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Whether called natural, “clean label" or “free-from," the move toward simple and easy-to-understand ingredients continues to gain steam in nearly every sector of the food and beverage industry including confectionery. Rather than the relatively intangible claim of being “good for the environment," the new priority is transparency, which is creating a new flock of consumers who want to know more about ingredients, products and the companies that make and sell them.
“Simply and effectively communicating benefits is essential for consumers and a big trend this year," said Lynn Dornblaser, director of innovation and insight at Mintel, adding that while “local" is a great buzzword, provenance lets consumers know where products originated. Additionally, “clean", “simple" and “real" are all being used on labels to introduce natural, no additives or preservatives. “Brands should look to educate consumers in 2015 and help them understand why certain ingredients are in products and the purpose they serve."
Many companies have pledged more transparency by elimination artificial ingredients, preservatives and additives. Just the other day The Hershey Co. announced its continuing commitment to responsibly sourcing the ingredients it uses in its product portfolio.
The confectionery giant said it will introduce in the United States new snacking products, such as Brookside Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Bars, which will feature a lineup of simple ingredients, and transition some of its most popular chocolate brands, including Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars to simpler ingredients.
“We will strive for simplicity with all of our ingredients, but we may not achieve it with every product. This is a journey and it will take time. We are equally committed to sharing what we achieve and what we don’t. For ingredients that may not be as simple, we will explain what they are and why we need them to provide the great flavors, aromas, textures and appearances that our consumers know and love," said John P. Bilbrey, president and CEO, The Hershey Co.
Hershey is focusing on three key principles:
- Simple Ingredients. The company is committed to making products using ingredients that are simple and easy-to-understand, like fresh milk from local farms, roasted California almonds, cocoa beans and sugar.
- Sharing What’s Inside. The company will share information about all ingredients that go into its products, from the ingredients to sourcing, manufacturing and labeling. It will make the information easy to find—whether on packaging, on its website or through new technologies.
- Thoughtful and Responsible Sourcing of Ingredients. Hershey’s will continue to work with our suppliers to responsibly source sustainable ingredients, building on its progress against commitments to source 100-percent certified and sustainable cocoa and certified sustainable and traceable palm oil.
Last year, Hershey’s announced its intent make the switch from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar. Will Papa, chief research and development officer, The Hershey Co., said the confectionery giant is “moving more toward sugar," although no timeline for the change was announced. Not surprisingly, the change is prompted by consumers’ preference for sugar over HFCS. Despite lack of evidence to support the negative health claims surrounding HFCS, consumers perceive sugar as more “natural." And “natural" is perceived has more healthful.
Don’t expect the trend toward transparency to go away any time soon. According to Mintel, 22 percent of U.S. grocery consumers would like to see improved labeling on packaging to help them easily identify healthier food products, and less than 38 percent trust what companies say on labels. Currently, 80 percent of U.S. consumers look for nutritional claims (i.e., vitamins, fiber) when buying food, while 38 percent look for products that are all natural. Food origin is also quickly becoming a purchase factor with 35 percent of consumers seeking out products that carry a local claim.
Check out the Clean-Label Content Library on Food Product Design for more information about clean-label ingredients and how product developers are using them in various food and beverage applications.


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Apple has announced when it will open pre-orders for its all-new 13-inch M2-powered MacBook Pro. The laptop was launched recently at WWDC 2022.
Apple has announced when it will open pre-orders for its all-new 13-inch M2-powered MacBook Pro. The device was announced at Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event, where the company also introduced the newest generation of its in-house Mac processor — the Apple M2. Apart from the new MacBook Pro, the new chip can also be found in the latest MacBook Air, which was also unveiled at the same event. The latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air not only share many similarities in terms of design and hardware but are also relatively similarly priced.
Despite rumors suggesting Apple might launch several new products at the WWDC, the two new MacBooks were the only pieces of hardware the company eventually unveiled at the event. However, as expected, there were a ton of announcements in terms of software as the company previewed the newest versions of many of its operating systems. Apple not only announced iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, which will be rolled out to compatible devices this fall, but also took the wraps off watchOS 9, which includes a ton of new fitness-related updates. Also new is macOS Ventura, which gets many new productivity features.
Pre-orders for the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 will open Friday, June 17 at 5 a.m. PT (8 a.m. ET). The device will be available to order through several platforms, including apple.com, the Apple Store app and Apple Authorized Resellers. Customers will start receiving their new MacBook Pro a week later, from Friday, June 24. The device is available in silver and space gray and starts at $1,299 for the base model. Apple is also offering three percent cash back to customers who buy directly from the company with Apple Card. In addition, buyers paying with Apple Card are also eligible for interest-free monthly installments.
New M2 MacBook Pro Brings Back The Touch Bar
In terms of specifications, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is powered by Apple’s new M2 chip and can be configured with up to 24GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. It also features a 13.3-inch Retina display and comes with a battery that Apple claims will offer up to 20 hours of usage on a single charge. The new MacBook Pro also has a Touch Bar, something that’s not present in most of the other recent MacBook models.
It is worth noting that despite the ‘Pro’ moniker, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro misses out on at least one of the features that’s available in the cheaper MacBook Air — MagSafe charging. Regarding the new M2-powered MacBook Air, Apple has not officially clarified the exact date when pre-orders will go live for that device, but a listing on the company’s website suggests that it will happen sometime next month.
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Unilever's alliance with JCDecaux, which spreads across 22 countries, is a reflection of its increased commitment to outdoor and will enable it to co-ordinate campaigns for all of its brands across JCDecaux's range of advertising formats. The deal will cover street furniture, billboard and transport advertising.
Unilever's worldwide head of media, Alan Rutherford, said: "As a communication channel, outdoor is becoming increasingly important in helping Unilever connect with its customers."
Edwina Sharpe, Unilever's UK media manager, together with other local media managers, will co-ordinate the relationship. The poster specialist the Alban Group will handle poster buying. Xavier Dupre, the managing director of JCDecaux One Stop Shop, will manage the alliance from London.
Jean-Francois Decaux, the chairman and chief executive of JCDecaux, said: "It is excellent news that Unilever, the world's largest advertiser, recognises the role of the outdoor advertising medium as a vital part of its communications strategy. JCDecaux has the infrastructure to deliver a cohesive campaign across all of Europe and beyond."
The alliance is a boost to JCDecaux a fortnight after unveiling results that showed net profits halving to £6 million last year. In the UK, however, its revenues rose 12.8 per cent. It hopes to extend the relationship with Unilever to a global basis as it expands in the US and Asia.
JCDecaux's rival outdoor company, Maiden, has also announced a fall in profit from £13 million in 2000 to £6.7 million last year. This was despite its sales remaining steady at £80.3 million.


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Ministry of skill development seeks suggestion to amend Apprenticeship Act
The Apprentices Act, 1961 was enacted with the objective of regulating the program of training of apprentices in the industry by utilizing the facilities available therein for imparting on-the-job training. The ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship is the administrative ministry responsible for the implementation of the Act.
The move has been triggered following a directive from Cabinet secretariat to the skills development ministry in July this year to examine the Acts and regulations under the purview of the ministry.
“In view of the above, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) invites comments,inputs or suggestions in writing, on amendment in Apprentices Act, 1961 (amended upto 2014) with an objective to simplify the engagement of apprentices in establishments,” the ministry said in a notification.
The Apprentices Act, 1961 was enacted with the objective of regulating the program of training of apprentices in the industry by utilizing the facilities available therein for imparting on-the-job training. The ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship is the administrative ministry responsible for implementation of the Act.
“With an aim to achieve the desired growth rate and to meet the skill manpower requirement as a result of dynamic expansion being witnessed in the current scenario, MSDE has taken various initiatives to sensitize the need and importance of engaging apprentices among all establishments,” it said.
“Further, to boost apprentices’ engagement across establishments’ series of reforms have been introduced facilitating the ease of doing business,” it added.
In India, less than 0.1% of the employed workforce or just 0.3 million people are apprentices. In comparison, the UK has 1.5% or 0.5 million, China has 2.5% or 20 million, and Germany has 5% or 2.5 million apprentices. This is compared to nearly six million youth that enter India’s workforce every year.
India’s current apprenticeship scheme allows 2.5%0-15% of the organisations’ total workforce to be apprentices and firms with 30 or more employees have to mandatory hire apprentices. Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, the company pays 75% while the government contributes 25% to the cost of stipend for each apprentice.
German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz, which has recently launched its second electric offering EQS 580 sedan for India, said that while the electric car is manufactured in Germany, India is the only country to locally assemble the EV outside of the home country. With this, Mercedes will also be the first and only luxury carmaker to assemble an EV in the country, thereby giving it an edge over its rivals in terms of pricing.
According to a complaint filed by Vivek Gupta, the Chief Financial Officer of JBM Group, Sector 44, it was on Friday that he received messages on WhatsApp requesting to transfer certain sums to bank accounts indicated in the messages.


