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Cleantech Awards / Lighting Winner
LED lighting market shines on Intematix
Phosphors improve efficiency, cut costs
- Lindsay Riddell
Intematix may not be reinventing the light bulb but it’s certainly putting its stamp on the lights of the future.
Based in Fremont, Intematix makes components called phosphors for LED lights that improve efficiency, improve quality and reduce costs of LEDs — a market expected to grow to $21 billion in 2014, according to Strategies Unlimited. Broad adoption of LEDs in homes and offices has been slow, mostly because the lights have been too blue and too harsh, not to mention too expensive, to compete with incandescents and compact fluorescents. But Intematix is helping change that.
“It turns out the phosphor is probably the most critical component of ensuring the quality of light,” said CEO Mark Swoboda.
With its latest line of products, the company has separated the phosphors from the glowing semiconductors on light-emitting diodes. Intematix produces phosphors in thin sheets of different colors. When electrons hit those thin sheets, they are activated and the phosphors produce light. Separating them from the LEDs makes it possible to change color and shades, depending on customers’ needs.
“Now you can think about using light in a way you didn’t think about using light before,” said Jennifer Fonstad, a venture capitalist with Draper Fisher Jurvetson and a member of Intematix’s Board of Directors. She said the ability to “tune” lights, or change their color, could be useful for all kinds of things: from lighting meat so it looks appetizing in the refrigerated section of a grocery store, to setting the right mood at a dance club.
And it’s this innovation that has the lighting industry abuzz.
Lindsay Riddell covers cleantech and green for the San Francisco Business Times.
firstname.lastname@example.org / (415) 288-4968 / Twitter: LRiddellSF
Read her blog postings at Bay Area BizTalk.
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Leading motorcycle manufacturers from across the globe will be represented at the International Motorcycle Show, as it continues its 10-city tour with a stop in Long Beach Friday through Sunday. The celebration of all things two- and three-wheeled, marking its 35th year, includes a parts and accessories marketplace, custom bike competition, stunt shows and other events. The show is taking place as the EICMA International Motorcycle Exhibition is wrapping up this week in Milan. The Italian show, which opened Tuesday, brought multiple new bike announcements. Some of those new 2016 model year bikes will be shown this weekend at IMS.
IMS will run 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. General admission is $15, free for children 11 and younger. Information: motorcycleshows.com or 562-628-8200.

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The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) is targeting a turnover of over US$ 3.3 billion, through apparel exports this year.
We expect a turnover of US$ five billion by the end of 2011. The performance of the apparel sector in the first quarter of 2009 was quite impressive, said Secretary General, Joint Apparel Association Forum, Rohan Masakorala.
At present, orders for summer and winter look steady this year, but the SME sectors are going through a bit of a tough time. However, the companies will be better off as soon as the global economy improves.
Due to the global economic downturn most western countries will recover soon as Sri Lanka supplies apparel for them, he said.
Competition among the apparel industry has grown rapidly - locally and internationally. The large-scale companies will catch up the markets while the SME sector is losing possibilities in the industry as they are unable to provide the orders for high quality products and deliver them on time.
Due to the recession most companies have moved into a cost-cutting strategy and at present the companies depend mainly on the Government s Export Development Reward (EDR) scheme. We call upon the Government to reduce taxes in the export sectors, for exports to grow, he said.
The industry is very keen on moving to the Northern and Eastern provinces and there were many inquiries already from companies moving to these areas. The overall potential of the apparel industry is very optimistic.


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Stampeding British tourists flee in panic as explosion hits shopping centre in Costa Del Sol holiday resort sparking fears of a terror attack
- A loud bang was heard inside the Miramar shopping centre in Fuengirola
- Shoppers screamed and ran for their lives fearing the centre was under attack
- The panic spread after a fryer in a pizza restaurant caught fire
Hundreds of people fled a shopping centre in a stampede today after an explosion sparked fears of a terror attack.
A loud bang was heard inside the Miramar shopping centre, in the popular Spanish resort of Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
Shoppers - including British tourists and expats - screamed and ran for their lives fearing the centre was under attack.
Firefighters later revealed the panic had spread after a fryer had caught fire in a pizza restaurant.
Tourists flee the Miramar Shopping Centre after reports of an explosion
Men, women and children were seen running across a grass riverbank and a bridge nearby
A local news website reported the incident with the headline: 'The explosion of a fryer unleashes panic at the Miramar shopping centre.'
And one person tweeted in English: 'What is going on Miramar shopping centre in Fuengirola?? People going crazy.'
Fuengirola, 20 miles south west of Malaga, is a favourite resort of British holidaymakers and home to thousands of expats - and the shopping centre is popular with tourists and locals alike.
English voices were heard screaming during the panic.
One witness filmed the 4pm drama on a mobile phone. It shows men, women and children running across a grass riverbank and a bridge nearby.
A man asks in Spanish: 'What's going on?' to which a woman replies 'It's a bomb scare.' 'A bomb!' he replies.
An Englishman is heard saying, 'relax, relax' as he walks past.
A loud bang was heard inside the Miramar shopping centre (pictured), in the popular Spanish resort of Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol
David del Barrio, shopping centre manager, said the kitchen blaze had set off the fire alarm.
'That alarm has a sound which caused the first people to run,' he said, adding that there had been no need to evacuate the shopping centre as practically 'evacuated itself'.
The kitchen was damaged as was the floor below. One woman was treated for a sprained ankle, but nobody was seriously hurt.
Local newspaper Diario Sur reported: 'False rumours about bombs, terror attacks and gunshots circulated. The mayor Ana Mula posted messages on Twitter and Facebook to calm people down after this massive scare.'
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Consumer inflation for January was revised downwards to 1.97 per cent, also its lowest level in 19 months, from 2.05 per cent, according to the official statement.
Data released for the month of February showed food inflation staggering in the negative growth rate.
In January, inflation based on wholesale prices fell to a 10-month low of 2.76 per cent over the previous month on softening prices of fuel and some food items, according to Government data released in February.
"With the headline inflation reading at 2.57 per cent and industrial production surprising on the downside at 1.7 per cent, there clearly is a case and space for one more rate cut of 25 bps by RBI in April to support growth", said Rajni Thakur, Economist, RBL Bank. The broader CPI rose 0.2% from January, the first increase in four months, though the 1.5% annual gain missed projections and was the smallest rise since 2016.More news: Lori Loughlin Arrested in California
Despite the low numbers consumers faced higher costs last month for housing, food, and gasoline.
On a sub-category basis, vegetable prices reduced on YoY basis in January by (-) 7.69 per cent. Prices of cereal and products went up at 1.32 per cent.
Prescription-drug prices fell 1 per cent on a monthly basis, the most on record, bringing the annual decline to 1.2 per cent - the largest drop since 1972.
The Commerce Department's price index for personal-consumption expenditures rose 0.1% on the month in December and was up 1.7% from a year earlier-shy of the Fed's 2% year-over-year target.More news: Odell Beckham Jr was 'a little surprised' by trade to Browns
However the average workweek declined in February, given a 0.3% drop in average weekly hours. WPI inflation stood at 2.74 per cent in March 2018. Customer inflation - decided by Consumer Price Index (CPI) - shows the rate of increase in consumer prices.
In a wide-ranging interview with CBS's 60 Minutes television news programme, Fed chair Jerome Powell on Sunday reiterated the central bank's wait-and-see approach to further monetary policy tightening in 2019. Annual wage growth jumped 3.4% in February, the biggest increase since April 2009, from 3.1% in January.
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text: VICTORIA – Crailar, the North American-based flax fibre manufacturer, has announced a net loss of US $8.2 million on sales of US $1.9m for the fourth quarter of 2014. The loss is said to be mainly due to costs associated with the idling of its South Carolina facility. The company, whose CEO Ken Barker resigned late last year, said that the fourth quarter loss was an improvement on the corresponding period in 2013 when it made a net loss of US $3.2 million on sales of US $0.4 million. Crailar has seen its share price plummet in the past 18 months as it looks to iron out production and operational issues at its European manufacturing facility in Belgium. Companies using Crailar Flax include HanesBrands and Target Corp.


