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When we think of a factory farm, we picture animals crammed together in small cages, the stench of manure, and cruelty. Despite the growing number of people who are realizing that this is the reality of the food system, change might not be happening fast enough.
To remedy this situation, we’re seeing the advent of food-tech companies like Hampton Creek, Beyond Meat, and in-vitro meat (lab grown) companies here to redefine “factory produced meat.” This type of “factory” produced food is healthy, sustainable, and delicious. Technologically or scientifically-driven food no longer needs to bring to mind images of “franken-foods” or genetically modified organisms.
The food revolution is being fueled by forward-thinking companies that are unlocking the secrets of plants, and using the laboratory as their factory.
The Modernization of Agriculture
To truly understand how we’ve gotten ourselves into such deep manure (so to speak), we need a brief history of how our current method of “farming” came to be. This is where our problems began.
According to Matthew Scully, as he writes in “Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy,” agricultural production across the world has doubled four times since 1820 and 1975. During this same time frame, “the number of people involved in farming dropped as the process became more automated.” Further demonstrating the point is that, “in the 1930s, 24 percent of the American population worked in agriculture compared to 1.5 percent in 2002.”
This system allows for systematic abuse, the industry to self-regulate, and widespread environmental damage from overcrowded farms. Chipotle’s advertisement, “Back to the Start” does a great job illustrating this issue. We’ve gone from smaller “family farms” to largely industrialized operations that treat animals like units of production, not sentient beings.
Why We Need to Adapt
We’ve been ignoring the rising costs of factory farming for too long. The majority of smaller farmers who still do things the way that most meat marketing wants you to believe, are being pushed out by larger factory farms that are simply capable of producing more for less.
According to Farm Forward, “The factory farm record on the environment is no better: World Watch, the Sierra Club, the Pew Commission, Greenpeace, and other major environmental watchdogs have singled out factory farms as among the biggest polluters on the planet.”
We’ve seen just how harmful the pollution can be in a series of satellite photos taken in September 2013. Also the United Nations warns of the continued detrimental effects of meat production, and some slaughterhouses are being held accountable with their role in pollution of water.
In addition to polluting the environment, factory farms have time and again proven to be a threat to human health. See “5 Modern Diseases on the Rise Because of Factory Farming” for more information. Here’s a hint – salmonella.
Lastly, we know that factory farms are absolutely no place for any animal, non-human or otherwise.
Plant-Based Products Backed by Science
We don’t need to see these products as “alternatives.” Why should we? It’s only because most of us have grown up with animal-based products as the “norm” that some of us may view plant-based products as strange.
Hampton Creek Foods is a food-tech company on a mission to disrupt our broken food system. Much like the way Amazon revolutionized what it means to be a retailer, Hampton Creek aims to disrupt the egg industry and redefine how we get healthy, affordable food to everyone. Their first product to hit retail shelves is Just Mayo, which is as delicious as the packaging is beautiful.
In a press release, Jimmy Monaco, Prepared Foods coordinator for Whole Foods Market’s Northern California region, said, “Hampton Creek’s Just Mayo is one of the most innovative, environmentally-minded, and delicious products we’ve brought to the Whole Foods Market Kitchen.”
Hampton Creek foods also created Beyond Eggs, which it aims to replace factory farm produced chicken eggs as ingredients for big name brands of processed foods. For less than the cost of eggs, as well as being much safer and having better functionality in recipes, Beyond Eggs will soon be hitting the ingredient market. Next in the way of retail products is Eat the Dough, yum!
The magic of Hampton Creek is that it’s simply using plants to create delicious food. Hampton Creek Investor Ali Partovi says, “It’s not like there’s some kind of artificial animal being created. It’s just changing the recipe around in a way that makes it environmentally and economically better.”
Another game changer in the food-tech industry is Beyond Meat (no relation to beyond eggs or Hampton Creek Foods). According to CBS News, in March’s issue of Fast Company magazine, Beyond Meat is named as one of the “World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2014.” As part of their 25/20 Vision, Beyond Meat will focus on improving public health, positively impacting climate change, addressing global resource constraints, and improving animal welfare.
Ethan Brown, founder of Beyond Meat, says, “We’re thinking about changing the world. And you know if, if I could give this product away I would. Everyone at the company feels that strongly about our mission, the direction of the company, you just see growth, that’s it.”
Lab Grown Meat – Will It Satisfy?
We have to ask ourselves, is eating meat grown in a lab any more strange than eating meat the way we do now? The vast majority of animals grown for their meat on today’s factory farms are genuinely abused all in the name of satisfying the taste for a particular food. They are raised in disgustingly unsanitary conditions, and this poses a threat to their health, and the health of workers.
When meat is grown in a lab, we don’t have these issues. No animals are harmed at all, and people are working in a clean atmosphere that doesn’t damage them psychologically. In contrast to Beyond Meat, who’s products are plant-based, in vitro meat would begin with animal cells.
On August 5, 2013, the world’s first lab created hamburger was cooked and eaten in London. The BBC says, “Scientists took cells from a cow and, at an institute in the Netherlands, turned them into strips of muscle that they combined to make a patty.”
How did it taste?
According to BBC News, “One food expert said it was ‘close to meat, but not that juicy’ and another said it tasted like a real burger.”
Although the commercial availability of in vitro meat is far off, this initial tasting has generally been viewed as a success. This type of product could also lead to countless imaginative meals, as seen in the in vitro meat cookbook.
Overall, it looks like the future of factory farming may indeed be bright, so long as we, as consumers, use our dollars consciously and opt for the more humane products that are becoming increasingly available thanks to the likes of Beyond Meat, Hampton Creek, and others.
Image source: Beyond Meat / Facebook


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Is CBD Legal in Benin?
Benin, a small country nestled between Togo and Nigeria, has historically been a minor port for transnational drug trade. Increasingly, high THC compounds and more illicit substances are working through the country, up to North Africa, and towards Eastern and Western Europe.
Despite the growing incidence of drug trafficking in the country, Benin continues to be unable to make any serious moves towards consistent legal frameworks for punishment. Rarely, reports of massive seized drug cartels going through Benin reverberate throughout North African media. By and large, stopping international drug trade and enforcing sustainable anti drug policies has not been practiced in the country.
Additionally, though Benin is a country marked by democratic pluralism and political stability, the economy is heavily cash based which makes it susceptible to transnational crime. So, where does hemp-derived CBD stand among all of this?
Is CBD Allowed in Benin?
It’s difficult to comment on whether or not CBD is legal in the country of Benin. However, the recent policy changes in Western Europe and the United States point to a liberalizing global hemp trade. The United States was one of the main forces which shut down hemp production throughout Africa after the War on Drugs started in the seventies.
Now that hemp is classified as an agricultural commodity rather than an illicit substance, experts expect that CBD will once again start percolating throughout the whole continent. Benin could expect an economic surplus since their growing climate is very favorable towards hemp, and hemp is useful for a huge variety of applications: strong industrial fibers, breathable fabrics, and not to mention, CBD. Benin could also be a large legal transnational trade port for the rest of Africa, letting more liquid capital flow throughout the country.
In Benin, national and regional political actors are at odds concerning the address of international organized crime syndicates. Inherent weaknesses in the justice system and a constant backlog of criminal cases make legal action on individual consumers very slight.
Currently, it’s unclear whether CBD, a compound high in cannabinoids and with only trace amounts of THC, is legal in the area. The law has really only come down on the transport of hashish, heroin, and cocaine.
Experts suggest that all consumers should be cautious about bringing CBD into the country. If a consumer has to use CBD for medical purposes, they should carry a doctor’s certification on hand when traveling through the area. Additionally, consumers should try and purchase CBD isolate products which contain absolutely no THC content.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
Researchers claim to have linked CBD use to therapeutic benefit for an array of mental, emotional, and physical health problems. Users all over the world are growing to adopt CBD into their health and wellness regimes, acting to take their health into their own hands. Some of the benefits that users report include:
- Better ability to cope with depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Less chronic pain
- Reduced symptoms of seizure disorders
- Improved skin condition

