text: “Attempts to redefine VFM in the same vein as the Google Nexus 5” Following the international launch of its flagship Android smartphone the Elife E7 last month in China, Gionee has now unveiled the device for the Indian market as well. The smartphone will be making its way to the customers next year in two variants, with differences in internal storage and RAM as well. The Elife E7 will be made available in a 16GB storage variant sporting 2GB of RAM priced at Rs 26,999, and there will be a 32GB variant which will come with a massive 3GB of RAM, carrying a sticker price of Rs 29,999. We got a chance to get our hands on the device during the launch event, and here are our first impressions. The Elife E7 comes encased in a glossy unibody. Although the glossy finish is definitely a fingerprint magnet, it looks good on the big 5.5-inch display-bearing smartphone. The Elife E7 has an impressive curvy design at the back that aids in grip. At its slimmest point, the Elife E7 measures 6.2mm, which is the slimmest ever for any Android smartphone till date. However, due to its camera module that bulges out quite a bit, the thickness is increased to about 9.5mm at the thickest point. As for weight, at 150 grams the E7 is not really the lightest, but is still quite lightweight considering its large footprint. Designers have resorted to a minimal bezel for the E7 making it comfortable for single-handed usage. However, the power key is placed topside, making it a tad difficult to reach out in one-handed operation scenarios. Thankfully, the display gets pressure sensors that allow users to unlock the device just by a double tap or by drawing a custom gesture on the display. In terms of colour options, the Elife E7 comes in the black and white along with blue, green and yellow hues as well. The Elife E7 comes with a 5.5-inch full HD display built using LTPS (Low-temperature polycrystalline silicon). To protect the display, Gionee has opted for the third generation Corning Gorilla Glass that offers better protection against scratches and knocks as compared to earlier generations. The overall experience of the display is good, and it offers bright and vibrant visuals while not over saturating colours, which has been a common problem with Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays. With the Elife E7, Gionee has gone full throttle and has not compromised anywhere. To power the device, Gionee has opted for the industry-leading Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. Along with that, the 2GB and 3GB RAM options are a big welcome as performance-seeking users get more choice. While the hardware definitely makes the E7 fluid to use even with multitasking, we’ll reserve our judgement till we get the our hands on a review unit in the coming days. The camera is the main USP of the Elife E7, and the company claims it’s the best Android camera till date. We won’t really comment on its performance till we actually try it out for ourselves, but on paper at least, the shooter looks quite impressive. The 16-megapixel sensor at the back comes with a 7-element lens setup that claims to produce great images. Along with that, the Elife E7 also gets a 1/2.3 inch image sensor featuring a 1.34-micron pixel size that promises more detail in images captured. The camera app and user interface have been upgraded offering multiple image capture modes as well. In the front there is an 8-megapixel camera, which is also the biggest ever on any Android device till date. Overall, the Gionee Elife E7 comes in as a strong contender for the VFM device segment, just like the Google Nexus 5, and we can expect it to be a big hit in the country when it launches next month. One thing is for sure: with the Elife E7, Gionee has started a new price war and that would make the international brands like Samsung, LG and Sony rethink their pricing strategies for upcoming devices.


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03/20/2017, 12:03 pm
Microsoft continues aggressively promoting its own services in Task Bar notifications when using third party browsers, and most recently has been caught injecting advertisements to sign up for paid OneDrive subscriptions in the Windows 10 -- but the File Explorer ad can be disabled.
03/09/2017, 03:03 pm
Plex on Thursday announced the official launch of Plex Cloud, bringing the remote media access feature out of beta for people with a Plex Pass subscription.
05/09/2016, 01:05 pm
Users of Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage service will now be able to browse more easily through their files -- as long as they have an iPhone 6s -- as the Redmond giant has taken a shine to Apple's 3D Touch.
05/06/2016, 05:05 pm
Microsoft is sending out email alerts to OneDrive customers, warning people with free 15-gigabyte accounts that their storage will shrink to 5 gigabytes on August 10, assuming they didn't previously opt into keeping the higher amount.
11/24/2015, 03:11 pm
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft on Tuesday updated key iOS apps with support for 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, simultaneously adding a number of other features. [Updated with Google Drive info]
11/03/2015, 12:11 pm
Microsoft is making sweeping downgrades to its OneDrive cloud storage services, most notably eliminating unlimited tiers for subscribers to Office 365.

domain: news


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Ms. Liao is a senior vice president and China economist based in the Hong Kong office. She is responsible for crafting the firm’s outlook for the Chinese economy and monetary policy, and identifying key regional macro risks and investment trends. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2020, she was the senior China economist at J.P. Morgan for three years. Previously, she served as the China economist at the International Monetary Fund from 2013–2016, where she helped formulate the IMF’s view on China macroeconomics and policies. Earlier in her career, she worked for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. She has 14 years of investment and financial services experience and holds a Ph.D. in economics from New York University.
18 April 2023
EM as a whole stands to potentially benefit from China’s post-pandemic economic reopening, with differentiation among individual countries as global trade allegiances shift.
17 March 2023
China’s central government puts high-quality growth as top priority, along with continued support for business and opening-up.
08 February 2023
As the COVID-19 recovery continues, we expect Asia’s growth-inflation dynamics to diverge from the rest of the world, led by China’s long-awaited economic reopening.
05 December 2022
China’s introduction of comprehensive support for its real estate sector could provide some cyclical relief amidst longer-term headwinds, but new COVID-19 waves cloud the outlook.
03 November 2022
Stability, security and self-reliance were overarching themes from China’s twice-a-decade leadership reshuffle. With few details disclosed on near-term supporting policies, we remain cautious on the Chinese market.
01 September 2022
Economic and financial ties between the world's two biggest economies are increasingly fraying. We discuss the long-term outlook and implications for investors.
26 July 2022
Renewed growth in China’s manufacturing activity, coupled with softening developed market demand, should ease some supply-side pressures – but several other inflation risks remain prevalent.
13 April 2022
While Beijing has set an ambitious growth target this year with a generous fiscal stimulus plan, new COVID-19 waves are adding to mounting headwinds amid a slowing global economy.
27 January 2022
Active management appears especially important during this fast-moving cycle when dislocations are likely and capturing resulting opportunities can be key to producing alpha.
11 November 2021
While the recent energy crisis has disrupted China’s economy, we do not expect a significant drag on growth.
06 October 2021
China’s regulatory crackdown focuses on specific sectors. Market volatility will likely be temporary, and long-run prospects for active investors remain robust.
27 July 2021
China expected to boost demand for some commodities as it transitions to a carbon-neutral economy.
08 July 2021
The supply-demand imbalance should ease as spending on services outpaces demand for consumer goods in developed markets.
18 May 2021
Pro-competition policies aim to foster healthy development in the tech industry.
05 March 2021
China’s economy should see a soft landing as stimulus is reduced, but the drag on global growth may place a burden on developed economies to keep stimulus taps open for longer.
27 January 2021
We are constructive on the macroeconomic picture in Asia as the global economy gradually recovers.


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Finally, we're down to 10 days until the first weekend kicks off for Ultra Music Festival. Two weekends means twice the fun and just in the nick of time, the folks over at Ultra have released the site map of Bayfront Park! The various stages are in the process of being put up with hints of some "surprises" to go along with them. Head over to the official Ultra Facebook and Twitter pages to keep up to date. Weekend 1 tickets are almost sold out, so grab them quick!
Ultra Music Fest Site Map Is Live
Take a peek at the set up Ultra's got going on at Bayfront Park
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 at 12:58 pm | Tina Carletto


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2020 NAMM Show Report
Winter NAMM 2020 took place January 16-19 at the Anaheim Convention Center. As always, the vendors exhibited a healthy mix of the latest and greatest, as well as tried and true instruments, plugins, and stage/studio gear from around the world. So, what was nifty and new at NAMM? This year we took a different approach, and asked as many companies as we could: what's cool this year at NAMM?


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Market Update: Home Prices Continued to Rise in November
This morning’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index for November reported that home prices increased 5.6 percent year-over-year. Quicken Loans vice president Bill Banfield offers the following comments on the report:
Market Update: Housing starts rebound in December
Housing starts increased in December as they started making up ground from the previous month’s drop, Quicken Loans Vice President Bill Banfield offers comments.
Home Value Perception Reverses Course, Gap Between Owner Estimates and Appraisals Widens
Home values fell 1.19% in December, but increased 3.85% year-over-year, according to the National HVI.


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Articles about Apple M2
25 Aug 2022Apple
MacBooks have always been popular among users for accomplishing day-to-day tasks as well as intense workloads.
15 Jul 2022Flipkart
The all-new MacBook Air M2 is now available for purchase in India. The device bears a starting price tag of Rs. 1,19,900 for its 8GB/256GB configuration.
07 Jul 2022Apple
The new MacBook Air (2022) was announced by Apple at the WWDC 2022 event. Now, the company has revealed that the orders for the laptop will start in India on July 8 at 5:30pm.
28 Jun 2022Apple
Apple recently unveiled its MacBook Pro (2022) model with the new M2 chip during the WWDC 2022 keynote. The device comes as an upgrade over the M1-powered MacBook Pro.
27 Jun 2022Apple
Apple has announced "Back to School" 2022 offers for students who want to grab a MacBook, iPad, or iMac this summer.
15 Jun 2022Apple
Apple has officially announced that its M2-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro will be available for pre-booking in India starting June 17 at 5:30pm, via the official online store and authorized resellers.
07 Jun 2022Apple
Apple has announced the MacBook Air (2022) and MacBook Pro (2022) models at its WWDC 2022 event.