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Maybe it's a good thing I'm waiting
The Cult of Mac blog [com] has some news that made me happy I didn't rush out and put an order in for one of the new MacBook Pros [jks]. According to a post Steve looked a little off during the Macworld Keynote and it was because according to one source at Apple:
Some of the speech had been cut out. Key products were missing.
My source said there was some stuff, "some very, very cool stuff," that Jobs couldn't unveil because of "supply issues."
"They can't get enough Core Duo (chips)," said my source.
He also said that if he were me, he probably wouldn't order one of the new MacBook Pros.
I asked if there would be MacBook replacements for the 17-inch and 12-inch PowerBooks, but he said, "Oh, it's much cooler than that. Much cooler."
So what could it be? Something too cool for school I bet, and that's fine because I too am too cool for school. Once the supply issues are sorted out I'm sure Apple will do a special event to release their new products, perhaps a 30th anniversary event on April 1st.SteveJobs Mac Apple MacBookPro Powerbook Intel Macworld


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Guess has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2017 underwear campaign featuring Joe Jonas as the brand’s new face. The campaign is photographed by Yu Tsai, an internationally-renowned celebrity and fashion photographer whose past portfolios include shooting for Emporio Armani, Victoria’s Secret and Coca-Cola.
Previously known as one of the three members of the pop-rock band The Jonas Brothers back in 2005, Joe Jonas has since formed a new band alongside Jack Lawless, JinJoo Lee and Cole Whittle. Otherwise known as DNCE, their debut single Cake by the Ocean was a big hit in 2015.
Check out the rest of the photos below, with some of them featuring American model Charlotte McKinney.


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Jimmy John is the man who became a billionaire by selling sandwiches. Before getting sold, JS’s operated in over 2000 location across the United States. It all started from a single shop which finally converted into a multi billion dollar Sub Empire. Jimmy likes to spend his billions by buying and collecting sports cars, yachts, and has an extensive real estate portfolio as well.
He Became Successful Pretty Quickly
Jimmy John’s started in 1993. He soon started selling franchises to other people. In 2014, the business reported that it had over 2000 franchises. Now, the number is estimated to be 2800.
From the start of 2014, the brand has started facing some competition. That is because major competitors started providing fast delivery service as well, which is the main focus of Jimmy John’s as well. That caused the same store sales to fall in 2014, and it has been falling since then.
The Coronavirus pandemic has also hit the food industry, and JJ’s in particular really hard. This was also mentioned by Jimmy John Liautaud himself in a press release. He also said that we will be the last to come back to normal.
According to Entrepreneur, starting a Jimmy John’s franchise is still one of the best opportunities. Their franchise opportunity is ranked 23rd.
Jimmy John Liautaud Does Not Own JJ’s Anymore
The business was solely user the proprietorship of Jimmy in the first years. But he has recently sold all of his shares in the business to Roark Capital.
In the first sale, the company was valued at $3 billion. Jimmy kept holding 35% of the total share after that sale. But in October 2019, he sold rest of the shares as well without disclosing the price.
Now, Inspire brands holds the company, they are a subsidiary of Roark Capital and hold Arby’s as well.


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WELLINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - New Zealand says it has prevented a major stalling of the multi-million dollar meat export trade with China for the second time in two months over regulatory issues.
China issued new rules in late June requiring a change in the certification of meat, catching New Zealand officials and exporters by surprise and resulting in meat shipments being held at Chinese ports.
“We have worked on a pragmatic solution to enable current consignments to be cleared and trade to continue,” New Zealand food safety minister Nikki Kaye said in a statement.
One shipment was caught in the northern port of Dalian because it did not have the proper documentation, but arrangements have been made to cover shipments in transit, which should have little or no delay.
New Zealand meat exports to China more than doubled to NZ$670 million ($523 million) in the year to April.
In May, tens of thousands of tonnes of New Zealand meat shipments were held at Chinese ports because of confusion over export certificates, in what was called a technical issue.
The trade problems come at a time when Chinese authorities are taking a tougher approach on food safety, amid reports that meat described as beef, pork, or lamb was fake or tainted.
China is New Zealand’s second biggest export market, and a significant buyer of agricultural goods, especially dairy produce, with the Fonterra Co-operative Ltd a major supplier of milk powder, the source ingredient for infant formula.
Chinese competition authorities are currently investigating foreign makers of infant formula for possible price fixing and anticompetitive activity.
Reporting by Gyles Beckford; Editing by Michael Perry


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November 13, 2012
Accenture Launches New Innovation Centre for SAP® Solutions in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG; Nov. 13, 2012 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced it is expanding its global network of Innovation Centres for SAP ® solutions with the opening of a new centre in Centurion, South Africa. Focused on accelerating the development, delivery and commercialisation of business solutions based on SAP technologies, the centre will help clients increase speed to market, enhance flexibility, and improve business performance.
The Accenture Innovation Centres for SAP solutions bring together Accenture’s functional and industry expertise with the latest SAP technologies, including the SAP HANA ® platform and mobility and cloud solutions. Supported by teams of professionals from Accenture and SAP, the centres provide clients with process-specific business solutions, thought leadership around existing and emerging SAP solution-based technology, and the industrialisation of the resulting solution, content and delivery methods.
In particular, the Accenture Innovation Centre for SAP solutions in Centurion is focused on innovating new solutions for growth industries, such as telecommunications, utilities, mining, banking, public sector, automotive, consumer goods and retail.
“The new Accenture Innovation Centre for SAP solutions will help our clients in South Africa and the Sub-Saharan Africa region derive even greater value from their investments in SAP solutions and accelerate business results in the highly competitive market environment,” said Willie Schoeman, managing director of Technology, Accenture Southern Africa.
“Through this innovation centre, we’ll bring the best of Accenture’s global experience to our local clients and enable the localisation of solutions to meet their specific business challenges in the region,” said Eliseo Belmonte, lead, SAP Solutions, Accenture in Africa.
The centre will also house a critical skills and training facility, incorporating the Accenture Academy for SAP solutions. Accenture will develop a pipeline of priority technology skills, taking in hundreds of university graduates as interns who will become professionals certified in SAP solutions.
The South African centre joins Accenture’s global network of innovation centres in the U.S., Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, France and India. These innovation centres leverage the skills and expertise at locations across the Accenture Global Delivery Network, Accenture Technology Labs and the Accenture Global Talent and Innovation Network.
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with 257,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com.
SAP, SAP HANA and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.
# # #
+ 082 565 0205
+ 011 208 3450 (mobile)


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Missouri Governor Eric Greitens announced that four business expansions from across the state plan to generate more than $3.4 million in capital investment and create 101 new jobs for Missouri families.
“We are delivering on our promise to bring more jobs and higher pay to the people of Missouri,” said Gov. Greitens. “Today, we’ve got good news: four more companies are investing in Missouri, for a total capital investment of $3,465,000. That’s 101 new quality jobs for families in our state. Missouri is open for business. We’re growing. We’re competing again. And we’re winning jobs.”
Mac Rak, a manufacturer and distributer of warehouse rack repair and protective guarding solutions, is expanding in Moberly, Missouri with plans to create at least 30 new jobs. Missouri Terrazzo Company, a flooring contractor that specializes in the installation of terrazzo, resinous flooring and wall systems and dyed, polished and stained concrete, is expanding in St. Louis, Missouri with plans to create 10 highly skilled jobs over the next two years.
Tight 360 Tool & Machine, LLC, a machine shop that also handles water jet, welding, fabrication and more, is expanding in Jonesburg, Missouri with plans to create 14 new jobs. Lastly, United Excel Corporation, a performance-driven general contractor, is expanding in Kansas City, Missouri with plans to create 47 new jobs.
For more information on Missouri contact Steve Johnson, CEO of Missouri Partnership, at 314.725.2688 or via our contact form, with any questions you might have, and learn how Missouri Partnership can help with your business expansion and investment needs.


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51% of British adults think it’s an organisation’s responsibility to protect their personal data from online theft and only 9% believe it’s their own – that’s according to our research carried out with the help of ComRes. Among other factors, our investigation looked at consumer attitudes and expectations of businesses in the event of a data breach.
The UK government’s ‘Cyber security breaches survey 2017’ adds other factors to the mix: businesses that hold electronic personal data on customers are more likely to have had breaches (51% versus 46%). The same survey also finds that organisations face considerable financial costs from breaches, not just in terms of recovery and repair, but also the long-term damage to the business’ reputation among customers and investors.
There can be little doubt then, that not only are consumers increasingly putting the onus on businesses to keep their personal data safe, but that the reputational repercussions of a breach can cost a company dearly.
While it can seem like panic stations when a breach happens, putting the customer first – is a priority. With a staggering 85% of consumers we surveyed saying they expected to be notified within 24 hours of a breach, every action you take can affect trust and confidence in your business. And that’s a dangerous situation for any organisation to be in.
A look at what our research has shown about customer expectations in the event of a data breach, may shed some light on the measures you should include in your response plan to avoid trust being broken.
What customers expect you to do following a data breach:
- 59%: advice & support on what to do
- 50%: financial compensatio
- 50%: pursuing those responsible
- 37%: web monitoring
- 31%: credit monitoring
Another finding that stands out is that among those who would be discouraged from using an organisation’s services following a breach, more than half (53%) say taking increased security measures to protect their data in the future could redeem their trust. While 40% believe prompt and transparent communication is key.
With this in mind, we advise that your data breach response plan includes customer services, whereby a third party will create a dedicated team of frontline experts to speak to concerned customers allowing your own staff to continue with important business as usual activity. This means your customers are informed, not left in the dark – and takes the pressure off you, as you deal with the recovery.
A data breach can take a heavy toll on any organisation. But with an increased public awareness of data breaches, ensuring customer loyalty is more important – and harder -than ever. We would say that a response plan that doesn’t put communication and safeguarding interests of your customers above everything else, may be putting your business in jeopardy if a data breach occurs.
Find out more about how Experian help organisations put readiness plans in place so they can know, prepare, and recover with confidence in the event of a data breach.
Read our whitepaper: Readiness vs The Reality
ComRes: BUSINESS SURVEY ComRes interviewed 200 Business IT decision-makers in Great Britain (Online) between 9th – 16th January 2017. Respondents were surveyed across a variety of sectors and business sizes, ensuring good representation from all business types. All were screened to ensure they were involved in or aware of data breach management at their organisation, and all organisations had to be responsible for at least 100 Personally Identfiable Information (PII) records. Given the subject of the survey, respondents in the IT and Financial sectors are over-represented. ComRes also conducted similar research in 2016 with SMEs.
CONSUMER SURVEY ComRes interviewed 2,001 British adults online between 13th and 15th January 2017. Data was weighted by age, gender, region and social grade to be representative of all British adults aged 18+. ComRes also conducted similar research among British adults in 2016 and 2015. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available on the ComRes website, www.comresglobal.com.


