consider fixed-price meals to lure price-conscious customers
- Develop a loyalty program that encourages customers to return — and saves them money
- Offer a cooking class to improve revenue and attract more customers


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Arizona’s Law Targeting Pet Stores Proves Unworkable
by Lain Kahlstrom
Pet stores around the country have been under increasing scrutiny for selling dogs from overcrowded, inhumane puppy mills, conveying to customers that the dogs are raised by responsible breeders. Puppy mills are essentially “dog farms” that churn out as many puppies as possible, typically cutting corners on shelter and space, healthy food, veterinary care, and socialization.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates breeders with more than four breeding females, but its rules are best described as “survival standards” rather than ones guaranteeing humane treatment. The problems are so widely recognized that more than 350 cities and towns, and three states, have implemented some sort of retail pet sales ban — barring pet stores from selling dogs from mills.
Arizona is home to a small number of pet stores, including five owned by one family. Animal advocates have long viewed most pet stores to be part of the problem because many operators source dogs from out-of-state puppy mills, where the dogs are often kept in deficient conditions.
“There is ample evidence that dogs in mills are often exposed to extremes of heat and cold, denied human socialization, and given little if any veterinary care,” noted Terry Goddard, a former mayor of Phoenix and the two-term Attorney General of Arizona from 2003-2011. “Pet stores selling dogs from puppy mills may provide consumers with unwarranted confidence that the dogs they sell come from humane breeders.” Goddard is a member of the National Law Enforcement Council of Animal Wellness Action and the Animal Wellness Foundation.
In 2013, Phoenix passed a local ordinance to ban pet stores from selling puppies from puppy mills. Shortly afterwards, the city of Tempe did the same. Tucson, the state’s second-largest city, was on track to pass a local ordinance banning the sale of puppy mill dogs, when the Arizona legislature passed a law that purported to address the issue at the state level.
The state then took up the matter, considering legislation backed by the pet store industry to preempt the local ordinances designed to restrict the sale of puppy mill dogs, and to create a statewide system to police the pet stores from sourcing dogs from mills that had animal-care violations.
It sounded like a sensible compromise, but it turned out that the state regulation program has been unworkable. The law stipulates that pet stores cannot purchase from breeders who have USDA violations within the previous two years, and pet store owners are also required to maintain inspection records for that period and make them open to inspection by law enforcement on request. That law became effective in January 2016 with Gov. Doug Ducey stating that the intent of this law was to, “strengthen penalties for pet store owners who do not take measures to ensure that the animals under their care are from a licensed, safe, sanitary, and humane place.”
A substantial number of pet store owners across the state appear to have made only feeble efforts to comply with the law. And the Trump Administration took down a searchable database that made inspection records accessible. There was almost no way to tell — unless a major investigation was conducted by an animal welfare group — if the dogs had been sourced from a breeder complying with federal law.
Animal Wellness Action (AWA) and Bailing Out Benji (BOB) conducted such a detailed investigation — conducting sleuthing that few law enforcement agencies would have the resources to conduct and exposing that a number of pet stores were not complying with the state law.
In October, law enforcement officers, acting on the detailed information from AWA and BOB, entered the pet store to request and inspect the records.
But the pet stores stonewalled, electing not to turn over turn over inspection records as the law requires. The pet stores are claiming that law enforcement is overreaching and harassing, even though the law enforcement agencies, prompted by animal welfare groups, are doing the very thing the law calls them to do.
Another pet store owner shuttered his store in Marana after a lengthy list of state law violations prompted the mall owner to terminate the lease early. A puppy purchased from that store for $2700 was sick from an undisclosed birth defect and subsequently died only a few weeks later. The puppy’s owners are due a refund, yet that pet store’s owner is not answering calls nor honoring the contract to reimburse them.
The cities of Tempe and Tucson are continuing to push for necessary records to corroborate the evidence of violations provided by the animal welfare groups. And now, after a major Arizona Republic story that exposed the defiance of some pet stores and the incredible degree of difficult in enforcing the core purposes of the law, there is talk of amending the state law.
Local governments should be able to restrict this kind of inhumane commerce. And the state should also play a more constructive role in stopping pet stores from selling sick, inhumanely treated dogs.
Problems such as these are all too common. In this case, it appears the state law has proved to be something of a façade, and in spite of some good intentions, it has slowed the efforts of local governments to act in the interests of dog and consumer welfare.
Stay tuned as this story unfolds, by signing up for updates here.
Lain Kahlstrom is the Director for State Affairs for Animal Wellness Action and Director of Outreach for the Center for a Humane Economy.
Other NLEC News
“There is ample evidence that dogs in mills are often exposed to extremes of heat and cold, denied human socialization, and given little if any veterinary care.”
— Terry Goddard, former mayor of Phoenix and two-term Attorney General of Arizona from 2003-2011