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Australia left interest rates unchanged Tuesday after the local dollar recorded the biggest drop among major currencies last quarter, cushioning the impact of lower commodity prices and a weaker outlook in key trading partner China.
American Apparel Inc, the youth fashion brand known as much for its sexually charged advertising and controversial founder as for its fashion offerings, filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday.
(Adds forecast, share activity). Oct 5 (Reuters) - Chemicals maker DuPont said Chief Executive Ellen Kullman would retire on Oct. 16.
Two Air France executives had to flee company restructuring meetings Monday at the airline's headquarters north of Paris less than an hour after they'd begun, when angry workers stormed the building.
Over 1 million boxes of both Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios, that were produced at a factory in Lodi, California have been recalled, the Associated Press reports.


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Think quick: what is three miles long and will start at Woodward Avenue and Kirby Street near the DIA? If you answer was America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, then you are absolutely correct.
Just this Monday, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford unveiled to hundreds of Ford Motor Company employees outside the Ford World Headquarters the automaker’s new float for this year’s parade. The 100-foot-long float “celebrates Henry Ford’s vision to open the roadways and make a difference in communities worldwide”, according to a Ford news release.
One of the more prominent elements of the Float is a huge likeness of Henry Ford sitting in front of a birthday cake that marks the 150th anniversary of his birth. The float also features a giant globe and a Ford Focus, the world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate, in recognition of the firm’s global reach. Six huge screens will show contributions that Ford Motor Company Fund and members of the Ford Volunteer Corps helped make around the world.
Riding on the float in the Thanksgiving Day parade will be Elena Ford, vice president for Ford global dealer and consumer experience and great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford. In addition, forty members of the Ford Volunteers Corp will walk alongside the float.
One of the country’s largest and longest-running parades, the nearly three-mile-long event is scheduled to start at 8:45 a.m. at Woodward Avenue and Kirby Street near the DIA. The parade will be broadcast locally on WDIV-TV and WJR-AM, and the first hour will be aired in 140 markets across the country.


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Destructoid: "Coming off of LEGO Batman 2, the series' first foray into an open world, LEGO City: Undercover definitely runs with the idea to good effect. How good? Well that remains to be seen come launch, but so far, damn good."
Looks good so far.
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


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Samsung’s subsequent Galaxy Watch smartwatch is seemingly set to come back packing a thermometer to provide wearers the flexibility to trace physique temperature.
That is in response to publication ET Information who claims that the Korean tech large will introduce a thermometer operate to its subsequent era smartwatch that would assist detect signs of Covid-19.
Important studying: ECG smartwatches defined
The publication additionally states that Samsung has discovered a approach to measure physique temperature precisely and the know-how will likely be packed into the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, which can apparently launch in August 2022.
Along with packing thermometer tech right into a smartwatch, it additionally suggests a set of Samsung Galaxy Buds might launch as nicely with related temperature monitoring assist and believes Samsung has already accomplished a prototype of the good buds.
If temperature monitoring does land on the subsequent Samsung Galaxy Watch, it would not be the primary smartwatch to supply such a function.
Fitbit’s Sense smartwatch features a pores and skin temperature sensor, as does a collection of Amazfit smartwatches and Mobvoi’s TicWatch GTH and upcoming GTH Professional watches additionally promise temperature monitoring assist too.
Exterior of watches, the Whoop 4.0 can observe pores and skin temperature, whereas the Oura Ring 3 good ring does already provide the flexibility to watch physique temperature.
That skill to watch physique temperature versus pores and skin temperature means theoretically Samsung might use that .rmation to assist detect for those who’re changing into unwell or have an an infection.
Samsung’s already added an ECG sensor to extra precisely observe coronary heart well being and blood strain monitoring to its Galaxy Watch.
So the addition of physique temperature monitoring would proceed to show its smartwatch right into a extra highly effective well being monitoring machine. It will additionally put it forward of Apple within the monitoring stakes as its Watch presently solely presents ECG assist on its Sequence 6 and Sequence 7 smartwatches.
That is in fact very a lot hypothesis with no supply offered that Samsung will add this doubtlessly huge new function to its subsequent smartwatch.
In comparison with a number of the different huge well being monitoring options which have been rumored for the Galaxy Watch up to now, that is one which does really feel prefer it might presumably occur.
T.’s already examples of wearables that may ship physique temperature monitoring. The hot button is whether or not Samsung is ready to get that monitoring to a stage of accuracy that truly makes it helpful to have.
We’re certain this would possibly not be the final we hear about it forward of Samsung formally unveiling the Galaxy Watch 5.


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A local business developed by Troy University students has blossomed into a citywide phenomenon.
QuickFix offers Troy University students and Troy residents alike access to food and goods delivery, the first service of its kind in the area.
It all started with an idea developed in 2016 by TROY students Peyton Kirkley and Michael Talerico, who saw a need and felt the entrepreneurial spirit to fill it.
“Being in Greek life, we saw a huge need, because people were so hungry, they wanted food but didn’t want to go get it,” said Kirkley, a marketing major who takes classes online while working at a recruiting firm in Atlanta. “Out of the blue, Michael was like, ‘Why don’t we start a delivery business?’ I thought it was a great idea.”
Both Kirkley and Talerico had experience in the business world through internships and jobs, and they felt a calling to create a new business that could help their fellow students.
“We’re both marketing students, and while taking courses we’re thinking of ways we can implement the things we learned in class, and maybe make some money,” said Talerico, who graduated in May 2018 with a global marketing degree and currently works as a recruiter at Insight Global. “One of the things we learned in service marketing is whenever you see a need, you can develop something to fill that need. We made a post on social media, and it blew up from there — we started making deliveries that day.”
From there, they acquired a business license, and QuickFix was born.
Soon, they hired drivers consisting of their fraternity brothers and other students, and the business quickly found a niche delivering on campus.
However, with Kirkley moving away from Troy and Talerico graduating early last year, QuickFix was in danger.
The two friends wanted to keep the brand alive and leave it in the hands of someone who they trusted.
Enter Clay Copeland, a senior marketing major from Selma who had a vision of the company’s potential.
“We really wanted to get the company in right hands, wanted the service to grow and prosper, because we thought it was a boon for the whole community,” Kirkley said. “We’ve been friends with Clay for a long while, knew he was a great guy from a great family, and he wanted to do some amazing things with it, some different things than we did. We sold it to him in September, and he has just done some outstanding things with it, really expanded it, put in a ton of blood, sweat and tears.”
The service, QuickFix, gives customers the option to text or call with their name, what they want delivered, where they want it purchased and where they want it dropped off.
Copeland expanded the service to include groceries and other items delivered to residents in addition to college students.
For guidance, he turned to TROY’s Small Business Development Center.
“The SBDC helped tremendously in the start-up of QuickFix,” Copeland said. “They provided templates for our business plan, marketing plan and accounting. The biggest help was the legal and tax issues. I was blind to copyright laws, how tax forms work and how to create an LLC. They walked me through those step by step.”
The Sorrell College of Business plans to house the SBDC in the new Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Accelerator (IDEA) Bank downtown in the old Regions Bank building.
“Clay Copeland is the perfect example of the student entrepreneur TROY’s new IDEA Bank will serve and develop,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Givhan, Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Economic Development. “He’s creative, perceptive, and persistent in seizing a business opportunity he sees. As the IDEA Bank opens this fall, we will look to Clay and others like him as the foundation for this accelerator.”
In October, QuickFix completed 55 orders. Halfway through January, the company has already completed 644 orders along with numerous catering orders for the Trojan football team.
Copeland said the average orders per day jumped from eight to 15 in November, which led him to hire three new drivers and develop a chain of command including managers to help ease his workload.
“The overall business has run a lot smoother since the development of that chain of command,” he said.
Copeland currently has eight employees – two managers and six drivers.
Now, the young entrepreneur has his eyes set on expansion.
“My plan for QuickFix is to capitalize on the market in Troy and be the go-to delivery service even when competitors come in,” he said. “I plan to expand to small colleges and campuses across Alabama like TROY’s Dothan Campus, Huntington, Alabama State and Montevallo. I want to give students like myself the opportunity to challenge themselves by becoming regional managers at an early age. As QuickFix expands, it will be the go-to service for college students due to the simple fact that it’s for students and by students.”


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iPhone 6 release date in China: Apple’s newest flagship and phablet is finally coming to the Chinese mainland and on Friday, October 10, the world’s largets mobile market can pre-order the much awaited handset.
It officially goes on sale on October 17.
According to Fortune magazine, early this Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information announced that it had approved the new iOS 8-powered handsets for sale.
Reuters reported that the MIIT had assured itself of the “rigorous scrutiny” that the new phones did not have a security backdoor through which Chinese state secrets could flow.
Apple will be competing head on in the very competitive Chinese market with the newly launched Xiaomi Mi4, unveiled by the Xiaomi corporation dubbed as the “Apple of China.” The Mi4 has been described as a copy of numerous iPhone 6 features and even its online sales page mirrors the iPhone’s microsite.
Nonetheless, Xiaomi is a formidable force in the vast Chinese market and is expected to sell 60 million units this year alone.
Its premium specs, very Apple-like presentations, low-cost and publicity-churning marketing style, and competitive price have made it the fastest growing handset maker in the country.
As Apple begins to battle it out with Xiaomi in its home market, it also faces stiff competition from the likes of Samsung and China-based manufacturers Lenovo, Huawei, and Gionee.
The delay on the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus shows the challenge the Cupertino tech giant faces in expanding its presence in the country.
A report on Wall Street Journal notes that Chinese authorities scrutinized what they call back-end programs that could allow covert data collection.
The business newspaper noted that the risks include third parties getting access to the phone through the Internet via a desktop or laptop computer it might be connected to.