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Our lives and the products and devices we use become more dependent on data by the day. As a result, cyberattacks and data breaches present everchanging risks to companies and individuals, and the importance of applicable insurance never has been more important. While companies historically sought coverage for losses under traditional CGL, D&O, E&O, commercial crime, and business interruption policies, their mixed results––coupled with new exclusions singling out electronic data––have led to increasing need for cyber-specific coverages. However, as evidenced by Minnesota District Court’s recent decision in Target Corporation v. ACE American Insurance Company, 2022 WL 848095 (D. Minn. Mar. 22, 2022), CGL policies still may be in play where damages result from the inability to use tangible property.
In 2013, Target discovered that a hacker breached its systems and obtained payment card data for approximately 110 million individuals with Target cards. The issuing banks then canceled the cards, issued replacements, and sought reimbursement from Target. In total, Target settled these claims for $138 million––of which $74 million was paid for costs associated with replacing the payment cards. Target sought coverage for this amount from ACE under the common CGL coverage provision for damages because of “property damage”, including the “loss of use of tangible property that is not physically injured”, caused by an “occurrence”.
Because Target’s claimed damages were the costs associated with replacing the cards and not based on the value of the use lost by the banks or consumers, the court initially granted ACE’s motion for summary judgment in February 2021. In short, the court’s prior ruling would have required insureds to show a connection between the damages incurred and the value lost by someone being unable to use the tangible property at issue. Certainly, where covered, an insured’s damages may be the value of the use lost, but, as the court later recognized, an insured need only show that damages––however calculated––were “caused by” the “property damage” (i.e. the loss of use). See id. at *3 n.2 (finding a sufficient causal connection between the expense of settling the banks’ claims for the cost of replacing the cards and the payment cards’ loss of use).
In its March 22, 2022 correction, the court found that the compromised data rendered the payment cards inoperable without physically injuring them and permitted Target to recover amounts it paid the banks for replacing the cards. In doing so, the court analogized these facts to the Eighth Circuit’s decision in Eyeblaster, Inc. v. Fed. Ins. Co., 613 F.3d 797 (8th Cir. 2010). In Eyeblaster, an internet advertising company sought coverage under a CGL policy for claims that it damaged a user’s computer by infecting it with spyware. As in Target, the policy at issue excluded electronic data from its definition of “tangible property”––prompting the insurer to deny coverage. However, because the Eyeblaster underlying complaint’s allegations were aimed at problems with the computer’s functionality, the insured’s damages were associated with the loss of use of tangible property. Likewise, the Target court noted that the issuing banks’ claims were focused on the inability to use tangible payment cards, despite the fact that the cause arose in cyberspace.
Importantly, Target involved a situation where consumers lost the ability to use their payment cards, yet, unlike the computer owner in Eyeblaster, they were not involved in the underlying litigation. Nonetheless, Target was able to recover for claims brought by the issuing banks without addressing whose loss of use matters in these situations. Was it the banks’ inability to use the cards to collect transaction fees? Or, was the loss of use by cardholders sufficient despite their absence from the lawsuit? Nothing in CGL policies like the one issued in Target suggest this makes a difference, but it is worth noting where the property use at issue isn’t as apparent.
Target demonstrates the continuing viability of traditional coverages to losses seemingly resulting from damage to intangible property or data. However, it remains to be seen just how receptive courts will be to similar claims as we move away from physical modes of payment. Would courts apply the same reasoning to claims resulting from the loss of use of a smartphone or other device to access a third-party app that had been compromised––rendering the phone inoperable for making payments or buying Bitcoin for example? Would the claim be recognized where the app maker claims it lost the use of the device to generate revenue, or need it be end-user’s loss of use? In a plain reading of these CGL “loss of use” provisions, Target, and Eyeblaster suggest that coverage may be available, but companies should still be on the lookout for additional exclusions and consider broader cyber-specific policies.


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Looking for coolest and latest mobile phones, IT gadgets, and consumer electronics? Head to Mid Valley Exhibition Center now to the inaugural Mobile, IT and Electronic Expo (MOBITE), organized by Unified Distribution Technology Sdn. Bhd. (UDT)
The expo showcase more than 80 global brands and 300 booths, covering 3 main halls, making it among the biggest consumer electronic event in the country to meet an increasingly mobile lifestyle.
Mobile, IT and Electronic Expo (MOBITE)
Date: May 1st to 3rd, 2015
Time: 11am to 10pm
Venue: Mid Valley Exhibition Center, KL
KooZaa, the official eStore partner of MOBITE has exclusive hot deals @ KooZaa which includes Tech Titan 8GB Thumbdrive at RM 1, Tech Titan 8400 mAH Power bank at RM 9.90, Tech Titan Monopod with remote control at RM 5, Seagate HDD 500GB at RM 99, AMD Laptop at RM 899, and many more.
The event features daily auctions from RM 1 of tech must-haves such as the latest mobile phones, iPads, and other exciting gadgets. Visitors will also be entertained by on-stage activities such as quizzes, magic shows, product presentations and contests. For shoppers who spent a minimum of RM 100 in a single receipt during the expo, their get a chance to win VIVO Smartphones and walk away with a SURE-WIN gift.
VIVO, the International Smartphone brand is the main presenter of MOBITE. They are having a series of activities at the VIVO booth, and you get to experience all models of VIVO Smartphones there too.
To make MOBITE even more exciting, the hottest pop idol duo FuYing & Sam (FS), who are also the ambassador or ACSON Air Conditioners, will also make their appearance to meet their fans during MOBITE.
On the other hand, Karpersky Lab, as the Co-presenter, is making its Karpersky Internet Secutiry for Android at only RM 9.90 to help more consumers secure their mobile devices. The brand’s flagship consumer products of Karpersky Anti-Virus and Karpersky Internet Security is available at Buy-1-Get-1 during MOBITE.
TuneTalk, the official Telco for MOBITE, is rewarding the customers for a 6 months FREE data with every device bought in MOBITE.
Tech enthusiasts can take the opportunity to visit AMD Cool Zone that features special Live Demos throughout the day involving several unique features from AMD.
Last but not least, visitors could enjoy hot deals at COURTS booth, e.g. RM 0.28 for a laptop back pack, RM 0.28 for a 16GB Memory card while looking for notebooks in incredible prices.
MOBITE is urging the visitors to take advantage of their ‘You Shop, We Absorb’ GST campaign and other promotions.
For more information on Mobile, IT and Electronic Expo (MOBITE) please visit http://www.malaysiaitfair.com.my/ and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/malaysiaitfair


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Anchored by Jake Tapper, The Lead airs at 4 p.m. ET on CNN.
We've moved! Come join us at our new show page.
Amid criticism surrounding its worker pay, Wal-Mart is touting veterans programs, investment in U.S.-made products, and a wave of employee promotions.
The retail giant has come under fire recently, accused of paying low wages. One Democratic lawmaker criticized Wal-Mart's executives as "welfare kings" last week, citing the store's average full-time hourly wage of $12.83, or roughly $26,000 a year.
"Our pay is in the top half of what retail offers, what our industry offers," Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon said Thursday in an interview with CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper."
Earlier this week, the retail giant announced plans to promote more than 25,000 of its roughly 1.3 million U.S. employees by the end of January, bringing its annual tally to more than 160,000 promotions this year, roughly the same as last year. Wal-Mart is the largest private sector employer in the U.S.
In May, the retailer announced a plan to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years, saying it would offer a job to any veteran honorably discharged within 12 months.
"If you served your country, you shouldn't have to fight for a job," said Simon.
Wal-Mart is also touting its investment in U.S.-made products, a move Simon said is not as counter intuitive as it seems.
"The transportation and labor components are making manufacturing in certain categories very, very viable in the U.S. and the opportunity is once in a generation for us to re-establish some manufacturing in the U.S.," said Simon.
A Wells Fargo analyst recently called internet retailer Amazon the "Wal-Mart of the post-2000 period." Though Wal-Mart came late to e-commerce, Simon said the company's 4,000 physical stores give it a competitive online advantage.
"Our footprint in the U.S. ... provides us product already in the customer's zip code, already in their neighborhood. So if we can connect those physical locations with the digital world, we think there's a really, really good opportunity," said Simon.
Amazon made $61 billion in sales last year, about 13% of the $443.9 billion Wal-Mart cleared.
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More than 200,000 servings of fresh ground pork will help feed Ontario families in need this year thanks to a grassroots fundraising initiative supported by hog farmers and their industry partners.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, the Pork Industry Gratitude Project announced that a combined total of $85,000 had been raised since April to support the Friends of the Foodbank program, which provides fresh ground pork to the Feed Ontario network of foodbanks. An additional $15,000 will be made available to county pork associations that will allow them to increase community-based food donations.
The Pork Industry Gratitude Project is a grassroots initiative launched by hog farmers in Perth County. They were looking to make a positive impact in the early days of the COVID-19 crisis.
Even as farmers themselves struggled with on-farm challenges and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, organizers of the gratitude project saw three ways they could help make things better for others:
- Increasing support for the Feed Ontario, through the Ontario Pork Friends of the Foodbank Program
- Providing additional funds for community-based food giving by local pork associations
- Hosting Farmer-to-Frontline Worker Appreciation Box Lunches for employees at Ontario’s two largest processing plants
With support from county-level pork associations, farming families, Ontario Pork and businesses connected to agriculture, the group exceeded its initial fundraising goal of $100,000 by more than a third. Gold level sponsors include South West Ontario Veterinary Services and Purina (Cargill). Silver level sponsors include Farmer's Farmacy/ Grand Valley Fortifiers, Synergy Swine Inc., Schlegel Home Farms and Floradale Feed Mill.
“We’re incredibly grateful to see how the industry came together to have a positive impact during some challenging times that affected all of us,” said John Nyenhuis, a Perth County farmer and one of the organizers of the Pork Industry Gratitude Project. “No matter what challenges they were facing on other fronts, these farmers, farm groups and businesses stepped up to help others. That’s the spirit that makes me proud to be a pork producer.”
Ontario’s pork sector has a long history of involvement with Feed Ontario, but this is the largest single-year donation since the program began. Since 2013, Ontario Pork’s Friends of the Food Bank program has donated 107,096 pounds (239,605 kg) of fresh ground pork to Feed Ontario. That’s the equivalent of 726,062 adult servings, or 1,452,143 child-sized servings.
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought job losses and economic uncertainty across the province, resulting in food banks seeing a surge in demand as communities worked to adjust to a rapidly changing world,” said Carolyn Stewart-Stockwell, executive director of Feed Ontario. “Having a reliable supply of healthy, fresh protein makes a huge difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity. We’re very appreciative of the efforts of the pork industry to make that happen — particularly when our province needed this support the most.”
Pork donations will take place over several months, based on food bank and processing capacity. The first donation took place in early July, with 3,700 pounds of fresh ground pork delivered to Feed Ontario through the Ontario Pork Friends of the Food Bank program.
About the Pork Industry Gratitude Project
The Pork Industry Gratitude Project is a grassroots fundraising and positivity movement initiated by producers in Perth County. The project is designed to enhance a spirit of cross-industry collaboration and promote food-focused giving. In addition to showing appreciation to plant workers in Ontario, the initiative will also help increase fresh ground pork donations to food banks across Ontario. For more information visit, ontariopork.on.ca/Communications/Giving-Back
About Ontario Pork
Ontario Pork represents the 1,180 farmers who market 5.5 million hogs in the province. The organization is engaged in many areas, including research, government representation, environmental issues, consumer education and food quality assurance. Ontario’s pork industry generates $2.6 billion in economic output and 13,186 in full-time equivalent jobs. For more information, visit Ontario Pork’s website at www.ontariopork.on.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Manager, Communications and Consumer Marketing