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The platform supports the wave of independent food artisans looking to build successful businesses.
INDIANAPOLIS — October 19, 2021 — Castiron, an e-commerce platform for independent culinary artisans, is announcing its public launch today at castiron.me out of High Alpha. The purpose-built suite of tools is the first to focus on the needs of independent culinary artisans, a group of passionate and talented creators who are underserved and underappreciated by the existing e-commerce and website tools.
Castiron is led by New York City-based Co-Founder and CEO Mark Josephson. Josephson brings 25 years of relevant experience including helping build one of the first creator-focused businesses, About.com (now DotDash), and as CEO of hyperlocal technology company Outside.in and freemium SaaS pioneer Bitly.
“Kitchen-based creators represent a massive opportunity for growth in our economy,” said Josephson, CEO of Castiron. “Restaurant closings and job losses related to COVID-19, paired with the rapid changes in cottage food laws nationwide and changing consumer behavior has accelerated their growth. These entrepreneurs are driven by both passion and necessity to build real, durable businesses, and Castiron is built specifically to address these needs.”
As outlined in “The New Builders: Face to Face With the True Future of Business,” a book written by Elizabeth MacBride and Seth Levine in April 2021, these new entrepreneurs are unlike any others:
Increasingly, our next generation of entrepreneurs are Black, brown, female, and over 40. They are more likely to be building a business on Main Street than in Silicon Valley. They typically start businesses based on their passions and rooted in their communities.
The book also explains that:
New Builders are disconnected from the systems that accelerate new businesses and propel business growth. Those systems were built for past generations of entrepreneurs. New Builders are undercapitalized, and when they try to access networks that control capital, they often face systemic racism and sexism.
“Entrepreneurship looks different than it has in the past,” said Scott Dorsey, managing partner at High Alpha. “Not only is it fulfilling to build products that can truly change the lives of these passionate creators, but there’s a real opportunity in the market to become the platform of choice for this growing community of independent culinary artisans and entrepreneurs.”
Unlike other e-commerce and website tools, Castiron is designed exclusively for the specific needs of culinary artisans. Rather than simply offering food templates and themes, the Castiron platform offers a free, streamlined and customizable website builder, built-in food-specific product information like ingredients and allergen disclosures, order and inventory management tools, ability to manage multiple delivery and fulfillment options including pickup, delivery and shipping, access to customer information and community support to connect with and learn from fellow artisans.
“I built my website in under an hour with Castiron,” said Kimberly Goethe, owner of BarCode by Hollywood. “I love that I could grow my email list and communicate with customers before I even launched my store. The support from the team is exceptional and they’ve shared so many resources with me. They’re incredibly responsive.”
Over the past few months, hundreds of culinary artisans have been using Castiron as part of a beta program to simplify their business operations, sell online, manage inventory, and connect to customers.
“Castiron has given me the ability to process, categorize and streamline the technical end of things so I can spend more time getting back to the other part of business that I love — creating,” said Megan Boehm, owner of Meggy’s Bakeys. “The volume of my online sales have increased due to its ease of use, efficiency and attractive design. Castiron has gone above and beyond my expectations as both a company and experience.”
As a purpose-built platform, Castiron’s mission is to provide culinary artisans the opportunity to thrive as entrepreneurs, and to provide for themselves and for their families doing the work they love.
“I’ve been baking for years. When I made the decision to turn it into a business last year, I tried a lot of different solutions to get my business up and running,” said Lisa Gaub, owner and culinary artisan behind Lisa Fay Bakes. “Not only is Castiron the easiest, most effective tool I’ve used to sell online, but I also feel like they truly care about my journey and are here to support me. It’s simple, elegant and I have more time and energy to put into my craft, not spreadsheets and DMs.”
For examples of artisans on the Castiron platform, visit: castiron.me/artisans.
Castiron is a mission-driven e-commerce company that elevates how independent kitchen-based creators sell to their customers and provides them with resources and community to support their whole business. The world’s best bakers, juicers, canners, jammers, caterers, meal-preppers, private chefs and other culinary artisans use Castiron as a central hub to sell their products online, connect with customers, grow their businesses and save time and money so they can focus on making what they love. To learn more, visit castiron.me or follow on Instagram @castironhq.
About High Alpha
High Alpha, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a leading venture studio focused on conceiving, launching and scaling next-generation B2B SaaS companies. For more information visit highalpha.com or follow on Twitter @highalpha.


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The trade show calendar is still up in the air, as footwear organizations deliberate over the best — and safest — way to bring the industry together. FN furthered this conversation by gathering three leaders in this space for its latest virtual roundtable.
Earlier today, during the “FN Live: The Future of Trade Shows” webinar, FN women’s editor Nikara Johns hosted a roundtable discussion about what the industry can expect from some of its most established show organizers. The conversation was presented by FFANY, Micam Americas and Atlanta Shoe Market, whose leaders offered key insights into the shifting landscape.
They included John Heron, executive director at FFANY; Kelly Helfman, president of WWD Magic, Project Womens, Micam Americas and Sourcing at Magic; and Laura Conwell-O’Brien, executive director of the Atlanta Shoe Market.
Highlights of their conversation are shared below:
On the importance of industry collaboration:
John Heron: Not only between trade shows but in the industry in general, I know there is a lot of discussion, there is a lot of collaboration going on, about how different companies are handling the situation we’re in. The industry no longer has the luxury to work in factions. We need to come together to make sure that we have schedules that align and we’re all working together to move in the same direction. I think one of the things that’s interesting about us is there seems to be less animosity between the major shows than in the past, because we’ve all developed distinct lanes, and while there’s always a level of competition, we all do things specifically well and we have our specific interests that don’t necessarily diverge. So it has been easy to work and collaborate with each other and, as I said earlier, it’s important and meaningful.
On the enduring role of the physical show:
Kelly Helfman: The footwear show at Magic has always been a major part of the footwear community and I think that it will forever be … a major part of the B2B market. Bringing the buyers and sellers together is key, especially in fashion. We know that all buyers want to touch and feel the product. They want to meet their vendors in person, build personal relationships. So this face-to-face event business is extremely important and it’s not going anywhere.
Laura Conwell-O’Brien: We are a touch-and-feel-type of industry, so I don’t see that our trade shows are going anywhere. We could possibly have digital components coming into our industry. But I don’t see that the trade shows will be going anywhere anytime soon.
JH: We’ve become really efficient in the last couple of months at communicating digitally and finding ways to do our jobs. But in-person collaboration and connection is really important and it can’t be replaced. Whether it’s a brand presentation in your showroom or in a booth, to have that venue and platform to show your brand, to show your point of view for what fashion is going to be for the future, is unique. Real magic happens when the creative team and the developing teams can work with buyers and merchants to assess what needs to happen to a shoe or a program.
On creating a safe show environment this summer:
LCO: The CDC has handed down guidelines, as well as our convention center and our state. Masks were not something that was a mandatory requirement, however we will be making that a mandatory requirement at our show, [and] masks will be provided. We will be doing temperature checks when you come into the entrances in the morning and you will receive a different color wristband for that particular day, so that our show security will know that you have definitely been tested that day. We will have a waiting room staffed with medical personnel, in the event that someone has a 100-degree temperature and/or COVID symptoms. We will have hand-sanitizing stations throughout all public areas and physical barriers, with Plexiglas shields at all registrations and all food functions. Exhibitors will have the capability of having the Plexiglas barriers at each one of their workstations. There will be floor markings, one way aisles — whatever we can do in that direction to minimize contact. And then we would certainly discourage handshaking, hugging or any other physical contact. Those are listed on our website and we will update those as needed. Currently we feel like we’re in good shape with those.
KH: We are keeping a really close eye on what’s happening in Nevada and what’s happening around us — there are some spikes over there as well. We’re paying attention to what the government’s saying. Should we not feel comfortable to even execute the postponed timeframe at the end of September, we will have to make the hard decision to cancel this. And this is all about the safety of our attendees. Should we be able to execute, we have very strict guidelines very similar to Atlanta’s: temperature checks, mass capacity measurements in foods and halls. Aisles will be 20 feet or so. We’re going to make sure that we have no open food areas — everything’s prepacked. We are working with a company called GBAC. They’re certified and they’re working closely with our operations team and LVCC. The Las Vegas Convention Center also has a ton of incredible investments they’re putting into that venue to make sure it’s safe, with air quality and so forth.
On the new digital frontier:
KH: Informa Fashion is launching their Digital Trade Event Sept. 1. It’s going to run eight weeks until Nov. 1 and it’s going to be Magic, Coterie and Micam Americas. We’re really excited because Micam Milano just joined our digital event as well. We’re partnering with NuOrder, who obviously is a real leader in this space, has a great platform and a tool to do order writing and connecting with your customers. We felt that that was a really great partner for us. So we’re going for it and we’re learning a lot. Our job is to convene the market, and if we can’t do that physically, we’re definitely going to do that digitally. Nothing will ever replace our face-to-face events, but this will be a great complement to it. You can shop and search before the events, during and after. You can access a lot of great education materials. Our buyers are going to be able to attend the seminars that they know and love at Magic, which are all free. If you’re a buyer and you register for this platform, we’re going to be doing a lot of great work with influencers. We’re going to curate a ton of content. So what makes it different from any B2B order-writing platform is the content, how we’re going to supply education.
JH: New York’s not ready to have people come back to it in August, nor do people have a comfort level traveling to New York in August. So unfortunately, a physical August [show] is not going to take place as we normally want it to and expect it to. But we think it’s really important to come together as an industry and provide a stake in the ground to say, “As an industry, how can we come together and collaborate and interact?” So we are going to be working with Footwear News, with FDRA and Two Ten to have an industry event Aug. 4-5. It’s a virtual summit. We’re going to have interviews with industry leaders; we’ve got some great people lined up. We’re going to have list of topics that are relevant in today’s world: the move to digital; the new retail order; shifts in sourcing; some of the safety concerns that retailers are facing and the shows are facing; diversity and equality in all phases of our business; the rise of digital. We’re going to try to go visit some showrooms and show behind the scenes of what’s going on in some of the key showrooms and give the world a look at New York City in August 2020.