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19 May 2014
DSPs and Data Providers are Top Sources for Lookalike Modeling
Advertisers are continuing to adopt audience targeting, according to a March 2014 study by eXelate in conjunction with Digiday, which found that brands had upped audience targeting on all platforms—including computers, smartphones and tablets—from 2013.
As a result, lookalike modeling—which increases audience targeting capabilities by creating custom-built audiences that brands can reach with high accuracy—was picking up the pace, with 73% of US ad agencies and 64% of advertisers saying they used it. Those using lookalike modeling were seeing success, with nearly half saying they had seen between a two- and three-time lift in performance.
To conduct lookalike marketing, both ad agencies and advertisers were mostly turning to data providers and demand-side platforms (DSPs), with 64% of respondents from each group citing these as sources they used. In-house sources, trading desks and data management platforms all trailed, with agencies slightly more likely than advertisers to use each source.
DSPs have proven successful for targeting overall, so it makes sense that they’re popular for lookalike modeling. A September 2013 study by Econsultancy and the Rubicon Project found that the No. 1 benefit of working with DSPs, according to marketers worldwide, was improved targeting, cited by more than two-thirds of respondents.


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By 2012, mobile ecommerce sales are expected to account for 54% of total ecommerce sales, yet mobile conversion rates remain at 2%.
Contentsquare has released a new report looking at mobile optimisation, which has revealed that:
Smartphone penetration is over 70% in Europe, but over 80% in the US
In the last 10 years alone, mobile penetration has more than doubled worldwide
However, mobile conversion rates remain at just 2%
While marketers love to talk about the challenges that mobile presents, few provide practical, actionable advice, based on real data, that marketers and digital teams can use to improve their mobile user experience. So, Contentsquare’s report, gives actionable insight into how users behave on mobile and practical advice on how to create a bigger impact on business with detailed tips for mobile optimisation.


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They're St. Louis natives, famous local athletes, and entrepreneurs looking to bring a "Cheers" to Washington Avenue. This week on Neighborhood Treasures, Maurice heads to Whisky On Washington, where David Shanks and Will Franklin are creating a place for everyone to come and have a drink in the heart of the Gateway City. Every whiskey has a story, and the story of Whiskey On Washington is one you don't want to miss.
This week on Neighborhood Treasures News 4's Maurice Drummond looks for a spellbinding way to satisfy his sweet tooth, at Sugarwitch. See why this ice cream shop and bakery is quickly becoming a staple for the Carondelet neighborhood.
This week on Neighborhood Treasures News 4's Maurice Drummond takes a trip to Town and Country to visit Myseum. Join him on his guided tour with the father daughter team behind the incredible science museum.
This week on Neighborhood Treasures, Maurice takes a drive out to South Roxanna to check out CP Pinball. He'll get to play a world-class collection of pinball games, while picking up a few pointers from the founder and owner, Chuck Sanderson.
This week on Neighborhood Treasures, Maurice has the need to knead. Check out one of the city's hottest bakeries and dining spots, Union Loafers. Learn why people are lining up in the streets for these eats, but only why supplies last.


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Samsung Galaxy A8s (SM-G8870) images have leaked today on TENAA three days ahead of its official launch in China.
It will be the first phone to arrive with in-screen camera hole design that will allow the smartphone to deliver a very high screen-to-body ratio. The display design as well as the rear appearance of the phone can be seen in the images that have surfaced through its TENAA listing.
The SM-G8870 Galaxy A8s smartphone that has appeared on TENAA is yet another confirmation that shows it is equipped with in-display camera hole on the top-left corner of the screen. This is not clearly visible from the TENAA images but we can get the clear view by slightly altering the brightness of the photograph as seen below.
The rear side of the phone features a triple camera unit that may include an RGB sensor, a telephoto lens and a wide-angle sensor. An oval shaped fingerprint scanner resides on the glass back of the Galaxy A8s. The side view of the smartphone reveals a camera bump. The glass rear seems to be curved towards the edges. And also, it is equipped with a gradient color appeal.
The entire specifications of the Galaxy A8s is yet to appear on TENAA. The minimum specs that has cropped up on the Chinese telecom authority website reveals that the handset measures 158.4 x 74.9 mm. It sports a slim profile of 7.4 mm thickness. The handset features a 6.39-inch display that will probably carry support for full HD+ resolution. The device receives power from 3,300mAh battery.
Rumors surrounding the Galaxy A8s claims that it will be fueled by Snapdragon 710 and 6 GB of RAM. It may feature 24-megapixel selfie camera and on the rear it is expected to house 25-megapixel + 5-megapixel + 10-megapixel triple camera unit.
The Samsung Galaxy A8s smartphone has been also certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. which indicates that it will be also available outside of China. Rumors have it will be announced in other markets in January. There is no information available on the pricing of the Galaxy A8s.


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As some of you might recall Tijs’ TWS x Touge Soarer was featured on Speedhunters … Well, that wasn’t the only shell that got photographed by Jeroen Willemsen that day. Lads ‘n wenches, I hereby present you, after a long wait, the official show pic’s for my FC3S!
But first you must click on “Read More” –> Continue Reading
My Toyota Soarer convertible is featured on Speedhunters.com!
Check the full article here
Arno from RCdrift Events dropped his video of the MegaMeeting at MiniMobilWelt last night. Its an epic video full of backward entries! Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, the meeting has been featured on Speedhunters.com.
Here’s the video, enjoy!


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Mergers and Acquisitions
Strategy & Operations
Consumer & Industrial Products
Retail, Wholesale and Distribution
Food, Processing, Agriculture
Energy & Resources
Life Sciences and Healthcare
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Life at Deloitte
A new BRAND day.
Hello world! Deloitte is pleased to introduce an updated brand identity, 13 years in the making.
See what's brand new
TMT Predictions 2016
Discover the major Technology, Media & Telecommunication trends that will impact your business
The Deloitte Millennial Survey 2016
Winning over the next generation of leaders
Top global retailers sustain year of revenue growth
Digital divide to challenge retail industry according to Deloitte Global
The British public have voted and the UK is officially preparing to leave the European Union. Read more.
Changes to antimonopoly legislation
Law of Ukraine “On amending the Law of Ukraine “On the protection of economic competition” in terms of raising the efficiency of economic concentrations control” No. 935-VIII (hereinafter, the “Law”) was promulgated on 18 March 2016.
Currency restrictions re-extended
On 05 March 2016, the Decree of the National Bank of Ukraine (hereinafter, the “NBU”) No. 140 “On regulation of the situation on the monetary and foreign exchange markets of Ukraine” dated 03 March 2016 (hereinafter, “Decree No. 140”) took effect.
2016 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index
Tracking the trends 2016
Are we there yet?
Tax Guide 2016


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BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Mexico’s potential ban on all biotech corn imports would not only negatively impact the U.S. market, but also adversely affect that country’s own citizens, according to a report by a market analysis and consulting firm.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador initially said he would enact a decree that would ban all imports of biotech corn into Mexico, effective Jan. 31, 2024.
Obrador has since indicated that he would be open to allowing imports of yellow corn, used for animal feed, into the country, but white corn, used for human consumption, might still face hurdles.
A report by World Perspectives Inc., found the biotech ban would “exacerbate current food insecurity by drastically raising prices for corn, basic foods and other critical products derived from corn in the Mexican economy.”
The findings on the impacts in Mexico if a ban on all biotech corn is enacted include:
• The average cost of corn would increase 19%.
• In the first year of the ban, non-GM corn prices would rise 48% to $8.14 per bushel and Mexico would pay an additional $571 million for imported corn.
• Tortilla prices would rise 16% on average.
• Price increases in corn protein, fiber, oil and thousands of processed foods distributed by tens of thousands of Mexican food retailers would all incur price increases.
• Presently, roughly 10% of the Mexican population lacks access to adequate food. Under the policy ban, this level is expected to double or triple in the nine poorest Mexican states, mostly in the south.
• The price of corn is the single largest indicator of access to food for Mexicans in the lowest income decile who spend roughly 52% of their funds on food.
• Mexican livestock production would contract, declining by an average of 1.2% annually.
• Poultry production in Mexico would fall 17% in total while hog production would contract 13%.
• Beef and dairy sectors would see their industries’ output fall 9% and 8%, respectively.
• For Mexico’s poorest populations, prices could rise to the point that eggs become a luxury item which could cause the first drop in egg demand since 2017.
• Mexico’s GDP would fall by $11.72 billion over 10 years and economic output would be reduced by $19.39 billion. There would be an annual loss of 56,958 jobs, which would reduce labor income by $2.99 billion.
Impacts On U.S.
The study found the following impacts on the United States if a total biotech ban is enacted:
• Over the 10-year forecast period, the Mexican ban on GM corn would cause the U.S. economy to lose $73.89 billion in economic output and GDP would contract by $30.55 billion over 10 years. Additionally, the United States would lose 32,217 jobs annually with labor income falling $18.38 billion.
• The net economic loss in the first year of the ban to the U.S. corn industry is $3.56 billion, followed by an additional $5.56 billion loss in the second year. Cumulatively over the 10-year forecast period, the industry would experience a $13.61 billion economic loss.
• The U.S. corn wet milling industry would suffer $7.65 billion in losses over the 10-year forecast period.
• The U.S. ethanol industry, including distillers dried grains with solubles, or DDGS, would incur a net loss of $521.5 million after accounting for gains from lower GM corn prices.
• Transportation linkages — rail, trucking and shipping — on both sides of the border would contract. The U.S. rail industry alone would lose $3.33 billion in economic output over 10-years.
Sponsors of the study include Mexico’s National Agriculture Council, U.S. Grains Council, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Corn Growers Association, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, CropLife America, the Corn Refiners Association, Mexican Association of Feeders of Bovine Cattle, Local Agricultural Association of Matamoros, Association of Suppliers of Agricultural Products Mexico, Mexican Association of Seeds, National Association of Manufacturers of Food for Animal Consumption, National Chamber of Industrialized Corn, National Council of Manufacturers of Balanced Food and Animal Nutrition, Crop Protection Science and Technology, National Swine Unification, Mexican Union of Agrochemical Manufacturers and Formulators, and Mexican Association of Food Producers.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2018
Contact: Katharine Bolin
Public Relations Director
Survey: 73% of Plus-Size Women Reveal Physical Injuries Led to Sedentary Lifestyles
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Activewear brand JunoActive surveyed its plus-size customer base and discovered that 73% of respondents reported experiencing a physical injury that led to a sedentary lifestyle.
The survey, sent to JunoActive’s mailing list subscribers, blog followers, and social media followers, garnered over 750 responses from their female plus-size customer base. When asked what helped them recover, the top responses were physical therapy, exercise, and swimming.
“I had chronic back pain that got increasingly worse with each passing year until 2015 when I could no longer walk or stand for extended periods of time,” said Jennifer Amoako, a holistic lifestyle ambassador and participant in JunoActive’s blog series #ThisIsActive. “It negatively impacted my quality of life. As I became more sedentary due to pain, I gained more weight which further aggravated my back. It was a vicious cycle.”
After years of repeating the oft used statistic that 67% of American women wear a size 14 and up, JunoActive decided it was time to deliver a new statistic that dives deeper into the “why.”
Another noteworthy statistic from the survey revealed that 62% of plus-size women who participated in our poll reported exercising 3-7 days per week.
“Our customers know the value added to their lives by being active, and want to see the myth busted that they are lazy and unmotivated, because they are some of the most active people out there,” said JunoActive president and founder Anne Kelly.
JunoActive’s #ThisIsActive campaign
JunoActive’s #ThisIsActive campaign aims to combat the mainstream media’s portrayal of what it looks like to live an active lifestyle. Blog interviews with plus-size trainers, fitness instructors, and customers have put a spotlight on the women leading the cultural shift around the U.S. and world. If you’re interested in participating in an interview, please email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Have any questions or comments? Reach out to us on social media, or send an email to social @ junoactive.com.
Join our mailing list for $20 off your first order of $100 or more.


