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TYSONS CORNER, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cvent, Inc., a leading cloud-based enterprise meetings, events and hospitality technology company, today announced the hiring of a new chief marketing officer, as well as three vice presidents in the company’s marketing department. The hires expand and bolster the company’s leadership and expertise in the department.
“Cvent’s new marketing leadership joins a team of strong leaders and marketing professionals who are among the best in our industry,” said Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent. “One of the key aspects of the Soul of Cvent is to be in the top 1 percent, and the backgrounds and drive of these new team members exemplify that element of our company’s culture. These new leaders are already making a strong impact on our mission to create technology that powers human connection.”
Patrick Smith joins Cvent as Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Smith served as CMO at Deltek, a $500+ million enterprise software company that was recently acquired for $2.8 billion. Smith held numerous marketing roles in his 10-year Deltek career, and was instrumental in transforming the company’s brand. Smith has a BBA from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Brad Gillespie is Cvent’s new Vice President of Marketing, focusing on enterprise, creative and meeting planning. Gillespie was most recently the CMO at Octiv, and prior to that, he was the Global VP of Marketing for SiriusDecisions, the #1 provider of SaaS marketing best practices. In his role at Sirius, Gillespie more than tripled the company’s revenue. Gillespie is a former entrepreneur and he advises several SaaS start-ups.
Chris McAndrews has been hired as Cvent’s Vice President of Hospitality Marketing. Most recently, McAndrews was SVP of Marketing at global corporate travel agency consortium Radius Travel. Prior to Radius, McAndrews was an SVP at Travelocity and was also the President of Digital Media at National Geographic, where he was responsible for marketing, digital strategy, technology, and sales. He is a Harvard graduate and received his MBA from Stanford business school.
Sandeep Nagpal has joined Cvent as Vice President of Marketing, leading the company’s marketing organization in India. Most recently, Nagpal served as the VP of Marketing for the APAC region for SAP. Previously, Nagpal led the marketing strategy for SAP’s core innovation areas including Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Management. At SAP, he was awarded the SAP Global Marketing Excellence Award in 2016 and the SAP People’s Choice Award for Marketing Innovator in 2015. Prior to SAP, Nagpal held positions at Nokia and Microsoft. Nagpal has a Bachelor’s in Engineering from the University of Pune and an Executive Masters in International Business from the Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi.
About Cvent, Inc.
Cvent, Inc. is a leading cloud-based enterprise event management company, with tens of thousands of customers and nearly 2,700 employees worldwide. Cvent offers software solutions to event planners for online event registration, venue selection, event management, mobile apps for events, email marketing, and web surveys. Cvent provides hoteliers with an integrated platform, enabling properties to increase business through targeted advertising and improve conversion through proprietary demand management and business intelligence solutions. Cvent solutions optimize the entire event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage hundreds of thousands of meetings and events. For more information, please visit Cvent.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.


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Drivers of more than 35,000 2006 model year Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series compact pickup trucks should park their vehicles until their faulty Takata airbags can be replaced, officials said Monday.
Owners of nearly 33,500 2006 Ford Ranger pickups and about 2,000 2006 Mazda B-Series small pickup trucks will be contacted by the two automakers after Ford, which built both trucks, discovered that they were equipped with defective Takata-supplied airbags that could rupture and explode even if the vehicles are not crashed.
Owners will be contacted by the automakers, who will dispatch tow trucks to haul the vehicles into dealers for airbag replacements. Owners will be provided with loaner vehicles while their trucks' airbags are being replaced.
The roughly three dozen small pickups are extreme cases in the more than 69 million Takata airbags in the U.S. and 100 million that have been recalled so far across the globe. Ford was notified in December of an airbag that killed a 56-year-old man in West Virginia. The automaker says it traced the date of production for that airbag to determine what other Rangers and B-Series pickups may have been fitted with similarly faulty airbags.
Ford had already recalled 2006 model year Rangers. The do-not-drive order comes on top of the existing recall.