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Although Honda Element is something out of the box from the Japanese automakers, it has not seen the success that it deserves. This model’s last update in 2011 didn’t make it enough to interest buyers as the compact crossover segment is becoming increasingly competitive. Fortunately, the Japs are not giving up on this underdog as a 2017 Honda Element is said to be in plans.
Reports are that this new Honda Element is coming up as one of the most practical crossover. Tipsters also suggest that the new model will wear heavy cosmetic upgrades. Like its predecessor, 2017 Element might come in two iterations (trims); LX and EX.
Speculations on Engine Specifications
Although the company hasn’t come up with any official declarations, this new Honda Element 2017 is expected to use a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is capable of making 201 HP and 245 lb-ft of torque. The chances are great that this engine will be the sole option and there will be no other engine.
A 6-speed automatic transmission system is supposed to come standard and coupled with a front-wheel drive. Given the power outputs, fuel economy of this 2017 Element should stay close to 21 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. This efficiency improvement should just about sum up to 3 or 4% boost as compared to current or rather previous models.
One thing’s for sure; this new 2017 Honda Element is going to look far better than its predecessor. Major cosmetic changes would include a pronounced front fascia and aerodynamic side body.
According to rendered images, the front fascia incorporates beveled edges. The headlights are deeply recessed and the grille is still minimal with a compact shape. What’s dramatically changed is the lower front fascia as the front bumper and fog light housing are fully plastic.
These rendered images even show an upright windshield which causes the front and rear doors to appear oblong. Pretty much similar to the rest of the body, this model’s rear fascia is upright as well. In other words, Honda might retain the boxy stance of this model. As part of a new generation change, new 17-inch cast alloy wheels might come as standard.
2017 Honda Element Interior
As per the speculations, this new Honda Element 2017 is supposed to come with a technologically advanced interior cabin. There are good chances that this cabin might offer dual or even tri-auto climate control along with an updated infotainment system.
The front seats are coming with 10-12 way power adjustment while the rear seats might incorporate 60/40 split function. The instrument cluster is also to undergo revisions for being more driver-centric. Comprehensive detailing will be done on the dashboard for a sophisticated styling.
Competitors, Price and Release Date
As competition is inevitable in this segment, the new Honda Element will compete against the likes of Honda CR-V and Acura NSX. Honda is going to set a fair price point for this new Element and it might cost more than $18,000. Dealerships could get this new 2017 Honda Element by the end of this year.


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Too many companies don’t stop to consider just what’s at stake if they don’t recycle electronics properly. IBM puts the average cost of a data breach at $4.24 million. Can you afford to take that hit?
Here are a few alarming statistics regarding the risks and realities of data breaches.
- 23% of data breaches are the direct result of human error.
- Just over a quarter of data breaches (28%) occur with small businesses.
- The healthcare industry saw a 58% increase in data breaches during the pandemic.
- 59% of financial companies have passwords that never expire.
- 62% of U.S. companies experienced at least one data breach or cyberattack in 2021.
- 68% of healthcare data breaches were linked to the theft or loss of an electronic device or file.
- 70% of a company’s sensitive data is classified as stale data.
- 95% of a business’s folders are not protected by passwords, encryption, or other security measures.
It takes an average of 287 days to discover a data breach and 80 days to contain a breach. But, containment is much longer for financial companies (233 days) and the healthcare industry (329 days).
Every company is at risk. Even companies that think they have the greatest security can fall victim to a data breach. Three of the largest data breaches in 2021 involved big names in the business world.
- Comcast – 1.5 billion
- Facebook – 533 million
- LinkedIn – 500 million
If your company experiences a data breach, how much money are you at risk of losing? Is that all you stand to lose? Learn exactly what’s at stake and what you can do to ensure you’re protected.
Fines and Fees Can Be Tremendously High
If it’s found that you did something wrong and weren’t following recommended measures in protecting your company’s information, you’ll face fines. The fines can be expensive, and so can the fees and settlements.
After the Equifax breach in 2017, the company had to pay over $575 million in fines. That doesn’t even cover the amounts they’re paying in class action lawsuits and individual lawsuits. In 2020, additional settlements were reached with Equifax paying $19.5 million to the state of Massachusetts, $18.2 million to the state of Indiana, and $9.75 million in settlements and legal fees to different U.S. financial institutions.
T-Mobile faced a class action lawsuit for a 2021 breach. They had to pay $350 million for the settlement and $150 million more for improvements to data security and technology upgrades.
That’s just two. Home Depot paid around $200 million after a data breach of its POS system. Capital One paid $190 million after a 2019 data breach. Morgan Stanley paid $120 million after improper steps were taken to destroy data before decommissioning a data center.
In addition to the fines and lawsuits, there are other fees such as:
- Free credit monitoring – Upwards of $30 per person/cardholder
- Breach notification letters being mailed – $1,000 or more
- Merchant processor fines – $5,000 or more
- Upgrades in technology – $5,000 or more
- Card brand compromise fees – $5,000 or more
You Have to Pay for a Forensic Investigation
After a data breach, it’s imperative that a company hires a forensic investigator to investigate the breach or attack to learn why it happened, what steps need to be taken, and how to prevent it from happening again.
A forensic investigation can cost as little as $10,000 for a smaller business, but the cost can be much higher for larger merchants. The cost of this type of investigation can exceed $100,000.
Your Costs Increase
After the breach or hack, you’ll need to make sure your system is better protected. This can mean better security software and systems. You may have to hire a dedicated IT security team. Your employees may all need to undergo security training. You should also look into insurance to protect yourself against other attacks.
Most importantly, if you are getting rid of old office equipment, make sure it’s recycled properly. This means destroying the data. Hiring a professional that’s an expert in data destruction and responsible e-recycling is essential.
You Lose Customer Trust
Fines and the new fees you take on are just a small part of the ripple effect following a data breach. It’s estimated that 65% of data breach victims no longer trust a business following a breach. If six out of ten clients decided they don’t trust you and moved to the competition, could your business survive that blow?
In surveys, about eight out of ten consumers admit they would no longer engage or have stopped engaging with a brand after a breach. Almost four out of ten admit they will not engage with a brand after a breach. This includes using an application, no longer providing personal information for storage, or even stopping shopping or supporting that brand.
Did the Equifax breach affect you at all? Most people were impacted by that. Even years later, do you hold a lot of trust in Equifax to really protect your information? Like many, you probably have other protective measures in place because you simply do not fully trust that company anymore.
You Risk Closing Down
About 60% of small businesses go bankrupt after a data breach. Loss of business during closures to repair the damage is costly. For some, that loss of revenue can be financially crippling.
Have you ever heard of Youbit? The South Korean cryptocurrency filed for bankruptcy back in 2017 after hackers stole 17% of the company’s assets in two attacks.
Codes Spaces was once a popular SaaS provider. Hackers got into their cloud control panel and erased a lot of data before demanding payment to restore the information. Code Spaces was unable to continue and shut down.
Your Reputation Takes a Hit
After a breach, 85% of consumers will tell others about their experience. Three out of ten will go to social media to complain about the brand or service that was breached. One out of five will leave reviews or commons directly on the retailer’s website or a review site like Google or Yelp.
Your IT Department May Not Have the Knowledge or Equipment for Proper Data Destruction
One of the biggest mistakes companies make is thinking that restoring electronics to factory settings wipes all data. It makes it harder to access, but it’s not completely destroyed. If that’s been your go-to plan for data destruction, it’s time to contact the professionals.
It’s imperative that you make sure data is destroyed before you sell or recycle any electronic devices. If you’re decommissioning a data center or consolidating offices, make sure you work with a data center service partner who will ensure your data is secure and offer you the traceability you need to prove you did everything possible.
ERI’s expertise is in ITAD, data destruction, on-site data eradication, and electronics recycling. We adhere to e-Stewards, ISO 9001, NAID, and R2 procedures. Clients can access real-time information on where their items are from the moment they leave the office to their destruction or final disposition.
When you work with ERI, we’ll help you remarket items that still have value, only after the data is destroyed following government or industry standards. We’ll recycle electronics you no longer need in a way that protects the environment. And, we’ll even destroy data on-site if you require that service. Contact us to discuss your data destruction and e-recycling needs.


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By Jonathan Davies
Sainsbury's has rejected allegations of embezzlement made against its chief executive Mike Coupe in a legal battle in Egypt.
Mr Coupe is understood to have been sentenced to two years in jail in Egypt. The charges relate to a venture between Sainsbury's and a local businessman in 2001.
The complainant, Mr El Nasharty, bought out Sainsbury's interest in the venture with dishonoured cheques, the supermarket chain said.
Mr El Nasharty now claims that Mr Coupe seized the cheques in Egypt on 15 July 2014. But Sainsbury's has rejected the claims, highlighting that Mr Coupe was not employed by the company at the time of the venture and has never met the complainant.
Sainsbury's said: "Mike Coupe was in London carrying out his normal duties that day. In September 2014 Mike Coupe was convicted, without notice of the proceedings against him and in his absence, in an Egyptian Court.
"We have taken all necessary steps to appeal against these groundless claims and will continue to do so."