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The Kickstarter for Playtonic’s Yooka-Laylee sailed beyond its final £1 million ($1.5 million) Stretch Goal overnight, which will allow for a simultaneous release on all announced platforms.
Once funded, Yooka-Laylee was slated for release on Linux, Mac, PC, PlayStation 4, Wii U, and Xbox One; however, a simultaneous release on all platforms wasn’t guaranteed unless the final Stretch Goal was met.
“We’d love to be able to guarantee a simultaneous, day-one release on all platforms in order to satisfy every Yooka-Laylee backer,” said Platonic. “In order to do this we’ll need to significantly expand our resources and budget, and if we can reach the funding number required we’d be excited to do so.”
Once the Kickstarter page went live, backers started throwing money at the project left and right, leaving zero doubt as to whether the final goal would be met.
Two new Stretch Goals have been added to the project: £1.1 million will add an N64 shader mode and a DK Rap from Grant Kirkhope for the endgame credits; and £1.2 million will allow the developers to release a Let’s Play developer walkthrough video.
The project still has 45 days left on the clock, and as of press time, 28,639 backers have pledged £1,020,500 to Yooka-Laylee.


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Apple's ecosystem in India, having created 150,000 direct jobs, is now focusing on residential facilities for factory employees under a public-private partnership. Approximately 78,000 units will be constructed, with Tamil Nadu receiving the highest allocation. The project aims to enhance efficiency, security, and welfare outcomes for workers, especially migrant women employees.
A fossil of a Pliosaurus, dubbed "Sea-Rex," found on Dorset's Jurassic Coast sets a Guinness record for completeness. With 95% of its surface area preserved, it boasts a formidable bite force estimated at 33,000 to 48,000 Newtons. Measuring nearly 2 meters long, it dates back 150 million years, providing insights into ancient marine predators.
PM Modi lauds India's thriving startup ecosystem at Startup Mahakumbh, highlighting the push for developed nation status, job creators' focus, women-led startups, and equitable technology access, aiming for the world's third-largest economy.
Apple ecosystem employed 150,000+ under PLI in 2021. FY24 iPhone production exceeds Rs 1L cr. India nears Rs 20L cr mobile production target, Rs 1.20L cr phone exports value. Mobile phones now India's 5th largest export.
Since the PLI scheme's launch in August 2021, the Apple ecosystem has become a major job creator in India, employing over 150,000 individuals directly and supporting an additional 300,000 jobs indirectly. Apple's strategic focus on India, the world's second-largest smartphone market, has intensified amidst global tensions and market challenges in the US and China.
Trillions of body microbes form a crucial microbiome. Imbalance from aggressors causes issues like IBS, acne, obesity, vaginosis, and yeast infections. Probiotics promote gut and vaginal health. by re-establishing the native microbiota of the body, we can remedy them. In this regard, probiotics and prebiotics can promote gut microbiota, influencing our overall health and well-being.
Vineeta Singh expresses gratitude on social media post Shark Tank India Season 3, showcasing enriching experience with diverse sharks. Her commitment to growth in the entrepreneurial landscape is evident through her collaborative learning environment participation.
DOJ's antitrust case accuses Apple of stifling competition and inflating prices through iMessage dominance and iPhone lock-in strategy, impacting consumer choice.
DOJ and state attorneys sue Apple for iPhone ecosystem monopoly, harming consumers, developers. Accusations of unfair practices, strict App Store policies, limiting competition. Legal battle may impact Apple's business model and ecosystem control.
Forests are the essence of life on Earth, inspiring Indian culture and creative works. Hindu epics and poetry reflect the connection. Forests act as carbon sinks, support biodiversity, and are crucial for global climate regulation and livelihoods.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) rejected the interim relief pleas from local app developers seeking to halt Google from enforcing fees or commissions under its updated payments policy. People Interactive India, Mebigo Labs, Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), and Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF) had filed the pleas.
PM Narendra Modi, at Startup Mahakumbh, pledged to elevate India to the world's third largest economy. He emphasized the pivotal role of startups in India's development and encouraged unicorns to mentor and support innovative ideas.


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Apple continues today to buy many companies to improve its various services. This time, the American giant has acquired You laugh. It is a start-up located in Seattle and specialized in artificial intelligence, more particularly machine learning (machine learning).
According to the information disclosed by GeekWire, this acquisition would have cost the apple firm nearly $ 200 million. It could therefore be part of the biggest purchases made by Apple since the beginning of this year 2016.
Turi notably allows developers to rely more on artificial in the design of their applications. With its acquisition, the Cupertino company should go in this direction and thus offer in the future products that are based more and more on artificial and machine learning.
Moreover, this is completely normal since the market is today centered on these technologies and Apple’s competitors are already quite developed in the matter. The acquisition of Turi should therefore give it a boost for the improvement of its services and its position on the market. However, it is not yet known when the technology developed by this start-up will be integrated into Apple products.


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Deere & Co. (DE) on Friday reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $2.98 billion.
The Moline-based company said it had profit of $10.20 on a per-share basis.
“Reflected by our strong third-quarter results, Deere continues to benefit from favorable market conditions and an operating environment showing further improvement,” John C. May, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “We are also being helped by stabilizing conditions in the supply chain, the sound execution of our business plans, and an improving ability to meet demand for our products and serve customers.”
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $8.14 per share.
The agricultural equipment manufacturer posted revenue of $15.8 billion in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $14.28 billion, which also beat Wall Street forecasts. Nine analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $14.23 billion.