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The global Li-ion battery supply chain is critical to the energy transition and is also exceptionally long and complex. It is vulnerable to external shocks, such as extreme weather and geopolitical upheaval. Securing and strengthening this delicate supply chain is essential for the transition to a cleaner, healthier battery-powered world.
Batteries are made with many critical minerals, with cobalt, lithium, and nickel as the most important. These three minerals were added to the US government’s critical mineral list in 2022, with all three classified as having “high supply risk” 2025-2035.
Many of the countries where these critical minerals are located and mined have unstable governments and unpredictable political systems. Disruption of battery mineral supplies can result in supply problems and price spikes for important consumer goods like computers and cars.
Mining critical minerals often comes at a significant monetary, humanitarian, and environmental cost, especially in the absence of comprehensive, stringently enforced government regulations.
Meanwhile, the majority of spent Li-ion batteries end up in landfills, where they release toxic chemicals and threaten human health. The ideal solution to both problems would be to recycle used batteries into materials for new batteries. Currently, the best way to reuse battery minerals is to ship used batteries to China and South Korea, where other companies profit from turning battery waste into precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) and other battery constituents.
Battery minerals can travel over 50,000 miles from extraction to battery cell production, creating several potential chokepoints. A closed-loop domestic supply chain that includes turning waste batteries into materials for new batteries can reduce shipping costs, create jobs, trim costs, and reduce each battery’s carbon footprint.
The global battery supply chain is currently seeing major legislative changes. The European Union is now more strict on battery production, with major pushes for recycled materials. Thanks in large part to ambitious federal laws passed in the last two years, the U.S.is becoming more competitive in the mission of building and expanding a closed-loop, domestic supply chain of Li-ion batteries.
Green Li-ion is one of the few battery recycling companies looking to integrate their technology into existing battery manufacturing sites, rather than building standalone recycling centers. By doing so, battery recyclers and manufacturers can gain greater control over their critical minerals supply in a matter of months instead of waiting years for a new recycling facility to be built. Our modular technology can simultaneously produce pCAM and extract valuable minerals from spent batteries, can easily integrate into pre-existing production lines, and is ready to be installed in factories today.
Batteries are a critical component in the energy transition, but the current supply chain is full of potential pitfalls. A domestic supply chain utilizing battery recycling can boost bottom lines, reduce carbon footprints, and mitigate human rights concerns. Green Li-ion’s recycling units will create a whole new market within the U.S. and open new revenue streams for OEMs, diversified industrials using battery recycling as a business unit (such as the automotive industry), and pure-play recyclers.
Green Li-ion is revolutionizing the energy storage industry with clean technology that fully remanufactures spent lithium-Ion batteries and waste. To find out more, visit the Green Li-ion website.


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iPhone SE Plus Postponed Until Second Half of 2021
Apple may postpone a larger version of the new low-cost iPhone SE until the second half of 2021, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a previous note, Kuo said that Apple was working on an "iPhone SE Plus" set to be released in the first half of 2021, but now he believes Apple will "likely postpone" this new model until later in 2021.
The current iPhone SE
We predicted that Apple would launch the new iPhone model in 1H21 in a previous report ("iPhone supply chain to be 2020 top pick in the tech sector; key predictions for new iPhone product mixes in 2020 and 2021" [December 5, 2019]). However, we think that Apple will likely postpone the new model from 1H21 to 2H21.
The iPhone SE Plus is expected to have a 5.5 or 6.1-inch display with a full-screen design, similar to the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro. It will not use Face ID, though, and will instead feature Touch ID integrated into the power button on the right side of the device.
With no Face ID, the iPhone SE Plus will feature a smaller notch as the front of the device will only need to house a standard front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker.
Apple just this month released the iPhone SE, a $399 iPhone that is similar in design to the iPhone 8 but with an upgraded A13 processor. It marries Touch ID and an older iPhone design with newer iPhone performance and is an appealing upgrade option for those coming from older iPhones like the iPhone 6 or iPhone 7.
Kuo has not provided details on the pricing of the iPhone SE Plus, but if it's in the SE family, it will presumably have a price tag lower than that of Apple's flagship devices despite the full-screen design and relocated Touch ID button.
There's just about a month to go until Apple holds its annual September event focusing on new iPhone and Apple Watch models. We thought we'd take a quick look at everything that's rumored for Apple's September event to give MacRumors readers a rundown on what to expect when the first fall event rolls around.
The iPhone 14 can probably be described more as an "iPhone 13S" because...
Samsung this week launched its fourth-generation foldable devices, the $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip and the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold. Though there's no sign of a comparable Apple foldable device on the horizon, rumors suggest prototypes are in the works, so we thought we'd take a look at Samsung's newest smartphones to see what Apple needs to measure up to when a foldable iPhone does come out.
It wouldn't be the month before an iPhone launch without a few back-and-forth rumors, with the latest debate concerning iPhone 14 Pro storage.
iPhone 14 Pro render by Ian Zelbo While research firm TrendForce forecasted that iPhone 14 Pro models could start with an increased 256GB of storage, Haitong International analyst Jeff Pu today forecasted that the upcoming Pro models will continue to...
The launch of the new iPhone 14 is just a few weeks away, meaning millions of iPhone customers will soon upgrade their existing iPhone or perhaps get an iPhone for the first time. Exclusive MacRumors iPhone 14 Pro renders by graphic designer Ian Zelbo Whether upgrading from an older model or this is your first iPhone, we've rounded up a few tips to help you prepare for the next flagship...
Apple plans to increase the prices of iPhone 14 Pro models compared to iPhone 13 Pro models, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo did not reveal exact pricing for the iPhone 14 Pro models. However, in a tweet today, he estimated that the average selling price of the iPhone 14 lineup as a whole will increase by about 15% compared to the iPhone 13 lineup.
In the United States, the iPhone...
This week brought some shocking news for iOS 16 beta testers, with Apple bringing back the iPhone battery percentage to the status bar after a number of years.
Other news and rumors this week included word that Apple has started recording portions of its media event planned for next month to introduce the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8, claims about iPhone 14 Pro pricing and Apple's...