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We’ve installed more than 35 new vending machines across all Monash University campuses that provide healthy drink and snack options for when you’re on the go.
Drinks and snacks in the new vending machines are labelled according to the traffic light system, with green being the best choice, amber an indication to choose carefully and red reminding people to limit their consumption of these foods.
More than half of the vending machine drink and snack options are categorised as green, and we’ve worked with our vending machine partner Vendy to ensure that healthy snacks are competitively priced.
To celebrate the launch of Healthy Vending at Monash, you can win a week’s worth of snacks for you and your colleagues. To enter:
- Take a photo of yourself enjoying a healthy snack on campus
- Upload your photo on Instagram as a public post
- Include the hashtag #monashhealthysnacks
- Tag two friends you would share your snacks with if you won
There are 30 snack bundles up for grabs. Each snack bundle includes 15 snack tokens for you and your friends to use at selected Vendy machines at Monash University, valued at up to $90. The competition closes at 11:59 pm AEST on 11 August 2017, terms and conditions apply.
This competition is open to everyone so share among your friends on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


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Apple has released the iOS 11.2 software update for all devices that are capable of running iOS 11. The software update is the first one ever to be released on a weekend, mostly due to the fact that it has been released to fix the date bug that was causing many iPhones to crash on December 2nd. In addition to the crucial fix to date bug, iOS 11.2 also enables Apple Pay Cash feature, which allows US users to send and receive money through iMessage.
Apple has also added new wallpapers for iPhones from iPhone X’s marketing ads and boxes. These animated wallpapers can now be found on older iPhones too. Other changes in this software release include new explanatory text for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Control Center toggles, an indicator for iPhone X Control Center on lockscreen and a few tweak emoji.
Watch all the changes in action in the video above. Also, if you are not already please subscribe to our Youtube channel for latest Apple videos from our team.


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Frito-Lay develops sense of hummus
its presence in the market for healthier snacks, announcing today a
new US-based joint venture with the Strauss Group.
Both companies will hold an equal share of the venture, which will produce fresh dips and spreads like hummus, salsa and babaganoush under the Strauss Group's existing Sabra label. Frito-Lay has made PepsiCo the world's leading supplier of snack foods, with the latest move highlighting the growing importance of healthier snacking options for manufacturers. Both groups were unable to divulge further details about the deal, which they expect to conclude in early 2008. Frito-Lay spokesperson, Aurora Gonzalez told BakeryandSnacks.com that the joint venture will operate solely within North America. However, she added that the company's increasing drive towards more health-focused brands reflected parent company PepsiCo's global move to expand into new markets for more nutritious snacks and beverages. In an attempt therefore to meet these aims, Frito Lay will combine its own experience in the distribution and manufacture of snacks with Sabra, which it claims is the leading hummus and fresh dips brand in the US. Hummus is a chickpea-based dip and spread originating from the Mediterranean, an area increasingly linked to healthy dieting. Sabra claims that its products are additionally made from healthier oils and are also free of trans fat and cholesterol present in other snacks. The joint-venture will also produce and distribute Sabra's Mediterranean salsa and babaganoush spreads - a product derived from egg-plant. Al Carey, president of Frito Lay North America, said the venture was an important step for Pepsi's company-wide healthier focus. "Sabra is already the leader in hummus, and I anticipate other Sabra fresh dips and spreads to make a similar positive impact on consumers," he stated. According to the Strauss Group, the products are already popular in the North-eastern US and Florida, through its current distribution of independent distributors and its own store-delivery system. Group president Erez Vigodman said that working with Frito-Lay would allow the company to further expand its presence in the country, meeting consumer demands in both the US and Canada for healthier and fresher snacks.


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Logistical company Gently has partnered with New York’s reusable takeout packaging system DeliverZero to introduce a simple and sustainable zero-waste food delivery option in Los Angeles (LA), US.
Gently and DeliverZero will work together to support a network of returnable restaurant takeout containers across the Californian city.
Through this effort, the two companies aim to significantly minimise single-use packaging waste while contributing to a circular economy.
The partnership will introduce a simple mechanism for consumers to return their used food containers to participating restaurants.
DeliverZero CEO and co-founder Lauren Sweeney said: “Access to systemic solutions to food delivery waste problem are simply not available, but most of us are craving it.
“The biggest argument against reuse is that it’s too complicated and costly. With the right logistics – affordable, fast, and consistent – reuse works.”
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Some LA-based restaurants such as Lazy Daisy and Planta, have already begun providing their customers with the option to choose DeliverZero’s reusable food containers when placing online orders.
Consumers can choose this reusable container option while ordering directly from the restaurant itself, as well as via other third-party delivery services.
Customers will receive a text from DeliverZero to pick up their used containers post-delivery.
Customers are required to wash their reusable containers before returning them to the restaurant for eventual reuse.
Gently is responsible for providing the logistical technology, vehicles, drivers, and nano fulfilment network throughout the process.
The company also allows its associated brands and retailers to fulfil same-day pickup and delivery standards across major US cities.
Gently co-founder Elian Pres-Gurwits said: “Our goal is to provide DeliverZero with the logistics capabilities and transportation infrastructure to significantly reduce restaurant takeout waste in the LA area.
“Gently same-day delivery and pickup can be used across a variety of consumer and enterprise verticals including retail, food and DTC [direct-to-consumer]. Our network of nano fulfilment centres placed throughout greater Los Angeles will enable the DeliverZero vision to transform the food delivery industry.”


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Public cloud growth leaders
While Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to dominate the public cloud IaaS market, its rivals continue to expand in the space and even collaborate to take market share. Microsoft and Oracle added a new data center interconnection in Amsterdam, deepening the ties between the vendors as they enable customers to run Oracle workloads on Azure and integrate workloads between the vendors’ clouds. TBR believes Microsoft and Oracle will continue to improve their competitive position against AWS as more data center interconnections are added. In addition, TBR expects Alibaba will become a growing threat to AWS and other U.S.-based vendors as it builds out data centers in APAC and EMEA.
Public cloud remains the largest and fastest growing segment of the cloud market. Changes in customer acceptance, data integrations and innovation have combined to sustain the rapid growth of public cloud adoption. The Public Cloud Benchmark details how hybrid deployments, new use cases for enterprise apps, and trends in emerging technology will make public cloud even more relevant in the future.


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The alcoholic drinks industry is going to have to adapt, as Qatar – a small conservative Islamic Arab emirate – will become the epicentre of the global sports community, as it is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha. This brings challenges for drinkers keen to imbibe, as at present access to alcoholic beverages is restricted to non-Muslims, whether tourists or local expatriates, according to local law.
Regarding the off-trade, Qatari law stipulates that only liquor license holders that meet a certain income threshold are permitted to purchase alcoholic drinks, and even so, identification upon purchasing is required, as selling to Qatari Muslims is forbidden. Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, owned by the Qatari government, is the only permitted importer and seller of alcoholic drinks. Regarding the on-trade, beverages are only consumed in a select few bars and some restaurants within hotels.
However, alcohol consumption is anticipated to grow as inbound tourist arrivals to Qatar will inevitably be accompanied by an increase in both off-trade and on-trade retail sales, as many flock to the Gulf emirate. Sales via e-commerce will be facilitated, as QDC has successfully launched its own website to ease purchasing. Looking at a slightly more liberal drinks market in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates, per capita consumption is nearly 50% higher than that of Qatar. This is unlike more conservative GCC markets such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, where no legal alcohol consumption occurs outside of diplomatic compounds.
Inbound arrivals for FIFA World Cup 2022 act as a catalyst for alcoholic drinks growth in QatarSource: Euromonitor International
Across the region, Qatar is expected to rank third highest for percentage growth in inbound arrivals in 2022. The emirate is expected to see an estimated influx of 1.4 million people. These arrivals will not only boost both regional and country consumption of alcoholic drinks in the retail segment, but will also positively impact the consumer foodservice industry, with estimated 4.7% growth between 2021 and 2022, as consumers dine in chained restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice establishments. Qatar will consequently lead total volume growth in million litres regionally, with the strongest growth seen from its largest category, beer, which dominates with 75% of retail volumes. At present, the consumption of alcoholic drinks on-trade is limited, with the options available for consumers heavily restricted to sports bars and restaurants within 4- and 5-star hotels, airport lounges, as well as the emirate’s airline, Qatar Airways.
How will the Qatar World Cup affect alcoholic drinks globally?
The uniqueness of the 2022 FIFA World Cup means that it is the first to ever take place in the Middle East – with previous competitions held in Europe or Latin America. The spectacle might not radically change the alcoholic drinks landscape in Qatar, but it does have the potential to boost sales of alcoholic drinks globally at a time of severe macroeconomic headwinds.
The event will also coincide with advertising opportunities for Budweiser, The Coca-Cola Company and McDonalds, which are the main food and beverage partners of the World Cup. MENA has hosted sporting events in the past, with others upcoming, such as the World Heavyweight Boxing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The region is hence increasing its role as a host of global sport. Ultimately, what matters most for Qatar is to leave consumers reminiscing – as sport brings with it the creation of memories (as well as drinking opportunities). Hayya Hayya (Better Together), the official FIFA Qatar soundtrack, signifies the desire to cater for consumers arriving from all corners of the world – where the majority will expect alcohol – while also upholding sacred laws. Only Qatar itself will know how best to strike this balance.
For further insight to the Alcoholic Drinks industry, click here.