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"Harley-Davidson's third-quarter financial results were in line with our expectations, and we are on track for a year of growth and strong financial performance in 2014," said Harley-Davidson, Inc. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell.
"We continue to see the success of our product, manufacturing and retail strategies, which are delivering an outstanding customer experience, driving bottom-line improvement and expanding the reach of the brand."
The company says that dealers worldwide sold 73,217 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter of 2014 compared to 70,517 motorcycles in the year-ago quarter.
"With the successful launch of the 2015 motorcycles in late August, including the return of the Road Glide models, and the outstanding efforts of our dealers, third-quarter retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales topped the strong growth of the year-ago quarter. A rebound in Sportster motorcycle sales from this year's second quarter and increased availability of the Street 750 and Street 500 motorcycles also contributed to these positive results," said Wandell.
In last year's third quarter, the Company launched its "game-changing" Project Rushmore line of touring motorcycles, which spurred year-over-year retail sales growth of 20.1 percent in the U.S. and 15.5 percent worldwide, giving the third quarter of 2013 one of the strongest single-quarter retail increases in recent years for Harley-Davidson.
This year, U.S. dealers sold 50,167 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter, up
3.4 percent compared to sales of 48,529 motorcycles in the year-ago period.
In international markets, dealers sold 23,050 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter compared to 21,988 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with sales up 12.8 percent in the Asia Pacific Region, 1.7 percent in the EMEA Region and 7.0 percent in the Latin America Region and down 5.8 percent in Canada.
Through the first nine months of 2014, dealers sold 220,850 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide compared to 214,964 motorcycles in the year-ago period, with retail unit sales up 1.9 percent in the U.S., 11.0 percent in the Asia Pacific Region, 5.9 percent in the EMEA Region and 1.2 percent in the Latin America Region and down 11.4 percent in Canada compared to the year-ago period.
The Company's diluted earnings per share were $0.69 for the quarter, net income was $150.1 million and consolidated revenue was $1.30 billion compared to diluted EPS of $0.73, net income of $162.7 million and revenue of $1.34 billion in the year-ago period. Third-quarter results reflect lower motorcycle shipments, as planned, compared to last year's third quarter.
Through nine months, Harley-Davidson 2014 consolidated revenue grew 6.8 percent, net income increased 16.9 percent and diluted EPS rose 20.1 percent to $3.52 compared to the year-ago period.
Third-Quarter Results: Operating income from motorcycles and related products was $146.3 million compared to operating income of $175.5 million in the year-ago period. The 16.6 percent decrease in third-quarter operating income resulted primarily from a decline in revenue driven by the planned reduction in motorcycle shipments.
Revenue from motorcycles was $815.4 million compared to revenue of $857.0 million in the year-ago period, a 4.9 percent decrease. The Company shipped 50,670 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide during the quarter, in line with guidance and a 6.2 percent decrease compared to shipments of 54,025 motorcycles in the year-ago period.
Revenue from motorcycle parts and accessories was $239.7 million during the quarter, down 4.2 percent, and revenue from general merchandise, which includes MotorClothes® apparel and accessories, was $69.3 million, up 4.8 percent compared to the year-ago period.
Gross margin was 34.9 percent in the third quarter of 2014, compared to 35.3 percent in the third quarter of 2013. Third-quarter operating margin from motorcycles and related products was 12.9 percent, compared to operating margin of 14.9 percent in last year's third quarter.
Through nine months: the Company shipped 223,569 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, a 4.5 percent increase compared to the year-ago period. Nine-month revenue from motorcycles grew 9.6 percent to $3.60 billion, revenue from parts and accessories increased 0.8 percent to $709.4 million and revenue from general merchandise decreased 4.6 percent to $209.8 million compared to the first nine months of 2013. Gross margin through nine months was 37.7 percent and operating margin was 21.3 percent, compared to 36.4 percent and 19.2 percent respectively in the year-ago period.
Operating income from financial services was $77.8 million in the third quarter of 2014, a 2.2 percent increase compared to operating income of $76.1 million in last year's third quarter. Third-quarter financial services results reflect favorable net interest income and a higher provision for credit losses. Through nine months, operating income from financial services was $215.4 million, compared to operating income of $221.8 million in the year-ago period.
Harley-Davidson says it continues to expect to ship 270,000 to 275,000 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide in 2014, an approximate 3-1/2 percent to 5-1/2 percent increase from 2013. The Company continues to expect full-year 2014 operating margin of 17.5 percent to 18.5 percent in the Motorcycles segment. The Company also continues to expect capital expenditures of $215 million to $235 million in 2014.


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Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. said it is continuing to negotiate its possible sale to Arby’s parent Inspire Brands Inc., while closing hundreds of stores hit hard by altered customer behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic.
The parent of Dunkin’ coffee shops and Baskin-Robbins ice cream stores said earlier this week that it had held early talks to go private in an acquisition by private-equity backed Inspire, whose portfolio includes the Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy John’s restaurant chains. Dunkin’ deferred issuing a dividend in third-quarter earnings on Thursday as a result of the possible takeover.
Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ told investors that there was no certainty that a deal would be reached and the company declined to comment further. Inspire didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Dunkin’s shares are up 33 per cent to $101 this year, driven in part by the deal talks. Shares were flat in Thursday morning trading.
The pandemic has badly hurt the restaurant sector, and sales of chains in bankruptcy have dominated most industry deals this year. The Inspire talks with Dunkin’ have sparked new optimism among investors about private-equity betting on restaurants.
The coronavirus pandemic has particularly hurt coffee and breakfast chains that typically thrived during morning commutes and school runs. Sales at breakfast were down 21 per cent in the month ending Oct. 18 from the like period of the prior year, a worse drop than at both lunch and dinner, according to restaurant consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions. Dine Brands Global Inc. said Wednesday that it would close as many as 100 underperforming IHOP restaurants in the U.S. as the chain’s breakfast menu remains challenged.
As many people stay home from work and school, some fast-food chains are rethinking how they market and serve breakfast. McDonald’s Corp. added breakfast pastries such as blueberry muffins this month, the first bakery additions to its standard menu in eight years. Dunkin’ said it was introducing products to appeal at different times of the day. Restaurant Brands International Inc., parent company to Burger King and Tim Hortons, said Tuesday it was investing in new coffee and breakfast options given the slow return to morning sales.
“The focus needs to be on having really, really good food,” said Restaurant Brands Chief Executive José Cil in an interview.
Dunkin’ said Thursday that it closed 687 U.S. cafes during the quarter ended Sept. 26 and that it expects to shut a total of 800 domestic locations that underperformed even before the pandemic. The stores represent 8 per cent of Dunkin’s U.S. total restaurants and approximately 2 per cent of 2019 chain division sales.
Company executives said Dunkin’ store openings are exceeding expectations and that many U.S. franchisees that are closing stores hope to develop new locations in higher-traffic markets.
“For many Dunkin’ U.S. franchisees, closing these restaurants will enable them to do greater reinvestment into the brand,” Dunkin’ Chief Financial Officer Kate Jaspon said.
Like rival Starbucks Corp., Dunkin’ stores in cities have been hit hard as corporate workers continue to shelter at home and avoid commuting downtown. Sales in those stores, particularly New York and Boston, continue to fall far below performance from earlier this year before the pandemic hit, Ms. Jaspon said. The chain will continue to offer royalty assistance to franchisees in these stores to help them stay afloat when workers hopefully return, she said.
For the quarter, the chain posted a profit of $74 million, or 89 cents a share, compared with $72.4 million, or 86 cents a share, in the comparable quarter last year. Adjusted earnings were 93 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet were expecting adjusted earnings of 80 cents a share. Sales rose to $361.5 million from $355.9 million. Analysts expected sales of $344.9 million.


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The Microsoft Surface Pro has been around for over 8 years now, but when will the Surface Pro 8 release?
So, if you want the latest model of a device that can do everything, we've got the latest news for you below.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Release Date
The Surface Pro 8 has officially launched and was announced at Microsoft's virtual Surface event, alongside other devices such as the Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Go 3.
Previously, Windows Central suggested the Surface Pro 8 could launch in the first half of 2021.
In January 2021, a public FCC filing for the Surface Pro 8 suggested an announcement was imminent. This of course did not turn out to be true.
The Surface Pro 8 has not been the only Microsoft product to launch in 2021, with October 21st being the release date for the Surface Duo 2, the brand's latest foldable phone.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Pre-Order Date
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 was up for pre-order immediately after the conclusion of their September 22 event, and the device will be fully released on 28th October 2021 in the UK, and has been available in the USA since October 5th.
This also lines up with previous years, as pre-orders for the Surface Pro 7 first went live following the Microsoft event on October 2.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Price
Surface Pro pricing has remained fairly consistent since its launch, and this in part continues with the Surface Pro 8, apart from the fact the base model has had a bit of a price hike.
The base model, featuring an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor alongside 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD storage costs £999/$1099.99.
The different configurations based on RAM, storage and processing power lead up to the top model with its Core i7-1185G7, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD which clocks in at £2059.99 in the UK.
In the US, the top model offers the same processor and SSD but 32GB of RAM which costs $2599.99. These prices do exclude any accessories such as a type cover and a Microsoft Office 365 subscription.
If you do want to pick up the Surface Pro 8, you can do so below:
Read More: Best Laptop 2021