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RateGain in Top 20 of Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific 2007 List
The event, now in its sixth year, was held at the InterContinental Hotel in Hong Kong. The awards ceremony included a first-ever panel discussion featuring 5 winning company CEOs, which included RateGain’s CEO Bhanu Chopra. Tailored for the C-suite of the winning companies, the interviews addressed a series of key industry-specific topics.
RateGain's CEO Bhanu Chopra said “We are excited to receive this award and be the first Indian company to be amongst top 20 in AsiaPac for the first time in 3 years. Our focus will now be to carry this growth momentum into 2008 by looking at both organic and inorganic opportunities.”
The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific program recognizes technology companies that have achieved the fastest rates of annual revenue growth in the Asia Pacific region during the past three years. It includes those companies based in Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The program is supported by the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 initiatives, which rank high-growth technology companies by location or specifically defined geographic area and is sponsored by Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) global industry group.
vjain [at] rategain.com
RateGain is a Travel Technology Company offering innovative and value-driven e-business solutions to the hospitality and travel industry. The customer portfolio includes top Online Travel Agents, Airline, Accommodation Wholesalers and Hotels. Its solutions are in the areas of Revenue Management, Distribution, Sales and Marketing. RateGain is one of the fastest growing companies in the travel technology industry and since inception; it has introduced products with innovative features that offer unparalleled benefits to its consumers. Since it began operations in April 2004, RateGain has been continuously innovating and launching new products. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at www.rategain.com
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text: A lot of technology on production cars — that is, the cars we drive on the street — has, over time, trickled down from the racing world. The people who build race cars have the time and motivation to invest in making their cars the most competitive. In turn, a lot of these components end up going full circle, going from the track to the street and then back again. At the Long Beach Grand Prix, Autobytel’s Editor-in-Chief Michelle Naranjo saw quite a few examples of this dynamic at play. Michelle talked to Bryan Sellers, who’s the driver of the Falken Tire Porsche 911 and had a lot of insight to offer about the development of racing technology. Porsche is a good example to discuss this cycle, because the brand has a long history of creating high performance street legal cars that are always popular choices for the track. And a good example of a specific component is a headlight. Bryan Sellers says the lights are especially important, because he has experience driving long endurance races at night. Weight has to be reduced to keep a race car competitive, but the lights have to be intense. And soon, race cars will have headlights that turn, like those on street cars.