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KOREA: Future is now for Korean info-tech
South Korea's current rise in information technology is making an impact on social and economic development
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
By Kim Dong-hyung
Seoul -- Dense is the word that might come first to mind when describing Seoul, the overdeveloped capital of Korea where 13 million of the country's 48 million citizens call home. And as if the busy streets of this northeast Asian metropolis aren't crowded enough, it's a common experience to bump into someone with eyes glued to a LCD-equipped mobile phone - surfing the Internet, checking stock information, and more recently, watching television.
"A lot of people often uses the phrase 'ubiquitous connectivity' to describe how information technology is expected to change the way people live. However, it could be said the Koreans are actually living through the future that others have been talking about and demonstrating the true potential of the new technologies," said Suh Sam-young, president of the state-run National Computerization Agency.
Korea first turned its attention to wireless communications and broadband Internet access in the early 1990s, attempting to expand electronic communications and add life to the nation's slowing economy. Since then, the country has emerged as one of the most connected nations on earth in both the wired and wireless realms.
After first passing fixed-line telephone users in 1999, Korea's number of mobile subscribers now reaches 37 million, accounting for a penetration rate of about 75 percent. The country has also one of the world's most advanced broadband infrastructures, with more than 70 percent of households having high-speed Internet access.
The fast adoption of new technologies provided the foundation for digital phenomena that could be called uniquely Korean, such as online gaming and Internet communities, and push forward the country as a global test-bed and trendsetter for futuristic services such as mobile television, home-networking and portable Internet.
"The advancement of information technology will have a fundamental impact on the way people live and do business. It would be an understatement to say that no industry segment or technology in the past, whether it's the introduction of electricity, automobiles and electronic goods, ever had a greater influence on society or the course of history the way information technology is doing now," said Chin Dae-je, the minister of information and communication.
"We are now approaching an environment where people can stay connected anytime, anywhere and on any device. The boundaries between industries are becoming irreverent and this trend of digital convergence is generating new markets and products," he said.
The information and communication technology sector plays an important part in the nation's export-driven economy. Exports of digital electronic products and components reached $74.7 billion in 2004, up 29 percent from 2003, driven by increasing sales of mobile phones and semiconductors. Added-value generated by info-tech products and services accounted for 37 percent of gross domestic product in 2003, up from 12.1 percent in 1994.
"The development of a series of innovative technologies from TDX in the 1980s to CDMA and broadband Internet since the 1990s has established Korea as a global IT powerhouse. As a result the IT industry has emerged as a key driving force of the Korean economy," said Chin.
The local embrace of technology along with successful policies and export-driven local industries combined to put Korea at the forefront of the digital revolution. The high-tech revolution is also having profound effects beyond the information-technology industry and commerce, changing the way people live and do business, and also expanding methods of sharing information and politicizing ideas.
Korea's recent surge in cutting-edge technology and branded products could be credited to the rebuilding process conducted by policymakers and businesses after the Asian financial crisis of 1997. Amid the economic chaos, Korean electronics manufacturers were also forced with increased competition from companies in China and other developing countries that were providing cheaper products. Diversifying product line-ups to target the faster growing areas in consumer electronics and export markets became a must.
Through the years, companies such as Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. transformed themselves from being component suppliers and contract manufacturers to name-brand companies in consumer electronics. Emerging companies such as Pantech Co. and ReignCom Ltd. are also quickly establishing themselves in international markets.
However, with the telephone and Internet penetration among the highest in Asia, the Korean information-technology sector is now facing the challenge of keeping growth alive in a marketplace approaching saturation.
Despite the government efforts to renew competition in the marketplace, such as adopting number portability in the telephone market and adding new licenses for the Internet service sector, Korea's major telecom companies - including fixed-line giant KT Corp. and top wireless operator SK Telecom Co. - reported reduced profit in 2004 after enjoying years of high revenue growth.
After reaching a record high of $74.3 billion last year, Korea's exports of information technology-related products are also starting to slow down, with domestic companies struggling to diversify their markets and adapt to the strengthening won.
During May, Korea's info-tech exports fell 2.1 percent year-on-year at $6.37 billion. It represented the first monthly drop since February 2002, according to ministry officials.
Over the past year, the won has gained nearly 15 percent against the U.S. dollar, making Korean products more expensive overseas. The export growth rate during the January-May period was just 3.6 percent, after growing 29 percent year-on-year during 2004.
"The second-quarter is a low-demand season for high-tech products and we don't expect the momentum to significantly pickup until the later half of the year," said Koh Nak-jun from the ministry's strategic planning office.
"The strengthening won is proving to be a bigger factor than we had expected. Companies are now forced to ship more products to China and Europe while cutting shipments to the United States, a traditionally large market for Korean high-tech companies," he said.
To sustain its level of high growth over the past years in a quickly maturing market place, the government since 2003 has been pushing a new national info-tech strategy, dubbed IT839, outlining ambitious goals for eight services, three infrastructure technologies and nine product categories.
Under the IT839 initiative, the Ministry of Information and Communication will encourage private investment in the identified specific technologies by funding research and offering business incentives.
The government hopes the new growth engines will lead the economy for the next decade, adding strength to the national drive toward achieving $20,000 per capita income from the current level of around $11,000.
The eight new services are portable Internet (WiBro), mobile television (DMB), home networking, vehicle-based information systems (telematics), radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, W-CDMA mobile telephony, digital television broadcasting and voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP) services.
To provide the backbone network for the new services, the government and industry will develop three advanced infrastructures including the broadband convergence network (BcN), a massive Internet protocol providing connections speeds between 50 mbps to 100 mbps, sensor-based computing networks and the next-generation Internet platform Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6).
By enhancing the aforementioned technologies and network infrastructure, the government hopes to foster production in nine manufacturing sectors comprising mobile handsets, digital televisions and broadcast devices, home network equipment, system-on-chip products, next-generation personal computers, embedded software, digital content and solutions, vehicle-based information equipment and intelligent robot products.
"The domestic industry's advancing from being manufacturing based to being focused on delivering high-end products and new added-value services, will be the driving force of Korea's economy into the next decade," said Chin, saying that having a world-class info-tech industry and infrastructure will help make Asia's third-largest economy an ideal test-bed market and increase foreign technology investment.
"We're trying to roll out broadcasting and technology services earlier than other countries so we can accelerate and stimulate development in technologies and the industries," he said.
Companies are also rushing to develop and roll out new services to attract new revenue. In May, TU Media Corp., 30 percent owned by SK Telecom, launched the country's first mobile television service, allowing subscribers to watch television on their mobile devices while on the move.
TU Media said it attracted more than 50,000 customers one month after starting commercial services. The company is targeting 600,000 to 700,000 customers by the end of this year and expects to break even when it gathers about 5.5 million customers, which it expects to be four to five years from now.
Mobile television services, dubbed by Korean officials as digital multimedia broadcasting, are designed to beam digital television, audio and data to handheld devices via satellite or land-based television airwaves.
TU Media received a license for the satellite-based services last year. In March, the government allocated six licenses for the land-based services, including three spots to the country's major television stations - KBS, MBC and SBS.
The Korean Society for Journalism and Communication Studies estimates the satellite DMB will generate around $7.8 billion in industrial production by 2012.
If earlier experiences are an indicator, satellite-based mobile television in Korea could succeed. In 2003, when SK Telecom launched "June," a video-on-demand services over its third-generation cdma2000 1x EV-DO network, the service attracted so many customers that the network buckled under the load. This forced the company to increase fees.
Such experience could explain why Korean companies and policymakers are pushing to roll out higher-data-rate wireless broadband technologies to generate new revenue. The government is planning to deploy a next-generation portable Internet technology, dubbed WiBro for wireless broadband, designed to provide wider coverage than wireless LAN services and faster connections than third-generation mobile telephony. WiBro would offer a peak rate of 1 Mbps on devices moving at speeds of about 70 kilometers per hour. The government aims for commercial services in 2006 and expects 10 million customers by 2008.
In January, the Ministry of Information and Communication allocated three licenses for portable Internet services to fixed-line operators KT Corp., Hanarotelecom Inc. and SK Telecom. The ministry had earlier allocated the 2.3Ghz band for portable Internet operations and approved the IEEE 802.16 standard as WiBro's base technology last year.
The state-run Korea Information Strategy Development Institute predicts the portable Internet sector to generate 12.9 trillion won by 2010 and have more than 9.45 million customers by 2016.
Date Posted: 6/14/2005


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The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office has completed an auction for the sale of items seized as evidence during an embezzlement investigation, resulting in $115,540 in victim restitution for Greg Wiemann Construction.
The District Attorney’s Office secured the services of SLOCAL Estate Auctions, Inc. to auction jewelry, watches, sports memorabilia, designer shoes, handbags, artwork, and other items seized as evidence during the criminal investigation.
On March 16, 2021, Joy Noel Wilde of Atascadero was sentenced to 10 years and four months in prison for embezzling money from her former employer, Greg Wiemann Construction, over a three-year period.
The investigation revealed that Wilde had purchased many items using stolen money which included jewelry, watches, sports memorabilia, designer shoes, handbags and artwork. For many of the items, the SLO County Sheriff's Office was able to locate receipts and other proofs of purchase.
To maximize the amount of restitution for the victim, the District Attorney’s Office sought and received a court order authorizing that the seized items be sold at auction and the proceeds provided to Greg Wiemann Construction.
District Attorney Dan Dow said, "The $115,540 in auction proceeds is a significant step to offset the substantial financial loss inflicted by Ms. Wilde.”