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The $340M expansion at the international terminal at Brisbane (BNE) will open on Dec. 3.
More than 70 outlets in more than 37,000 sq. ft. will be spread over four levels and offer fashion, gifts, souvenirs, arts and crafts, travel services, and food and beverage.
“The expansion of the retail area will mean the terminal can now offer a world-class shopping experience with more variety and options for consumers across the four levels,” says Barry Kairl, Brisbane Airport Corp.’s terminal and retail commercial manager.
More than 4 million shoppers a year pass through the terminal, with the most popular purchases being macadamia nuts and Bundaberg rum, and more than 670,000 cups of coffee are consumed in the terminal each year.
“We effectively have a captive consumer audience at the terminal, as most people spend at least an hour or two before departure shopping or dining,” Kairl says.


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Samsung expected to confirm profit downgrade, as it rolls out mobile payments in China and clean energy storage in the US
Monday, October 6, 2014/
Samsung is this week expected to confirm a dramatic fall in September profits, as the tech giant rolls out its mobile payments platform across China and an energy storage system in the US.
According to the Korea Herald, analystsexpect Samsung Electronics to announce a September quarter profit 4.98 trillion won ($A5.365 billion), less than half the 10.16 trillion won profit for the same quarter last year.
It comes after operating income fell around 24% year-on-year in the June quarter to 7.2 trillion won, its third straight quarterly drop for the company, which was followed by the restructure of a number of affiliated companies.
The losses are likely to overshadow the launch of its NFC-based mobile payments platform in China, which The Korea Times reports is being run in conjunction with Chinese interbank payments authority UnionPay.
The deal, the first between a handset maker and UnionPay, will allow the South Korean tech giant to tap into the Chinese mobile payments market, and comes as rival Apple rolls out its Apple Pay system in the US.
Meanwhile, group affiliate Samsung SDI has signed the largest ever energy storage system deal in North America. The deal will see the company supply a 25 megawatt hour lithium-ion battery array to US clean teach company Green Charge Networks over the next two years.
Be honest about your situation: How vulnerability helps businesses thrive Sue Parker DARE Group founder
Own it: The 10 things you need to do to manage your personal brand Lisa Stephenson Who Am I Projects founder
Six invaluable lessons: What 20 years in aged care taught me about being an entrepreneur Natasha Chadwick NewDirection Care founder
An entrepreneurial superpower: Eight tips to help develop resilience Adala Bolto ZADI Training co-founder
Going through a lull? Five areas you should invest in when sales drop Tamara Alaveras and Sonia Majkic 3 Phase Marketing co-founders
Stop telling us how busy you are, it's boring and charmless Ian Whitworth Scene Change co-founder
Blandification™ and the state of modern branding Jeffrey Oley The Offices co-founder
Why you should find the right role for the right person — not the other way around Bruce Stronge Outfit founder


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Skip to comments.Maniac slash attack in supermarket meat aisle
Posted on 06/11/2011 6:43:29 PM PDT by Free ThinkerNY
A crazed man made a Pathmark meat aisle extra bloody this morning when he plunged a knife into an elderly shoppers neck, allegedly after the perpetrator stepped on the victim's foot, police and store employees said.
Abdullah Mohammed, 51, of 125th Street, was at the Harlem supermarket yesterday morning when he started arguing loudly at the customer service desk with William Perry, 70, a former truck driver. Perry was at the desk buying Lotto tickets when Mohammed stepped on his foot, irking the older man, according to his older brother, Charles Perry.
Mohammed, who was clad in a peach linen suit, was booted out of the store, but stormed back in minutes later and cornered Perry in the meat aisle, two employees said. He then allegedly whipped out a razor and slashed Perry across the neck.
"People ran out of the store. One guy was screaming, Oh my God, Ive never seen anything like this," said Rafael Feliciano, a repairman who witnessed the melee.
A heroic store employee tackled Mohammed and subdued him until the police responded to the meat aisle melee, cops said. Mohammed was dragged out of the supermarket screaming "at everyone around him," Feliciano said.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Those wacky Amish...
Whoa! Abdullah “Razor” Mohammed!
Mohammed slashes Perry’s neck. Nothing to see here. I am sure Mr. Perry comitted a hate crime by bleeding on Mr Mohammed’s suit.
Gee, I wonder what he was screaming at people. I bet it wasn't "Go Yankees!"
Nope, never. Not even around, oh, September 2001.
Mohammed was arrested and charged with assault in the first degree. Perry was taken to Harlem Hospital and was likely to survive his injuries, police said.
I wouldn’t live there for anything.
Just another peaceful, tolerant Muslim who happened to have a knife on him at the supermarket meat counter. Was the elderly shopper buying pork?
What Mo needed was two in the chest and one in the head.
Our Homeland Security Czar sees no logic in profiling moslem men.
I'm amazed to see how many journalists graduated from Stacy and Clinton's What Not to Wear School of Journalism. I mean, I knew he was nuts as soon as they told me his name, but more and more of these violent crime stories lately have to inform us what the perp was wearing.
I’ve never heard of a peach linen suit, much less a crazed Muslim. This must be fiction.
Wonder if he was screaming anything about allah being akbar ... or anything like that ... just wondering, that’s all ... just wondering ...
Let’s import more of them.
I thought that was kind of an odd thing to say as well.
I’m betting the writer just didn’t want to say “traditional muslim garb”.
Even worse, where it says this:
“People ran out of the store. One guy was screaming, Oh my God, Ive never seen anything like this,”
they were actually talking about his apparel.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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It’s a common misconception that the trucking industry doesn’t see much progress. After all, how much can an industry which comprises transit from Point A to Point B really develop? However, the demand for trucking is increasing and it’s surprising how much trucking has shifted over the past few years to accommodate this. Here are a few key ways the trucking industry is evolving.
One of the biggest concerns about the trucking industry is its environment impact. From questions of fuel efficiency to concerns about the detrimental effects of truck exhaust on drivers, there’s no shortage of environmental hazards. But there were leaps and bounds made within the trucking industry to reduce environmental impact and introduce an eco-conscious perspective to drivers. Technological advancements and breakthroughs in research are playing key roles in the effort to minimize the industry’s carbon footprint.
By seeking out alternative energy sources and investing more in hybrid fleet vehicles, industry leaders are on the lookout for ways to incorporate green concepts to the profession. There are products like SeQuential biodiesel that are designed as non-toxic alternatives to petroleum diesel with the added benefits of carbon dioxide displacement. Tesla invests in trucking and wants to introduce electric and automated vehicles for carrier use. While trucking can often come across as environmentally unfriendly, much of the industry is taking steps to contribute to the planet’s overall health.
Trucking hasn’t adapted to the world’s technology boom in the way many other industries have. Sure, software developments and more sophisticated fleet systems have streamlined many industry practices. But there’s been no “smartphone” of trucking, no one massive development that’s flipped it on its head. This doesn’t mean that the trucking industry is immune to the spread of tech, and in fact, the truth is quite the opposite.
One of the biggest predictions for the industry’s future involves the rise of automated vehicles and whether trucking will remain untouched by their reach. On paper, automated vehicles make a lot of sense. Be it real-time tracking or quicker diagnostics, the push for automation may very well be the next big thing in trucking. However, it’s still quite a ways off. Self-driving vehicles aren’t approved for industry use and come with their own unique set of regulatory challenges. If automated freight quote is the future of the trucking industry, it’s still quite a ways away.
The trucking industry is outpacing its peers in terms of growth and expansion. This is because trucking historically sees high turnover rates. It’s also due to the ever-increasing demand for shipping capabilities. Think of it as a business owner. Would you rather focus on a brick and mortar shop that comes with a whole host of real estate complications and lease payments, or would you opt for an online storefront and reallocate your finances towards shipping costs? Many companies are trending towards the latter which means reliance on carriers is booming.
This is a boon to drivers in the industry. The continued growth and the demand for quality drivers has forced carriers to up their pay rates, provide greater benefits to employees, and offer more favorable hauls. Also, since trucking is one of the few jobs on the planet that cannot be outsourced, there’s plenty of job security to be had.
While it’s an old profession that’s been around for over a century, the trucking industry continues to thrive. As moves are made throughout trucking to increase the focus on eco-friendly practices and incentivize workers, it’s clear that technology has been a major disruptor. The future of the industry can be hard to predict as it often doesn’t see rapid shifts like more technologically sensitive sectors do. However, it’s certain that there’s never been a better time to get involved and there’s plenty of excitement on the road ahead.


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Today is Friday, June 7th, It IS - National Donut Day, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, Daniel Boone Day – Died eating Sweet Potatoes
Bradley Cooper and his girlfriend Irina have broken up after 4 years together.
The Tony Awards are on this Sunday night on CBS.
No more babies for April the Giraffe. She is retiring from her park’s breeding department!
Dolly Parton wears makeup all night in case of fire, or emergency where she would have to see someone in the middle of the night. She washes her face in the morning!
Nike has introduced curvy mannequins.
40% of us have eaten an entire box of cereal in one sitting. Cereal-ously
New study says, eating white meat is just as bad for you as eating beef.
BBQ-Scented Cologne (Called Q – Amazon $9)
Experts are now saying moms should take a vacation alone once in a while to recharge. Momcations..
Want the job? Wear black to the interview!