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- Reports claiming that 250 staff members at an Alberton shopping mall tested positive for the coronavirus have been shut down
- The information was ruled fake after an investigation by a local Alberton publication
- The Alberton Shopping Centre shared a post on social media stating that the mall has reported no positive cases to date
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!
The reports of 250 Covid-19 infections among shop staff in Alberton have been debunked. A story was shared on social media claiming that hundreds of shop staff tested positive in the town just south of Johannesburg.
Alberton City Shopping Centre responded to the post and dubbed it fake news. Their response read:
"There have been NO confirmed cases of Covid-19 among the retail employees at Alberton City Shopping Centre to date. We continue to do our best to ensure a safe shopping environment, and we are taking all of the necessary precautions.”
The original post making the claims was investigated by the Alberton Record community newspaper. The numbers simply did not add up. Alberton falls under the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality. The district has recorded only 123 positive cases of Covid-19.
The newspaper reports that Alberton ward councillor Tiaan Kotze said there had been only 93 positive cases reported in their sub-district.
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Meanwhile, in other recent coronavirus news, Briefly.co.za reported that a woman has taken to social media to post about her beloved late father. The Durban resident lost her dad to Covid-19 after he spent nearly a month in hospital. The family urged South Africans to take the novel coronavirus seriously.
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BDSI making strides, maps out its strategy
RALEIGH – Having earned milestone payments of a combined $45 million since the beginning of 2012, BioDelivery Sciences International is breathing a little easier nowadays.
CEO Mark Sirgo says BDSI has enough cash through the first quarter of 2013, and may consider bringing in a new drug for development. That would be a big step for a company that at the beginning of this year had a market capitalization of less than $25 million. It’s now at around $108 million.
The biggest event that turned the tide for BioDelivery was a partnership with Endo Pharmaceuticals, based in Chadds Ford, Pa. Per the agreement, BioDelivery sold worldwide marketing and sales rights of one of its drugs to Endo for $30 million up front and up to another $150 million based on various development and sales milestones. In May, BioDelivery received $15 million under that agreement.
Sirgo calls the deal with Endo one of the most important in the company’s recent history. “We think that really will transform the company,” he says.
Investors took note. The stock price more than doubled in the wake of the milestone announcement, though it’s still selling in penny-stock territory, at less than $4 a share.
Still, some analysts are high on BioDelivery’s prospects. In a research note, Roth Capital Partners analyst Scott R. Henry writes that BioDelivery Sciences “offers one of the most attractive risk/reward propositions in our coverage universe.” Roth Capital seeks to do business with companies such as BDSI, and an analyst at Roth owns shares in BDSI.
Jason deBruyn covers The Biopharmaceutical and Health Care industries. Follow him on Twitter @jasondebruyn.
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Fans of the Neverwinter Nights series rejoice! Cryptic and Atari have released an announcement of an upcoming addition to the series simply called Neverwinter. Promoted as a co-op experience with a custom building tool aptly called ‘Forge’, the newest release is looking more like an MMO and less like the single-player slaughter-fest previous campaigns have been unfairly publicised as being. While the original Neverwinter Nights came with a campaign that was just functional as a co-op experience, further expansions and releases were more socially friendly.
The original Neverwinter Nights also gave dungeon masters an extremely useful world builder complete with a plentiful array of scripts at their disposal to create everything from single-player quests to gigantic persistent worlds experienced by up to 55 players at any given time. Neverwinter Nights 2 brought forth a significant boost graphically though early compatibility and resource issues caused some to shy away and keep with the original title for their Dungeons and Dragons questing needs.
Below is the official press release sent out by Atari on the official website:
ATARI AND CRYPTIC STUDIOS ANNOUNCE NEVERWINTER™ COMING IN 2011 FOR PC
Storyline for new Co-op Roleplaying Game Inspired by R.A. Salvatore’s Upcoming Book Trilogy
Los Angeles, CA (August 23, 2010) — Atari, one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers and Cryptic Studios, the acclaimed developers behind City of heroes, City of Villains, Champions Online and Star Trek Online, announced today the development of Neverwinter for PC. Neverwinter is a new online roleplaying game based on Wizards of the Coast‘s global property Dungeons & Dragons and the beloved city of Neverwinter.
Once a bustling location, Neverwinter has faced a great many disasters in the past hundred years. Rule of the city remains unclear following the unfortunate demise of the last Lord of Neverwinter and factions still battle for dominance after the all-consuming Spellplague took a high toll on the population. Even Neverwinter’s dead are beginning to rise from their graves and march upon the city they once called home.
“We’re beyond thrilled to develop a brand new version of Neverwinter. It’s been years since the original became a gaming icon and we’re honored to work with such a great franchise,” said Jack Emmert, COO of Cryptic Studios. “We’ve been working closely with Wizards of the Coast and R.A. Salvatore to create an authentic D&D adventure filled with compelling fiction and exciting gameplay.”
In Neverwinter, players choose to become one of five classic D&D classes and team up with friends or computer-controlled allies to form five-person co-op groups. Players also create their own storylines and quests utilizing an extremely user-friendly content generation system, tentatively codenamed Forge.
“Wizards of the Coast is excited to invite millions of fans back to Neverwinter with the launch of R.A. Salvatore’s Gauntlgrym,” said Liz Schuh, Brand Director for Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast. “And we’re excited about the prospects for great digital gaming experiences based on this epic world.”
Neverwinter for PC is scheduled to release in Q4 2011 and is part of a multi-platform event, including a book trilogy from New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore and a tabletop roleplaying game from Wizards of the Coast. Book one in Salvatore’s Neverwinter trilogy, titled Gauntlgrym, releases on October 5 of this year and lays the groundwork for the Neverwinter storyline. The novel previews the settings, characters and monsters from the PC game and details the events that lead up to this highly anticipated PC gaming experience.
To learn more about the game, please visit: www.PlayNeverwinter.com
Matt Ryan is a game reviewer and political writer as well as the host of the animated show “Daily PWN Weekly Review” on Treet.tv. He is currently the editor of DailyPWN.com.