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Wal-Mart cuts 700 HQ jobs
February 11, 2009-- Home Textiles Today,
Bentonville, Ark. – Merchandising, marketing, real estate and support jobs here will be cut – between 700 and 800 here received their pink slips yesterday, as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. made reductions it said fit its strategic goals.
Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar told HTT that the company was at the same time planning to increase the head count in the New York apparel and fashion office. Tovar said the retailer will shift more of “the buying and planning function from Bentonville to New York.”
Linda Heffner remains as evp home. Tovar noted that the positions eliminated range from buyer up through most levels, but not into the vice president level. Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. corporate staff each took their share of position cuts.
Tovar emphasized that Wal-Mart still will hire new employees “in the tens of thousands” during 2009 – the company added 33,800 jobs in the U.S. last year – and plans to open 125 to 140 new stores in the U.S., mainly supercenters. “Our store and club growth plans are still the same,” he told HTT.
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New homes for Indo Count, Trident


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In this podcast, 2023 GenNext Award and Andy Jump Educational Award winner Kate Kowalzik talks about the importance of storytelling. The director of brand strategy and creative at Landover, Md.-based Giant Food gets to “geek out” on the company's new brand campaign. Featuring real shoppers, the 2024 hyper-local campaign focuses on the grocer's role as the heartbeat of the DMV community.
In addition to connecting to local shoppers, Kate explains Giant Food's strategy in cultivating local partnerships. For instance, the grocer is now featuring Ben’s Chili Bowl and Ledo Pizza in its stores – two iconic brands in the DMV region.
Switching gears, Kate also shares insights in how industry leaders can help foster collaboration across teams. Her top three action items include:
- Active listening;
- Removing “why” from vocabulary; and
Plus, Kate touches on the current grocery culture. It’s no doubt a stressful time with ongoing inflation, a competitive market and dynamic shifts in shopping. With associate burnout a real possibility, Ahold Delhaize-owned Giant Food is leaning into a culture of care. Tune in to find out why all food retailers should allow “room for grace.”


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HAS there ever been a better time to be involved in the sheep and wool industry?
The answer would be no if you look at the record breaking results in both sheep and wool sales last week.
On the sheep side of the equation a new benchmark for commercial ewe prices in WA was set when agents hosted a number of flock dispersals in clearing sales in the eastern Wheatbelt.
Prices hit unprecedented levels when they went beyond the $300 mark at Carlo and Jenny Varone’s flock dispersal at Little Italy via Hyden.
In the Varone family’s sale, conducted by Westcoast Wool & Livestock, prices topped at $310, setting a new State record price for commercial ewes.
The price easily broke the previous State record price for commercial ewes of $239 which was set in October last year at the Landmark Corrigin/Wickepin State Premier Ewe and Wether Lamb Sale.
The record-breaking line of 719 white tag, rising two-year-old, September shorn Merino ewes, which had been running with Poll Merino rams, was purchased by the Ledwith, Varone and Hunter families in partnership.
But it wasn’t only the top-priced line which bettered the previous record.
The entire offering of 4486 ewes and ewe lambs in the sale averaged $257, while the overall sale gross, including rams, totalled more than $1.17 million.
Westcoast Wool & Livestock sheep manager Lincon Gangell said the prices achieved in the sale were well and truly above presale expectations.
“Before the sale we were hoping if we achieved $220-$230 on the younger ewes we would be doing well, so to sell all the lines at record levels is unbelievable,” Mr Gangell said.
“The prices are certainly a good sign for the Merino industry and shows the confidence producers have in Merinos on the back of the strong wool and sheep markets of the past couple of years.”
There were also some strong prices recorded for the Kerse family’s flock dispersal which formed part of the family’s clearing sale conducted by Elders at Bruce Rock last week.
In this sale a draft of rising 2yo, February shorn ewes, which had been running with Merino rams, topped at $224.
Wool prices also set new records last week at the Western Wool Centre (WWC) live auctions with some of the best prices recorded in six months.
Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) price guides for 21 and 22 micron fleece on Wednesday set the first records at the WWC since a meteoric price run ended last September.
Price guide records of 2363 cents per kilogram clean for 21 micron fleece and 2333c/kg for 22 micron fleece broke the previous records set back in August for those micron guides by 6c and 69c respectively.
Before Wednesday last week AWEX’s regional market summary west had last listed a price for 22 micron fleece at the WWC on November 21 and it was 2081c/kg back then.
Following the lead from a strong market at the Melbourne wool selling centre trading on its own the day before, and on the back of speculation China might ban wool trade with South Africa over Foot and Mouth disease concerns, the WWC market surged on Wednesday.
Prices across the micron spectrum jumped between 73c and 89c with the Western Indicator (WMI) adding 72c to 2202c/kg and closing to within 77c of its all-time high.
But wool prices did generally ease across the board at the WWC on the Thursday with the WMI finishing at 2161c/kg, while the Eastern Indicator for the week finished at 2027c.
At these levels AWEX quoted a 19 micron, 67pc yield 185kg bale of wool was worth $2837 last week, while a bale of 21 micron wool was worth $2789.


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Free food as China TV expose puts retailers on guardSelling Frenzy In China As Gov’t Slams Housing Bubble With Tax HikeAudi’s smallest sedan heads to U.S. and China in early 2014China Says Willing to Discuss Cyber Security with the U.S.
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VIDEO: McDonald’s Closes Crimea Locations
The fast food chain didn't specifically cite Russia's recent annexation of the region as the motive behind the closings.
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The highly anticipated action RPG from Cygames, and one that we’ve been looking forward to, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, has gone gold. The game’s director, Yasuyuki Kaji, revealed this news via Famitsu. For those not in the know, when a game goes gold, it means that, for all purposes, the game is completed. Outside of patches for bugs, the game is on its way to being pressed and sent to digital storefronts.
Thanks to you, we have finally completed “Granblue Fantasy Relink“, which we have been developing for a long time! We want as many users as possible to play the game. And then we are starting something new. I would like to enjoy the release of my first title and the start of a new title with all my might! – Yasuyuki Kaji
Given its ups and downs, it’s hard to believe that the game is almost here, such as changing developers’ hands. Initially announced in 2016, Grablue Fantasy: Relink was being developed by PlatinumGames, but then, in 2019, the contract between the two companies ended. This caused the game to be developed by Cygames’s internal team. Then, in 2022, when the game was initially supposed to be released, it suffered a delay, pushing it to 2023. Then another delay occurred, forcing Cygames to reveal that Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s new release date would be February 1, 2024, as revealed during Gamescom 2023.
Since then, we’ve been able to play Granblue Fantasy: Relink during PAX West 2023, which you can see here. During a Granblue Fantasy: Relink showcase, it was revealed that the game would be receiving a demo in January 2024; several previously unseen Granblue Fantasy: Relink bosses were shown, and we got a teaser for Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s theme song. For those who play the demo, your progress will be transferred to the full game, and you’ll also receive some rewards.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink, as mentioned, is an action RPG that can be played solo, or you and three others can play together throughout all of the quests via an online coop mode. The game will also feature a standard assist mode so that attacks and combos can be performed by pressing a single button (similar to Street Fighter 6’s modern control type), allowing anyone to jump in and not burden themselves with worrying about complicated attacks.
The Granblue Fantasy: Relink release date is February 1, 2023, for the PS4, PS5, and PC. It’s also interesting that this is a day before the release date of another anticipated RPG, Persona 3: Reload, and during the same month as Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth.


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With CES right around the corner, it is about time we got a hot new rumor that could be Sprint's big announcement. A new rumor has cropped up that says Intel and Samsung could be releasing a new Atom based smartphone and it currently looks like Sprint might be the carrier of choice, according to Android and Me.
It has been speculated that Intel has desired to break into the mobile phone segment for some time and if this holds true, it looks like 2012 might be the year that it finally happens. There is a bit of substance behind this rumor with PCworld stating that Intel had Android up and running on its Medfield processors not long after the source code was released.
Intel has also been fighting the fact that ARM processors are typically viewed as being superior for this type of application which AllthingsD cites Intel CEO Paul Otellini refuting that notion by saying that Medfield processors handily beat the competition.
The idea of an Intel based smartphone running Google's latest OS is certainly plausible. Intel has the ability to create the chips needed to power Android but the all important question will be how is the battery performance?. If Intel's claims hold true that it's performance bests that of ARM chips in smartphones and it can produce exceptional battery life, it could be a fierce competitor in the market.
Neowin will be at Sprint's event which occurs on January 10 in Las Vegas.


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One in four teens believe they could go a month or more without using a computer
Nomophobia. Smartphone addiction. Texting thumb. Over the past decade, a slew of new phrases have been created in order to make sense of society’s ever-growing dependence on cellular technology. These terms are used in abundance specifically in reference to teenagers who, as recent reports show, start receiving their own cellphones before they can drive.
To better understand just how attached teenagers are to their technological devices, YouGov surveyed a group of individuals between the ages of 13-17 on their tech-related habits.Over a third of American teens reported that they didn’t think they could last even a day without their smartphone (38%). The large majority, 71%, felt that they wouldn’t be able to go without their smartphone for even a week.
Sixteen year olds were particularly unwilling to part with their phones for any length of time—over half (53%) agree they couldn’t go a day without using their smartphone.
Perhaps due to the ever-growing range of capabilities that cellular devices possess, teenagers are less dependent on their computers. As far as functioning without a laptop or desktop, one in four teens, 25%, believe that they would be capable of not using one for a month or more.