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Eight in 10 Warehouse Associates Say Positive Workplace Changes are Happening Amid Labor Shortage
In a new Zebra study, about 60% report improving work conditions and better adoption of technologies that make their jobs easier.
Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, recently conducted a new global Warehousing Vision Study to explore the trends and sentiments driving operational decisions and spend in warehouses. The findings released today deliver encouraging news: warehouse operators are making significant investments to better fulfill the needs of both customers and workers and make it easier to fill open jobs.
Market Pressures Become Catalyst for Positive Changes
Nearly nine in 10 warehouse operators around the world agree they must implement new technology to be competitive in the on-demand economy, with 80% confirming the pandemic has prompted them to evolve and modernize more quickly.
In Europe specifically, over three-quarters of operators have accelerated their efforts. They’re turning their focus and spending most heavily toward technologies that support workforce augmentation and workflow automation. For example, the use of wearables, mobile printers and rugged tablets will increase in the next few years, along with mobile dimensioning software that automates parcel and carton measurements. Additionally, 23% of European warehouse operators have already deployed some form of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) today, which is in line with the global trend (27%). Within five years, that number is expected to grow to 88% in Europe and 90% around the world.
“We’re seeing a positive shift occurring in the supply chain and, specifically, within warehouses,” said Mark Wheeler, Director of Supply Chain Solutions, Zebra Technologies. “Most decision-makers believe investments in automation far outweigh the risk of doing nothing, and they are becoming more comfortable integrating all sorts of new technologies into their current operations and infrastructure.”
Warehouse associates are also becoming more comfortable with their employers’ use of advanced technologies. Less than half globally (45%) and in Europe (47%) say their employers have increased wages or offered bonuses amid labor constraints, yet most (82% globally and 81% in Europe) feel positively impacted by the situation.
Employers are improving work conditions in other ways, such as giving them more technology to use on the job and leveraging technology to create more flexible work shifts. In fact, an overwhelming nine in 10 warehouse associates agree on some level that technology advancements will make the warehouse environment more attractive to workers, even in times like these when supply chains are strained, demand is surging, and there’s increasing pressure to meet tighter deadlines.
Top Warehouse Challenges
Decision-makers are having a harder time getting customer orders out the door on time than they did three years ago, and they’re struggling to maintain inventory accuracy and visibility. They also admit they’re expected to deliver orders faster than ever to keep up with the on-demand economy, with rising transportation costs taking their toll on over 40% of warehouse operators spanning manufacturing, transportation, wholesale distribution, logistics and retail. This may not be surprising when you consider that respondents indicate their shipping volumes have increased more than 20% on average over the past two years.
Like associates, though, warehouse operators are viewing these challenges as catalysts for change and growth. Between now and 2025, over eight in 10 expect to increase the number of stock-keeping units (SKU) they carry and the volume of shipped items. They also plan to expand returns management operations, offer more value-added services, and increase their physical footprints, with both the number and size of warehouses increasing.
While six in 10 warehouse operators worldwide also want to increase headcount within the next year to right-size their workforces, around half admit finding (55%) and training (54%) workers in a timely manner remain big challenges. This is especially true in Europe, where 48% report it difficult to find workers and 50% say training is challenging. As a result, around eight in 10 decision-makers agree they will have to rely more on automation in the future.
Balancing the Scales: Augmenting the Workforce with Automation
While most warehouse operators both in Europe (88%) and globally (90%) will deploy AMRs for person-to-goods (P2G) picking, material movements and other automated inventory moves, 92% in Europe and 94% globally will invest in software that helps automate analytics and decision-making. They want to raise worker effectiveness and efficiency and reduce labor costs.
“As the pace of operations accelerates and workflows become more complex, warehouse operators have found the average time to get workers to full productivity is 4.7 weeks,” said James Lawton, Vice President and General Manager, Robotics Automation, Zebra Technologies. “Right now, decision-makers feel the most important labor initiative is to reduce unnecessary tasks so associates can focus on more customer-centric work. If warehouse operators automate through AMRs and workflow optimization software, it will be easier to scale operations and meet service level agreements as customer demands and labor availability fluctuate.”
Job Satisfaction – and Worker Retention – are Byproducts of Automation
With warehouse operators planning to increase automation, some might say jobs will be lost. Yet, study respondents believe automation may help keep more people in their jobs and fill empty ones. Over three-quarters of warehouse associates in Europe (75%) and worldwide (78%) say walking fewer miles per day would make their jobs more enjoyable, even if they had to pick or handle more items, and 81% strongly believe AMRs could make warehouse jobs less stressful.
Decision-makers should take note, as only 35% in Europe and 41% globally completely agree implementing warehouse technologies such as robotics and devices can help attract and retain workers even though most associates:
- who work alongside AMRs today confirm they have helped increase productivity and reduce walking/travel time (83%), reduce errors (73%), and enable advancement to new roles or opportunities (65%).
- claim they are more likely to work for an employer that gives them modern devices to use for tasks versus an employer that provides older or no devices (83% globally and 87% in Europe).
“Automation is the great equalizer, especially when labor is constrained or during unexpected surge periods or seasonal peaks when it may be difficult to scale the workforce quickly,” added Wheeler. “What’s interesting is associates feel more strongly about this than warehouse operators right now.”
Five-Year Technology Outlook for Warehouse Operations
Eighty-five percent of decision makers say they have implemented mobility so front-line workers can capture each inventory move they make, and most feel they are optimizing the use of their devices to fit the task, safety, and ergonomics. However, more than eight in 10 warehouse associates and around three-quarters of decision-makers in Europe and worldwide are concerned they will not meet their business objectives unless more technology investments are made to improve operations, with associates in the transportation (92%) and logistics (88%) sectors feeling most strongly about this need. As a result, more than six in 10 decision-makers say they will invest in technologies that increase inventory and asset visibility within their warehouses and overall visibility throughout supply chains over the next five years.
Nine in 10 expect their use of sensor-based technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID), computer vision, fixed industrial scanning, and machine vision systems to become more prevalent over the next five years. As businesses invest in advanced technologies that enable more visibility, real-time guidance and data-driven performance, they’re focusing on increasing team productivity and better utilization of assets, equipment and people, which equates to improved worker well-being and overall market competitiveness.
However, it will become critical for warehouse operators to become more thoughtful about how they implement and integrate technologies as they increasingly digitalize workflows and scale systems. Following a phase-based roadmap will be key to steady, sustainable maturity.
Key Regional Findings
Nine in 10 APAC decision-makers agree machine vision and/or fixed industrial scanning technology in key areas would save time and eliminate errors, even though only one-quarter are currently using them.
European warehouse associates were the most likely to say they would view their employer more positively if provided with mobile devices and technology (85%).
96% of associates in LATAM believe implementing warehouse technologies such as robotics and devices would help attract and retain workers, the highest of any region.
86% of North American decision-makers say the pandemic has prompted them to evolve and modernize more quickly, the most of any region.
Survey Background and Methodology
Zebra’s Warehousing Vision Study was conducted in January and February 2022 by third-party research firm Azure Knowledge Corporation. It includes feedback from over 1,500 decision-makers and associates that manage and maintain warehouse or distribution center operations in manufacturing, retail, transportation, logistics and wholesale distribution across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.


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Hyundai is keeping a watching brief on electric vehicle pricing, UK boss Ashley Andrew has admitted in the wake of increased discounts and incentives being applied by rivals as they seek to maintain sales momentum.
In January, Tesla signalled the highest-profile discounts when it slashed up to £8000 off the price of its cars. At the time, rivals predicted that the move would backfire as it would undermine residuals and, in turn, lease payments.
However, data from What Car? suggests that many rival manufacturers have subsequently responded, albeit more covertly by offering low interest rate deals, dealer and manufacturer incentives and more. The average discount of an EV’s price is now 3.1% or £1805 - the highest it has ever been.


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Opening day at the 49ers’ new stadium is drawing ever closer, and that means the team is looking to capitalize on the big event. Part of that effort includes selling tours to interested fans.
On Wednesday, the team announced that it was selling tours of Levi’s Stadium. Individuals can visit LevisStadium.com/Tours to book a guided tour of the fancy, new facility.
Tour prices start at $25 per adult and all visitors can buy access to the newly built 49ers Museum for $10 more.
If you go, make sure to get up on the grassy rooftop garden atop the luxury suites on the West end of the stadium. It’s an amazing place, and who knows if any of us will ever be invited up there again, as it stands to be a major gathering place for corporate sponsors and corporate partygoers.
I took a tour of the place a few weeks back and it was worth a look.
What do you think of the place?


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- CTS Corp. CTS, -1.40% late Tuesday reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $8.58 million, or 22 cents a share, up 30% from $6.62 million, or 17 cents a share, last year. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had estimated earnings of 20 cents a share. Revenue at the Elkhart, Ind.-based maker of sensors and components for the automotive, communications and computer markets rose to $154.6 million from $142.5 million. The company expects full-year 2006 sales to increase 6% to 8% and adjusted diluted earnings of 68 cents to 72 cents a share, excluding restructuring and related costs. Analysts currently expect earnings of 75 cents a share.
CTS quarterly profit rises 30%


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Facebook after a long wait has revealed its plans for a cryptocurrency called Libra. It is a stable coin which uses a permitted network to carry out transactions. The project has turned out to be one of the worst-kept secrets in the history of virtual money. After months of news leaks and speculation, Facebook along with its 27 other partners are touting the Libra digital coin and Facebook’s corresponding digital wallet, Calibra, as a way to make sending payments around the world as easy as sending a photo.
What’s curious about the projects are the partners which include e-commerce giant eBay, ride-hailing App Uber and most curiously other payment processors like PayPal, Visa, MasterCard. This is a really odd situation given the fact that crypto could end up being the biggest challenge to these companies. Some have even dubbed this new technology to be a threat to the fundamental business model of such payment processors. So are these companies digging their own grave? A closer look reveals a different picture.
Given the dominant position of Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, their decision to join the Libra Association makes no sense from an outsider perspective. But there are genuine reasons which could be behind the move. Joining the Libra Association gives them access to the network and an inside look into the payment system, this can give vital information necessary for changes to be adopted in their own native platforms. Also, all of these payment processors use a bank partner to do the final part of transfer the money to the accounts, and Libra can open up a new customer base of potentially 1.7 billion people with no bank access. Finally, if indeed crypto takes over the world, all of these companies that might end up being put out of business might want a piece of that pie. This is similar to many oil companies investing in renewable technology.
Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp with their huge user base can push the new projects into the hands of hundreds of millions of people, and in many instances, the project has real tangible benefits. But the fact remains that the payment methods which exist today are robust and reliable, handling trillions of dollars of transactions every year. It is convenient and people love it. It will be hard for crypto to dethrone the traditional player. Yet, payment processors are taking part in Libra Association just to be cautious and not be blinded by an upcoming competition.
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We’re packing our mods and liquids and going on the road again!
That’s right, Soupwire’s heading out to the West Coast Vape Expo this weekend (July 7-8) in Bremerton, Harborside Washington.
One of the biggest shows in the Pacific Northwest, the West Coast Vape Expo has a huge lineup of vendors who will be on hand to show off their latest wares. But beyond just giving you the opportunity to chill with like-minded vapers while experiencing some exciting new products, the West Coast Vape Expo is also dedicated to increasing awareness of advocacy efforts underway to save our industry.
Stop Blowing Smoke will be one of the guests on-hand to explain what, exactly, is going on with the new deeming rules and how they’ll affect the vaping industry moving forward. Raffles and auctions will help raise money for the cause, too.
Cloud chuckers and trick masters can compete in contests with cash prizes, while everyone else can check out over 50 vendors on the show floor. Here are just a few of the companies who will be attending:
- Cloud Vapory
- Dragon Mod Co.
- Good Brothers
- Northland Vapor Company
- Shijin Vapor
- The Vapor Lounge
- Vape Crusaders
- Vango Vapes
- And many more!
The West Coast Vape Expo will be held on July 7-8 at the Kitsap Conference Center, which is just a short ferry ride away from Seattle. You can visit the official website for more information about sponsors, accommodations, and events – as well as checking out a map of the show floor.
So, if you’re in the Seattle area this weekend and looking to have a great time, come on out and find us on the show floor!