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Indianapolis, IN (PressExposure) April 19, 2007 -- TCLogic, a leading provider of inventory optimization solutions, announced today that they have signed on as platinum sponsor for the Distribution Virtual Tech Fair, hosted by Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, April 25-26, 2007, at www.virtualtechfair.com [http://www.virtualtechfair.com].
The Distribution Virtual Tech Fair is a complimentary, interactive event that takes the most successful elements of a live trade show and translates them into the virtual world of the Internet. Attendees will enjoy product demos, show prizes, event networking and educational presentations from industry leaders â all at no cost and in the comfort of their own office or home.
âWe are pleased to support this virtual event where executives of distribution-intensive companies throughout the country can look for and learn about a wide range of solutions in a climate very similar to a traditional trade show; all without the expense of travel,â indicated Richard Murphy, vice president, TCLogic.
The event will be held from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST at www.virtualtechfair.com [http://www.virtualtechfair.com]. âWe will be on hand throughout the event to talk with company representatives looking to reduce their investment in inventory without the risk of sacrificing service,â added Murphy. âWe believe all companies looking for better ways to manage their inventory will find our participation and presentation very informative.â


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Kim Kardashian worked a tight-fitting cut-out dress for yesterday's launch of her new weight management product QuickTrim.
As you would expect at such an event, Kim looked trim and taut in this curve hugging black number, which she matched with strappy sandals and poker-straight hair.
This latest launch comes just a day after she was spotted peddling her new fragrance.
What's next, we wonder? The mind boggles.
See more Kardashian fashion in their style evolution below:


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Japanese giant Rakuten to buy Indigo’s majority stake in Kobo for close to $150 million
Turns out we aren’t the only ones who love Kobo: news broke yesterday that the e-reader company is soon to be scooped up by Japanese behemoth Rakuten. The e-commerce company, one of the world’s top three by revenue, is buying the Toronto-based company for $315 million; Indigo, the largest shareholder, will see around $140 to $150 million. But why sell one of Canada’s bigger success stories? According to Indigo CEO and Kobo chair Heather Reisman, Indigo simply doesn’t have the cash to support Kobo going forward (Reisman’s personal wealth notwithstanding). “Over the next year, this business will need in excess of $100 million to take it to where this industry is going,” she told Canadian Business. “We just cannot play in that league for that amount of capital.” Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis agreed. “We’re dealing with Amazon [and] Apple, and if that weren’t enough, Google is interested in [the e-reading market],” he said. “We’ve always been competing with goliaths, and now we’ve got a goliath backstopping us…With Rakuten at our side and at our back, I see Kobo becoming a multi-billion-dollar company.” Read the entire story [Quill and Quire] »
One thought on “Japanese giant Rakuten to buy Indigo’s majority stake in Kobo for close to $150 million”
Do I feel the sense of death looming over Indigo? Selling off the most profitable part of their business as book declines accelerate seems to be a strange decision.
Comments are closed.


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Watch brand Bell & Ross has announced that it is staying positive in light of shows cancelled thanks to the coronavirus, with the Las Vegas-set Couture Show still expected to take place.
Couture is held annually at Wynn & Encore hotels in Las Vegas, this year taking place June 1-5.
It will see over 4,000 buyers from top retailers around the world, with Bell & Ross available to visit at the show’s Timepiece Villa 109.
Buyers with a presence at Couture every year include Bergdorf Goodman, London Jewelers, Reinhold Jewelers and Neiman Marcus.
In addition to Bell & Ross there are around 200 other designers and brands at the Couture Show, with names like Bayco, David Yurman, Irene Neuwirth, Stephen Webster and Nikos Koulis.
Bell & Ross will be displaying pieces such as its recent Vintage Collection and also the BR 03-92 Grey Lum.