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Deal reached to begin shipping U.S. beef to China, Daines says
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached an agreement with Chinese officials on a deal that would allow the U.S. to begin the beef exports to China, ending a 14-year ban, officials said Monday.
Also Monday, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the posting of documents related to the beginning of shipments.
This includes requirements for U.S. establishments shipping to China, which will enable packers to apply for approval to export to China. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has also updated its online Export Library specifying China’s requirements for certifying U.S. beef being shipped there.
China has emerged as a major beef buyer in recent years, with imports increasing from $275 million in 2012 to $2.5 billion in 2016. However, the United States has been banned from China's market since 2003 over a scare of mad cow disease.
The United States is the world’s largest beef producer and was the world’s fourth-largest exporter, with global sales of more than $5.4 billion in 2016. Until the ban took effect, the U.S. was China’s largest supplier of imported beef, providing 70 percent of their total intake.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., has encouraged Chinese officials to import Montana beef.
“For the first time in 13 years, Montana beef will now be served on menus, plates and in Chinese households,” Daines stated in a news release. “Montanans know U.S. beef is the highest quality in the world and now our producers can compete on a level playing field. On my next trip to Beijing I look forward to seeing Montana beef on the menu.”


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Toyota has been importing and selling Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Kazakhstan through its sales and marketing subsidiary, Toyota Motor Kazakhstan (TMK), since 2008, but this is the first time it has worked with Saryarka AvtoProm. The Kazakh vehicle builder was established in 2010 and currently makes the Kyron as well as six other models for Ssangyong. It also assembles the Chance model for Ukranian vehicle maker ZAZ.
The agreement with Toyota was signed at a ceremony held in the capital Astana this week and attended by Asset Issekeshev, Kazakhstan’s deputy prime minister and minister of Industry and New Technologies, and Toyota Motor’s senior managing officer, Didier Leroy, who is also president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.
“This project is an important milestone for Toyota and Kazakhstan, and is a product of our strong and cooperative relationship with the Kazakh government,” said Leroy. “We strongly believe that the potential for economic growth and a strong automobile market here is excellent.”
Later this month a fuller contract will be signed that Toyota said would define the roles of the participating companies. Toyota is to provide technical guidance and assistance to Saryarka AvtoProm for production, while its local subsidiary TMK will handle vehicle sales.
“Once this made-in-Kazakhstan true off-roader begins coming off the line here, we will be able to offer an extended model line-up, including ten imported Toyota models such as the Camry and the Land Cruiser, as well as seven Lexus models,” said TMK president Shingo Kato.
Last year Toyota began assembly of the Fortuner in Egypt with subcontractor Arab American Vehicle (AVV), from SKD kits. Toyota is also aiming at an output of 3,000 vehicles a year there, with Toyota Motor Engineering Egypt SAE (TMEE) managing vehicle quality control, supply and demand management, as well as overseeing logistics services.
TMEE is a joint venture established in June 2011 by Toyota Motor, Toyota Tsusho and Toyota Egypt SAE, TMC's independent vehicle distributor in Egypt.


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This is not the first time the women’s hygiene product Pee Safe has partnered with a movie to promote the brand and the cause.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Pee Safe collaborates with Bollywood movie Thappad to launch #BeSafewithPeeSafe campaign featuring Taapsee Pannu. The campaign which went live on various social media platforms, shows the actress urging women to not tolerate violence and health issues.
The movie encourages women to take charge of their own well-being and safety, Vikas Bagaria, founder, Pee Safe, said. “Pee Safe aims to empower women to take charge of their well-being through products like the toilet seat sanitizer spray which can prevent UTI and other infections,” he added.
This is not the first time the women’s hygiene product Pee Safe has partnered with a movie to promote the brand and the cause. Prior to this, the brand had partnered with Akshay Kumar’s Toilet Ek Prem Katha to raise awareness regarding menstrual hygiene.
Started in 2013, the company claims to have sold over one lakh units by October 2015. Pee Safe, which started with a toilet sanitiser spray, now has a range of products including sanitary pads, organic cotton tampons, menstrual cups, panty liners, breast pads, natural intimate washes, wipes and sweat pads for both men and women, and pollution safe dust masks.
It should be noted that the company which raised Rs 30 crore from Alkemi Growth Capital funds in series A funding, expects to clock Rs 15 crore – Rs 20 crore. Further, Pee Safe recorded a 50-75% quarter-on-quarter growth this fiscal. The brand has announced to launch its products globally within the next five years. At present the company products are available in modern trade, general stores, airports and organised stores across over 40 cities and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Nykaa, Flipkart, among others.


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The sector is continuing to see a proliferation of brands, as hotel groups attempt to match changing consumer demands. Technology is impacting at the property level, while delegates at the Hotel Distribution Event also heard how blockchain technology has the potential to drive lower costs throughout both customer acquisition, and real estate management.
James Bland of BVA BDRC said brands now need to respond to a changing world. Gone are the days of strong brands with uniform standards and the individual no longer adapts, but rather expects their world to adapt to them. “I think that has a real implication on what hotels will look like.” He expects to see the growth of soft, collection brands, which offer the promise of uniform brand quality standards, yet deliver unique and more locally connected individual properties.
The change was echoed by brand specialist John Rogers from Hilton. He said the additional brands Hilton has introduced, many of them within the last five years, answer the need of different audiences to find something that resonates. It also provides Hilton with internal rebranding options, and he noted several instances where traditional Hilton properties have been relaunched – and delivered greater returns – as a DoubleTree or Hampton. The group’s Curio brand, designed to incorporate strong local connections and currently represented in just a handful of locations, was tipped by Bland as one to watch.
Part of meeting that need for choice and individuality is the roll-out of new tech. Hilton claims the lead on the deployment of smartphone door locks, and now gives its loyalty members the option of choosing a specific room in a hotel, when they make a reservation.
But perhaps the most exciting innovation – and one that delegates struggled to get their heads around – is the potential blockchain revolution. David Brillembourg, chairman of Brillembourg Holdings, has studied and invested in a number of startups in this nascent niche, which promises to use distributed ledgers to share information. The shared platform promises to do away with costly intermediaries, with improved online security, bringing down transaction costs and improving information flow between business partners.
The technology of the distributed ledger has already been deployed by those who created the leading cryptocurrency, bitcoin. While bitcoin has seen limited use as an exchange of value, and been seen more as a speculative investment bubble, Brillembourg said there was the potential for other tokens to be issued in future.
“Potentially 10% of hotel bookings could be on the blockchain within ten years,” he suggested. Blockchain remains a concept rather than a practical option as yet, and Brillembourg acknowledged he is in at the early, high risk stage: “I predict that 90% of startups in blockchain will fail.” He said part of the impetus driving blockchain is the distrust Millennials have of centralised banking systems. And, to the sceptics in the audience, he noted that 20 years ago, few would have believed that the early, stumbling attempts to create the first OTAs would have had such a major impact on the hotel industry.
One hotelier who has taken a close look at blockchain is Rajesh Vohra, director of Sarova Hotels. “We have had some discussions with potential vendors, but I’m not sure we’re there yet.” And to those wondering what a blockchain transaction would look like, he noted the mechanism should deliver a seamless experience, in order to succeed. “It’s not about how the consumer sees it, as it should be transparent to the consumer.”
HA Perspective [by Chris Bown]: Hype or a step change? Only time will tell whether blockchain becomes a key part of the hotel landscape in the future. And, as Brillembourg pointed out, two decades ago many ignored or dismissed the early attempts by a bunch of IT nerds to try and sell hotel rooms online, and crowdsource reviews for sharing.
Blockchain has become somewhat entangled in the wider public perception with bitcoin, the exciting new virtual currency that you can’t do much with, except speculate. But beneath the froth of bitcoin, it is the technology it uses to manage its transactions that is on the secret sauce of blockchain – and it is blockchain that holds out the promise of delivering another streamlining that cuts out intermediary costs, and improves information sharing. Other sectors, such as mainstream commercial property, have done well from sharing information (albeit that was via an old-school information exchange). The hotel sector stands to gain much from greater transparency.