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PlayStation 3 Netflix Goes Disc-Free Next Week, Adds Search
After Netflix came to the PlayStation 3 via a service that ran off a disc inserted into the console, PlayStation 3 owners immediately wished for downloadable Netflix software rather than being required to keep the disc in their system.
Finally, Netflix has announced that PlayStation 3 Netflix users will be getting that software on Monday that they’ve craved for over a year, along with the much desired feature that allows users to search Netflix on their console, rather than having to log into the website. But wait, there’s more!
Along with the disc-free service and content search, Netflix has updated the user interface, as well as ramped up the speed of playback. On top of this, a portion of the Watch Instantly content will be available in 1080p and Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound, and more content will be available with subtitles.
No longer will we be faced with the scourge of having to get up from our beds and switch the Netflix disc with game discs. Amen!
(via PlayStation Blog)
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Much More to a Mushroom: Super Beta Glucan Inc. Harnesses Mushrooms' Power for Immune System Support
Over the millennia, mushrooms have been incorporated into countless natural remedies. They now even feature prominently in pharmaceutical drugs, and clinical research over the past few decades has confirmed significant benefits of mushrooms on overall heath and wellness. Mushrooms contain beta glucan, a component linked to strengthened immune systems and antimicrobial activity, making it a highly coveted supplement to help address a number of diseases and compromised health conditions.
"A number of studies have repeatedly demonstrated that beta glucan effectively enhances the immune system by activating the white blood cells, including the macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells," says Shiu-Nan Chen, PhD, who founded the California-based laboratory Super Beta Glucan (SBG) Inc. to research, develop and perfect beta glucan-based products.
"Equally important," continues Chen, "is that macrophages are our body's frontline of defense, and these immune system cells are antimicrobial in nature, or responsible for identifying and fighting foreign invaders in the body. They also activate other components of the immune system to produce other immune cells in preparation of future, adverse events. So not only does beta glucan support our immune systems, but this carefully harvested ingredient can also jumpstart the attack against potential diseases and invasive organisms as well."
Harvesting high-quality beta glucan requires the finely tuned expertise of clinicians who are skilled at a very stringent extraction process that uses state-of-the-art biotechnology. For more than 30 years, SBG has been pioneering beta glucan extraction to ensure a premium ingredient. In fact, SBG's beta glucan is the only beta glucan on the market today that is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) certified by the FDA.
Having perfected its harvesting techniques and proprietary technology, SBG now packages and provides this pure and potent mushroom component through a number of products, from dietary supplements to skin care products, cholesterol-lowering food additives, and even all-natural, veterinary feed formulas for maximizing the health of animals and livestock as well.
"Considering its properties, beta glucan is an incredible and now well-documented ingredient that's delivering real solutions to people and animals alike," Chen states. "We're thrilled to provide this sort of health and wellness innovation to people worldwide and through so many affordable products that address countless customer needs and demands. Beta glucan is not only a breakthrough in medicine and pharma, but for all of us in the health and wellness field."
Beta glucan, direct from SBG, is available to manufacturers and consumers. For more information, visit superbetaglucan.com.


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Costco is known for its great deals — and even the wealthy can’t resist them. A 2023 comparison study of Costco and Sam’s Club shoppers found that Costco shoppers tend to be higher income, CNBC reported.
So what is it about Costco that appeals to the rich? GOBankingRates asked retail and consumer experts to weigh in.
“The store boasts a wide range of premium-quality products at prices that are hard to beat, with their Kirkland Signature brand being a customer favorite,” said Susan Anderson, founder of The Worthy Goods, a guide for consumers looking to make conscious purchasing decisions.
In addition to its highly rated store-brand items, Costco also carries a number of top-of-the-line name brands, including Apple, Dyson and Vitamix.
Costco sells a wide variety of international items that can appeal to the jet-setting elite.
“Costco has a variety of Asian foods, like Tonkotsu ramen, Katsu kits, cooked rice, Korean chicken, Nongshim Udon, Bachan Japanese Barbecue Sauce and more,” said Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews. “In many cases, I don’t necessarily see these items elsewhere in my area, even in international grocery stores, and if I do, the Costco price almost always wins out.”
Those seeking organic foods will typically find a wider selection at Costco than Sam’s Club.
“Sam’s Club also has organic produce available — it may just not have the same amount compared to Costco,” Ramhold said.
Excellent Customer Service
“Costco’s excellent reputation for customer service and satisfaction has helped them build a loyal following among their affluent clientele,” Anderson said.
Among Costco’s standout customer service offerings are its free concierge technical support services and generous return policy. Ramhold also noted that Costco employees tend to be happy, which can improve the shopper experience.
“In my personal experience, Costco employees are generally in better moods, and I can’t remember a time when one has ever been short with me or unwilling to help,” she said. “I can’t say the same for my experiences at Sam’s Club.”
“Their membership program’s exclusivity adds to the store’s appeal as a premier shopping destination for the wealthy,” Anderson said.
Although anyone can become a member, the $60 fee can be a financial barrier for some. In addition, membership is pricier at Costco than at its competitor, Sam’s Club, which can add to its appeal to the wealthy.
“It’s not by much, with the basic Sam’s Club membership costing $50 per year and the premium costing $110 per year compared to Costco’s $60 per year and $120 per year for their basic and premium tiers, respectively. But the truth is that it’s a good indication that Costco tries to cater to those with higher incomes as their membership options are priced accordingly,” Ramhold said.
Although buying items in bulk can save you money in the long term, it does require more money upfront.
“Higher-income families are particularly adept at taking advantage of the cost-saving benefit of bulk buying,” said Jeanel Alvarado, retail expert and founder of Retail Boss. “Because they have greater access to reliable income sources, they can spend more upfront on items and realize greater cost savings down the line.”
More From GOBankingRates


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Singapore, November 17, 2020, ZEXPRWIRE, 828 water dispenser Singapore, a brand by Ardor Marketing Pte Ltd (Singapore Company) introduces a series of new water dispensers for the year 2021. The dispensers consists of a new heating technology that is different from the traditional way in which water is boiled.
Dennis Ba, the 38 year old Singaporean founder explained that current technology in the water dispenser industry is stagnant for the past 10 years until recently. Traditional water dispensers has a hot water tank which take 10 to 15mins to boil water and the water is kept warm and re-boiled constantly throughout the day. He describes that this is not only energy consuming, but the quality of the re-boiled water is also low. Re-boiling water causes the water to lose minerals and more chemicals concentrate in the water.
He goes on by explaining that drinking water should only be boiled once. This is exactly the main highlight on the new technology, which is the main feature of 828 Water Dispenser Singapore series of new products. Whenever the user wants to dispense and drink hot water, the dispenser heats room temperature water to boiling temperatures in 3 seconds upon pressing the dispense button.
He describes that this technology is not new at all, as it is found in electrical hot water showers throughout the world for many decades. But only recently, this heating technology is used for drinking water in water dispensers. With this new technology in mind, the latest models are one of the best hot water dispenser in Singapore.
He goes on and introduce that this new heating technology in water dispensers in known as “Tankless” or “Instant hot water”.
Apart from the new heating technology, 828 is also known as one of the Singapore water filter suppliers. The new line of water dispensers also feature an in built filtration system. The test results for the filtration system shows it can filter away 99.9% of unwanted sediments, viruses and bacteria. Best part is, the filter system is in the dispenser, hidden from sight. This also adds on as additional benefits for hygiene and aesthetics. It also consists of touch panel buttons to dispense water which is an improvement as compared to levers and taps.
Earned top reviews of hot and cold water dispenser in Singapore 2019
Looking back from when the company started in 2005, the company is one of the pioneers of direct piping water dispenser in Singapore. These type of dispensers were launched to replace bottled water dispensers in Singapore (water barrel types).
Since then, the company goes on with then new innovations of supplying alkaline water dispenser in Singapore at low prices. With this, they revolutionised office drinking water in Singapore
Thus, the company earned a positive review from bestinsingapore.co as one of the best water filter dispenser in Singapore.
From then on, as being one of the best water dispenser for homes and offices in Singapore, the company features modern looking, sleek tabletop hot and cold water dispensers and floor standing water dispenser in Singapore.
Where can you buy water dispensers in Singapore?
For more information on which water dispenser is the best in Singapore, you may visit 828 Water dispenser Singapore at https://www.dispenser.sg. Do check out the company’s new innovative products.
The post 828 Water Dispenser Singapore readies to launch new line of products in 2021 appeared first on Zex PR Wire.