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Microsoft should be working on making Windows Phone run Android apps, according to the company's former chief executive Steve Ballmer.
Steve Ballmer is talking but lets hope nobody from Microsoft is listening. On the face of it running Android apps may sound like a good idea but you risk turning the Windows platform on phones into being an Android accessory and I'm sure Google would love that. I hope Microsoft are playing the longer game, with a unified OS unlike the abortion of Windows RT and Windows Phone and Windows 8 under Ballmer then there is aa better chance of developers getting on board if their apps can run on and be bought by phone users, tablet users and desktop users. Ballmer presided over a dark period for Microsoft, they lacked focus and seemed to have a scattergun approach to what they wanted to do and what products they developed and reading online it seemed Ballmer was the stumbling block when it came to creativity. Microsoft now have a CEO who comes across as more like a visionary like Steve Jobs than a shrieking idiot like Steve Ballmer. Panos Panay is now leading the engineering of all their devices which I think is a good move, Microsoft are now making their own cool devices and not shackling themselves to another manufacturer like the ill-fated alliance with Nokia which to me was just too desperate companies clinging to each other in the hope something might work. Nokia lost their market share through a lack of innovation and Microsoft needed someone to carry Windows Phone for them and it was pretty much a disaster in slow motion. Surface is becoming very popular and the latest Lumia 950 with Continuum is an interesting device and with integrated Office functionality and apparently there is a Surface phone on the way too. Windows 10 is a stable OS and has been adopted by millions worldwide. Microsoft finally seem to have some of their mojo back so the last thing they need is to listen to Steve Ballmer's advice.
TechSpy is a community of awesome people posting and discussing the latest tech news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


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coondoggie writes: "IBM and 3M today said they will jointly develop a new line of adhesives they hope will let them make it possible to build commercial microprocessors composed of layers of up to 100 separate chips. Such stacking would allow for higher-powered servers and more advanced consumer electronics applications, the companies stated. Processors could be tightly packed with memory and networking, for example, into a "brick" of silicon that would create a computer chip 1,000 times faster than today's fastest microprocessor enabling more powerful smartphones, tablets, computers and gaming devices."
We can found no scientific discipline, nor a healthy profession on the
technical mistakes of the Department of Defense and IBM.
-- Edsger Dijkstra


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It's been nearly two years since EA Sports called it quits on the NASCAR franchise (a little less if you count NASCAR Kart Racing). NASCAR gamers are growing impatient and, for better or for worse, will have to wait for the perpetually-delayed Gran Turismo 5 to get their NASCAR fix.
At the very least, fans can take comfort in knowing that Blake Davidson, managing director of licensed products at NASCAR, has incredible faith in the game. "They're going to do it better than anybody's ever done it before," he stated in a video posted on the PlayStation.Blog. "It's really the next step for us, it's the best depiction of what NASCAR cars are in any driving game to date." Certainly a bold statement, considering NASCAR is just one feature in the racer.
According to Davidson, one of the reasons why NASCAR teamed up with Polyphony Digital is the recommendation of one of the sports most famous racers today. "Dale Earnhardt, Jr. himself actually came to us and said 'you really need to look at Polyphony Digital. They're a great developer, the best in the world at what they do.'"
sabato 6 marzo 2010
グランツーリスモ５ (Gran Turismo 5 )[Ps3]
Alcune interessanti notizie sulla formula NASCAR inclusa nel gioco ci arrivano direttamente da Joystiq:
By Unknown a sabato, marzo 06, 2010


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C-MACC Weekly “CRETER” (Climate etc.)
Electric Avenue: EV Competition Means Off-Ramp For Some
- Several years ago, we created a group of “new energies/sustainability” stock indices, starting on 1/1/2019 – the EV index is the worst performer, despite Tesla.
- Many companies are teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, some are already there, and others will, in our view, follow. The special sauce is not special enough.
- In a developed industry, we would expect consolidation, but combining two different companies with distinct products and both burning cash gains nothing.
- Also facing up to reality are fuels/materials from crops – input costs are too high, competition with the food chain is real, capital costs significant, stocks are down.
- Otherwise, we look at polyester recycling and its high cost, Oxy’s grand carbon plans, who pays for blue ammonia, and why some hydrogen hubs will lose money.
See PDF below for all charts, tables and diagrams