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The $86 million (Rs393 crore) that private equity (PE) firms Bain Capital Llc and TPG Growth bet on Lilliput Kidswear Pvt. Ltd last month may be a precursor to more deals in niche fashion retail, backed by accelerating economic growth and higher middle-class spending.
India’s market for children’s apparel is estimated at an annual Rs13,000 crore, with organized retailers making up just Rs3,500 crore, and growing at a yearly pace of 10%. The premium segment that includes brands such as Lilliput and Benetton may be vaulting at 20%.
“With double incomes and single-child families, parents tend to spend a lot on their children and they have started buying brands, taking pride in dressing up their kids as well,” said Sanjeev Mohanty, managing director of Benetton Group SpA’s South Asia business.
“I think consumer behaviour is changing rapidly in the top 30 towns at least, and it is changing rapidly in favour of brands,” he added.
This shift in buying behaviour is translating into happy tidings for children’s apparel retailers such as Lilliput, making them a potentially attractive investment for PE firms.
Lilliput, a manufacturer and exporter of children’s wear, is present in multi-brand outlets such as Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Central, Globus, and Pantaloons, besides having stand-alone stores.
Lilliput’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, a key measure of operating profitability, increased to Rs43.64 crore in the year ended March 2009, from Rs37 crore in the year prior, according to an analysis by VCCEdge, the financial research platform of VCCircle. Sectors paced by consumer spending are seeing a lot of PE interest, said Pinakiranjan Mishra, national director of the retail practice at consultant Ernst and Young.
“These businesses, if run with controlled costs, have a good potential. The kidswear segment can make a gross margin of about 50-60% on manufacturing vs the MRP (minimum retail price). The Ebitda is usually 25-30% for these businesses.”
The key to profitability lies in reining in costs. India’s fashion retail industry learnt some harsh lessons during the economic downturn when it struggled with heavy costs, beginning with high rentals.
PE investments in the fashion retail sector peaked during 2006-08, but many of the investments made then are in trouble. According to VCCEdge data, about nine deals worth $246 million were done in the sector in 2007-08; transactions dropped to four deals valued at $237 million in 2008-09.
Avigo Capital Partners, which invested in mid-market denim brand Spykar Lifestyles and now holds a 40% stake in it, has been plotting an exit.
Matrix Partners, which invested in Brand Marketing India Pvt. Ltd, the holding company for the Calvin Klein and French Connection businesses in India, has found the going tough in India’s super-premium-to-luxury fashion market.
Other PE deals in fashion retail include Future Capital Holdings’ investment in Biba Apparels Pvt. Ltd and Wolfensohn and Co. Llc’s infusion into FabIndia Overseas Pvt. Ltd.
Past experience aside, the sector holds promise and it needs capital to expand as it matures, said Ajay Mittal, director of Ascent Capital Advisors India Pvt. Ltd, an investor in Primus Retail Pvt. Ltd.
“When a sector moves from an unorganized space to a more organized play, there is a growing need of capital to expand and achieve economies of scale,” Mittal said, describing retail as a long-term growth story.
Content from VCCIRCLE


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When: Sat., June 25, 8 a.m. 2011
Includes guest speakers, demonstrations on tomato grafting and growing fruits and vegetables, as well as classes on cooking with seasonal produce. Local food will be served.
400 President Clinton Ave. (River Market)
Select a star to rate.
© 2018 Arkansas Times


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Is bitcoin mining worth it anymore 2014 nfl28 comments
Bitcoin trading website in india
Five maker anchors have rated the growth with a hold rating and eight have liked a buy pizza to the ban. Wallman siren 500 computers of the businesss cryptologist in a vodafone dogecoin on Friday, Hang 14th. Johnson recommended 750 mb of the boxes stock in a comprehensive on Building, New 4th. Company waits own vodafone dogecoin.


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DAZN has become one of the better-known live sports streaming services (it bills itself as the "world's largest"), but you wouldn't know it if you lived in the US. It's only been available in Canada, Japan and a handful of European countries. It's thankfully addressing that omission soon, albeit not quite in the way you'd hope. The company is launching DAZN in the US on September 10th, with your $10 per month initially providing "combat sports" like boxing and mixed martial arts.
Partnerships with both Matchroomboxing and Bellator MMA will let you see some fairly big fights, including Anthony Joshua's bout against Anthony Povetkin (September 22nd) and Matt Mitrione versus Ryan Bader (October 12th). Over 70 fights are already lined up, DAZN said, with an average of at least one fight a week.
The service is already available in other countries on devices ranging from phones to consoles and smart TVs, so accessibility won't be an issue. Rather, it's the content that's the issue. You won't see NFL games, European soccer (football) league play, motorsport or golf like you do in other corners of the world. DAZN is no doubt hoping to expand its licensing, but it's a tough sell when ESPN+ can deliver more variety for $5 per month. This is really more about DAZN getting its feet wet in the States than attempting to give incumbents a run for their money.


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Good Sunday morning to you. Breakfast today is on Catalina Island as my wife and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.
So, what's it going to be this year?
A recent survey conducted for the National Retail Federation found that dressing up like a witch on Halloween is the favorite way to go for women, while men prefer the fangs and cape of a vampire costume.
For girls, being a princess is the most popular, while boys like to be Batman.
And for those of you who like dressing up your pets ---- you know who you are ---- a pumpkin is the most popular costume, followed closely by the devil.
A record number of people and, I suppose, pets will celebrate Halloween this year, according to the federation, and they'll spend more than ever to do it.
About 71.5 percent of humans ---- no one asked the Chihuahuas ---- say they will take part in some kind of Halloween hijinks later this month, up from 68.6 percent last year.
On average, people are expected to spend $79.82 on decorations, costumes and candy, up from $72.31 in 2011.
All together, some $8 billion is anticipated to be spent on goons, goblins and things that go bump in the night.
The survey found that about 36 percent of trick-or-treaters decide on a costume when they are actually inside a retail store or costume shop.
For 25 years, Betty Lou Langlois ran her year-round costume shop, C.C. & Company, in Temecula. The store was a landmark here, not only for its wide variety of costumes but for the way Betty Lou and crew gave back so generously to the community.
Last year, after she decided to concentrate more on the event planning end of the business, the store was closed.
Unlike a quarter century ago, now there are plenty of places to get Halloween costumes in Southwest County.
However, the recent survey also found that about one-third of Halloweeners get their costume ideas online.
After Betty Lou shuttered her shop, she and her husband, Sandy Dotson, founded "Costumes 4 A Cause," an online costume shop ---- www.costumes4acause.com ---- where a percentage of every sale is donated to a charity.
"When we were closing the shop last year we started donating a portion of the money from each purchase to charity," Betty Lou told me last week. "Finally, we decided, 'Why don't we do this (online) and keep donating to charity.'"
Costumes are ordered through the website.
Some of the inventory is from what's left of 25 years in the business, said Betty Lou, adding that her living room and garage are still piled high with witches, warlocks, ghosts and zombies.
You can also order costumes through her business from a national firm and have them shipped the next day.
Either way, a percentage of each sale goes to people doing good work.
This month, Habitat for Humanity is among the charities that will benefit.
"We're having fun with this even if it probably wasn't the best business idea," Betty Lou said, laughing. "But we did it anyhow."


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February 1, 2013
EDMONTON, AB, Feb. 1, 2013/ Troy Media/ – The great thing about technology is that there’s never a shortage of new and exciting things, and sometimes not-so-new and not-so-exciting things, to test, to talk and write about.
Of course, the challenge we all have is keeping up – to be able to wade through the flurry of emails, announcements, press releases and phone calls and faxes. Yes faxes!
But as I scanned through the hundred or more of this morning’s emails, the one with the subject line “BlackBerry Super Bowl Commercial Still Image” caught my attention.
Of course, the big news this week was the release of the long-awaited and much-anticipated BlackBerry 10, along with the rebranding of Canada’s once-darling Research in Motion.
But back to the email from Research in Motion’s, now BlackBerry’s, corporate communications manager. It read:
Hi – (notice the non-personal touch)
As you may know, coming out of the launch of BlackBerry 10 this week, BlackBerry will be featured in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday for the first time ever. This unique execution will be part of a broad marketing campaign about the totally re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry. As part of this activity, we are sharing a still image of the Super Bowl commercial with our social channels – including 30 millions fans on Facebook and Twitter – to draw them into a conversation about BlackBerry 10 during this highly social event. We’d like to provide you with this still in case you’re interested in sharing it with your readers, and we encourage you to watch our full commercial on Sunday.
I looked at the still image and I was baffled. I thought to myself, ‘what?” I know it’s from the commercial, but how can I share this with my readers? I don’t get it. There’s no oomph, there’s no wow, and I thought this wouldn’t pique anyone’s interest. I even responded back to the sender with similar comments.
I jumped over to Facebook and Twitter and found that others had offered similar reactions. I added my comments to the social media cause and returned to my daily perusing and purging of today’s Inbox.
But here’s the thing.
I couldn’t get that picture out of my mind. It wasn’t my curiosity or interest about what it meant, but rather why the company, which was likely spending $4 million or more on a 30 second ad in Super Bowl XLVII this coming Sunday, would send out what appeared to be a dull, boring nondescript photograph.
It bugged me so, that I decided to write about it.
Congratulations BlackBerry, you succeeded in getting me to share your pitch and your image with my readers, maybe not exactly in a way you might have thought, but, nonetheless, mission accomplished!
Super Bowl XLVII kicks off Sunday, February 3rd at 6:30PM E.T., live from New Orleans.
Greg Gazin is a Tech Columnist, Small Business and Technology Speaker and Senior Editor at Troy Media. He can be reached at Gadgetguy.CA on Twitter @gadgetgreg or you can find him on Empire Avenue at (e)GADGET1.
This article is FREE to use on your websites or in your publications. However, Troy Media, with a link to its web site, MUST be credited.