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NuData honored for its behavioral biometric tech in SC Media’s 30th anniversary awards
NuData Security, a Mastercard company, announced that its flagship product NuDetect was selected as a Most Critical Solution in the last 30 years in SC Media’s 30th Anniversary Awards.
As part of SC Media’s celebration of its 30th anniversary in the cybersecurity industry, the publication expanded its annual SC Awards to include several special categories honoring those who have shaped the industry and will serve to impact the future. Winners were decided by SC Media’s editorial team with the assistance of the SC Awards co-chairs.
“This prestigious award reinforces our belief that the best security doesn’t come from one bullet-proof layer but from the intelligent combination of various sophisticated layers that combine behavioral biometrics, FIDO standards and EMV 3DS, creating a safer digital environment that goes beyond credentials,” said Michel Giasson, NuData Security CEO.
“Over the last three decades, the winners of our 30th Anniversary Awards have left an indelible imprint on the cybersecurity industry through their tireless work and visionary leadership,” added Illena Armstrong, VP editorial at SC Media. “NuData has most assuredly earned this honor for its continued dedication to protecting enterprises from today’s sophisticated threats.”
Mastercard recently reached a deal with United Arab Emirates-based telecom operator du to explore how the NuDetect behavioral biometrics technology can be used to deliver safe, seamless payments through users’ smartphones across the Middle East and Africa.


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Megadeth have launched a brand new website dedicated to their forthcoming new album, The Sick, The Dying… and The Dead! just days after teasing an image that hinted something would be happening on June 23. On social media, the thrash legends shared a special message.
The musician and sometimes actor tossed out the idea in a weekend tweet, suggesting, “If a good director decides to make a Popeye movie, I’m your man.” And you can see why, as the bassist extraordinaire does have a striking resemblance to the iconic comic book character.
A huge congratulations to Motionless in White, whose brand new album Scoring the End of the World has debuted in the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 chart. It only placed under two other new albums, both of which were by massive mainstream artists.
The album came in at No. 12 on the chart for selling a total of 23,000 units of the album, which includes CDs, LPs and paid digital downloads.


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By Courtney Trenwith
UAE businesses vie for a slice of the $550m expected to be spent on F&B during the six-month event
Emirati mother Najah Hussain Al Muntafiq has been making premium chocolates for UAE giants, including Emirates and Emaar’s Address hotels, for four years, but she is yet to open a retail outlet. She hopes Expo 2020 Dubai will make that dream come true.
Al Muntafiq is one of hundreds of small- and medium-sized food and beverage (F&B) businesses vying for a slice of the $550m expected to be spent on hospitality during the six-month event.
The Expo 2020 organising committee expects up to 85,000 meals to be served each hour on peak days, with at least 5 million meals needed just to feed staff, creating what has been described as “the world’s biggest food operation”.
Much of the food and beverage is expected to come from small, home-grown concepts, which is in line with the Expo’s intention for 20 percent of the value of all contracts to be awarded to SMEs. The opportunities available were highlighted during the latest in a series of BusinessConnect events in Dubai on Mnday.
SMEs from food suppliers to kitchen developers were able to inquire about how they could potentially be involved in the extravaganza.
Al Muntafiq was quick to ask about the opportunities to use the Expo as a means to expand her brand, Coco Jalila, which was born in the UAE. With legacy a crucial component of the Expo planning, cultivating new businesses and supporting the expansion of existing brands is an important element.
“Retail space is my dream, because I haven’t been able to do it because of cost,” Al Muntafiq told Arabian Business.
The Expo also will be a platform for locally grown businesses to showcase their innovations to a global audience.
Organic café Wild & the Moon, which started in Dubai’s Al Serkal Avenue and now has multiple outlets in Paris and New York City, is planning to do just that.
“We’d like to show that a local company can really create a brand here, especially about sustainable, organic, vegan food that’s good for the planet and for the health,” said UAE operations manager Francois Vogelsinger.
“We believe our concept is really matching Expo 2020,” he said, referring to the Expo’s theme of sustainability.
Vogelsinger said the café hoped to set up in a greenhouse within the sustainability pavilion. When asked what additional information he needed before deciding whether to participate in the Expo, he said: “We don’t have any questions; we’d just like to be there”.
“Of course, we need to make money but we want to show our brand first, to bring more customers to our brand and to show what we have.”
The founder of eight-month-old Burger 28, Alex Debare, has a similar mission. He wants to use Expo to showcase the innovation adopted by his Emirati-inspired burger chain, which includes plastic wrapping to prevent the burger sauce from spoiling car seats.
Debare said he would apply to open multiple Burger 28 outlets across the Expo site.
“I want to be the first Abu Dhabi-born F&B concept to open in London; Expo helps me make that a reality. Not only can I get feedback from people from all over the world on whether they like my product or not, the social media exposure -- which is the main way to advertise, especially for SMEs -- is amazing,” Debare said.
Expo 2020’s senior vice-president of commercial, Gillian Hamburger, told Arabian Business about 160 F&B outlets would be required, including those offering impulse purchases, take-away snacks, casual sit-down dining and fine dining. Even pop-up shops and food trucks would be welcome, fitting into another of the Expo’s key themes, mobility.
“What is key for us is flexibility and mobility,” Hamburger said.
“We’re extremely committed to having 20 percent devoted to SMEs as our minimum target for F&B [businesses].”
With 70 percent of the 25 million expected visitors to Expo 2020 coming from abroad, diversity in food options will be pivotal, she said.
All aspects of the food chain will need to be addressed, including safety and hygiene and the logistics of supplying tens of thousands of items each day.
Tenders are due to open in the fourth quarter.


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Making products attractive and user-friendly is a smart idea, but it is no substitute for R&D and investment, argues James Woudhuysen, a professor of forecasting and innovation at De Montfort University, on Spiked, a British Internet magazine focusing on politics, culture and society from a humanist and libertarian viewpoint.
“Exaggerating design’s scope for impact is now a global pastime. For example, the New York City design firm Reboot seriously proposes that human rights can be designed, because ‘at our local health clinic, at our unemployment office or at our child’s school… [there] are the moments when human rights are realised in practical ways’. This underlines how the boosting of design’s economic contribution is part of a wider doctrine of what Virginia Tech professor Paul Knox rightly terms ‘hubristic design determinism’. Whereas Karl Marx argued that social being determines consciousness, design boosters contend that design plays a determining role in both economic growth and everyday behaviour. Arguably, they take a leaf from architecture here; but whatever the case, even leading economic commentators are now so bereft of a genuine strategy for growth that they find themselves pronouncing that ‘Design adds value to the product – in fact design adds most of the value to the product’.
This conception of design is completely over the top. If they want to be ambitious, and they should, designers should recognise that real economic growth will come from the development of whole new industrial and service sectors, capable of creating hundreds of thousands of properly paid jobs. Design cannot create those industries – they will come out of the much more elemental processes of R&D, the kind of R&D that led to the nuclear, plastics and pharmaceuticals sectors. And whether this R&D happens is, again, not a technical issue, but to do with the priorities and vision of society. Right now, the West prefers to talk up the merits of relatively cheap design than to do the dearer, riskier business of R&D.”
We are an international experience design consultancy helping companies and organisations to innovate their products, services and processes by putting people and their experiences first.
It’s that time of year again – Milan’s don’t-miss event for the design community is here. If you’re looking to get inspired at Milan Design Week, then check out our top picks for the latest edition, from Experientia’s designers, strategists and partners. Milan might be best known for its busy streets, traditional cafés and world […]
Following the 2016 Smart Innovation Award at “FIMBACTE Trophées du Cadre de vie”, the CITYOPT project has once again been recognized, this time in the prestigious French design competition: “Observeur du Design 2017”, in the Service Design category. In June 2016, CITYOPT won the first stage of the Observeur du Design. Now the project has […]
Last month Putting People First announced the upcoming conference on design & sustainable innovation for smart cities in Nice France. Meanwhile we are pleased to announce the full event agenda (see below). This event will feature professionals from leading research institutes and industry gathering to present key initiatives which combine Energy Efficiency and Service Design […]
Invitation to the International Conference on Design & Sustainable Innovation for SmartCities Nice (France) 8 December 2016 On the 8th December 2016, the CITYOPT project will host an international conference on Design and sustainable innovation for SmartCities, at the Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen, France. An open invitation to attend is offered to people and organisations who […]
The 100&Change is an international competition and a landmark opportunity for thinkers and designers to tackle critical challenges affecting the world. Michele Visciòla will be one of the panel of expert judges who will select which project is worthy of the $100 million grant. 100&Change is the MacArthur Foundation competition – launched this year for […]
The September issue of the Harvard Business Review (HBR) contains a lengthy essay, entitled Building an Insights Engine, on how Unilever has created the organizational capabilities to “transform data into insights about consumers’ motivations and to turn those insights into strategy.” The article was written by Frank van den Driest and Keith Weed of a […]


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THE world’s largest luxury fishing boat dubbed the “Big Fisher” boasts six floors, laser lighting and a sleek superyacht design.
Its maker Royal Huisman’s 171-feet-long project, set to be launched soon, will be illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.
The mega boat, which is kitted out with six levels and outriggers to attach fishing lines, is currently being built at a shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.
It was last seen in June 2022 when the superstructure was joined to the hull.
Now the mega boat is leaving the shipyard’s hall to progress onto the next stage of the construction.
The superyacht has been described as “sportfisher on steroids”, delivering the level of comfort and luxury unseen in any of the fishing…
Read the full article here