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Mirvac offers support package after businesses plead for fair go
Mirvac has finally announced a support package for more than 100 small retailers facing financial ruin at a suburban Brisbane shopping centre.
The multi-billion dollar company bowed to pressure after previously terminating their leases and refusing to pay them compensation.
"It's unscrupulous how they've gone about this … It's unethical," Function Well gym owner Darren Bain said about the corporate giant Mirvac.
Bain and his wife Tash started their own gym two years ago and branched out to a second location at the Toombul Shopping Centre, which is owned by Mirvac.
But in February, the Brisbane floods inundated the shopping centre's ground floor and although their gym stayed mostly dry on level one, their business was forced to close.
Bain then waited anxiously for a reopening schedule only to receive news from the centre owner, that the iconic northside site would be closed permanently.
While Bain said the news left him with "a roller coaster of emotions" he said he was hopeful they would "get some sort of compensation".
"Because in our lease, we do have a demolition clause," Bain told A Current Affair.
That clause stated that if Mirvac wanted to "demolish, substantially repair, renovate or reconstruct" the centre then "reasonable compensation" may be paid.
Instead Mirvac previously said it was applying another clause that if the premises were damaged and it "considers repair impracticable or undesirable" then a lease can be terminated with just seven days notice and no compensation.
Function Well was just one year into a 10-year lease and had spent more than $2 million on the fit-out of the gym.
But Bain said now they've "got nothing but debt as a result of their decision to terminate the leases".
"They've got an asset that they can redevelop, or with no leases in place that makes it easier for them to sell," Bain said.
Jim Demetrios and Jack Singh are among the 140 other retail business owners who've also been shut down thanks to Mirvac's decision.
"To get your lease terminated after so many years … it's just wiped me out," Demetrios said.
Demetrios had been a tenant for 13 years and although his Hairhouse Warehouse was inundated on the ground floor, he had expected to reopen.
"I've got lots of my fellow tenants here who, just like myself, have lost everything. What are we to do? I'm homeless," Demetrios said.
Singh ran Ed's PCs which was also inundated on the ground floor.
He had been at the centre for 14 years.
"The amount of mental stress we are going through, nobody can imagine that," Singh said.
But their financial struggles are a far cry from Mirvac's own fortunes with its statutory profit up by 61 per cent last year, to almost $1 billion.
The company's profits allowed Mirvac to almost double CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz's salary to $5.9 million and all while the property giant claims it's a good corporate citizen.
Mirvac's website states the company's core values are putting "people first" and "doing the right thing".
"Mirvac's annual report says that the purpose that drives them is to 'do the right thing'," local MP, Anika Wells said.
"I am begging them to do the right thing."
Wells was recently appointed as a representative for Lilley as part of the Albanese government and she said businesses at the shopping centre are now facing some of their hardest days yet.
A Mirvac spokesperson originally told A Current Affair in a statement: "We continue to be available to support all retailers through ongoing discussions on a range of issues."
"Mirvac has not charged rent or any other costs since the flood."
Despite claiming it's not sure what it will do with the Toombul site, Mirvac already had architect plans drawn up for a future multi-level residential, office and retail development.
If the plans are ever realised, it would generate a massive windfall for the company, but the plans have since been deleted from the architect's website.
Bain hopes that Mirvac shareholders will realise that upending small businesses is not an ethical way to increase dividends.
"They're ultimately profiting off the financial hardship and families and small businesses going bankrupt," Bain said.
A Mirvac spokesperson has now provided A Current Affair with another statement about the centre's closure.
Mirvac's CEO & Managing Director, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz
June 9, 2022.
MIRVAC PROVIDES SUPPORT PACKAGE TO TOOMBUL RETAILERS
Mirvac's CEO & Managing Director, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz commented today on Toombul Shopping Centre and the significant damage it sustained following the floods in Brisbane in February 2022 and announced a Support Package to all Toombul retailers as they move forward from the closure of the Centre.
"This situation is heartbreaking and the decision to close Toombul was not taken lightly. The flooding event earlier this year saw Brisbane receive its annual rainfall in those three days, and Toombul sustained catastrophic damage.
"The Centre's electricity, fire and air-conditioning systems, lifts and escalators were all significantly damaged. The site was then impacted by mould and was declared hazardous and not safe for people to access without the appropriate safety equipment. Our immediate focus was on our retailers and assisting with their individual tenancies and providing safe access to dispose of all contaminated and damaged items, and then remove all remaining undamaged stock and other items.
"Once the site was secure, over the following several weeks, independent experts and specialists assessed the damage. The Mirvac Board then made the very difficult decision to close the Centre, taking into consideration the extent of the damage, the risk of future flooding, and to provide certainty for our retail partners.
"The entire Mirvac team is devastated for our retail partners - many of whom are small business owners - their staff and families as well as for the local community who visited the Centre over many decades. It is a very difficult time for all.
Supporting our tenants
"I've appreciated the conversations I've had recently with the Honourable Leanne Linard MP, the Honourable Anika Wells MP, the Honourable Dianne Farmer, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Maree Adshead, who have been very honest with me about the community's devastation about the closure of this centre and concern for the many local businesses who are impacted by this flood. I have listened, and I will continue these conversations with them.
"In response to this feedback, I will personally be meeting with our retailers over the coming days to hear their concerns and understand the effects of this closure on their businesses. These meetings are being arranged now.
"I have also heard the feedback loud and clear from our retail partners that many feel frustrated and upset. We have been discussing individual circumstances with our retail partners and we will be providing all retailers with a Support Package of three months' rent.
This Support Package is in addition to the previously announced support which includes:
• Mirvac has waived all debts incurred during Covid and up until the flood for all tenants• Mirvac is undertaking the complex and challenging de-fit of specialty tenancies in the centre – at no cost to retailers - and has worked closely with retailers regarding the removal of their fit-out and stock
• Mirvac continues to promote the new locations of the retailers actively across our channels, and for those retailers who are looking for new locations, we have connected them with organisations who have space available
• Mirvac is providing storage free of charge for retailers who have approached us and who need to store their stock before moving to a new tenancy
• Mirvac is assisting with creating designs for new fit-outs for retailers at their new location.
Our intentions for the future of this site
"Our first priority is the set of current issues at hand, and we continue to work through the decontamination of this site which is extensive. We absolutely recognise the need for retail and community services to be a part of any future plans for the site. Over time we will seek the best possible outcome for the community in this iconic location, taking into account the desire for flood resilience, with green space, connections to public transport and local services.
"We listened to the community's concerns regarding the closure to the Toombul Bus Interchange, and we were pleased to be able to work closely with Brisbane City Council to safely reopen this important service earlier this week.
"We have no current plans for the site and coming to a view will take time. I will ensure that as we have information about the potential future for Toombul, this will be shared transparently with the community and our stakeholders.
"I am absolutely committed to hearing directly from our retailers and I look forward to these meetings over the coming days."


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LostMoney.com has partnered with My Retirement Direct to enable LostMoney to assist millions of senior Americans with the recovery of their share of the $1 trillion dollars in unclaimed property.
Online PR News – 11-September-2012 – SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – SCOTTSDALE, Arizona - LostMoney.com, a nonprofit organization through its sponsor group, LostMoney Corporate Sponsors, LLC, has entered into a sponsor agreement with My Retirement Direct of Scottsdale Arizona to enable LostMoney to assist millions of senior Americans with the recovery of their share of the $1 trillion dollars in unclaimed property. LostMoney, through its consumer reports, will also assist seniors forced to adjust their retirement plans due to the decline over the past 4 years of the stability of the financial markets.
According to Wayne Warrington, Consumer Advocate for LostMoney.com, over 35 percent of consumers who come to LostMoney for assistance are seniors and have experienced dramatic drops in their retirement accounts. While finding monies owed to them helps, these consumers also need more help to identifying ways to improve their financial position for the future.
"Being that LostMoney is a free consumer service, the financial support provided by My Retirement Direct will allow LostMoney to add staff, to provide millions of additional consumer reports." Warrington said. “During this process we are also able to recommend the services of My Retirement Direct to serve our seniors struggling with the loss to their retirement accounts.”
Mr. Steve Stern of My Retirement Direct stated “We understand that both retirees and pre-retirees are extremely concerned about outliving their income. The closer someone gets to retirement the more they have need for safe retirement solutions. Our company only specializes in providing solutions that are safe, secure and guaranteed which appears to be in direct alignment with the mission of LostMoney.com. We are therefore pleased to be a source of funding for the services LostMoney.com provides to consumers across the country.”
LostMoney.com was founded in 1996 as a consumer assistance site for the recovery of unclaimed property in North America. Today, with over a million consumers in its active member base, and 8 out of 10 adult Americans having a claim for unclaimed property, LostMoney's mission is to expand its consumer base to over 10 million. These consumers will be provided with free reports each month as new unclaimed accounts are identified. LostMoney.com is funded through a private foundation along with a small group of sponsors that are each dedicated to protecting consumer rights along with protecting them from additional loss of assets to the various unclaimed property funds. For more details on LostMoney.com, please visit us at: http://www.LostMoney.com/About_Us.htm
My Retirement Direct is a company that provides, through its advisory network retirement, solutions that are safe, secure and guaranteed for consumers. With over 10,000 American reaching the age of 65 every day for the next 20 years, the company realizes the need to educate consumers on retirement planning options. We understand the need to have products that can grow and adapt to the needs and goals of retirees. Through its advisory team the company provides services in 47 states. To learn more about My Retirement Direct visit: www.myretirementdirect.com
Both of these companies are on the cutting edge of how Americans will do business in the future. LostMoney began with a wholehearted mission to assist consumers with the recovery of property, they are beneficiaries to, that is being held by state governments. Many Americans are starting to wake up to changes in society, realizing that they have a lot of resources to use in which to better take care of themselves. LostMoney has an outstanding track record in proof of care of the consumer and now, LostMoney along with My Retirement Direct, will work together to further assist people in learning to care for, handle and exchange their money and assets in smarter and more attentive ways.