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The next generation of the internet standard essentially will allow programs to run through web browser rather than specific operating system. That means consumers will be able to access the same programs and cloud-based content from any device – personal computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet – because the browser is the common platform. This ability to work seamlessly anytime, anywhere, on any device could change consumer behaviour and shift the balance of power in the mobile-telecommunications, media, and technology industries, according to McKinsey & Co report. It outlines the opportunities and challenges these changes will present for senior executives, who may feel the effects of the move toward “web-centricity” much sooner than they think.
The Financial Markets Authority – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has appointed Louise Unger to join its executive leadership team as executive director for response and enforcement. The authority says


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You are here
CALGARY, ALTA. (Jan. 17, 2013) - Carving highway corners on a motorcycle; hitting the perfect shot down the 18th tee; picking a gnarly line on a mountain bike; blasting out of the start gate on skis - these are only a few of the segments featured in the #myskistory video series, which documents the stories of some of the most exciting skiers in Canada.
The 13 athlete-narrated videos take an insider’s look at the daily lives of some of Canada’s alpine, para-alpine and ski cross skiers, both on and off the hill.
“The athletes featured in these videos are the superstars of our sport,” said Max Gartner, president of Alpine Canada. “This project will help fans – and all Canadians – learn more about who these amazing athletes are off the hill and about their journey to the top of the sport. Our hope is that these videos will help people get excited about ski racing and inspire the next generation of ski racers to pursue their dreams as well.”
The video series was launched in November 2012, thanks to a unique partnership between Alpine Canada and a Calgary, Alta.-based production company. Deluxe Design Group produced the videos and donated filming and editing time for the project.
“We’ve spent nearly two years following Alpine Canada’s racers,” said Chris Krieger of Deluxe Design Group. “We’ve had some unforgettable experiences and we’re looking forward to making more memories as we continue to document the journey of these hardworking, dedicated athletes.”
The videos, which can also be accessed on www.youtube.com, are rights-free and are available for editorial use (mandatory credit: Courtesy, Alpine Canada/Deluxe Design Group). All race footage is courtesy of CBC Sports and permission must be obtained for broadcast rights.
Kelsey Serwa (Canadian Ski Cross Team):
Brady Leman (Canadian Ski Cross Team):
Marie-Michéle Gagnon (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
John Kucera (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
Ben Thomsen (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
Manuel Osborne-Paradis (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
Jan Hudec (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
Erik Guay (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
Chris Del Bosco (Canadian Ski Cross Team):
Marielle Thompson (Canadian Ski Cross Team):
Mike Janyk (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):
Josh Dueck (Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team):
Erin Mielzynski (Canadian Alpine Ski Team):


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Using size for defining microservices is useless when determining a service responsibility, Jeppe Cramon states in a series of blog posts explaining his view on microservices and the coupling problems he finds in synchronous two-way communication.
Microsoft recently announced the initial release of the OneNote API, which enables programmatic integration of its free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration tool across different programming languages and platforms like Windows, Windows Phone, iOS, Mac OS, Android and the web.
During Build 2014, Microsoft renewed its commitment to the long ignored .NET Micro Framework. This very lightweight version of .NET can be found in for very small devices such as the open source electronics platform Netduino. But the .NET Micro is rather limited, even basic functionality such as accessing REST based resources requires help from people like Daniel Stegmaier of the mfRCF project.
Cloudera recently released the latest version of its software distribution, CDH5. Almost 20 months after the last major version, CDH4 seems like ages in the Big Data world. We take a look at new features this release brings and the future direction of Cloudera after the latest round of investment from Intel and Google Ventures.
We should build systems more loosely coupled to achieve properties like robustness, resilience and scalability, Udi Dahan emphasizes in a recent presentation discussing how we can model our systems using more event-driven and asynchronous patterns and some of the challenges developers face when introducing these principles and patterns into development.
Over the past year or so we've started to hear about Microservices as potentially new architectural style. Recently Thoughtworks' Martin Fowler and James Lewis wrote an article defining Microservices. However, Steve Jones takes issue with the general theme and much in that article, believing that there is little new here and this is just a Service Oriented Deliver approach.
Espresso Logic has added RESTful endpoints for SQL stored procedures to their DBaaS service.
Google have announced general availability of their Cloud SQL service. At launch the service comes with automatic encryption of customer data, a 99.95% uptime SLA and support for databases up to 500GB in size.
Recently, Marvel has made available a public API and a RESTful service which provides access to their comics metadata.
Effektif is launching version 1 of its cloud-based BPM product today. Effektif was started and is lead by Tom Baeyens, the original creator of JBoss' jBPM (acquired by Red Hat) and Activiti, owned by Alfresco. It was set up in partnership with Signavio who invested €1.2m to accelerate development, and who will also be selling the product using their existing channels.
In December 2013, Intel announced its plans to push its latest Intel XDK NEW to the mainstream by making it the official Intel XDK version and inviting all developers to migrate from the previous one by the end of February 2014. Let's look at what Intel XDK is and what is new in its latest release.
Ole Lensmar, creator of SoapUI, has asked whether REST is really appropriate for architectures that require real-time, asynchronous interactions and binary protocols. In his article he discusses these areas and believes that alternative approaches are required.
The RESTful Web Services Framework Jersey 2.5 was recently released, bringing support for the latest version of Jetty web server, an upgrade of the Apache Connector and numerous defects corrected. Features added in earlier releases, after the major 2.0 release in June, include support for OAuth and Spring 3.
The traditional resource-oriented API model may not satisfy the most important of your API consumers. Daniel Jacobson of Netflix asserts that good API design is about knowing your API consumers and optimizing your API for that audience.
Versioning of services is something which has been a cornerstone problem of SOA. There are many examples over the years of experiences gained and shared, but little in the way of concretely comparing and contrasting different approaches. Jean-Jacques Dubray has written about the experiences of his team in this area and some equations they have developed to try to illustrate the differences.


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Political and economic turmoil prevailed in 2019 and looks likely to continue into 2020 as tensions in the Gulf and relations between the USA and China cause uncertainty. However, opportunities remain for resilient and committed businesses.
Members of the Criticaleye community give their thoughts on the year ahead.
Sino-US Conflict to Dominate
Guy Foster, Head of Research at Brewin Dolphin, sees a shift in the trade war as the US enters an election year
China is the biggest unknown when looking at global growth this year, it’s much more significant than it was 10 years ago. For a long time, every economic cycle was dominated by the US, but now its contribution to global growth is nearly matched by China.
I expect the China-US trade war to play a large part in how 2020 pans out. In the US, this is having some effect on manufacturing in the rust-belt states. If that causes a big increase in costs and potentially some reduction in corporate demand, that’s an additional factor that could cause recession. However, I think there will be some resolution as President Donald Trump seeks re-election, so I don’t really foresee anything triggering that this year.
I don’t expect to see super-fast growth in the Eurozone but something around the 1 to 1.5 percent mark – there are good signs of recovery throughout the region. Beyond that, geopolitical events surrounding the Persian Gulf have the power to impact the global economy via changes in the oil price which remains a key cost across industries and geographies. With this in mind the new year’s escalation of antagonism between the US and Iran is worrisome. The characters involved are inherently unpredictable so nobody can rule out further escalation and a damaging impact on global demand.
For the UK, negotiating the next stage of Brexit will be the big story of 2020.
Business as Usual in a Chaotic World
Mary Jo Jacobi, NED at Weir Group and a Board Mentor at Criticaleye, has confidence in business but warns about potential social unrest
In the developed world we’ve been in a largely chaotic state for a few years and business has just got on with it. Normally, consistency and continuity in public policy are conditions that businesses want, but today there are so many variables – Brexit or President Donald Trump, for example – that they have learnt to persevere and even thrive through the chaos.
Overall, the business climate is pretty good: inflation is low, as are mortgage rates, and there’s been a long period of inventory adjustment which is coming to an end that means companies are going to start buying again. The US is still experiencing its longest economic expansion and its longest bull market in history, and right now there is nothing forecast that’s going to stop that.
One area to watch is the emergence of what I would call ‘middle class uprisings’. These are where protests on a single issue, such as in Hong Kong, morph into wider discontent. We’re seeing it in France with the Gilets Jaunes, as well as a number of instances in South America, including Chile and Ecuador. There’s a lot of social discontent and social uncertainty, where the old norms are going or have gone, but because people don’t know what the new norms will be it frightens them.
Time for Leadership Rather Than Control
Matthew Blagg, CEO of Criticaleye, says business leaders will need to focus on purpose and stakeholders in 2020
I think that whether you’re a CEO running a single market company or a global conglomerate, 2020 is going to expose any fault lines that you have. Alignment on purpose with core stakeholders will increasingly become key to creating long-term value.
Leaders will continue to be brutally exposed as the pace of doing business will only increase. In such an environment, it’s vital leaders empower others rather than control and manage. With such change, you cannot just be internally focused – be curious and look for insight from the far corners of both your company and the market.
Finally, CEOs need to remember that they cast huge shadows. The decisions you take will affect a large number of people, so you must be brave, but most importantly make sure you think about the medium to long-term impact of any decision you make.
Vietnam Raising the Temperature in Asia
Richard Eu, Chair of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd and a Board Mentor at Criticaleye, sees new business opportunities emerging in South East Asia with China holding its own
In ASEAN, the hot country is Vietnam. There’s a lot of interest there and I think this will increase. The economy has been doing very well for at least a year, mainly through the fallout from the US-China trade dispute, with companies relocating from China for lower costs, and it is still going strong. I don’t see it slowing down. Thailand is benefitting from manufacturing companies relocating too, although with its thriving tourism sector, the currency is becoming too strong. That may be a deterrent for foreign investment. I see continuing growth in Indonesia and the Philippines as they have large domestic markets. Malaysia faces some political uncertainty whilst Singapore, being more dependent on external trade, has been facing a slowdown and the outlook there is still hazy.
China itself will be ok this year. There are issues with the trade war with the US, of course, but I think the uncertainty with that rests more on the US side. The economic course being chartered by President Xi Jinping depends a lot on the domestic economy, not on foreign investment. He is a smart and strong leader and there won’t be many changes at the top, so China will be relatively steady.
From a macro point of view, business leaders are looking for benign conditions for trade to continue. They don’t want a lot of conflict or regional disputes so it’s only really Hong Kong where there are concerns. However, the business community there is fairly certain that the unrest will eventually subside.
Generally, I think we’re going to see some reasonable growth, so CEOs don’t have too much to worry about as far as the region is concerned.
Urgency on Sustainability
Samantha Barber, NED at electric utility company Iberdrola SA and a Board Mentor at Criticaleye, hopes for quicker action around sustainability issues
There is a greater sense of urgency around sustainability and the key driver for corporate agendas is being more efficient and effective. It’s about using energy differently within your business, looking at how you’re using natural resources in an alternative way or it’s about developing innovation to do things differently.
To make progressive changes in the short term, sectors need to identify any quick wins that can be accelerated. Electrification of fleet vehicles for companies is an example – it’s a change for the better that can be done relatively quickly.
I am quite optimistic for 2020. In my part of the corporate world there is definitely no shortage of commitment, enthusiasm and understanding of the urgency around sustainability and climate change, but the political environment in which we are operating has not helped. We’ve had a good number of years of political uncertainty, where business as usual has not been there in government which makes it quite challenging.
There should be greater collaboration and combining of efforts and an understanding that it’s going to take a huge collective effort to stop the level at which carbon, in particular, is damaging the environment.
Testing Times for Technology
Mark Palmer, CEO at Gobeyond Partners, believes that a combination of better use of technology while keeping the human touch will bring success for businesses in 2020
Our research on the topic of customer experience and digital transformation found that 62 percent of respondents expressed concern about the impact of technological change on their business.
Structurally, many businesses we see are still not set up to take full advantage of new technologies. Leaders need to reimagine how their businesses are organised, rather than simply add another layer to the challenges.
It’s not just about technology. I think that the most successful organisations in 2020 will be those looking at their business through a more human lens: taking an end-to-end view of the customer journey; thinking about how digital technologies can augment – rather than replace – human interactions; and, importantly, engaging colleagues on their change journeys.
Driving Growth in a Competitive Sector
Naomi Gillies, Partner & Director of Central Retail at Waitrose, believes retailers need to be clear about what sets them apart for their customers
The starting point to driving growth is around differentiation against your competitor set, so be crystal clear about your overall strategy, your target customers and where you’re gaining value.
Retailers will need to identify their most valuable customers and work out what’s most important to them – whether it’s value or quality of products or service differentiation – and really understand where those customers are prepared to pay for that. Once you know how you’re going to differentiate, you can work out where you’re going to offer unique value.
There is an interesting debate being had about customer loyalty in the market and we’re definitely having that conversation around how you drive loyalty to a brand in a commodity sector, and what do customers most value moving forward? Are you better off investing in quality and ethics or investing in loyalty? And where are your customers going to give you more return?
For us, the value placed on choice of range and choice of products is probably more important to them than receiving a free coffee when they come into our shops.
David Hobbs, Senior Editor, Criticaleye
Next week’s Community Update will review the results of Criticaleye’s NED Research for 2020.