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Companies that operate in countries other than their own have to adhere to the laws of the respective nation. When a violation occurs, certain businesses may be prohibited from making sales abroad.
Nokia - the world's largest maker of cell phones in terms of volume - recently lost a court bid in the UK. The legal body ruled that the business could not invalidate a European patent that Germany's IPCom GmbH & Co. claimed was vital to the phone company's handset sales, Bloomberg reported.
"As far as we know, this is the first time that an essential telecoms 3G patent was ever upheld and judged infringed in the UK, a jurisdiction well-known for being very demanding for patent holders," Bernhard Frohwitter, IPCom’s managing director, said in a statement to Bloomberg.
The "268" patent that was being contested covers the prioritization of emergency and security services that are on mobile networks, CNET reported.
IPCom lost the initial lawsuit in 2010, but then applied to the court to allow the previous patent to be amended. The legal body let the company specify the contested licensing document and then reversed the ruling, according to the news source.


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Naples, FL, October 11, 2018 --(PR.com
)-- Cape Town based, Platform Infinity is proud to present the first-ever Mediterranean Gaming Expo (MGE 2019), to be held at the Grand Pasha Hotel & Casino, Kyrenia, North Cyprus from 13 – 14 March 2019. The two-day international expo, co-hosted by Ruby Technology, is the most comprehensive platform offering an extensive exhibition floor for the gaming industry interested to explore the many opportunities the region has to offer.
In recent years, Northern Cyprus has become a famous tourist destination, due to the popularity and growth in the entertainment industry, where gaming and casinos have become an integral part of the attractions.
The two-day event is focused on the investment opportunities and to tackle problems faced by the gaming operators and suppliers. Presentations will discuss investment opportunities in land based, sports betting and online gaming, highlighting the gaming trends that will dominate the future in the gaming industry and discuss the current gaming market. The event will see participation from dozens of the Mediterranean gaming and betting industry as well as international experts and operators.
With more time to promote your brand, now is the best time to sponsor and exhibit at the Mediterranean Gaming Expo 2019.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Are you interested in exhibiting at or sponsoring the Mediterranean Gaming Expo? View the Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus to discover opportunities to showcase your organisation’s products and expertise in gaming industry technologies, services, and solutions to an expected 300 attendees.
Become a sponsor to:
· Elevate your company’s visibility to a targeted audience
· Take advantage of a high profile and impactful sponsorship opportunity
· Stand out from your competitors
· Grow lead generation opportunities
· Highlight new products and services
· Tap into new customers
· Capitalise on the bustling show floor with exhibit space at the Grand Pasha Hotel & Casino
Platform Infinity Connecting the World with Infinite Possibilities.
Platform Infinity focus on developing tangible solutions through discussions and presentations from industry specialist. From keynote speakers to international experts and government representatives, we ensure all perspectives are covered.
We believe in building relationships with notable experts, leaders and peak bodies. It’s these relationships that are key to bringing people together at our conferences, masterclasses, summits, workshops and awards ceremonies. In today’s fast-moving online environment, we believe it is even more important to bring people face to face to discuss and debate, kindly visit - https://www.platform-infinity.com
The Mediterranean Gaming Expo (MGE 2019), is scheduled to take place on the 13 – 14 March 2019 at Grand Pasha Hotel & Casino, Kyrenia, North Cyprus.
Platform Infinity Limited
P.O. Box 25, Strand, 7139,
Western Cape, South Africa
Mobile: +2710 500 9849 / +2782 907 5850


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Company Launching Utah To Colorado Glass-Domed Train Rides In Aug
A long-running Canadian train service is expanding into the United States this year, and is offering packages that will allow riders to travel from Utah to Colorado for an unbelievable site seeing experience.
Rocky Mountaineer has been operating in Canada for more than 30 years. The service has been providing trips from Vancouver to destination spots like Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta.
The company will soon be offering its first ever route in the U.S. "Rockies To Red Rocks," will offer packages including two-day trips with stay overs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Denver and Salt Lake City. Travelers will get to pass through several popular destinations such as Canyonlands National Park, Moab and Arches National Park.
Those wishing to purchase early tickets need to first pay a $25, refundable deposit. Tickets start at $1,200, and more packages are being developed by the company. The Rocky Mountaineer is scheduled to begin its Utah to Colorado services in August of this year.
Forty departures are currently planned between August 15 and October 23. The service promises its passengers "iconic destinations" and "incredible scenery." For fans of the railroad, it doesn't get much better than this.
Trains depart out of Salt Lake City, located just 200 miles southeast of Twin Falls. The train will then travel down through southern Utah, before crossing over into Colorado, en route to Denver. Those who wish to contact Rocky Mountaineer with questions, can call 877-460-3200.


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This article is more than 1 year old
Google Android just five weeks away?
T-Mobile asks $399, Google demands your soul
This week, another unnamed source told TmoNews - a T-Mobile obsessed blog - that the American wireless carrier will offer up the first Android phone for pre-sale on 17 September.
But this "trusted source" says that T-Mobile's Android - manufactured by Taiwan-based outfit HTC - will retail at a hefty $399. TmoNews calls the phone "the G1" - "codename or real name, we're not sure" - but it would appear this is the so-called HTC Dream that recently popped up on YouTube.
The G1 pre-sale will last for one week, the blog says, and during that time, the phone will be available only to existing T-Mobile customers. And it seems those existing customers can grab one for $250 below the retail price. "Other customers interested in the G1 may have to wait until beginning/mid October before a national public launch," TmoNews continues.
The blog goes on to say that the G1 will include a 5 x 3in touchscreen, a slide-out Qwerty keyboard (as seen in that blurred YouTube video), and a three-megapixel camera.
Our favorite bit: TmoNews says that you won't be able to use the G1 without a Google Gmail account. We plan to boycott the phone for that reason alone. ®


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Nordea Bank AB (publ) and Swedbank AB (publ) said they are not under investigation for possible money laundering in the Baltics amid a decline in their share price following reports that dirty money transactions in the region could be larger than previously expected.
A Nordea spokeswoman told Reuters that the bank has good relations and is in constant communication with authorities, a statement echoed by Swedbank. Birgitte Bonnesen, Swedbank's CEO, said the lender's nonresident customers make up only 1.5% of its total Baltic clients.
Shares in Nordic banks with significant Baltic operations fell Oct. 4 shortly after the Estonian central bank revealed that the country's lenders handled up to €900 billion in cross-border flows from 2008 to 2015.
The regulator clarified that the figure is an aggregate of cross-border payments received and paid from Estonia, including import and export by local companies and routine financial transactions.


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After over a year of its original announcement, Amazon is today launching its startup program, Launchpad, in India. The platform fundamentally aims to assist new companies in reducing the effort for promoting, marketing, and selling their products globally. The portal is live right now showcasing over 400 startups, 25 of which are based in India.
Amazon Launchpad, which was first launched back in mid-2015, is a medium and catalyst for providing startups with a global e-commerce platform to foster their brand’s reach. Launchpad has already served over 1,200 companies worldwide and accommodated over 4,000 products to sell. Several startups, subsequently, have even used this as a primary channel for delivering their goods and have indeed, harvested success such as Sphero and Eero.
Currently, some notable Indian names on Launchpad include Witworks that recently unveiled its affordable smartwatch lineup, Smartron who develops notebooks as well as smartphones, GOQii who is known for its fitness products, and much more. You can take a look at the rest of the offerings by heading over to Amazon.
Furthermore, Amazon has also partnered with Nasscom, Government of Maharashtra, Indian Angels network and various other venture capitalists for helping startups resolve the financial and policy hurdles associated with it. The e-commerce giant expects to see more startups to come aboard and market their products through Launchpad.
Amazon Launchpad is definitely one of the most transparent and accessible platforms for startups to deliver their goods. And given the recent boost that the Indian startup sector has sustained, the availability of Launchpad in the country couldn’t be more appropriate. If you’re someone looking to register for Amazon Launchpad, you can head over to this link and fill up the signup form.


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Transcript for Facebook Unveils New Video App
Save everybody today's tech bytes of FaceBook unveiling a new video app called riff. It allows groups of friends to shoot short videos on our particular theme. And then edit them together race is available for IOS and android devices. Later in the market weight lower price laptop or tablet. Now might be good sound by Google has just announced this least expensive chrome book restarted just a 150 bucks. And Microsoft has announced the lower price to surface three tablet starting at 500 dollars. And finally several companies went all out this year for April Fool's Day. It Netflix got in on that they posted a series of public. Thus there is a public service announcement on the site warning of the dangers of binge watching also Honda. There's my favorite announced they sell a car comes equipped with a ten separate cameras so you never. This is a job well done on the chase drivers will probably be lining up for Al hundredth busier tech site.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.


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Bill Gates has announced the release of Microsoft's latest platform for mobiles, pdas and portable devices. Windows Mobile 5.0 is the next stage in Microsoft's mobile plan and promises to provide more flexibility to customize devices; productivity enhancements that include updated Microsoft Office software and persistent memory storage for more efficient data management; and a multimedia experience with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and support for hard drives.
"In the past five years, there's been a profound shift in the kind of data and services people access on their mobile devices -- from multimedia to business applications," Gates said. "Windows Mobile 5.0 enables our industry partners to develop exciting new hardware designs and solutions that will revolutionize how customers use mobile devices."
Microsoft is hoping that enhancements in Windows Mobile 5.0 will provide device-makers and mobile operators with more options to differentiate themselves from competitors and ultimately provide end users with a wider range of converged devices.
In addition it will bring some welcome updates, including support for mini hard drives, persistent memory storage and support for a typewriter-style (QWERTY…) keyboard.
Windows Mobile 5.0 will offer network support for higher-bandwidth 3G networks, Wi-Fi for the Smartphone platform and improvements to existing Bluetooth support.
The release also includes Microsoft Office software for Windows Mobile. Users will be able to view and create charts in Excel Mobile, and edit documents with graphics using Word Mobile while maintaining document formatting with files created on a PC. A new PowerPoint Mobile application has been included for Pocket PC, giving road warriors the ability to view and rehearse presentations.
Multimedia fans will hopefully be won over by the Windows Media Player 10 Mobile included in the box and the updated player also enables synchronization of users' playlists, album art and song ratings.