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The Emergence Of Europe’s Leading NFT Hubs Points To A Continent Readying Up For Web3 – Entrepreneur
Opinions revealed by Entrepreneur factors are their very own.
You’re reviewing Entrepreneur Europe, a worldwide franchise business of Entrepreneur Media.
Despite blended market belief towards NFTs worldwide, Europe has actually placed itself as a continent that’s prepared to welcome the arising blockchain-based modern technology as well as come to be an international leader in creating effective jobs that operate with using circulation of non-fungible symbols.
The cravings for NTFs is possibly say goodbye to noticable than in Paris, with the French funding having fun host to the growth of the NFT Factory– a technology center that’s readied to display the absolute best of Web3.
The NFT Factory is because of open up in September 2022, as well as will certainly hold occasions, art sales, and also training programs that are tailored in the direction of symbols, blockchain modern technology, as well as the metaverse.
At the heart of the job is a cumulative of 50 prominent numbers from the globe of technology as well as crypto, in addition to musicians, business owners, specialists, as well as capitalists alike. The NFT Factory will certainly cover a 400- square metre story of land in main Paris, as well as will certainly be a hybrid room that covers technology, company, as well as art.
” The NFT Factory is a little bit of a strangeness,” described John Karp, founder as well as head of state of the NFT Factory. “No professionals in this arising market have actually collaborated to develop a task in any type of various other nation up until now.”
The technology center has actually currently been active improving NFT approval in Europe with the intro of an ingenious subscription program, wherein customers buy a non-fungible token to validate their accessibility to the job.
France is familiar with the globe of NFTs, and also in September 2021, Parisian start-up, Sorare, revealed a EUR5797 million Series B financing round to place the business as one of Europe’s leading unicorns concentrating on non-fungible symbols.
Sorare makes use of NFT possession to produce a collectible dream football video game where customers can get the cards of their favorite footballers and also enter them right into a five-a-side group to win rewards based upon each gamer’s particular real life efficiencies. Just recently the firm increased right into the globe of Major League Baseball in a spots bargain.
At this phase, it’s worth keeping in mind that France isn’t the only country that’s introducing a future improved NFTs and also blockchain modern technology. Many thanks to fairly unwinded taxes legislations for NFT possession, Austria is rapidly turning into a dynamic center for non-fungible collec


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A colleague describes the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising's Bellwether report as the Pollyanna of the industry - when everyone else is bracing themselves for the worst, the quarterly industry health check can sometimes seem absurdly positive. And last week's report showed that the rate of downward revisions to marketing budgets has slowed for the second consecutive quarter. This has been wildly interpreted as a sign of those elusive green shoots the ad industry and its clients have been searching for, and linked to an improvement in business confidence.
But, while the IPA may be showing an optimistic face, I can assure you that marketers are not. I have yet to talk to a single advertiser who feels any certainty about the next two quarters. They do not say they are definitely going to be making further cuts to their marketing budgets - but they do not say they definitely won't be either.
This lack of optimism on the client side reflects a belief that consumer confidence does not seem likely to reappear soon: no one is buying cars or selling houses. And as for some economists predicting that we will see improvements next year, who is prepared to listen to them? Not me - and not many in advertising or marketing. If there is one thing we have learned from this recession, it is that nobody can tell you what will happen in the next 12 months.
Things have picked up a little since the last quarter of 2008, says the Bellwether report. But that does not necessarily mean that the last quarter of 2009 will be any less traumatic for agencies. Many of their clients will need to present their marketing budgets to the board by October for approval. Whether they will get what they are asking for is uncertain - and if those budgets are not approved for whatever reason, the first instances of more stringent cuts will appear in the last quarter.
In addition, I do not think, unlike the IPA, that the current easing off in budget cuts has a great deal to do with a slight increase in business confidence. Following the collapse of some apparently robust banks in the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of this year, advertisers were frozen in shock; unable to decide what to do with their marketing budgets. As they came out of this stupefied state, they realised that they needed to spend that money. Marketing departments are like any other department: they have to prove their worth by showing they are busy. If they are not planning campaigns, after all, there seems little point in them being there.
It is very likely that, due to the lack of media spending at the start of the year, they have a budget surplus. Many will, rather sensibly, have opted to spend the remaining money over the next few quarters for fear that if they don't, they will not be able to justify the same amount for the next financial year.
New business drives the advertising industry - and that has been down 30% year on year for the first six months of 2009. This is again due to a lack of confidence on the advertisers' side. In boom times advertisers tend to be braver about the agencies and the campaigns they buy into. In a recession they will stay with an agency that appears to be doing OK. There is a hope that, come September, there will be a rally in pitches. This could well be the case: clients return from holiday, and panic that they have been overly cautious, and allowed their competitors to steal a march on them.
The best-case scenario is that this happens. A host of advertisers call a pitch, appoint a new agency and then spend huge amounts of cash on advertising over the Christmas period to drive trade. But the worst-case scenario is that early 2010 will be an even bigger horror than early 2009, with seasonal sales failing to match up to expectations, or give a return on media investment.
What would happen then? We could see all advertising aborted until late spring. This would leave the industry in a terrible position. The first quarter of most years is pretty poor - if more advertisers cut their spend abruptly at the beginning of 2010, then there will more mass redundancies and the inevitable closure of agencies that were already on the edge after several rounds of cuts in fees. The Bellwether is the most robust research of its kind, but its optimism fails to convince many people in the industry - including me. Advertising remains very fragile. I don't think that there are any concrete signs of recovery yet and a decline, whether or not it is easing off, is still a decline.
• Lucy Barrett is the editor of Marketing


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Tesla (TSLA-US) has come under fire from German union IG Metall and politicians after workers accused it of unreasonable hours and fears of trouble for work-related comments, some of which were under non-disclosure agreements. calls for adjustments to Tesla.
IG Metall said at its annual press conference that, based on union contacts with workers, workers reported long hours, little space and that workers were increasingly afraid to discuss working conditions openly as they signed labor contracts. At the same time, a non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
In addition, Tesla is seeking “security intelligence investigators” on its recruitment website, which has also caused concern. According to the job posting, its job is to work with the legal and human resources departments to collect some information inside and outside the Tesla factory to protect the company from threats.
Irene Schulz of IG Metall said in a statement that Tesla workers were originally enthusiastic about the project, but that enthusiasm is now waning over time. Tesla has not done enough to improve working conditions, leaving too little time for leisure, family and rest.
Tesla China also requires some employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, according to two people familiar with the matter. Meanwhile, according to LinkedIn, Tesla has “security intelligence investigators” in Austin, San Francisco, and Shanghai.
Local politicians from the center-left Social Democrats to the center-right CDU expressed concern over the allegations, calling on Tesla and the local government to investigate, Handelsblatt reported.


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Prairie Roots “Soft Opening” Welcomes Hundreds of Customers
The first food co-op in Fargo is officially open for business
FARGO, ND — Owners said the future is bright for Prairie Roots, Fargo’s first food co-op.
It’s been about five years in the making.
“We’re just really happy to open the doors and show people this space and support local producers,” said Kurt Kopperud, general manager of the store.
Staff call it a soft opening, but hundreds poured in for a new taste of Fargo grocery shopping.
“Great turnout,” said David Abbott, owner 43. “Even more than I expected for the first day.”
“It’s just not a hipster movement,” added Noreen Thomas, a producer for the store, operating out of Doubting Thomas Farms in north Moorhead.
Fargo’s first co-op is different from the rest of the Metro’s grocery stores.
More than 1,650 people are owners, investing money into the business.
This and product sales keep the lights on and keeps the food options healthy.
“We’re less corporate,” said Prairie Roots Marketing Coordinator Jodi Regan. “We’re owned by our members. So that kind of differentiates us from a corporation like Whole Foods.”
“It feels like we’re much more urban now,” said Abbott. “I don’t have to stop at The Wedge in Minneapolis so often or maybe even Trader Joe’s down there. We can do it all here now.”
The store specializes in fresh dine-in options and selling mostly organic foods.
“Hot food bar, which is coming soon,” explained Regan. “Our salad bar, our grab and go, our bulk department… We have all the things that you would find at a grocery store. The only difference is that we put a high priority on local food.”
Since many items are not in season here in the great white north, the store is still working on expanding their local options.
But some of the Valley’s producers are already putting their products on the shelves.
“One of our products is the rolled grain whole oats,” said Thomas. “It’s great that we eat something that our grandfathers actually grew and made. To be a member of your own store… It’s a great feeling.”
It’s a new option for the people of Downtown Fargo and shoppers looking for a local healthy alternative.
Prairie Roots staff plan on having a grand opening sometime this August.
For more information on their upcoming events, click here.