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SAN DIEGO (Bloomberg) -- The federal judge overseeing lawsuits against Toyota Motor Corp. involving allegations of unintended acceleration made final an order rejecting the automaker’s bid to throw out claims by vehicle owners claiming economic loss.
The Toyota owners contend the company drove down the value of their vehicles by failing to disclose or fix defects related to unintended acceleration. U.S. District Judge James V. Selna in Santa Ana, Calif., declined on May 13 to revisit last month’s tentative order allowing the lawsuits to move ahead because the vehicle owners had properly pleaded loss or injury.
“Taking these allegations as true, as the court must at the pleading stage, they establish an economic loss,” Selna wrote, using language identical to his tentative ruling. “A vehicle with a defect is worth less than one without a defect.”
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, recalled millions of U.S. vehicles, starting in 2009, after claims of defects and incidents involving unintended acceleration. The recalls set off a wave of litigation, including hundreds of economic loss suits and claims by individuals or their families alleging injuries and deaths.
Most of the federal lawsuits were combined before Selna, who is overseeing pretrial evidence-gathering.
Selna issued a similar ruling in November that rejected Toyota’s motion to dismiss an earlier complaint by the vehicle owners.
Selna is conducting a hearing today on a request by lawyers for vehicle owners to use California law, which gives plaintiffs a better chance than most states of recovering damages, to pursue economic claims.
Toyota has asked the judge to find that car owners can’t use California law on suits brought in other states.
Selna said last week that he was likely to rule in the vehicle owners’ favor. Selna said he didn’t believe Toyota’s rights to due process would be denied through using California consumer law on the claims.


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Subway riders will able to look at a smart watch and see when the next train is coming, thanks to one of more than 40 new transit apps unveiled Thursday.
Straphangers can vote on their favorite apps, which are part of an MTA and AT&T competition, until Feb. 25.
The winner will get $50,000 donated by AT&T.
The apps include Pebble smartwatches such as OnTrac, which scans for nearby subway stops and shows departure times.
“Everyone who rides a subway, railroad train or bus has a stake in this and now has the chance to have input,” said MTA chairman Thomas Prendergast, who urged riders to vote. “More than 40 app developers have put in time, energy and resources toward making products they hope and expect will benefit the public.”
Another app, called FoundIt, lets riders file a claim for an item they lost and get an alert if it’s recovered.
The developers note that more 120,000 items found by the MTA haven’t been claimed since it began releasing raw data on lost items.
Find the Line NYC gives directions-challenged riders a compass to find the way to the nearest subway station and start walking toward it.
And Departures NYC lets high-tech bus riders check out departure times.
The winners of the App Quest 3.0 contest will be announced March 19.
It is the third time the MTA and AT&T have held the contest for transit-friendly developers — but the first time smartwatch apps have been developed for MTA riders.


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Thailand and other countries would not impose additional rules on Chinese travel
Maya Bay in Krabi’s Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. (Photo: Radio Thailand Krabi)
BANGKOK/SINGAPORE/SYDNEY: Thailand and other Asian countries are bracing for an influx of Chinese tourists as Covid-19 restrictions are dismantled, and while some are wary, operators in others are preparing packages such as hotpot buffets to cash in on the expected spike in travel.
Chinese tourists will no longer need to quarantine on return home starting Jan 8, the government announced this week, a move that spurred a surge in bookings from what was the world’s largest outbound travel market in 2019.
The once US$255 billion a year in global spending by Chinese tourists ground to a virtual halt during the pandemic, leaving a gaping hole in the Asian market, where countries from Thailand to Japan had depended on China as the largest source of foreign visitors.
International flights to and from China are at just 8% of pre-pandemic levels, VariFlight data shows, but carriers are looking to ramp up capacity as authorities ease Covid-driven limits on the number of flights.
“There is little doubt mainland Chinese are the spark plug for Thailand’s tourism recovery,” said Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks. “It’s not a question of if it will happen, it’s now just a matter of how many and how fast.”
Malaysia Airlines and Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet Aviation said they hope to restore China flights to pre-pandemic levels by June 2023, while others such as Singapore Airlines and Australia’s Qantas Airways declined to provide detailed targets as the situation evolves.
Chinese airlines are likely to make significant increases to capacity from the end of March, coinciding with the start of the summer scheduling season, Morningstar analyst Cheng Weng told clients in a note.
People stand near a Chinese national flag on a boat crossing Yangtze River, during the Labour Day holiday in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, on May 2, 2021. (Photo: Reuters)
– Rebound “with a vengeance” –
The prospect of cash-rich Chinese flocking to shopping streets across the world boosted luxury stocks this week, as China accounts for 21% of the world’s €350 billion ($371.91 billion) luxury goods market.
As the Lunar New Year holiday – typically a peak travel period for Chinese tourists – starts on Jan 21, some businesses are already gearing up.
Sofitel Sentosa in Singapore is creating Lunar New Year packages aimed at Chinese visitors, including a hotpot buffet and romantic packages for couples, said Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, general manager of that hotel and the upcoming Raffles Sentosa, as the company bets that a travel rebound will come “with a vengeance”.
In Japan, tour bus firm Hato Bus says next month it will try out Chinese-language tours it had halted during the coronavirus pandemic, with the aim of a full resumption by the spring, a spokesperson said.
Japan, however, is being cautious about Chinese tourism due to the rapid spread of the virus in China. It is requiring a negative Covid-19 test on arrival from Chinese visitors, and those who test positive must quarantine for seven days under new border measures taking effect on Friday (Dec 30).
The United States said it would impose mandatory coronavirus tests on travellers from China, joining India, Italy and Taiwan in taking new measures, while the Philippines is considering a testing requirement.
Australia, Germany, Thailand and others, however, said they would not impose additional rules on Chinese travel for now, with France taking to social media platform Sina Weibo to emphasise it welcomed Chinese friends “with open arms”.
In Vietnam, where tourist visas for Chinese are not yet being issued, Saigon Halong Hotel in Halong Bay expects it will receive Chinese arrivals from the second quarter of next year.
Any hopes of a massive rebound in Chinese travel to Australia during the Lunar New Year holiday are probably misplaced, James Shen, general manager of Melbourne-based tour agency Odyssey Travel said, citing sky-high airfares.
“There are still very few flights, and they would be booking very last minute,” he said. “I suspect any meaningful rebound will have to wait until the travel boom in June or July next year.”
Chinese tourists rest near the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, on April 18, 2018. (Photo: Reuters)
– Philippines: No need to restrict Chinese visitors –
In the Philippines, its health official said there is no need yet to shut the country’s borders or impose tighter Covid restrictions on inbound Chinese travellers, bucking moves by other nations like the US to require tests for visitors from China amid a renewed surge in infections there.
“The direction of this administration is that as much as possible, restrictions should be minimal where we don’t compromise health but we also favor the opening up of the economy,” Maria Rosario Vergeire, the officer in charge at the Department of Health said at a briefing Thursday. The agency is confident that existing health protocols are sufficient, she added.
Vergeire said the Southeast Asian nation is in a “much better position currently” with most of the population fully vaccinated and have learned to adopt good health practices.
Her comments were in contrast to those of Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista who is in favour of testing Chinese visitors.
In Italy, health officials said they would test arrivals from China with almost half of passengers on two flights from China to Milan found to have the virus.
China is seeing outbreaks across the country, with almost 37 million people possibly having been infected on a single day last week.


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OPA Forms a European Version: The Online Publishers Association, the N.Y.-based association of U.S. online publishers, has opened a European version. The association, soon to be founded, will involve the French newspapers Le Monde and Les Echos together with El Pais (Spain), The Guardian, the Financial Times (UK), Die Frankfuerter Allgemeine Zeitung, Der Spiegel (Germany), the Italian newspapers La Stampa, l?Espresso, La Repubblica and Le Temps(Switzerland).
The U.K. already has a similar association: Association of Online Publishers UK (AOP UK), which was formed only a couple of months ago. It would be interesting to see how the two associations interact, compete or co-operate.
OPA recently released a report on the paid content industry in U.S., and the European version would perhaps also follow suit, though the story talks about the ad revenues for the sites.


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Mobilethink Expands Device Configuration Commitment in Asia
Strengthening its leadership in global mobile device support and management, Mobilethink A/S (www.mobilethink.com) today announces further commitment to the APAC region by the opening of a local presence in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The rationale behind this strategic development is that a further 40 device manufacturers from the Asian region have entered into test certification agreements with Mobilethink over the past two months and a strengthened regional presence will enable the firm to better engage with them and others and to track their product development roadmaps.
Mobilethink’s test agreements enable device settings to be added to its growing database so that local carriers can provide automatic Over-the-Air connectivity as users of these new devices penetrate their networks.
The total number of device manufacturers now in test agreements with the firm is 120. Its highly-technical testing procedures manually certify configuration options available for each device model, notes the specifications and releases the device with a valid commercial model name in the device databases available to customers. This means that the quality of the data is much higher than the GSMA information available from other vendors and forms an important part of Mobilethink’s competitive advantage.
Mobilethink’s database now contains specifications for over 7,600 different devices and can recognise over 80,000 uniquely certified GSMA identification device codes.
“Mobilethink recognises the need to think global and act local and this is the rationale behind the opening of our new Indonesian office,” says Tine Anette Soerensen, chief of development and devices. “Our Indonesian presence will facilitate relations and logistics with emerging device manufacturers in the region.”
Mobilethink A/S is a world leading mobile device management (MDM) vendor and has provided mobile operators with its industry leading solutions for more than a decade. A customer-centric enterprise, more than 100 mobile operators use Mobilethink’s solutions to manage data of about 250 million subscribers in more than 35 countries around the world. Visit www.mobilethink.com.