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Benefits of the V-type on tour
In order to give potential customers real insight into the benefits of the Demag V-type crane MHE-Demag has created a mobile version so it can be taken to the user. A scaled-down but fully functional mobile Demag V-type crane will be taken to key cities on a roadshow.
MHE-Demag Australia managing director Vince Di Costanzo says, “We are using this vehicle to approach the Australian market in what is a totally new way for the equipment manufacturing industry. Engineering and heavy machinery companies typically face challenges in showing their potential customers the actual products before manufacturing takes place. Customers often have to finalise their buying decision based on engineering drawings or 3-dimensional images. Alternatively, customers are made to travel to the manufacturers’ premises or project sites to see the ‘real thing’.
“To overcome this, we are taking our new crane to our clients, given them the opportunity to experience it in action.”
The mobile V-type has already made its way around WA (north to Geraldton) to Adelaide, to Melbourne and Tasmania.
“Our focus is on delivering innovation not only via our product range, but also in the ways we interact with our clients. We are sure that this approach will help our clients to understand our product better and ultimately give us a competitive edge,” says Di Costanzo.
The Demag V-type crane is 17 % lighter than an average conventional box-section profile girder which increases flexibility when designing factories and other buildings. It also has improved reliability so the V-type has an extended service life.
“As one of the leading manufacturers of cranes and hoists in Australia, we are extremely excited to be the only crane manufacturer who is capable of exclusively offering such advanced technology in Australia,” says Di Costanzo.
“The new Demag V-type cranes represents nothing less than a revolution in the Australian crane market. It introduces a number of new features that offer greater levels of precision in handling, enabling sensitive loads to be positioned more accurately, and operators to work faster and smarter. The result is greater levels of efficiency for our customers’ businesses.”
MHE-Demag had identified a number of key markets who will benefit from this new crane, including manufacturers, steel fabricators, ship builders, utilities and resources companies.
“Virtually every sector is facing renewed levels of competition, says Di Costanzo. “To maintain their competitiveness, they need optimum efficiency throughout material flow processes. With the launch of the new Demag V-type crane, MHE-Demag is set to help our customers achieve improved productivity while reducing their overall costs.”
The first V-Type Cranes in Australia have been installed at steel fabricator Lighthouse Engineering’s new facility in Perth.


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This report almost writes itself. The market forces that have driven recreational, secondary, and rural markets have remained unchanged through the pandemic. The desire for space in settings safer than dense urban centers coupled with the ability to work remotely have made these marketplaces a magnet for buyers. Historically low-interest rates have also contributed. The combined effect of all these factors has resulted in a dramatic increase in demand, average prices, and a decline in available inventory.
For all waterfront sales across the region, the median sale price increased by a stunning 67 percent on a year-over-year basis. The average sale price for waterfront properties in the region is now $850,000. This is an eye-popping number, particularly given the broad range of property values throughout the various sub-markets region. Here are some examples of what has happened to sales and prices in the region.
Waterfront property sales in the Haliburton area more than doubled compared to the same period in 2020. These sales results represent a new record for the region. Months of inventory declined to 0.8 months (this is less than Toronto, which has had a chronically low inventory count) from an unbelievable 10.9 months last year. Correspondingly the average sale price exceeded $800,000, an increase of more
than 50 percent year-over-year, also a new record.
Similarly, in Lake of Bays sales more than doubled over the same period compared to last year, again a record. Months of inventory declined from 26 months to 3.6 months. Properties spent only 12 days on market, and the median sale price came in at $1,027,000, a 14.2 percent increase on a year-over-year basis.
The following charts (April data) detailing sales activity and days on market visually indicate how the Muskoka and region market has been changed by the prevailing market forces.
It is interesting to look at average sale prices on Muskoka’s three big lakes, Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph. Unlike the other markets in the region, average sale prices have actually declined in the first four months of 2021. This is counterintuitive, given that the same economic factors are at play in the region. What has happened is that these economic factors have brought many buyers to the region seeking to purchase properties at lower price points and sellers have placed their properties on the market to be sold at exceptional prices. There has been no shortage of very high-priced sales, however, the plethora of “lower-priced” sales ($1,500,000 to $2,500,000) has brought the average sale price down dramatically, as the chart below clearly indicates.
More than 60 percent of recorded sales were in the $1 Million to $3 Million range. The big lakes are still the region’s most expensive market with 21 percent of all recorded sales for 2021 (38 properties) coming in at over $4,000,000.
Chestnut Park’s realtors have not only adapted to the new market landscape but have dominated it. During the first four months of 2021, our realtors have been responsible for 91 sales representing more than $143,000,000 in dollar volume. In 2019 over the same period (comparisons to the same period for 2020, for obvious reasons, are meaningless) we participated in 33 sales totaling more than $38,000,000 in dollar volume. Comparing 2019 to 2021 Chestnut Park’s sales increased by more than 175 percent and our dollar volume by more than 276 percent.
Looking forward, we see market activity leveling in the Muskoka and region marketplace with, of course, sub-market differences. This is due to a number of factors. Firstly, as this report indicates, prices have reached unprecedented record levels, precluding some buyers, even with “city” money from engaging in the market. Secondly, the urgency for space and sanctuary driven by the pandemic has to some extent abated, due to people feeling safer as a result of the rollout of the vaccination program in Ontario, and thirdly, more inventory coming to market.
In May of 2020, 43 waterfront properties came to market. This May, 168 are now available to buyers. Year-to-date (January to May) 582 properties have come to market compared with only 483 last year, an increase of more than 20 percent.
This leveling should not be interpreted as a slowdown or decline in the market. Rather the edges of the frantic pandemic market have been smoothed over, resulting in a still very strong but less frenetic market landscape.


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The past year and start of 2021 have been tough to say the least for businesses due to the constant easing and tightening of lockdowns and tier restrictions.
According to data from the BBC Shared Data Unit, the number of companies going bust doubled in Surrey between March 24 and June 30 of last year – up from 72 in the same period of 2019.
The pandemic has contributed to closures of some of the UK’s biggest high streets names, including Debenhams and Monsoon Accessorize.
Independent businesses in Surrey were also hit hard, but some have closed down for a variety of reasons not just due to pressures brought on by the pandemic.
Below you will find a list of the Surrey shops, banks and pubs among those to close in the past year.
Find out how you can get more news from SurreyLive straight to your inbox HERE.
Belles Bridal, Woking
At the end of March 2020, the bridal shop in Woking said farewell to customers after 35 years of trading.
It was the same story for multiple other businesses in the town due to the Guildford Road redevelopment scheme, which has seen all properties located on 'The Triangle' removed.
The scheme will remove the one-way system in a bid to relieve congestion around the town centre and widen the Victoria Arch.
Managing director Denise Iverson said she felt "very sad" about the closure, but thanked all of her customers for their business over the years.
She said: "I feel very sad because I am very passionate about my job. I love meeting the customer and making their dream wedding dress.
"We knew it was going to happen, but we didn't think it would happen so quickly. I thought it was going to go on for another five years, plus."
Evans Cycles, Woking
Evans Cycles, also in Guildford Road, was another business to shut down along the same strip, affected by the redevelopment.
Ye Olde Fishmarket, Woking
The fish and chip shop was also forced to close its doors. A notice outside the shop in March read: "Dear customers, we regret to inform you that we will cease trading on Saturday (March 21) due to redevelopment by the council.
"We would like to thank you for your valued custom and support over the years. Mike, Mary, and staff."
The independent jewellers has closed its doors for the final time after three decades trading in the Staines.
Managing director and co-owner Edward Ferris said: "It really does hurt. I pretty much started working in that shop when I was 14.
"But I will say the worst part always is the people that work for you. Especially now with the impact of the pandemic, it does weigh very heavily on me that you want everyone to find somewhere else [to work] as soon as possible."
The Norris Road shop, just minutes' walk from the Elmsleigh Centre, is one of three Burrells stores, alongside Winchester and Tunbridge Wells, neither of which are closing.
The speciality of the Staines shop, Edward explained, has been dealing in more unusual jewellery, much of its trade came from young office workers getting engaged.
The Robin Hood pub, Guildford
Pub owner Veru Melca said she was "so sad" to close the doors and called last orders at her Guildford business permanently.
The premises stopped trading at the end of October and for the last four and a half years had been run by her.
Once in the running to be crowned the Guildford in Bloom winner – adorned with hanging baskets full of cascading flowers – the pub now stands empty in Sydenham Road.
Veru, 48, expressed disappointment that her much-loved pub will no longer be serving customers. She said: "I am so sad. With me leaving and to see the pub close, I think it is really anti-community.
Grayshott Spa, near Hindhead
The health spa, located in Headley Road just over the Surrey border, announced it was closing permanently in November because of the impact of the pandemic.
Grayshott Spa had been offering health packages and treatments to customers for more than 50 years.
In a statement on the Grayshott Spa website, Sheila McCann wrote "with a heavy heart" that the closure was "inevitable" due to the uncertainty of future trade.
In January of this year, administrators of Debenhams announced 320 of the company's workers will be affected as it decided to permanently close stores in six places; including the high street Staines branch.
Debenhams also closed in Walton, in The Heart Shopping Mall, in early 2020. Guildford has also lost its Debenhams outlet; the site was put on the market for £20m with developers touting the department store for flats, entertainment and offices.
Baring Private Equity Asia, which has held a stake in the retailer since 2014, bought the online business, brand and wholesale arm from administrators Alvarez & Marsal.
Melinda Paraie, chief executive officer of Cath Kidston, said: "While we are pleased that the future of Cath Kidston has been secured, this is obviously an extremely difficult day as we say goodbye to many colleagues.
"Despite our very best efforts, against the backdrop of COVID-19, we were unable to secure a solvent sale of the business which would have allowed us to avoid administration and carry on trading in our current form.
"I would like to thank all our employees for their hard work, loyalty and patience over the last few weeks as we worked through this process."
Coronavirus threw Monsoon Accessorize's turnaround plan off course, leaving hundreds of employees redundant.
There were 545 staff affected as it closed stores, despite Monsoon's founder Peter Simon buying the business out of administration almost immediately.
Mr Simon said: "Both Monsoon and Accessorize were trading well before the coronavirus pandemic but the business simply could not withstand the financial impact of having to close all its UK, franchise and joint venture stores for almost three months.
"This deal secures the future of both Monsoon and Accessorize and means we can continue to serve our customers online without a pause. In addition, we will now try to save as many of our stores as possible, depending on the outcome of various discussions with landlords."
On January 28, Woking's Peacock Centre also lost its Monsoon and Accessorize store. The stores Monsoon continues to operate are in Epsom, Farnham, Guildford, Reigate and Walton.
Dining chain Carluccio's, founded in 1991, collapsed into administration in March after facing "significant cashflow pressures" on the back of the pandemic.
The restaurant brand's administrators said they planned to furlough the majority of the company's employees while options were assessed.
Geoff Rowley, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: "We are operating in unprecedented times and the issues currently facing the hospitality sector following the onset of COVID-19 are well documented.
"In the absence of being able to continue to trade Carluccio's, in the short term, we are urgently focused on the options available to preserve the future of the business and protect its employees."
In total, all 71 of the chain restaurants and 2,000 jobs were at risk. The Cobham and Woking outlets have closed, but the Walton Carluccio's is still operating.
The news followed the closure of another ASK Italian restaurant in Guildford in 2019, which served up its last pizza on November 2.
The Reigate branch was located in the middle of the town's high street in a Grade-II listed building which was quite worn, according to a local councillor.
An ASK Italian spokesman confirmed the news to SurreyLive, but did not provide a clear reason for the cessation of operation.
At the beginning of 2021 banking giant HSBC said it would be closing 82 branches - and four of them are in Surrey. The closures will be phased throughout the year, bringing the total number of UK branches to 511.
HSBC in Redhill closed on October 24. The reason given was that 82 per cent of customers who used the branch were registered for online banking or telephone banking, and 43 per cent of customers also used other HSBC branches.
Branches closed in Chertsey, Godalming, and Sunbury in 2020 and another is to close in Oxted on February 5 of this year.
The bank provided reasons in each instance for the closure of the outlets, mainly citing a drop in the number of customers attending in person.
Lloyds in Cobham closed on November 3 of last year, with the next closest branch for customers in Old Woking Road, West Byfleet. The banking giant said counters at the Cobham branch were 22 per cent quieter than a year ago.
TSB in Guildford and Woking closed on July 16 and September 25 respectively. In Woking, 86 per cent of customers used another TSB branch or online, mobile or telephone banking, TSB said.
In the latter instance, the reason given was that 99 per cent of customers transacting there already used a variety of ways to complete their banking.
Thirty per cent used an additional Santander branch and 89 per cent had transacted using online, mobile or telephone banking services.
Are you a Surrey business owner who has had to cease trading in the past year? Let us know by contacting firstname.lastname@example.org