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Stockbroker platform Public.com provides crypto buying and selling function
Public.com, a neo brokerage company based in New York, has announced the launch of crypto trading services for its clients.
In a statement released Thursday, Public announced that users could trade and store cryptocurrencies in the same app they use to manage their stock portfolios.
According to the announcement, the new crypto trading function will gradually be made available to users over the next few weeks.
As part of the crypto trading service, Public offers support for Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Dogecoin (DOGE). Other cryptocurrencies offered are Cardano (ADA), Litecoin (LTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Stellar (XLM), Zcash (ZEC), Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Dash (DASH) complete the list of 10 cryptos offered by Public.
Public’s crypto trading function is offered in conjunction with Apex Crypto. Since the latter does not own a BitLicense in New York, the product will not be available to residents of the state.
Apex Crypto will reportedly provide execution and custody services for Public’s new crypto trading product.
The public’s foray into the crypto space could be part of the company’s plans to compete with major stock trading platform Robinhood.
In February, Public secured an additional $ 220 million in funding to exceed the $ 1 billion valuation threshold.
Like Robinhood, Public offers commission-free stock trading, but has an additional social media component that could capitalize on the emerging meme stock-driven retail investment craze.
Related: 6 million noobs have already bought coins on Robinhood Crypto in 2021
In February, Public also abandoned the PFOF (Payment for Order Flow) practice, in which broker platforms forward orders to market makers for trade execution instead of sending them directly to the exchanges.
The practice has generated considerable controversy and was a major talking point during the Gamestop saga earlier this year.
As previously reported by Cointelegraph, Robinhood could lose a significant revenue stream if US regulators ban PFOF.


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The New York Times today ran a story that contained some disturbing economic news and puts a lot of the problems we're facing in terms those like me, who are not versed in all the nuances of how an economy works, into perspective. The story involved all the well known stores that have filed for bankruptcy, chiefly because they are selling items consumers can no longer afford because a larger share of their income is going to pay for gasoline and food. Some of the names on the list shocked me--Sharper Image and Levitz. The story forecast that Linens 'n' Things will file for bankruptcy before this week is out.
Other stores are drastically curtailing operations. Foot Locker plans to close 140 stores, Ann Taylor 117 and Zales jewelers 100.
What's worse, the changes in the bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005 will make it more difficult for many of these companies to survive. The Times quoted Sally Henry, a lawyer with a firm specializing in bankruptcy and the author of several books on the subject as saying “It’s no longer reorganization or even liquidation for these companies. In many cases, it’s evaporation.”


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KTM has unveiled its awesome new Freeride a road-legal, ‘fun’, dirt bike that is powered by a 350cc single and weighs at just 99kg. The bike has been strategically announced just before the Milan Show, since it will be officially unveiled at this show before it is available for sale in next spring.
The new bike is a detuned version of the KTM fuel injected and liquid cooled 350 single and produces a claimed 24 bhp. The chasis is something new and now uses a mix of steel tubes and cast aluminum sections that reduce weight. The KTM suspension is KTMs usual WP front and rear.
This is what KTM has proclaimed as their goal: "create an off-road motorcycles that could face the same challenges of EXC, but with considerable savings of effort and energy to the pilot."
Though very recently, dirt biking was given a go ahead from the Indian authorities, we are sure that it will take quite a lot of time for these bikes to find buyers in the Indian markets.


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Last month’s most troubling sign was the decline in the index measuring future expectations, which tumbled to seventy three.7. Readings under eighty for future expectations historically sign a recession within a 12 months. In distinction, the corporate’s global revenue comes from the sale of advertising services, information licensing, and other services. Reliance Jio has partnered with Plume, a California-based firm Business News specializing in cloud-based AI-powered companies, to supply in-home providers enhanced by AI. IndiaBIX provides you with day by day current affairs questions and answers with explanations. A LONG-established Belfast software program firm which helps not-for-profits, charities and the public sector to vary peoples’ lives has been purchased for an undisclosed sum.
Equipping Ontarians With The Proper Tools To Improve Access To Justice
The same day delivery market is disrupting the courier panorama as more companies than ever opt for specialists who truly,… Every start-up business is conscious of the struggles that surround financial issues. Bank of America Economist Micaela Fuchila reveals what’s driving greater value of living…. Retailers are struggling, with more than half dealing with larger prices and soft client demand.
Prime Stories From Ripples Nigeria
The privacy statement in this website is prepared to assist guests perceive the forms of information provided in PermataBank’s web site, and the way PermataBank handles the data. Business four weeks ago Naira weakened 40% towards dollar since June, World Bank declares The World Bank has stated that the Nigerian forex, Naira has weakened by forty percent since mid June 2023 devaluation and is one of the worst-performing… Business 2 weeks in the past LCCI counsels CBN on FX coverage, needs artistic financing choices The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the CBN to adopt creative financing choices for clearing the brief to medium-term backlog of foreign… Business 2 weeks ago How to deal with land disputes in Nigeria Land disputes in Nigeria discuss with conflicts and disagreements that come up among people, communities, or entities over the ownership, possession, use, or boundaries of land and… The Nigeria Labour Congress , on Sunday, alleged that the love for foreign goods by authorities official is the major… Zoopla said money patrons accounted for a few third of all housing sales this year, up from a fifth over the last five years.
They additionally say a number of the steel made at Port Talbot could presumably be replaced by materials produced at Tata plants in India or elsewhere, the place environmental legal guidelines could additionally be much less strict. The plan would reduce the carbon dioxide launched into the environment right here by eighty %, Tata says, a crucial goal as Britain goals to succeed in net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The authorities has agreed to contribute 500 million pounds, or about $600 million, to pay for the £1.25 billion proposal. Two hulking towers almost 300 ft excessive rise from the steel-making complicated that dominates the shoreline of the light industrial metropolis of Port Talbot in Wales.
Each week we alternate between an interview with a company chief and an trade deep dive. Sit down for lunch and stroll away with a fresh tackle the share market, corporations you can spend money on, and the method forward for business. How Flashfood turned would-be grocery waste right into a growing business With food costs soaring, more individuals are looking for ways to avoid wasting on groceries. The pain to consumers’ wallets has meant huge growth for a Toronto-based startup that connects customers with discounted, soon-to-be spoiled meals, diverting it from landfills. Written by Stanford Business consultants, the location provides in-depth insights on business news and analyses.