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Samsung’s Black Friday sale brings discounts on Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold 4, starting November 24: Check out the deals, prices. | Rare Techy
Samsung has announced its latest Black Friday sale for consumers in India. The company announced that it will conduct Black Friday Sale starting November 24 in India. Customers can grab deals, discounts and offers on various Samsung products. The list of items eligible for the discount includes smartphones, computers, smart TVs, monitors, refrigerators and many other Samsung products.
Samsung has started teasing some of the best Black Friday deals ahead of its live launch. The sale offers discounts on Samsung’s latest smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy S22 series. Let’s take a look at the Samsung Black Friday Sale offers, discounts and other discounts that are currently being teased.
Samsung Black Friday sale offers
Samsung Black Friday Sale starts on November 24 and will continue till November 28. The company has confirmed that the Galaxy S22 series will be available for sale at a starting price below Rs 60,000 in India. The Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung’s most expensive smartphone in India with a foldable display, is likely to get a discount. The company revealed that those who shop at Samsung’s best price during the sale can get the Galaxy Watch 4 for Rs 2,999.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4, a flagship smartphone, will also be priced above the launch price of Rs 89,999. Samsung’s 2021 Flip phone, the Galaxy Z Flip 3, will be available for under Rs 60,000 during the sale.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which was launched earlier this year, will be available for under Rs 40,000 during the sale. Samsung said customers will get benefits of over Rs 20,000 on the purchase of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
The company also offers discounts on its new clothing. Fans on the sale micro show that the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will get some offers or discounts as part of the Black Friday sale. Samsung’s new premium TWS, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, can be purchased for a discounted price during the sale.
In addition to the above offers, customers can also opt to avail offers on Samsung’s A-series and M-series phones. Black Friday deals also extend to laptops, monitors, appliances, televisions, soundbars, washing machines, refrigerators, floors, air conditioners and kitchen appliances. Customers who purchase two or more products during the sale will receive an additional 5 percent off the purchase. Are you planning to buy some new Samsung products in the near future? Let us know in the comments below.
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Lawyer for BDS activists threatens to sue a Canadian agency for holding up wines labeled made in ‘Palestine’ while searching for more Israeli products to ban.
By Atara Beck
The anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Canada is going full steam in its goal to remove Israeli-made wines from the shelves and, it appears, to establish facts on the ground by promoting products from “Palestine.”
Last month, in a case involving a complaint filed by Dr. David Kattenburg, a Winnipeg-based pro-Palestinian activist, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ruled that ‘product of Israel’ labels on wines made in Judea and Samaria (aka the West Bank) are “false, misleading and deceptive.”
The ruling in the case of Kattenburg vs. Attorney General of Canada – in favor of Kattenburg – was decided by Federal Court Justice Anne Mactavish, who said that “consumers have to be provided with accurate information as to the source of the products in question.”
The wines, produced by the Shiloh and Psagot wineries, are made by Israeli citizens in Israeli-controlled territory.
Meanwhile, only recently, Taybeh Winery, located in the Palestinian Authority-administered area of Judea and Samaria, of which Israel has overriding security control, advertised that its ‘Nadim’ wines would be available in Canada in the summer of 2019, labeled “Taybeh Winery of Palestine.” In fact, there is no such country.
United with Israel (UWI) emailed CFIA, asking why the labeling of wine “made in Israel” was prohibited while the sale of products from “Taybeh Winery of Palestine” would apparently be allowed.
CFIA responded, saying merely that “It is the responsibility of the regulated party to ensure that labeling requirements are met, including that the label is not false or misleading” – despite the recent ruling against the wines “made in Israel.”
“Questions about countries of origin declarations should be directed to Global Affairs Canada,” the agency added.
Ron East, a pro-Israel activist in Winnipeg and publisher of TheJ.Ca, told UWI that he had also contacted CFIA – in fact, already at the end of July – and encouraged others to do so as well. JDL-Canada sent out an email alert to its followers last week.
“I raised concerns about Palestinian products available for sale in Canada labeled ‘Made in Palestine’. These included olive oil, spices, soaps and included the upcoming sales of wines and beers,” he said.
UWI also discovered last week, through a Taybeh wine representative, that a shipment had been sent to Canada a couple of months ago but “the Canadian government is holding the goods because of a recent law.”
UWI asked CFIA why the wine is not yet available and whether it has anything to do with the labeling. “No shipments of wine in question are being held by CFIA,” the agency responded.
On Friday, however, Toronto BDS activist Karen Rodman posted on the “Palestine Just Trade” website that the Ontario liquor board (LCBO) had put the wine shipment on hold as directed by CFIA.
Searching for More Israeli Products to Ban
Rodman also posted a letter to CFIA, written on August 28 by Montreal-based Dimitri Lascaris, legal counsel for Palestine Just Trade, listing dozens of “falsely labeled wines” from the “Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights or Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory” for sale in Ontario. The letter was copied to the LCBO.
“Attached hereto is a chart identifying those falsely labeled wines,” Lasacris wrote. “That chart is not necessarily exhaustive – our research is ongoing and, in the weeks ahead, we might well identify other such wines being offered for sale in Canada.”
He enclosed a certificate from the Palestinian Authority, along with a translation, confirming that Al Taybeh Company for Manufacturing Beer and General Trade is based in Ramallah, which is under PA rule.
Lascaris also threatened legal action.
“In our view, the manner in which the CFIA and LCBO are dealing with accurately labeled Taybeh products and falsely labeled products from Israeli settlements in occupied territory is plainly discriminatory. If necessary, we will institute legal proceedings to protect our client’s rights, but we are hopeful that litigation can be avoided and that the CFIA will immediately confirm to the LCBO that the Taybeh products can be sold in Canada as currently labeled,” he concluded.
BDS and Terror
Palestine Just Trade, according to its website, advocates for “Palestinian human rights.” One of its misleading campaigns, titled “No Way to Treat a Child,” claims that each year the Israeli military detains and prosecutes around 700 Palestinian children.” There is no mention of Palestinian terrorism against Israeli civilians, often carried out by minors.
In fact, pointing to the absurd claim that buying products made in the Golan or in Judea and Samaria contributes to Israeli “war crimes,” East also notes that “the people attempting to bringing the wine into Canada are also the main BDS organizers in Canada … as we know BDS has been shown to have its roots and tentacles aligned with terror organizations.”
Pointing to the PA’s pay-for-slay policy, he continues:
“While I make no claim that Taybeh Wines provides direct funding to support terrorism, I make reference to the simple fact that in order to have a licence to operate, they have to pay fees and taxes which are collected by both the municipality and the Palestinian Authority. These fees and taxes collected by the PA are then used to help prop the terror regime, pay salaries of terrorists, etc.
“So while the Winery may not directly support any terror organization, by virtue of paying taxes and fees to the PA and further aligning with a company founded by BDS leadership within Canada they are tacitly supporting terrorism,” East says.
B’nai Brith Calls for ‘Fairness and Equity’
B’nai Brith Canada had been given intervener status in the case of of Kattenburg vs. Attorney General of Canada. CEO Michael Mostyn, commenting on the decision made in July in favor of Kattenburg, told UWI at the time that “in our view, it is reasonable and not at all misleading to label wines produced by Israeli citizens in Israeli-controlled territory as Products of Israel. We will be asking the Attorney-General to appeal this decision, since we cannot do so as interveners. If the decision is appealed, we look forward to continuing to make arguments as interveners.”
Last week, Mostyn told UWI that “one of the reasons that B’nai Brith became an intervener in the original Israeli wine case before the federal court of Canada was to argue for fairness and equity in wine-labeling practices and to point out the correctness of allowing the labeling of ‘product of Israel’ for wineries in any region under Israeli control.
“B’nai Brith argued in court that any other understanding would be problematic from a consistency standpoint when labeling products originating from any other region in the world that was disputed. And here we have an example of this very phenomenon – there’s inconsistency, and that is why B’nai Brith disagrees with this legal decision [not to allow ‘product of Israel’ labeling]. We believe that decision should be appealed.”
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NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama is developing a trio of new additive and milling technology to create a 3D-printed rocket nozzle that
A collaboration between housing non-profit New Story and construction technology firm Icon aims to use 3D printing technology to house the homeless. While it’s early
3D printing is one of the most revolutionary technologies today allowing anyone to turn an idea into a physical product. Here are the landmark events
Aerospace giant Boeing and Swiss technology group Oerlikon have signed a partnership to advance 3D printing processes. The five-year partnership will first focus on powder
French-based Stelia Aerospace demonstrates that 3D printing has the potential to go large when it comes to aircraft construction by unveiling the first printed self-reinforcing
Robótica Modelado de Ayudante (RoMA) es un proyecto conjunto del MIT y de Cornell, que reúne una variedad de diferentes tecnologías emergentes en un intento
A Canadian startup is using 3D scanning and 3D printing tech for a somewhat unique business: creating miniature replica models of people’s beloved pet dogs.
Porsche is using 3D printing to reproduce hard-to-find parts for its older cars. The process is quicker and cheaper than traditional manufacturing, making it perfect


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Medical collection agency employee Christopher Coffman labeled as anti-business Wednesday a House bill eliminating a handful of Kansas sales tax exemptions to generate more than $50 million annually for the treasury and eventually buy down the state’s sales tax on food.
The House legislation would be a financial blow to companies engaged in debt collection, vehicle towing, detective work, security guarding and systems, mini-warehouse and self-storage, pet care and nonresidential cleaning.
"Collection services are portable," Coffman said. "Our clients will view this as a price increase. This measure is a barrier to business growth."
If the Senate and Gov. Sam Brownback were to concur on the House bill, application of a 6.5 percent sales tax on those service companies would increase tax revenues by $167 million over three years. In 2020, the revenue stream created by House Bill 2380 would be applied to lowering the food sales tax to 5.5 percent.
Coffman, who works for Synerprise Consulting Services in Mission, said the legislation would be enough to convince Kansas companies to relocate across the state line into Missouri.
"We see implementation of House Bill 2380 as being catastrophic to our company and to our industry, especially with the impact that this tax would have on the thin margins that agencies have to work with and therefore impact our ability to stay in business," Coffman said.
Members of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee heard from Coffman and others irritated by the House’s attack on sales tax exemptions. The bill would deliver to the state $52 million in the upcoming fiscal year, $57 million in fiscal year 2019 and $58 million in fiscal year 2020. The revenue would then be used to finance a reduction of 1 percentage point in the sales tax rate on grocery purchases.
Matthew Wheeler, representing the Berlin-Wheeler collection agency with offices in Topeka, said during the Senate hearing that clients would sign contracts with companies in other states to avoid the 6.5 percent sales tax in Kansas.
"This tax would also dramatically cut into our employee base, who are taxpaying citizens in Topeka and surrounding communities," Wheeler said. "It would also affect our razor-thin margins."
Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, sponsored the amendment to a House bill defining which sales tax exemptions would be dropped on July 1. The measure was sent to the Senate on a vote of 78-42. Opponents of the amendments questioned the selection of exemptions to be repealed and suggested evaluation of more than $6 billion in annual exemptions should be part of a larger tax reform effort.