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In a bid to safeguard national security and interests, China declared on Monday that it would tighten controls on the export of drones and related equipment. The new regulations, effective from September 1, necessitate that vendors acquire permission before exporting specific drone technologies, including engines, lasers, imaging, communications, radar gear, and anti-drone systems. Some consumer-grade drones also fall under these restrictions.
The announcement further clarified that civilian drones excluded from the regulations are banned from being exported for military use.
The Commerce Ministry said, “China's modest expansion of the scope of drone control this time is an important measure to demonstrate its commitment as a responsible major country to implement global security initiatives and maintain world peace.”
China has expressed consistent opposition to the use of civilian drones for military purposes.
Drones have become a significant factor in modern warfare, and their potential for military use has sparked controversy, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
China has a robust drone manufacturing industry that exports to multiple markets, including the United States. However, this move might have implications on the ongoing war in Ukraine, where both Russia and Ukraine have been known to use drones.
Last week, the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a report alleging that China had shipped more than $12 million worth of drones and drone parts to Russia as of March, based on a third-party analysis of Russian customs data. The report did not clarify if these shipments were used in the battlefield but noted the shipment of “dual-use” goods.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry disputed these allegations, insisting that their cooperation with Moscow “does not target any third party.” Furthermore, in April, the Commerce Ministry denied allegations of China providing military support to Russia through drone exports. They branded such media reports as “deliberate smears.”
Amid these controversies, certain Chinese civilian Drone Companies have taken a stand by suspending their operations in conflict areas since the crisis in Ukraine began. They echoed China's restrictions on drones from being used for non-peaceful purposes.
Despite its claims of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China has continued to support Moscow economically and diplomatically. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns in June about Chinese firms possibly supplying technology to Russia that could “advance its aggression in Ukraine.”
The recent controls come amid escalating trade restrictions between the United States and China concerning high-tech products. Notably, China has been implementing export controls covering drones over the past two decades, according to Henry Gao, a professor of law at Singapore Management University. These new restrictions could escalate tensions between the two Countries and potentially hamper business operations.
The world's leading drone manufacturer, Shenzhen-based DJI, sells more than 50% of its drones in the US. Despite this, DJI and other Chinese companies face mounting restrictions from the US, including bans on buying advanced chips and chip-making equipment. In response, China imposed export controls on two elements essential for manufacturing semiconductors last month.
China reportedly maintains that its new export control measures are not targeted at any specific country. In a recent statement, DJI assured that it never designed or marketed equipment for military purposes and pledged to actively cooperate with the new export control policy.
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Happy hour not over for Alberta's craft beer boom
The industry continues making strides, but trade barriers remain a hurdle
When Mike Tymchuk broke into Alberta's craft beer business more than two decades ago, not everyone in the province was taken with the nascent industry — and some weren't polite in saying so.
"I remember reference to: 'Oh, crap beer? Yeah, I've tried that before,'" said Tymchuk, who co-founded Calgary's Wild Rose Brewery in 1996.
Such skepticism aside, the craft beer movement was already on its way, he said.
Though it may have taken some time, the number of craft breweries in the province has exploded, and the sector no longer struggles as hard for the respect of beer drinkers, or even its larger peers.
Today, shareholders in Wild Rose, a staple of the Alberta scene, will vote on whether to accept a takeover bid from Sleeman Breweries, Canada's third-largest brewing company.
Sleeman is owned by Japanese beer giant Sapporo.
If approved, Wild Rose will follow in the footsteps of other Canadian craft breweries snapped up in recent years by larger beverage companies, such as Labatt and Molson.
It will, however, be a first for Alberta's craft beer industry — and it's something Tymchuk supports.
"I'm just really thrilled that my friends that I talked into helping support the effort in the early days are finally going to get a return on their investment," said Tymchuk, who parted ways with Wild Rose in 2010 and lives in Cumberland, B.C.
Sleeman's bid may also demonstrate the potential others see in Alberta.
"I think that Sleeman sees, or Sapporo sees, quite a bit of opportunity here," Alberta beer writer and consultant Don Tse said in a recent interview.
"No business acquires another business without thinking they can grow it or make it more profitable."
Certainly, the growth in the province's craft beer sector has been significant.
As of this week, there are 115 licensed breweries, both large and small, in Alberta, with another 13 pending.
Before Alberta lifted its minimum production guidelines in 2013 — making it easier for smaller players to enter the market — there were fewer than a dozen.
Mike McNeil, executive director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association, said consumer demand is driving the growth, aided in part by the increased interest people have in the ingredients that go into food.
"I think that naturally favours craft beer," he said.
Where McNeil sees challenges is in how Alberta still has the only privatized liquor store model in the country.
"Anybody across Canada, or even outside Canada, can sell their beer in Alberta if a liquor store decides to order it," he said.
"But if you look at other provinces, they have a government-run liquor model. And so they can be very preferential when it comes to what types of craft beer, or beer, they carry in general.
McNeil says this means other provinces are more likely to carry products grown in their own backyards.
The process of getting listed in those provinces is so arduous, he said, it really isn't economical for Alberta brewers to pursue. McNeil hopes to work with Alberta's new United Conservative Party government to lower barriers between provinces.
For ages now, people have been [saying], 'Oh there's a bubble;it's a bubble.'- Peter Johnston-Berresford, Olds College
In an e-mailed statement to CBC News, Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews said he wants to work with small brewers and distillers to learn about their challenges accessing other markets.
The former NDP government also fought barriers between provinces, and launched a trade challenge against Ontario over policies that it, and the industry, argue discriminate against Alberta's small brewers.
It also created a small-brewers grant program, but a national internal trade panel ruled last year it put beer producers from other provinces at a disadvantage.
But trade hurdles aren't the only challenges people see for the sector. All that growth may bring its own headaches.
Tymchuk, who sits on the board of Cumberland Brewing Co. and still does consulting work in Alberta, believes there's limited space on the province's shelves for all the beer that Alberta breweries can produce.
"There are some big operations in Calgary that don't appear to have obvious sales outlets for their liquid," he said.
Tymchuk's advice to operators is to open a taproom model, as Wild Rose did, which brings consumers right to the brewery door.
"I worry about some of these big ones," he said. "I think there's going to be some corrections on the landscape."
He expects smaller operations with less overhead to do fine.
Peter Johnston-Berresford, an instructor in brewery operations and management at Olds College in Olds, Alta., about 100 kilometres north of Calgary, also sees a lot of opportunity for smaller craft breweries, particularly those outside major centres.
"For ages now, people have been [saying], 'Oh there's a bubble; it's a bubble,' [and] 'When are breweries going to start going bankrupt? Because they can't all survive,'" he said.
"I think there's probably some element of truth to that. But ... I think if everybody was just chucking breweries into Alberta's two major cities, that would be more of an issue. But that's not what's happening."
Instead, Johnston-Berresford said breweries are setting up outside of major metropolitan centres, and they're carving out their own niche, including in rural Alberta.
"I think that's where the perpetuation of growth will continue," he said. "Whether Calgary in particular can support another 100 breweries is highly debatable, I would say."