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The long-awaited update to Windows Phone 7 appears to be close to a prime time rollout.
Do you know where your smartphone is? Unless you're using it to read PCWorld.com, your phone is probably plugged into an outlet somewhere to charge, because the battery stinks.
When you show up late to a party, you should at least bring a bottle of wine (or a case of beer depending on the party). Nokia's highly-anticipated launch of Windows Phone 7.5 "Mango" smartphones comes fairly late in the game, and doesn't seem to add...
I've been eager to get my hands on Nokia's first Windows Phone 7 phones ever since Nokia and Microsoft announced their partnership back in February.
Nokia's first flagship Windows Phone 7 device, the Lumia 800, isn't just another handset from another hardware maker. It's the future of Nokia, as the company puts the bulk of its high-end smartphone efforts into Microsoft's mobile OS.
Nokia is betting its future on Microsoft’s mobile OS, and has introduced its first Windows Phone 7 device, the Lumia 800.
As Nokia World approaches on Wednesday, details about the Finnish firm's Windows Phone 7.5 -- that's Mango -- lineup are beginning to emerge.
Microsoft announced today that it has mostly wrapped up its acquisition of the Internet communications company Skype. The $8.5 billion deal has received approval from the major regulators, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the European Union, alt...
For those who believe Apple corners the market in elegance for technology products, take a look at a new handset released in Europe yesterday by LG Electronics -- and running Microsoft software.
With the attention on Apple this week and the unveiling of the iPhone 5...I mean iPhone 4S, it is easy to forget about other mobile devices. But, Microsoft is pushing out "Mango" to current Windows Phone 7 users, and new Windows Phone 7.5 "Mango" dev...
The success of Samsung's Galaxy S Android phones just became a cash cow for Microsoft, thanks to a patent cross-licensing agreement in which Microsoft gets paid for every Android phone or tablet Samsung sells.
It's here. Windows Phone 7.5 "Mango" started rolling out to devices today, and it brought a few surprises along for the ride.
Microsoft has started rolling out its Windows Phone 7.5 update, with more than 500 new features including a new music hub and better multitasking. But most Windows Phone 7 users will have to wait a week or even a month for Mango -- unless they use th...
Microsoft will begin delivering the new version of Windows Phone 7, code-named Mango, to its customers within the next two weeks, the company announced Wednesday.
Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang has raised an interesting possibility about Windows 8, speculating that it will be able to run Windows Phone 7 apps.
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Israel continues its drive toward a record for car imports in 2016. As of July 31 more than 192,000 vehicles had been imported, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported. That’s a 15- percent increase over the number of vehicles imported in the first seven months of 2015, which was itself a record-breaking year for car imports.
At this rate, industry experts say that over 300,000 vehicles could be sold this year, compared to 256,000 in 2015. Taken over a three-year period, the amount spent on vehicles between 2013 and 2016 is expected to have reached NIS 115 billion by the end of this year – a sum that would constitute 11.5 percent of Israel’s GDP, the CBS said.
The reasons for the phenomenon: A relatively weak dollar, which has been trading in the area of NIS 3.85/dollar so far this year, as well as super-low interest rates that are allowing many dealers, especially of less popular and smaller vehicles, to offer interest-free financing, with the dealership picking up the 2 percent or so interest payments due for the loans. The massive car imports are also good news for less affluent Israelis, who now have a greater choice of used cars at cheaper prices, the CBS said.
According to the statistics, Hyundai leads the pack among nameplates, with 27,700 vehicles delivered so far this year, 27 percent more than in the first six months of 2015. Hyundai is followed by Kia, with 24,800 vehicles delivered. In third place is Toyota, with 19,800 delivered. Other top nameplates popular with Israelis include Skoda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Renault and Chevrolet, rounding out the top ten imports.


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The Goldstein Group recently announced the completion of two new AFC Urgent Care facilities in Clark and Livingston, New Jersey.
Sawyer Smith New Development will formalize a diverse list of services which includes design, determining unit mix and amenities, branding, and a marketing plan from conception to closing.
Gebroe-Hammer Associates recently announced the sale of an East Orange multi-family portfolio for $11.75 million.
Kislak recently announced the sale of legacy property Sunnyfield Gardens Apartments in Linden, New Jersey.
The new competition series will debut live from the historic Newark venue on Thursday, October 14.
CBRE recently announced the sale of a three-building, 31-unit apartment complex in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
The previous owners of a popular Brooklyn restaurant are opening a new food and beverage concept in Bogota, New Jersey, this fall.
The Kislak Company, Inc. recently announced the sale of a luxury townhouse community in Summit, New Jersey.
Jersey Mike’s, Playa Bowls, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill have all leased space in a Florham Park shopping center.
Levoni was previously based in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood and moved its US operations to Hoboken.


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With currency devaluation, import restrictions and low purchasing power blighting Egypt’s bath and shower market, manufacturers need to find new ways to grow the segment
The Egyptian bath, shower and soap sector is growing in retail value, and will be worth US$230.6m in 2016, according to Euromonitor International, up by 16% since 2015.
But overall, sales growth in this segment is sluggish due to the country’s continued relatively slow economic growth (forecast for 3.3% by the World Bank for 2016), political uncertainty and low purchasing power. The market, which is ...
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A recent study conducted by research organization Profundo and commissioned by T&E has revealed a remarkable 59% increase in profits for Europe’s major leasing companies between 2018 and 2022, despite fleet sizes only growing by 5%. The report focuses on the profitability of the seven largest leasing companies in Europe, including ALD | LeasePlan, Alphabet/BMW Financial Services, Arval, Leasys, Mercedes-Benz Mobility/Athlon, Mobilize Financial Services, and Volkswagen Financial Services. In total, these companies amassed a combined profit of €15.7 billion in 2022.
The remarkable profits generated by leasing companies present a unique opportunity for them to drive the transition to electric vehicles. However, the research by T&E indicates that the leasing sector is far from leading the European Union market when it comes to the adoption of electric cars. Notably, none of the leasing companies analyzed in the report have set a definitive phase-out date for polluting vehicles.
Among the leasing companies examined in the study, Arval, owned by BNP Paribas, and Leasys, the leasing branch of Crédit Agricole and Stellantis, experienced the most substantial profit growth since 2018. Arval’s profits skyrocketed by 192%, while Leasys witnessed a remarkable surge of 143%, surpassing the growth rate of its fleet size (82%).
An analysis of Return on Equity (ROE), a key indicator of a company’s financial health, revealed that the average ROE for leasing companies increased from 21.2% in 2018 to an even higher 27.2% in 2022. In comparison, banks, which serve as the owners of some of the largest leasing companies, typically record ROEs between 7% to 12%.
While these leasing companies continue to make substantial profits, their progress in driving the adoption of electric vehicles appears lackluster. Stef Cornelis, the director of T&E’s electric fleet program, highlights the imbalance between their profitability and the pace of electrification. He suggests that leasing companies could easily leverage their strong financial performance to invest in electric vehicles, but it seems that they prioritize maximized profits and cash flow over sustainable transportation.
Additionally, the study reveals a significant increase in profit per car, with an average surge of 53% from 2018 to 2022 for the selected leasing companies. These higher profits indirectly burden customers, resulting in increased leasing costs. The profit per car for Arval stands close to €2,400, while Mobilize reaches approximately €3,200 per car. As a result, mainstream car models like Opel Corsa or Peugeot 208, which typically cost €12,000-15,000 to lease over the duration of the lease period, contribute to these substantial profits. Most families in the EU rely on the second-hand car market, where these leased cars eventually end up, to purchase their vehicles.
The impressive profits achieved by leasing companies are undeniably a testament to their successful business models. However, it is vital to question who bears the brunt of these profit increases. Stef Cornelis concludes by suggesting that if the profit per car continues to rise, it is ultimately the customers who are paying for it, whether through lease deals or second-hand purchases.
Q: Which leasing companies were included in the study?
A: The study examined Europe’s seven largest leasing companies, including ALD | LeasePlan, Alphabet/BMW Financial Services, Arval, Leasys, Mercedes-Benz Mobility/Athlon, Mobilize Financial Services, and Volkswagen Financial Services.
Q: Have any leasing companies set a phase-out date for polluting cars?
A: No, none of the leasing companies analyzed in the report have established a definitive phase-out date for polluting vehicles.
Q: Which leasing companies experienced the most significant profit growth since 2018?
A: Arval (owned by BNP Paribas) and Leasys (the leasing branch of Crédit Agricole and Stellantis) recorded the most substantial profit growth, with Arval’s profits increasing by 192% since 2018, and Leasys’ fleet size witnessing an 82% growth while its profits nearly doubled by 143%.
Q: How much has the profit per car increased for leasing companies?
A: On average, the profit per car has risen by 53% from 2018 to 2022 for the leasing companies evaluated in the study.