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The impact (of the virus) is quite substantial for the immediate period, but we are more concerned of the coming period where demand has dropped significantly, says MAH CEO
by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK / pic by ARIF KARTONO
THE local hotel industry’s losses topped RM67 million due to room cancellations in just 46 days as the coronavirus outbreak almost grinds the sector to a halt.
The outbreak, which started late last year in Wuhan, China, has battered tourism-dependent sectors across the globe. Worries about contracting the deadly virus have forced people to cancel vacations, delay business travels and postpone events.
Despite Malaysia being one of the countries least affected with no mortality reported thus far, the local hotel industry has been bludgeoned largely due to its dependence on foreign tourists.
Kuala Lumpur is also among the top 10 most visited cities in the world. Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) CEO Yap Lip Seng said between Jan 22 and March 9 this year, local hotels recorded room cancellations totalling RM67.49 million.
“The impact (of the virus) is quite substantial for the immediate period, but we are more concerned of the coming period where demand has dropped significantly,” he told The Malaysian Reserve recently.
But, he said, it is still too early to gauge the year-on-year impact. Last year, the tourism industry had already witnessed an overall drop in arrivals.
Based on the association’s research, most of the room cancellations are from source countries, especially China, followed by Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea. Research showed Malaysians were also cancelling their bookings due to fear of the coronavirus.
According to the figures, hotels that are dependent on these source countries, especially visitors from China, are the worst hit by the outbreak.
About 37.19% of hotels are up to 10% dependent on Chinese tourists, while another 24.12% of hotels depended on between 11% and 20% on visitors from the world’s populous nation.
According to MAH’s figures, 21.69% of the overall room cancellations originated from online travel agents, followed by free independent travellers or direct hotel bookings (17.38%) and conventional travel agents in groups and online travel agents that connect business to business (16.46%).
Hotels have implemented precautionary measures in response to the outbreak, such as making hand sanitisers widely available and offering face masks for visitors. Hotels have also slashed prices to woo customers, but the response has been slow as people are gripped with fear.
The Malaysian Reserve previously reported that the association had targeted a 30% occupancy rate for the first quarter of 2020 in order to reach half of what was achieved in the same period last year.
Total deaths due to the virus crossed 4,200 (at press time), while confirmed cases topped 120,000. More than 1,000 people have contracted the deadly virus in the US, while the death toll was at 31.
Countries like Italy, South Korea and Iran are scrambling to contain the spread of the virus. People are staying indoor, while schools and universities have been closed and major gatherings cancelled.


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You might have seen last week during the latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase that Forever Entertainment announced a remake of the original House of the Dead, and it's probably coming to Xbox as well.
The existence of this game was actually revealed all the way back in 2019, along with a remake of House of the Dead 2, and a report suggested at the time that The House of the Dead: Remake was likely coming to Xbox One.
As of yet, The House of the Dead: Remake has only been confirmed for Nintendo Switch, and is set to release at some point in 2021. Notably, the game's first trailer mentions nothing about it being exclusive to any platform.
We'll have to wait for more details on an Xbox version, but we're certainly hoping to see it eventually!
Do you think we'll see The House of the Dead: Remake on Xbox this year? Give us your thoughts below.


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Confirming last week’s rumors, Chanel released a statement today that British socialite turned model Alice Dellal — she of half-shaved-head fame — will front a handbag campaign for the label. Karl “had a crush” on Alice, reports a Chanel rep, and photographed her for their ‘Boy Chanel’ handbag collection. WWD has a behind-the-scenes image from the shoot, which depicts Alice wearing lots of white ruffles and sitting atop a gilded dresser. The campaign drops in March.
Alice Dellal. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/2010 Getty Images


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Global trade tensions have been brewing for months with tariffs and counter-tariffs flying between the US, China and several other countries. The US government has now challenged some of the tariffs at WTO level.The US government on Monday announced challenges at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to the counter-tariffs that some of the country’s major trading partners have initiated in response to tariffs against them from US President Donald Trump.
The US is currently involved in several trade disputes with major partners such as China, the European Union, Canada and Mexico, with Trump having pushed through tariffs against more than 800 Chinese products in recent weeks.
Several of the aforementioned countries and regions have launched counter-tariffs on US farm exports and machinery as a result of US trade actions but the office of the US Trade Representative has now opened disputes against several countries that have initiated counter-tariffs at WTO level.
Read more: EU, China seek closer ties as US turns against trade
The White House believes it is within its rights to take up the case at WTO level, seeing its own tariffs as justified but the counter-tariffs as unjustified.
“The actions taken by the president are wholly legitimate and fully justified as a matter of US law and international trade rules,” US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement.
“Instead of working with us to address a common problem, some of our trading partners have elected to respond with retaliatory tariffs designed to punish American workers, farmers and companies.”
For much of 2018, President Trump has talked tough on the US trading relationship with some of it biggest partners, from China to Germany. China has born the brunt of recent tariffs, with more potential tariffs announced last week against a further $200 billion (€170 billion) worth of Chinese goods.
China, the EU and Canada have denounced the US action repeatedly, as have various US business interest groups, such as the influential US Chamber of Commerce, which has warned of the trouble retaliatory tariffs could cause for the US economy.
The ongoing trade tensions have led to fears over global economic growth, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning on Monday that worsening trade confrontations pose serious risks to the global outlook.
“The risk that current trade tensions escalate further — with adverse effects on confidence, asset prices, and investment — is the greatest near-term threat to global growth,” IMF Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said.
aos/kd (AFP, Reuters)


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Citibank has added an on-screen keyboard to its Internet banking service in the UK in a bid to protect customers against fraudsters that use key-logging programs to steal bank account details and passwords.
The keyboard appears on screen when customers are asked to enter passwords or answers to security questions.
The bank says allowing customers to use a mouse reduces the the likelihood of personal details being stolen by fraudsters using key-logging software.
On its Web site Citibank UK says its experts reviewed a number of ways of increasing security for online customers and, together with the bank's technology and customer services teams, recommended a user name and password log-in along with the introduction of the screen keyboard.
Research released by The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) last year showed that Citibank was one of the financial firms most targeted by online fraudsters.
Last year customers at South Africa's Absa Bank were duped by a key-logging scam. This prompted neighbouring Standard Bank to distribute free virus protection software to customers and introduce a virtual PIN pad log-in system to counteract the threat from spyware.


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GMO — Never have three letters caused such an uproar from those for and against genetically modified organisms (and/or labeling them). From companies and politicians to celebrities and mom bloggers, all chime in when it comes to GMO and non-GMO foods and beverages.
The global food and beverage market, currently retail valued at more than $5 trillion, is seeing strong growth of non-GMO products, which globally accounted for $550 billion of that $5 trillion in 2014, according to a new Packaged Facts report, Non-GMO Foods: U.S. and Global Market Perspective, 2nd Edition. In the U.S., non-GMO foods and beverages generated $200 billion in sales last year.
The non-GMO market is growing significantly as well. Packaged Facts predicts that the total global market for non-GMO products will nearly double by 2019, surging at a CAGR of 15% between 2014 and 2019. This is faster than the 13% growth rate for non-GMO sales in the U.S. specifically, though Packaged Facts forecasts that the U.S. will still comprise about one-third of the global non-GMO food and beverage market.
Non-GMO product launches surge
It's estimated there are about 2,000 non-GMO product launches per year in the U.S., a significant increase from just a few hundred launches per year a decade ago. Packaged Facts noted that the highest jump in non-GMO product launches occurred from 2012 to 2013 as more consumers became aware of GMOs and the controversy surrounding it.
Non-GMO product launches can be found in a wide range of food and beverage categories, but the highest growth in the U.S. has come from snack foods followed by dairy and bakery products. Sauces, seasonings, and juice beverages are popular non-GMO categories as well.
Kellogg’s Kashi brand, for example, recently released several organic and non-GMO breakfast options, namely plant-based foods, such as cereal made from organic sweet potatoes or sprouted and ancient grains. In May, Zevia became the first low/zero-calorie soda brand to receive non-GMO certification when it changed its formulas and went color-free.
As Diamond Foods works to clean up its product labels, the company vowed earlier this month that 70% of Diamond’s sales in North America will be Non-GMO Project verified by the end of summer 2016. When Chobani released the latest additions to its portfolio expansion in July, the company also changed up its packaging to highlight that these products were made from "Only Natural, Non-GMO Ingredients."
These companies are responding to the non-GMO movement with new products as it shifts across different parts of the grocery store, from vegetables and dairy to consumer goods.
"There’s a lot of activity in the perimeter, and it has grown from the side walls to the middle," said Steve French, managing partner for the Natural Marketing Institute during a presentation at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and food exposition.
How major food companies are responding to this growth
Major food companies have been trying to appeal to consumers who want more non-GMO options in large part through acquisitions.
Many of these larger companies have supported anti-GMO labeling efforts, such as the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, which the House passed in July. A recent study showed that a GMO label would not necessarily deter a consumer from buying that product.
As for some major companies’ non-GMO strategies, Annie’s, for example, which produces a variety of condiments, macaroni and cheese, and other products sourced from non-GMO ingredients, was acquired by General Mills last year. General Mills also owns Cascadian Farms, a non-GMO producer of frozen foods, yogurt, and other products.
Applegate Farms, which Hormel announced it would be acquiring earlier this year, produces a wide variety of organic, natural, and non-GMO, meats, and Post purchased Attune Foods in 2013, which produces non-GMO cereals.
Organic and natural foods dominate the non-GMO category
Of all of the new non-GMO product launches and current non-GMO foods and beverages, a majority (60%) are considered natural or organic. Packaged Facts predicts that percentage will grow to about three-quarters of total non-GMO retail sales by 2019.
According to Packaged Facts, this reflects three concepts:
1. The increasing popularity of organic food specifically and natural foods more generally with American consumers
Sales for the U.S. organic food market has tripled over the past decade, and in April, the number of organic facilities in the U.S. was up 5% since 2014 and 250% since 2002. The demand for organic foods and beverages is so high among American consumers that shortages of organic feed and produce are common and contribute to organic products’ soaring prices.
2. The link between organic and non-GMO in consumer understanding
Consumers are learning more about labeling standards for organic and non-GMO products, including that organic products are, by definition, non-GMO.
"The two labels are different but are connected. We don’t see them as competing but as complementary and necessary for each other," Errol Schweizer, Whole Foods’ executive global grocery coordinator, told Organic Connections Magazine. "We see customer preference for both labels."
3. The probability that there will be no resolution on a national level regarding mandatory GMO labeling on food and beverage products
Fights concerning GMO labeling at the state level have gone on for years, but a national debate on GMO labeling is newer to the industry. The bill that the House passed earlier this summer was a huge step toward a resolution for GMO labeling at the national level, but the same legislation still has to make it past the Senate and the president’s desk.
As Packaged Facts' numbers project, the non-GMO movement is going to continue to grow as more consumers become interested in GMOs and choose whether to buy products that contain them.
"The whole issue of G.M.O.s has been around for decades," French said in his presentation."It’s not something that’s going away. It’s part of this part of this larger movement of clean label and transparency."