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The Australian Classification Board has possibly outed two new Game Boy Advance games for the Wii U Virtual Console: Mega Man Battle Network 3 White Version and Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue Version.
The Australian equivalent to the ESRB, the ratings board lists both games (which was spotted by Siliconera), with Nintendo as the publisher, hinting that the Game Boy Advance games will hit the Wii U's Virtual Console service in the future. Last month, the Australian Classification Board possibly leaked Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and F-Zero: GP Legend for Nintendo's home console, though neither title has officially been announced yet. Nintendo launched the Game Boy Advance part of the Wii U Virtual Console this month, releasing eight first-party games over the past few weeks. The addition of the Nintendo handheld games to the home console was announced more than a year ago.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 White Version and Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue Version would be the first two Game Boy Advance games for the Wii U released by Capcom. The company is also releasing six Mega Man games for the 3DS Virtual Console in May.
Evan Campbell is a freelance news writer who chats about Nintendo games weekly on the NF Show. You can also check out what he's saying on Twitter.
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HP CEO Meg Whitman told an analyst conference that Autonomy had suffered 'very disappointing licensing revenues' in HP's third quarter and that Lynch was being replaced by Bill Veghte, HP's head of software, in an attempt to improve performance.
For his part, Lynch has said that constant changes at the top of HP has caused disillusionment at Autonomy, and that several senior people have left the firm since HP acquired it last year. Lynch, who founded Autonomy back in 1996 in Cambridge, was the UK's first tech billionaire and his firm has been one of the shining lights of the entrepreneurial scene for over a decade. The $10.3bn with silicon valley veteran firm HP netted him $500m personally but disappointed some observers who saw Lynch as a possible British Bill Gates.
It seems that Autonomy has been subject to the classic takeover malady of a fundamental clash between an entrepreneurial but essentially small scale business and its giant process-heavy corporate parent. HP's Whitman apparently sees Autonomy's struggle to grow as the central issue, saying that the firm's problems are 'not the product ... It's not the market ... It's not the competition. This is classic entrepreneurial company scaling challenges it's a whole different ball game'.
As the former CEO of eBay (she joined HP last September) she ought to know what she is talking about, but of course it's the agility, short lines of communication and speed of response which makes companies like Autonomy what they are. The risk is that HP might kill the goose that lays the golden egg rather than succeed in making it lay faster.
The news came as part of a wider restructuring announcement which will see 27,000 HP staff globally lose their jobs, about 8% of its total workforce, so Lynch will not be alone in having to clear his desk. It's not clear how many of the 20,000 posts in the UK will be affected.
There have been rumblings of discontent from both HP and Autonomy since shortly after the ink was dry on the deal, with HP employees criticising Autonomy people of arrogance and unwillingness to be part of a bigger team, and Autonomy accusing HP staff of being slow and indecisive. The departure of Lynch makes it pretty clear who has won the battle, but whether HP will win the war in the longer term remains to be seen.
As for Lynch, MT wonders what he will do next. On the loose with half a billion quid in his pocket, we can¹t see him sitting on a beach for the rest of his life.


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• Tallinn beats the US and Canadian competition to be crowned the world’s most attractive city for millennials to start up a business.
• New research from GoCompare has measured cities according to metrics essential for young entrepreneurs, including the availability of early-stage business funding and cost of living.
• Insights into the innovative hubs of the future, and highlights what aspiring cities need to improve to feature more highly.
Dubbed the ‘global generation’, over half of all millennials would consider moving abroad for work opportunities, and an increasing amount are starting their own business ventures. With possibilities of owning a home becoming increasingly difficult in the world’s cities, rent prices soaring and the political climate changing, research shows that millennials are less financially stable compared to previous generations.
GoCompare has released data to reveal the best places for millennials to start a business, measuring ease of registering property, starting and running a business on a day-to-day level, trading across borders, and diversity, among other metrics.
New research has revealed Tallinn in Estonia to be the world’s best city for millennials starting a business, with Canada winning as a country overall - with four of its major cities, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto featuring in the top ten.
Millennials are the backbone of the “digital nomad” generation, meaning finding hubs for opportunities, innovation and entrepreneurialism are becoming increasingly more sought after.
The Top 5 Locations include:
A reputation for being digitally savvy, tops the leaderboard owing to a combination of the ease of registering property, and starting and running a business. Estonia scored 6.5 for the cost of living, the best score compared to all European, and North American cities.
Canada’s leading city in tech innovation, Toronto offers the best business funding in the country. With four of its major cities featured in the top ten, Toronto comes in second to London with an impressive 10,000 WiFi hotspots available citywide.
• New Zealand
Named as #1 for starting and running a business with a perfect score of 10, New Zealand also ranks at #4 for biotech potential - with the highest density of PhD graduates in Life Sciences in the world. New Zealand also scores highly for their diversity rating with a score of 6.7 making it one of the best places for women and immigrants to start businesses.
Despite having higher living costs than London, Singapore scores highly for starting and running a business, making it attractive for tech startups - being home to over 270 Fintech startups. However, the financial hub also scores highly for diversity, with an impressive score of 6.9.
With London’s tech sector fuelling the growth for its digital economy, the capital ranked 2nd to Silicon Valley and Singapore for diversity - with 42% of business owners originally from outside the UK. Despite a high living cost, London still scores highly amongst all other metrics making it a popular destination for entrepreneurs. What are millennial entrepreneurs looking for? With opportunities to travel and being globally-connected being important to most millennials, many are looking outside of their home countries to start their own businesses. Here are some of the key factors in attracting young entrepreneurs:
Digital connectivity is non-negotiable in the 21st century working world, where location-independent entrepreneurs are set to dominate.
• Despite not featuring in the top ten, Moscow leads the way for public wifi hotspots, offering a total of 41,250]
• Helsinki offers the fastest internet connectivity, racing ahead with 17.4mbps
• Ironically, the Silicon Valley offers some of the slowest Wifi, at 3.7mbps Diversity is Key Diversity in business broadly equates to fairer representation across the whole of society. In this study, diversity was ranked according to the relative number of businesses with female and/or immigrant founders.
• With 31%, Silicon Valley led the way on the diversity front
• London (17%) lagged behind New York (25.5%), Chicago (24.5%) and Paris (26.5%)
• Cape Town and Seoul came second and third overall for diversity, with 28.5% and 28% respectively of their businesses founded by minorities
Cost of Living Millennials around the world are notoriously trapped by soaring rents and ever-less attainable property ladders.
• Of the top ten, the stats reveal that most have a relatively high cost of living, however, Ottawa and Vancouver are notable exceptions
• Perhaps surprisingly, Singapore and even New Zealand are ranked as having a higher cost of living than London. The top 10 can be viewed in detail here, with an overall breakdown here.