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Dec 17, 2012 (All Things Considered) — Robert Siegel and Melissa Block talk about Google's launch of a new type of mobile ad that aims to combat the "fat finger" problem. As the smartphone market grows, mobile ads have become more important to the tech giant, which makes most of its revenue through advertising.
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Iconic luxury British sports car manufacturer Aston Martin has announced a nine-year high in sales for its cars, driven by rising demand in North America, the UK and China.
The luxury maker of handcrafted sports cars, based in, has posted that its full year sales have risen to 5,117 units in the last year.
The firm, which has seen sell-out demand for its DB11 model and special vehicles including the Vanquish Zagato and Aston Martin Vantage GT8, has seen a 58% year-on-year increase, with adjusted EBITDA of at least £180 million on revenues of more than £840 million.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We continue to perform ahead of expectations, both in terms of financial performance and in meeting our targets for the DB11 and special vehicles. This strong sales performance shows that our Second Century transformation plan is building momentum.
“Phase Two of the programme will be largely completed in 2018 with the introduction of the Vanquish replacement and production of the new Vantage, contributing to continued sustainable profitability at Aston Martin.”
The company has resumed output of special vehicles, notably the DB4GT Continuation, at its Newport Pagnell facility for the first time since 2007. And construction work is continuing at the new St Athan facility in Wales, due for completion in 2019, ahead of production of the new DBX SUV.


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A popular fast-food brand said Tuesday it would extend the number of halal only restaurants in its chain in France, after a controversial pilot project in February proved a success.
Some politicians reacted angrily to Quick's announcement earlier this year of its first halal-only branches, saying the chain had deprived non-Muslims of a right to standard burgers and promoted social divisions.
But the Belgian chain said Tuesday it would switch 14 more of its French branches to serve only halal meat, certified as slaughtered in accordance with Islamic practices, bringing the total in France to 22 of its restaurants.
"In view of the results of the experiment in February, we have decided to keep the halal service in the eight test restaurants and to extend it ... from September 1," said Quick chief executive Jacques-Edouard Charret. [AFP] Read more [via Islam in Europe]


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Our take on crypto spring – and on what we think the lawsuit over a badly performing investment-A.I. is really...
The Hong Kong-based wealth manager is rolling out a suite of digital products such as Nutmeg. En garde!
The bank’s regional head of consumer technology, Jayne Opperman, discusses the challenges in digitalizing the business.
With its core systems reset, the asset manager is also experimenting with fintech initiatives, starting in Indonesia.
The firm says moving data processing to Alibaba Cloud lays the foundation for it to enter new markets.
Who is winning capital, and what’s the exit picture like for Asia’s fintech companies?
Harshendu Bindal will lead digital initiatives across retail and institutional sales, product and operations.
Do “fintech” and “Greater Bay Area” hold promise for Hong Kong insurers, or will firms get lost in the fog?
The Chinese payments company is wooing banks with a big-data solution to invoice financing for online cross-border trade.
Why is HSBC’s corporate bank – not the consumer bank – launching digital payment services for merchants in Hong Kong?
Can China export its "techfin"?


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Media conglomerate Viacom, parent company of Blockbuster Music, has reportedly put the ailing chain on the auction block. Most likely buyer is Torrance, California-based music retailer Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc., which has 220 stores of its own, primarily on the West Coast. On Wednesday, May 13, Reuters news service reported that Wherehouse had tendered an offer of $200 million for Blockbuster. Wherehouse has been in intermittent discussions for several months with Viacom.
Up from the deep: Torrance, CA-based Wherehouse Entertainment announced last week that it will purchase Blockbuster Music from Viacom Inc. for $115 million. The merged operation will have 598 stores throughout North America, second only to Minnesota-based Musicland. The deal comes at the end of a prolonged slump for the music industry, one that was particularly hard for Blockbuster.
Mastering engineer Denny Purcell let out a long sigh. "Does anyone in this room really believe that any of this is going to do any good?" he asked. Of the eight or nine people—each with decades of experience in the music and/or audio industries—hanging out at Georgetown Masters Studios in Nashville for SDMI's Phase II listening tests, no one said "Yes." The consensus: The watermarking issue will probably be dead and forgotten within a year.
Some optimists in Washington, on Wall Street, and elsewhere predicted that the Asian economic crisis wouldn't reach the United States. But in late August, the financial flu infecting that part of the world, and the ongoing monetary instability in Russia, finally affected North America. As of Friday, August 28th, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was hovering just above 8000, down from a record high of 9337.97 on July 17th. The market decline has affected the whole economy---traditional industries as well as hot-ticket ventures like Internet stocks.
Promising technology, interesting programming, and good business plans may not be enough to keep satellite radio services XM Radio and Sirius Radio aloft. Both companies are struggling with massive financial problems as they scramble to gain subscribers.
Beginning next year, XM Satellite Radio won't merely offer 100 channels of news, sports, talk shows, and the entire spectrum of music nationwide. Thanks to a partnership announced May 30 with Command Audio Corporation, XM will allow listeners to personalize their radio programming.
The next generation of streaming media technology was unveiled last week at RealNetworks' Conference '98 in Burlingame, California. The star of the show? "Bandwidth-friendly" RealPlayer G2, which promises to make noisy audio and glitchy video a part of the Web's past.


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In common with most technologies, Artificial Intelligence can be used for both good and bad. Universal Music Group says that it recognizes its full potential. The company uses AI for marketing, production, and security, but also cautions against misuse. The label says that fraudsters are generating and selling fake ‘pre-release tracks’ of popular artists for thousands of dollars.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to make our lives more efficient, entertaining, and productive.
On the flip side, it also presents several threats. This ranges from complex existential worries to concerns about AI-related copyright infringement, which is already widespread.
Tthese copyright concerns will be discussed next month at a meeting of WIPO’s Advisory Committee on Enforcement, where several stakeholders will present their thoughts. This includes Universal Music Group (UMG), which sees both the good and bad aspects of this rapidly developing technology.
UMG’s Vice President of Global Content Protection, Graeme Grant, lays out the music company’s perspective in a detailed contribution sent to WIPO in advance.
According to Grant, UMG broadly embraces AI technology and has already obtained several patents in this area. Among other things, the company uses AI to fuel the creative process, optimize production, and as a marketing tool. At the same time, it also presents new challenges.
“While AI holds great potential for innovation and expansion, generative AI also poses great risks – not only to creators but to broader society, as well,” Grant notes.
AI is increasingly used to copy music and generate tracks based on the likeness of popular artists, such as Drake vs The Weeknd’s ‘Heart on my Sleeve‘. These tracks are created using models trained on copyrighted music, which can be a problem if these datasets and models are shared.
“[O]ne online community has created a spreadsheet containing over 100 pre-trained vocal models, relating to specific artists, that have been uploaded to services like Megaupload and Google Drive and can be downloaded and used by anyone of their 15,000 members,” Grant writes.
While UMG might not get too upset when people experiment purely for personal use, the company believes that a line is crossed when AI-synthesized tracks are made available to the public, especially when that includes a commercial element.
In the past few months, the number of AI-generated tracks uploaded to online music platforms such as Spotify increased by 175%, UMG found, and this trend could very well continue in the future.
In some cases, people use artist-inspired names such as “Juice AI” and “Drake AI” to share the tracks on legitimate music services. These uploads generate royalties for every play, which don’t go to the original artist and label.
These fake ‘pre-release’ sales have been going on for a while. Vice previously highlighted a scammer who reportedly made thousands of dollars by selling AI-generated Frank Ocean tracks. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
UMG is protecting its bottom line with these comments, but the company notes that prospective pirates can be harmed as well. There’s a lively market for leaked pre-release music and scammers are exploiting the demand to generate profit.
Through the use of AI technology, the scammers create musical snippets that impersonate popular artists. These are then sold through pre-release forums as the real deal, supported by claims that the tracks were obtained through hacking or phishing.
Some people apparently fall for this scam, paying thousands of dollars to get their hands on fresh tracks, not knowing that they’re actually faked.
“Believing these tracks to be authentic, users often engage in ‘group buys’, pooling their resources to meet the fraudster’s inflated asking price, which can range from USD5,000 to 30,000.
“The users are often unaware that the track in question was not created by the artist, but rather by AI technology,” Grant adds.
Luckily it’s not all doom and gloom. UMG also shares many examples of how it uses AI to its advantage. This includes the creation of the new Beatles recording “Now and Then” released last month.
AI technology is also used to help the company detect potential infringements, and to stave off cybersecurity threats.
“The UMG security team uses AI to protect the employees, artists and stakeholders against cybersecurity threats which are vast in number and growing in sophistication,” Grant writes.
The music company’s overview makes it clear that, like many technologies before it, AI can be used for good and bad. At the moment, UMG doesn’t believe that copyright regulation needs to be updated. That said, all stakeholders have to remain vigilant to prevent potential problems.


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Darkwater have uploaded a promotional trailer for the upcoming release, entitled Where Stories End. The clip can be watched below.
The album is set for a release on November 21st in Europe through Ulterium Records and November 23 in North America via Nightmare Records. More album details were previously reported over at this location. One of the new tracks, "Why I Bleed", is still available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.