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Cable news titan CNN is set to add a new player in the already-crowded streaming service marketplace with its CNN Plus service.
Set to launch sometime in the first quarter of 2022, the new service “complements the core CNN linear networks and digital platforms to serve CNN superfans, news junkies and fans of quality non-fiction programming.”[Tweet “Cable news titan CNN is set to add a new player in the already-crowded streaming service marketplace with its CNN Plus service.”]
There has yet to be any mention of pricing for the service since, according to The Verge, the company is still determining the price for CNN Plus.
Reports indicate that there will be no ad-supported version of the service at launch, and it will launch in the US only. CNN is expecting to hire 450 people over the next six to nine months to work on the service before launch.
In terms of how it will work, CNN will continue to have a single app where CNN Plus subscribers will be able to access CNN Plus programming. The app will include CNN’s linear television feeds, available to paid TV subscribers.
Paid TV subscribers can also subscribe to CNN Plus to “maximize their experience, they can also subscribe to CNN Plus, to access the full CNN Plus programming all in one place,” the company says.
CNN Plus subscribers will not have access to the TV feeds from CNN’s cable channels, since CNN Plus is to be a standalone direct-to-consumer product. To access both the TV content and CNN Plus content on the app, customers will need two subscriptions.
The streaming service is set to have original content, as well as live offerings, on-demand content, and interactive programming separate and distinct from CNN’s linear channels, the company says.
At launch, the service will have a “deep library of non-fiction, long-form programming.” This includes past seasons of CNN TV series, like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, This is Life with Lisa Ling, and United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell.
New, original programmes are also slated to be added, with announcements to come later this year.


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Toyota’s most popular car Corolla Altis will be released soon with many updated features. The new corolla has a great look when compared with the previous models. It has got updated LED head lamps, updated bumper and a huge lower grille. The 2017 corolla has got 17-inch alloy wheels which have been increased from its old model.
Corolla altis is designed with new chrome finish on the outer parts of the car. The door handles, LED clusters and even the rear is mated with chrome finish. This new face lift is available in three colors: Red, Black and brown. The new Toyota altis has few changes even in the mechanism of the car.
The MID panel was upgraded with new software and the body quality of the car was also improved. But the engines remain constant as there are no changes in it. The 2017 corolla altis comes with the old 1.4 liter diesel engine which produces 87.13hp and a 1.8 liter petrol engine which will produce 138hp. It supports a manual 6-speed transmission.
However the price of new corolla altis is not announced yet. This new car from Toyota will be released in March 2017. The bookings of this car will started from next month and all the colors will not be available in India. Any two out of three colors will be available in India, said by an internal source of Toyota.


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Dell battery recall blamed on Sony manufacturing flaw
DALLAS -- Dell Inc.'s record-setting recall of 4.1 million notebook computer batteries raised safety concerns about the power source of countless electronic devices, but experts said the problem appears to stem from flaws in the production of the laptop batteries, not the underlying technology.
Customers began calling the company and surfing to a special Web site Tuesday to order replacements for the lithium-ion batteries that could cause their Dell machines to overheat and even catch fire. The batteries were supplied to Dell by Sony Corp. of Japan.
Lithium-ion batteries are used to power not only laptops, but also digital cameras, music players, cell phones and other gadgets.
Dell, the world's largest PC maker, announced the recall Monday night with the Consumer Products Safety Commission. It was the largest electronics-related recall involving the federal agency.
The batteries were shipped in notebooks sold between April 1, 2004, and July 18 of this year. They were included in some models of Round Rock, Texas-based Dell's Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Precision mobile workstation notebooks.
Replacement orders would be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, said Dell spokesman Ira Williams. He said he couldn't estimate how long customers would have to wait for new batteries, adding that it could vary by model.
The replacements are coming from Sony and a handful of other battery manufacturers.
Rick Clancy, a Sony spokesman, said the company has "taken steps to address the situation ... to Dell's satisfaction." He declined to elaborate on what the company has done to fix the problem.
Lithium has been replacing nickel-cadmium and other materials for batteries used in a range of electronic devices since the early 1990s. The smaller, lighter batteries produce more power to drive increasingly demanding gadgets, such as laptops with high-resolution screens.
Battery packs contain cells of rolled up metal strips. During the manufacturing process at a Sony factory in Japan, crimping the rolls left tiny shards of metal loose in the cells, and some of those shards caused batteries to short-circuit and overheat, according to Sony.
Roger Kay, an analyst with Endpoint Technologies Associates, called the situation "a nightmare for Sony" but said the recall wasn't likely to scare manufacturers away from using lithium-ion batteries.
"Well-made lithium-ion batteries are perfectly safe," he said. "This is a manufacturing problem and not an indictment of lithium-ion technology."
Still, there have been previous reports of problems with lithium-ion batteries. Last year, Apple Computer Inc. recalled batteries made by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea.
And in 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration banned shipments of lithium batteries from the cargo holds of passenger planes because of a potential fire hazard when they're shipped in bulk. Passengers, however, are still allowed to carry laptops and cell phones on planes.
FAA spokeswoman Tammy Jones said the agency is continuing to review the possible hazard.
Sony provides battery components for other computer makers, including Lenovo Group Ltd., which said it gets a "handful" of reports each year of overheated batteries but does not plan a recall. Spokesman Bob Page said Lenovo's machines have other features, including software that disables the machine if it detects unsafe conditions.
Dell has been using Sony battery parts longer than other manufacturers, and Lenovo and others may eventually develop similar problems, Kay said.
Apple, which analysts say also uses Sony battery cells, said it was investigating the situation. Hewlett-Packard Co. said it does not use Sony batteries and was not affected by the recall. Fujitsu said it builds its own batteries.
Dell has not given an estimate for the recall's cost but said it won't materially affect the company's financial results, which suggested that Sony would bear most of the cost. Analysts estimated that the recall could cost between $200 million and $400 million.
Investors brushed aside the news, pushing up shares of both Dell and Sony in Tuesday trading.
Dell shares rose 84 cents or 5 percent, to close at $22.08 on the Nasdaq Stock Market, and Sony shares gained 62 cents to close at $45.43 on the New York Stock Exchange.
The bigger issue, analysts said, is the possible effect on Dell's and Sony's reputations.
Cindy Shaw, an analyst with Moors & Cabot, said the recall could steer consumers away from Dell at back-to-school time. She also said business customers might not be forgiving.
At lunchtime Tuesday, a handful of customers browsed through Dell's first store, in an upscale Dallas mall. Dale Topham, a Dallas resident who was picking up a repaired computer, said the recall wouldn't make him less likely to buy another Dell.
"I don't worry because they're trying to take care of it," he said.
Dell and Sony both ranked among the most trusted consumer technology companies, according to a 2005 survey by Forrester Research.
But Forrester analyst Ted Schadler said the recall could depress sales to businesses if the fire hazard causes regulators to ban laptops from planes.