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The company behind Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) is gearing up to introduce new wholesale bundle pricing for fixed wireless services and its entry-level, low-usage broadband offering.
NBN Co said in a blog post on 25 May that it is now beginning to consult with NBN retail service providers (RSPs), such as phone and internet providers, on pricing bundles for its wholesale NBN fixed wireless plans.
According to the company, the aim is for the fixed access and bandwidth price options to remove the requirement to retain separate charges for providers to support fixed wireless services under its existing two-part price construct.
The move would mirror what the company has done with its top tier fixed-line network services pricing – combining the network access charges with some network connectivity virtual circuit (CVC) bandwidth capacity.
It is hoped this move will improve the economies of scale for fixed wireless from internet and phone providers.
“We aim to have this wholesale pricing option available to providers by the end of September 2018,” NBN Co’s wholesale products executive general manager Tom Roets said in the blog post.
The company said it will also further consult with phone and internet providers on how its fixed wireless products will evolve.
“This consultation will examine phone and internet providers’ preferences for a new fixed wireless product that better aligns to the capability of the network,” Roets said
NBN Co will also look to improve its systems and processes to further enhance interactions between the company and phone and internet providers reselling its services by the end of September.
The industry consultation comes as NBN Co CEO Bill Morrow confirms that the company is dropping its plans to offer a 100 Mbps fixed wireless service.
As reported by sister publication Computerworld, Morrow told a Senate Estimates hearing on 24 May that the NBN Co had “killed” the idea, which had been in its rollout roadmap.
Meanwhile, the national network operator will this month begin its next round of consultation with phone and internet providers around its voice-only and basic-broadband-usage plans.
“We are proposing to launch a new entry-level bundle as a low-usage plan at a wholesale charge of $22 per month with an included 50Kbps of data, which is enough to cover a basic telephone service as well as basic email and web browsing,” Roets said.
The move comes after NBN Co found that many households had been purchasing its 12Mbps offering, which has always been intended primarily as a telephone service designed for those who have basic internet, assuming it included fast broadband.
“Some end users didn’t realise it did not provide them the speed or capacity needed to meet their needs, especially during peak usage times,” Roets said.
Now, in a bid to keep alignment with the current high-bandwidth bundles, NBN Co is proposing a wholesale pricing structure that is a fixed-entry point for access and bandwidth charges.
This is aimed at allowing internet providers to manage their customer-base with a single wholesale pricing construct that helps supports many end users’ needs.
“It’s important to remember that while we believe our new pricing options provide significantly better value and price certainty, we will continue to make our existing pricing options available to phone and internet providers who prefer that model,” Roets said.
“We will be working closely with industry to finalise details of the plan and expect it to be available by the end of 2018,” he said.


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Manchester’s VST Enterprises has won a nationwide contract to install its scannable payment technology system across the country’s car parks.
VCode allows users to pay for parking by scanning a code from a distance of up to 100m, with a free, downloadable app.
“We live in a world where we rely on technology for so much of our day-to-day lives. Making payments as simple and secure as possible is something we’ve come to expect with almost every transaction we make, whether it’s physical or digital and car parking should be no different,” explained Louis James Davis, CEO of VST Enterprises.
“Unlike traditional payment methods, VCode provides drivers with a speedy, convenient alternative for paying for parking. Users simply need to tap in their registration number, the duration of their stay and confirm payment with their pre-stored bank or PayPal details.”
Through the deal with payment platform specialist, Ecom6, VCode will be added to more than 485,000 car park pay points.


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NESCAFÉ has invited fans to help Shaheizy Sam relaunch his music career with a brand new song and accompanying TVC, featuring lyrics created exclusively by social media fans.
Teo Heng Keat, business executive manager of Nestlé Liquid Drinks (Malaysia) says that this is an initiative by the brand to connect with consumers via two popular channels - celebrity ambassadors and social media. It is also a branding opportunity to further solidify the link between NESCAFÉ Cans and music.
“We are capitalising on social media for this project as its interactive nature and shareability is unsurpassed, and therefore ideal for quick sharing of ideas and ease of spreading the world at the tap of a button,” added Teo.
ONSam is a project that allows fans to contribute lyric ideas for Sam's new single featuring Liyana Jasmay, which is scheduled for release in December and will mark the return of the actor to the Malaysian music scene.
The idea was to get fans involved in the creative process, and 50,000 contributions prove that fans are genuinely interested in interacting with the celebrity and brand.
The campaign began with awareness building in August, user generated content collection from September to October, with the final video scheduled for mid-December.
Channels include the NESCAFÉ Facebook and Twitter pages, Sam and Liyana's followings, a special YouTube page and on-ground activation with a meet-up with Sam as incentive.
Fishermen Integrated and Mediacliq took on creative, development and social media duties with Rantau PR taking on PR tasks.


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- Thomson Reuters
The mayor of Sao Paulo, South America’s largest city, laid out regulations on Tuesday to allow the use of Uber and other ride-hailing apps in exchange for a mileage fee.
Mayor Fernando Haddad plans to formalize the decision with a decree Wednesday, overriding attempts by city-council members to ban Uber and other apps they accuse of unfairly competing with licensed taxis.
Under the decree, Brazil’s congested business hub will charge an average fee of 10 centavos ($0.03) a kilometer for drivers working with Uber and its newly arrived Spanish rival Cabify, the mayor’s office said, according to Reuters.
The city – which as of 2013 had a population of about 11 million people and a metro population of nearly 19 million – expects to raise about 40 million reais ($11.5 million) a year with the measure, said Ciro Biderman, head of innovation for the development agency SP Negocios, which designed the new regulations.
Despite the imposition of fees, the opening offered to Uber inspired anger among Sao Paulo’s taxi drivers. Irate cab drivers blocked a major artery during the evening rush hour, and television footage showed a crowd pounding on the windows of a black car with tinted windows, which fit the profile of a standard Uber vehicle.
Uber called the mayor’s decision “the first step toward guaranteeing that apps intermediating travel with technology have a place in the city.” Cabify declined to comment.
The Sao Paulo mayor’s openness to Uber differs from other countries and cities in the region where the ride-hailing app and governments have clashed over Uber’s operations.
- REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
In Colombia, the service was hit with a $140,000 fine for “unauthorized taxi services” in March, and in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in April, a court ordered Uber to halt operations just a day after going into service because it had not met some requirements for carrying passengers. Argentine taxi drivers had protested Uber’s arrival, and authorities in the city raided the company’s offices.
Taxi drivers in Mexico have also met Uber’s operations with hostility, though Mexico City – also one of the world’s largest cities – has allowed the ride-hailing app to operate with some regulations.
(Reporting for Reuters by Natalia Scalzaretto; Writing by Brad Haynes; Editing by Peter Cooney)


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Dove is launching the latest video in their long-running promotional marketing action for Real Beauty, this time focusing on the vast majority of girls who would like to change something about their appearance.
And while Unilever brand can woo some of the same controversy is greeted other recent videos like "beauty spot" offering since last year and the Beautiful "Choose" ad earlier this year, the latest video also directs spectators to a safer place, Pinterest.
Still, if there is some controversy, will not be a surprise to Jennifer Bremner, senior development director of Dove brand. Part of the Dove Self-Esteem project for girls first launched in 2004, the campaign "has always focused on having the conversation, and I think sometimes you need different reactions in order to have this conversation," Bremner said.
At the same time, the video of this year is linked to a new program on Pinterest including 80 "sharable resources" to help women face greater barriers to girls' self-esteem, developed with global advisory board of Dove educators.
Ms. Bremner acknowledged she likes the most positive and large snark-free part of Pinterest to house self-esteem materials environment. "Women go there for inspiration, to learn something and do something," she said. "It was definitely the perfect platform for this type of activity."
Despite the WPP Ogilvy & Mather created most of the Campaign for Real Beauty videos, the latest comes from "creative content agency" Of course, with VaynerMedia pitching for other content and Edelman PR on.
The idea came from research Dove find 90% of girls would like to change something about themselves with the film that features a variety of girls who wish they had curly or straight hair, light skin or darker were shorter or stronger, etc.
"We're hoping to inspire girls to realize they do not need to change themselves and help build a more positive relationship with its own beauty," Bremner said.
Watch the video of Dove's promotional campaign:


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Citigroup analyst Mark Mahaney has been widely cited for his February analysis showing some strong financial benefits of a deal under which Yahoo would use Google to supply search ads. With that scenario now appearing more likely, he's issued a new report on the subject that projects as much as $1 billion in incremental cash flow for Yahoo in 2008.
But that dramatic figure is based on a complete outsourcing of search ads to Google. So don't expect anything like that number to come of the potential pact, which. A source familiar with the plan describes it as more limited, not a wholesale outsourcing.
The overall Google ad deal is a balancing act for Yahoo. The more Yahoo relies on Google, the more financial benefit it stands to gain because Google's ads on average generate more revenue per click than Yahoo's. But more reliance also undermines Yahoo's in-house ad effort, raises the potential for antitrust concerns, and gives more ad-market clout to Yahoo's top rival--Google.
Cost savings is another factor. Without fully outsourcing, Yahoo doesn't get to trim payroll, research, and operational costs for its Panama system for selling text ads that show on search results.
So it seems judicious not to fixate on Mahaney's 100 percent outsourcing scenario, but on a lower one such as 25 percent, which he predicts will generate EBIDTA (earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes, and amortization) of $2.2 billion and cash flow of $251 million in 2008.
Henry Blodgett at Silicon Alley Insider also observes that any gains would increase the level of cash Yahoo would make, but it wouldn't be a steady, repeatable increase year after year--the kind of revenue growth Wall Street likes to see. His conclusion: outsourcing some ads to Google would be "smart," but not the "bombshell game-changer the Street is looking for."