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Port Tampa Bay
“The international exchange of commodities is a vital part of the Florida economy and creating a logistical environment that helps Florida-based companies optimize their supply chains in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace is extremely critical for the state of Florida,” said Chambliss. “As Vice Chair of the TLI, I look forward to contributing to this initiative.”
The Florida Chamber established the TLI to implement recommendations from the Florida Trade & Logistics Study 2.0, released in 2013. The TLI also releases a “Florida Trade & Logistics Report Card” that monitors progress towards the goal of maintaining the state’s position as one of the nation’s leaders for global trade and investment.
“The joining of two individuals from two of Florida’s key air and maritime transportation entities will be beneficial as we look to improve Florida’s position and competiveness in the trade and logistics arena,” said Miami International Airport’s Manager of Aviation Trade & Logistics and TLI Chair Emir Peneda.
Mr. Chambliss also serves of Board of Directors for the National Association of Foreign Trade Zone and is a Licensed Customs Broker.


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Soroll Electrònic to absorb Roycan Audiosistemas
Soroll Electrònic has acquired the business activity and management of Roycan Audiosistemas.
Through an agreement signed between the two companies, Soroll will now be in charge of providing all the maintenance and upgrade services of the systems installed all over the world throughout Roycan’s long history.
All Roycan products such as NetMagic, Optimas, easyLab language labs, etc. will become part of the Soroll catalogue. As a result, Soroll will be expanding its areas of business with an increased focus on the educational field, where it already had a strong presence with the Labtra translation and interpreting labs.
In addition, Soroll has launched new R&D investments into these technologies in order to adapt them, enhance them and integrate them into its own products, thereby creating new, more modern and more robust systems tailored to the everyday needs of language learning. This is the result of the commitment acquired with the original Roycan brand, which is to continue researching and developing all its technology to guarantee service to the thousands of educational institutions that have chosen it over the years.


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pop song take books, as stated earlier, emerged from George Goodwin's Tune-Dex cards.
Although figures for bootlegged
material dropped, the number of counterfeit CDs doubled.
Gallaher has warned that tobacco smugglers hit the accelerator in 1998, when the industry saw a dramatic increase in the amount of bootlegged
stock finding its way to Britain.
One of the most prolifically bootlegged
bands, with more than 200 CD titles in underground circulation at any given time, Counting Crows fan-recorded bootlegs show up on the Internet, on radio stations and in independent record stores almost as quickly as they are performed and recorded.
7 billion to Russia last year alone in bootlegged
But Glickman also noted that even bootlegged
movies sold on street corners in the U.
Seven people beside Withers have been arrested in Palmdale for selling, producing or possessing large quantities of bootlegged
Jumpin' Jack Flash'': Bootlegged
from the ``Gimme Shelter'' 1969 Altamont concert film, this alternate version features a fantastic lead guitar break from Taylor.
The connection certainly has been bootlegged
,'' Mundy said.


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Analysis - US job losses hit Europe's brewers
Beer volumes dropped in the US
Europe's big brewers saw their volumes in the US drop back in the first three months of the year as unemployment among young men hurt sales, an analyst has said.
Bernstein analyst Trevor Stirling said in a note today (14 May) the US beer market had a “very weak” Q1 after 2012's strong performance. Bad weather was partly to blame for industry volumes falling about 3%, but increasing job losses in beer's key demographic was an underlying cause, Stirling said.
He also said consumer confidence is fragile, damaged by higher payroll taxes.
In Heineken's Q1 results, released last month, group beer volumes in the Americas declined by 2.4% with sales to US retailers declining in the low-single digits. Over the same period, Anheuser-Busch InBev saw US sales-to-wholesalers fall by 5.2%.
The note, part of Bernstein's quarterly sector review of the European alcohol industry, said despite economic problems, margins in the US remained strong because of growth in craft beer and “premium” sales.
Stirling said a “marked slowdown” in Cognac and Scotch sales in China in the first-quarter caused by a crackdown on conspicuous consumption at government events is likely to lessen throughout the year.
In Q1 figures released in April, Rémy Cointreau admitted “more modest” growth for its Cognac labels in China, while in a call with analysts today, Diageo's Asia-Pacific head warned that the country's sales will remain “soft” for the rest of the year.
China's beer volumes, however, rebounded in the first three months of the year, though margins remained small, Stirling said.
This is the first in a new series of short reports from just-drinks. These profiles will bring together all of just-drinks' coverage of a major development involving some of the leading players in the...
Heineken, the world’s third largest brewer and leading cider producer, continued its aggressive acquisitive expansion in 2012 with the purchase of Asia Pacific Breweries. This profile considers the ex...
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Heineken is making efforts to improve its business in the key US market and support sluggish consumption through product innovation, including Indio in June 2012 and Amstel Wheat and Tecate Michelada ...
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Assembling a truly autonomous smart home is getting closer and closer to reality every day. But for every new smart bulb, thermostat, home security system and appliance we set loose within our walls, there are still probably a half dozen “dumb” items we’d still love to replace.
But whether they’re too costly or too big a hassle to swap out, there are also new alternatives for making dumb items smart. The AXIS Gear is one of those new smart accessories, turning old-school blinds and shutters into window coverings that do what you want when you want it.
Indiegogo backers got the Gear off the ground, a smart device that allows you to control your existing window shades from your phone. After a quick 5-minute installation, your blinds are suddenly motorized.
Compatible with any window shade that has a beaded chain, the AXIS Gear syncs with the free smartphone app so you can raise or lower your blinds at the touch of your phone. With Gear, you can also set custom schedules to raise or lower your shades so you can always make sure they’re closed each night, then open in the morning, then closed again during the heat of the afternoon.
Right now, you can save $25 off the purchase of the AXIS Gear, only $224.99 with this offer.
Hackers tried to break into the World Health Organization earlier in March, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, Reuters reports. Security experts blame an advanced cyber-espionage hacker group known as DarkHotel. A senior agency official says the WHO has been facing a more than two-fold increase in cyberattacks since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Additional $15M will go to third parties and nonprofits
The death toll in Italy’s coronavirus outbreak today passed 1,000. Schools throughout Italy are completely shut down, which is reportedly driving a surge in internet traffic as bored kids forced to stay indoors turn to online games.
If you’ve ever had any musical aspirations — or even if your talent extends no further than turning on the radio — you’ve probably dreamed the “impossible” dream. You dream that maybe you could record some of your songs at home, post them online, build an armada of fan support, attract major label attention and […]
If you’re charting the fortunes of a business, one glance at the right columns can instantly detail that company’s health. If you want to see their current roster of customers, a spreadsheet can bring those clients into sharp focus. Make no mistake — the world of business is still dominated by the all-powerful spreadsheet. It’s […]
For wine lovers around the world, it’s all about discovery. Once they get a taste for the grape, oenophiles are rarely satisfied with even the most carefully curated, go-to vintages. There’s always a hunt for the next great pairing, the thrill of uncorking a bold new Tempranillo or sublime Moscato. That feeling is a jones […]


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If Steve Jobs' Reality Distortion Field had a Bizarro counterpart, Tim Cook would almost certainly be at the controls. Raised on the mundane minutia of Apple's inventory chain and gross margins, Cook doesn't evoke adoration among Apple fanboys and girls; in fact, most of them wouldn't even recognize Apple's new CEO if they passed him on a Cupertino street.
Yesterday, many skeptics came out of the woodworks with concerns that Jobs' exit from Apple could affect the quality of Apple's products and innovations in the future. Tim Cook, the man who has replaced Steve Jobs, has released an internal email to Apple employees to assure them that nothing is going to change.
In the email, exclusive to Ars Technica, Tim Cook expresses his excitement for "Apple's bright future" and adds that "we are really looking forward to Steve's ongoing guidance and inspiration as our chairman."
Shortly before the stock markets closed this evening, news broke that Steve Jobs would be stepping down as CEO of Apple. This news came as a shock to many in the Apple community, and that shock seems to have also affected Apple stock price in after-hours trading.
You’ve probably heard by now that Apple Inc. had another boffo quarter, with plenty of facts and figures to prove it -- not to mention record revenue of $28.57 billion. But one of the most interesting numbers shows how the iPad has overtaken the Mac in less than a year and a half.
Apple's iPad has undoubtedly remained the darling of the tablet market, a device with such continued high demand, that shipping times still stand at 1-2 weeks at the online Apple Store. Due to this success, it has left Apple executives believing that the tablet market will soon surpass PCs.
If there’s one thing that should be abundantly clear by now, it’s that you don’t mess with the fruit -- Apple, in this case. Best Buy employees are reporting that the electronics retailer is in the doghouse with Apple over some shenanigans with iPad 2 sales.
A new report out of Taiwan claims that Apple has cornered much of the market for touch panel components -- nearly 60 percent. with the intention of using them to meet internal goals of shipping 40 million iPads in 2011.
With Apple CEO Steve Jobs taking his most recent leave of absence, it has led to Wall Street speculating on who may take over Apple should Jobs have to step down. In addition to that, an Apple Inc. shareholder proposal that specifies requiring Apple disclose a CEO succession plan won the backing of Institutional Shareholder Services, a proxy-advising service today. Apple opposes the proposal.
Apple issued a press release Monday morning to announce that CEO Steve Jobs would be taking a medical leave from the company, but will remain in his position and continue to “be involved in major strategic decisions.”
There's a new man in town to ensure Apple products continue to try and meet the "highest standards of quality." Well, sort of new man. It's Jeff Williams, who's actually been with Apple for about a decade.