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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Charleston City Council passed a pair of bills Monday night, including a half-percent sales tax on some retail items, to help fund renovations at the Charleston Civic Center.
The tax would apply to items such as food, cars and gasoline.
The second bill eliminates the business and operating tax on any manufacturing in the city. Mayor Danny Jones and other city leaders amended the city's home rule plan to add the sales tax.
Leaders hope to use the tax money for a convention center and use surplus money to pay for pensions.
Jones spoke extensively during Monday’s meeting, saying the Civic Center upgrades are essential to the future of Charleston.


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If you’re still clinging to AT&T’s legacy unlimited data, you’re going to be charged an extra $5 per month starting February 2016.
While the price increase was first reported by 9to5Mac, AT&T confirmed to techradar that customers will see an increase from $30 to $35 per month for those still ‘grandfathered’ on it’s unlimited data plan.
Though AT&T is increasing the price of this plan for the first time in 7 years, it’s a plan that hasn’t been offered to new customers for a few years now.
It’s also, however, not the only carrier to increase it’s unlimited plan this year, with Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile also increasing their unlimited plans as well.
Carriers have been pulling away from unlimited data plans for a few years now, with T-Mobile and Sprint the only carriers now to offer an unlimited data plan to new customers in the US.
But with these prices increases, will you still hold on to your unlimited option, knowing you’ll never be able to sign on to it again under AT&T, or will you cave in to the more common tiered data allowance plans the carrier has been pushing?


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Renault has revealed that it will sell 34.02% of its South Korean unit to China’s Geely Automobile Holdings for around 264 billion won (about 195 million euros).
In this way, the French car manufacturer frees up funds to be able to invest in its main markets and in electric models, which it considers to be behind schedule, writes the agency. Reuters.
Renault, whose sales fell for the third year in a row in 2021, is executing a turnaround plan aimed at boosting profit margins and splitting its electric and combustion model businesses.
The decision to sell more than 34% of its South Korean unit (Renault Korea Motors) comes a week after international media reported that Renault, Nissan’s main shareholder, may reduce its stake in the Japanese company.
For China’s Geely, this is a way to gain a foothold in the South Korean market, which is dominated by local brands Hyundai and Kia.
According to the news agency, Renault will issue 45.4 million shares at 5,818 won (4.3 euros) per share to Geely.
At the end of 2021, Renault owned 80% of its Korean unit. The remaining 20% was held by the credit card company Samsung Card, which announced last December that it intended to sell its stake in the company.
Source: Expresso by expresso.pt.
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The next-generation Volkswagen Golf 8 has been confirmed for 2019, according to an announcement made at its Supplier Summit for the upcoming model.
Auto Express reports first examples of the next-generation Golf will roll down its Wolfsburg production line in 75 weeks, equating to June 2019.
With that in mind, we can expect the current Golf’s flagship infotainment screen and Active Info Display digital driver’s instruments (above) to be more widely available across the range – rather than being a cost-option for higher-grade variants.
Underpinning the new small car will be an updated version of the current car’s MQB architecture, meaning the core engine range should remain similar, though the e-Golf will likely be killed off in the next iteration due to the imminent release of the all-electric I.D. family.


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American consumers will soon be able to rest a little easier knowing that their goods are safer from hazardous chemicals.
The U.S. Senate passed the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act Tuesday, following the House’s passage last month, and now it’s on to President Obama for a signature that will turn it into law.
An update to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the act regulates the manufacture, import and processing of chemicals, and also strengthens the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to regulate potentially hazardous chemicals.
“This bill establishes a new national chemical management standard that protects consumers while providing regulatory predictability for U.S. apparel, footwear and textile companies,” AAFA president and CEO Rick Helfenbein said.
The reform mandates safety reviews for chemicals in commerce, requires a risk evaluation before new chemicals can make it to market, requires protection of vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women, and sets aggressive and judicially enforceable deadlines for EPA decisions and compliance with restrictions.
It will also make more chemicals information available to the public, demand greater transparency from companies about what goes into their goods, and require the EPA to reduce and replace animal testing where scientific alternatives are available.
The bill was originally introduced in 2013, and after much negotiation, a very revised version made an appearance last year, fueled further negotiations and ultimately attracted bipartisan support.
With a move toward greater transparency and avoidance of hazardous or harmful raw materials in the manufacturing process, the Act appears well-timed to advance this shift for apparel and textile firms, and yield safer products for consumers.
“At long last, EPA will have stronger tools to protect Americans from toxic chemicals that impact the health of millions of Americans,” the Environmental Defense Fund wrote in post on its site.
How do global companies and supply chains plan for inevitable but unpredictable disruptions, and how can they mitigate the damage?Read more
As advances in technology and changing trade patterns affect opportunities for export-led manufacturing, innovations such as smart automation, advanced robotics and 3-D printing are increasingly influencing which locations are attractive for production.Read more
In Europe, sourcing in Asia isn’t the standard go to. The region’s cluster of sourcing countries—which includes places like Tunisia, Greece and Portugal—has provided an ecosystem that’s supporting European brands’ speed to market needs.Read more
Negotiators need to support a modernized NAFTA that will lead to more job creation and commercial opportunities within, and among, our three countries.Read more
American & Efrid has formed a business alliance with CGS, a provider of business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services, to improve productivity, quality and employee motivation within A&E’s manufacturing operations.Read more
The Federal Trade Commission is taking further steps to ensure that clothing, fur and textile labels are accurate and protect consumers in the U.S.Read more
Invista, owner of the Lycra brand, has launched a marketing campaign based on global consumer insights around denim.Read more


text: More than one year after opening its New Canaan store on Forest Street, Embody Fitness Gourmet is launching a second “satellite” location inside a hugely popular boutique wellness and fitness facility across town. At the new location at Oxygen Fitness on Pine Street, Embody will sell its signature protein shakes and juices, as well as a “good selection” of gourmet salads and snacks, according to founder and owner Gillen Bryan. “We know Oxygen has a great reputation and certainly a lot of the members and instructors had already come to us, so when we talked to [Oxygen Fitness owners] David and Sara [Koch] about taking over to provide a great offering at Oxygen, it wasn’t really a tough decision,” Bryan said. The public will be able to access the Oxygen Fitness store directly inside the Pine Street facility’s main doors, with a soft opening this week and a Grand Opening later in the month, he said. Sara Koch said the introduction of Embody at Oxygen’s expanding “fitness campus” was designed to bring more options to members and others.


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JD Wetherspoon is to cut around a third of jobs at its head office as it seeks to cut costs amid falling pub and restaurant sales during the coronavirus pandemic.
The pub chain said between 110 and 130 of the 417 people employed at its office locations throughout the UK could lose their jobs, although no firm decisions have yet been taken.
Pub workers will not be affected by the changes, Wetherspoons said.
Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “The decision is mainly a result of a downturn in trade in the pub and restaurant industry generally, a reduction in the company’s rate of expansion and a reduction in the number of pubs operated from 955 in 2015 to 873 today.
“All head office employees will be affected by the process, with the exception of those working directly in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Hospitality businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic which saw them forced to close their doors for weeks before being allowed to re-open with social distancing measures in place last month.
Pizza Express, Pret a Manger, Carluccio’s and Bella Italia owner Casual Dining Group, are among chains to have announced job cuts in recent weeks.
Mr Hutson added: “The company will listen to suggestions from staff to help avoid or reduce the number of compulsory redundancies which are required.
“These include voluntary redundancy or early retirement, including an enhanced redundancy package to employees that volunteer, the option to transfer to a pub based position (where suitable positions are available), flexible working options, reduced working hours, unpaid periods of absence (including sabbaticals and study leave).”
Wetherspoons is among thousands of businesses to benefit from a range of government support for the sector, including the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme which offers diners up to £10 off a meal during August.
But the industry believes the measures will not be enough to prevent thousands more jobs being lost.
Job cuts have not been limited to the pub and restaurant sector. This week retailers including WH Smith, Dixons Carphone, Hays Travel and DW Sports have said they will cut around 6,000 staff between them.


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The deluge of online catch-up services has not dented the audience of traditional broadcast, according to a new survey by TV marketing body Thinkbox.
The recent survey shows that broadband TV services and normal broadcast services are 'growing simultaneously'.
"That both broadcast and online TV platforms are growing simultaneously underlines how they fulfil different needs for viewers and that they can co-exist and indeed promote each other," said a spokesperson for Thinkbox.
On the rise
At the moment, broadband TV services, such as 4oD, the iPlayer, ITV.com, the Sky Player and Demand Five are more popular than ever, due to their on-demand nature, but advertisers are struggling to find ways of turning this popularity into revenue.
The survey goes on to reveal that UK viewers watched an average of 3.77 hours of broadcast TV a day in the first half of the year. This adds up to a two per cent increase on the five-year average for the period.
Thinkbox also found that six per cent more TV ads had been viewed in the first half of this year compared with the same time last year.


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A "Missed Opportunity" says Justmoney.co.za
The planned closure of Go Banking is a "missed opportunity" for South African bank customers, according to www.justmoney.co.za, South Africa's online guide to money.
Paul Beadle, managing director of www.justmoney.co.za, says that Go Banking's bank account and credit card have been amongst the most popular products on the website because of factors such as clear pricing and high credit interest rates.
He explains: "South Africans have struggled with the concept of ‘supermarket' banking, yet Go Banking offers lower charges via innovations such as point of sale cash withdrawals. Go Banking could have provided cheaper banking for many consumers, so this really is a missed opportunity for people - particularly as we often complain that our bank charges are too high.
"Go Banking's popularity on www.justmoney.co.za shows that many people understood its advantages. Sadly too many people used Go Banking as a secondary account, and this did not generate enough profit to make the bank sustainable."
Check out our bank charges calculator to see if you are paying too much for your banking
Beadle says that it was also probably difficult for Go Banking's parent, Nedbank, to run different banking brands, which until recently also included Old Mutual Bank. He says: "If Nedbank had promoted Go Banking more aggressively, there was a danger that Go Banking could have taken customers and market share - and profit - away from Nedbank's own banking products.
"However, I believe Nedbank will use the experience of Go Banking to inform its own strategies for pricing, product innovation and customer acquisition, because it is obviously keen to grow its market share. The success of similar supermarket banks in Europe means that it will eventually catch on in South Africa, at which point Nedbank will be in a very strong position to capitalise on this growth."
www.justmoney.co.za has been created to help South Africans save money by demystifying financial services and helping them to make informed decisions about their money.
Completely independent and unbiased, www.justmoney.co.za also features a host of comparisons, tools and guides, enabling people to search and apply for new products, all online and completely free of charge.


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Bauma China 2016 – One of the busiest yet despite slow economy
Bauma China 2016, the 8th International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles was yet another very successful show for Auger Torque, Kinshofer, Demarec and RF-Systems.
Although Auger Torque has exhibited quite a few times at bauma China over the past decade, it was exciting to be exhibiting alongside our sister companies which are part of the massive Kinshofer Group for the first time.
Against a backdrop of economic slowdown and ongoing change and modernization in the industry, it was encouraging to see a lot of interest in our products and our international staff was kept busy troughout the show. This is not surprising with bauma China 2016 attracting more than 170,000 visitors from 149 countries and regions.
“bauma China 2016 was another great show for our Auger Torque and the Kinshofer Group. Great teamwork made for a fantastic show, we had lots interest from many different markets and had a number of new dealers come on board. There is no doubt that we were able to show our customers that we are one of the most professional and dedicated manufacturers of world-class attachments at the show. Everyone at Auger Torque and the Kinshofer Group was inspired and we are excited about what the future holds for our team”, explained John Hu (Vice President Auger Torque China)
bauma China once again underlined its leading role in Asia and for Auger Torque it provided excellent opportunities for industry communication and exploration of new product innovations, market trends and possible solutions through direct and intensive customer discussions.
Nathan Parziani (BDM Auger Torque Australasia): “bauma as per usual hasn’t disappointed with a quality turnout. These shows are by far the flagship shows in our industry. Again it was great to make many exciting new contacts and hosting familiar faces. We look forward to the next stop in the bauma franchise or better still if you’re feeling lucky visit us in Vegas for Conexpo”
2016 really has been a fantastic year for Auger Torque around the globe and the many high quality international show we represent our product range at surely are a massive driving factor for our success. We were able to launch a number of new products which are now starting to gather great momentum in the marketplace. No doubt 2017 will see our lineup of earthmoving attachments grow further and we are super excited about the opportunities which lie ahead for the Kinshofer Group of companies.
“Following the success of Munich, bauma China was another great show for Auger Torque in 2016. Our improved Sweeper Broom, Hedge Trimmer and Alignment Monitor products were really well received and we launched our XHT Screw Pile Torque Head range in Asia to great acclaim. A constant stream of new and current customers from China, Asia and beyond means this show was a real success. As a global attachment supplier we have committed to the Asian market over the past decades and are now known as the leading supplier in the region”, concludes Alistair Brydon (Managing Director Auger Torque Europe)


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(Reuters) – Shares of Walt Disney fell 3.9% on Thursday, closing at their lowest level in nearly nine years, with some investors betting on the possibility of another drop in prices in the next few months.
Disney shareholders are scrutinizing the company’s turnaround plan after chairman Bob Iger promised earlier this month a combination of higher prices across its streaming properties, more advertising and cost cuts to lift the business.
On Thursday, Disney options were busier than usual with about 321,000 contracts trading, or 1.4 times average daily volume, according to data from options analytics firm Trade Alert.
Trading sentiment leaned towards bearish bets with put options that would protect against a drop in the stock below 80 by mid-September and mid-October were among the most traded contracts.
Put options convey the right to sell shares at a fixed price in the future. Disney stock was also weighed down by weakness in the broader market as investors became wary ahead of US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech later this week.
In Disney’s August 9 earnings report, Iger acknowledged that the entertainment company faces a “challenging environment” in the near term and that the company’s shares have fallen more than 5% since then.
Disney stock closed at $82.47, its lowest level since October 16, 2014.
(Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru and Saqib Ahmed in New York; Additional reporting by Leroy Liu; Editing by Krishna Chandra Elory)