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A recent article on Dex Business looked at why it is beneficial for a business to offer coupons to their potential customers.
1) Coupons are a hot commodity in today’s economy. In fact, a new study shows that 72% of consumers are using more coupons than they did just six months ago.
2) Thanks to the recession, coupon redemption grew by 27% in 20092 as consumers reviewed their finances and adopted a new, more frugal approach to shopping. Now 89% of people surveyed said they use coupons when shopping.
3) Retailers across the spectrum from Target® to Neiman Marcus® are using coupons to lure in prospective consumers. Even Yahoo® Inc. reported the term “coupons” ranked first on its list of economy-related searches last year. And with the economy slow to recover, the power of the mighty little coupon doesn’t look to be weakening anytime soon.
Read the rest of this post at Dex Business


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USA / Global
acura tsx Articles
Acura TSX to be axed, TLX concept to debut in Detroit
Acura has announced plans to introduce the 2015 TLX concept at North American International Auto Show.
Dec 19 2013
Acura TSX could be axed - report
There is a high probability Acura will decide to discontinue the TSX after 2014 model year.
Jun 03 2013
Acura to axe TL or TSX, RL replacement coming in April - report
Acura's lineup is about to a major overhaul as a new report is indicating an RL successor will debut at the New York Auto Show.
Dec 13 2011
All-New Acura TSX Sport Wagon Debuts in New York
Acura has introduced the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at the New York Auto Show. It is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque.
Apr 01 2010
All-New 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon to Debut at New York
Acura has announced plans to introduce the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon at New York Auto Show. Full details inside.
Mar 09 2010
Car Buying Service
Get upfront price offers on local inventory.
Vehicle Imagery licensed from EVOX Images
USA / Global
Our International Editions
Edition: USA / Global
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Expectations for higher inflation in Canada are rising as it spreads to more components. BMO Capital Markets’ latest forecast contained upward revisions for the consumer price index (CPI). The measure of inflation is expected to rise faster this year as the commodity prices soar. The gap between the Bank of Canada (BoC) forecast and BMO is getting wider, as the former believes inflation will go away on its own.
BMO Made An Upward Revision For Inflation This Year
The forecast for the Canadian consumer price index (CPI) is rising in value fast. BMO expects 4.7% annual growth for the 2022 CPI, up from 4.5% in the previous forecast. Most of the increase shows rising expectations in the second half of the year.
Breaking it down quarterly, all quarters are now forecast to see higher inflation. The first three quarters of 2022 are forecast at 0.2 points higher per quarter. In the fourth quarter it made a big leap at double the size — 0.4 points from the previous forecast. Recent expectations have been breaking higher as low rates persist longer than expected.
Bank of Canada Is Expecting A Lot Less, But Their Forecast Has Been Rising
The CPI forecast is climbing more aggressively than the BoC expects. The central bank last forecast 4.2% annual growth for 2022, up from their previous forecast of 3.2% growth. Independent expectations are rising very quickly, as fewer people see monetary policy moving fast enough to cool inflation.
More Inflation Expected Due To Higher Home And Commodity Prices
The primary reason for the adjusted expectations is related to rising commodity values. BMO cited rising aluminum, nickel, wheat, and corn as some of the reasons costs will be driven higher. The “Russia-Ukraine crisis” is sparking further reason to believe prices will rise. Lumber prices and oil are also both back with a fury. Then there’s real estate, with elevated land prices turning into an input cost for everything.
Higher inflation expectations are rising across the economy, especially for commodities. There are two takes in how this plays out. On one side is the US Federal Reserve that had called it an inflationary shock, with the belief higher rates will be needed to slow inflation. RBC has also agreed, calling for higher rates before inflation in Canada becomes sticky.
On the other side is the BoC, which believes inflation is due entirely to outside forces. They see inflation largely going away on its own at a later point, when supply chains catch up. Of course, they’ve been saying that for the past year, slowly ratcheting up their inflation forecast. Technically everything is transitory on a long enough timeline, right?


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Bellwether John Lewis sales rose 2.4% to £62.31m last week as its price matching stance and warmer weather helped drive sales.
Fashion did particularly well in the warm conditions. John Lewis customers took advantage of its “sensational seasonal assortment”. Sunglasses, the John Lewis Collection and - in Menswear - linen trousers, shorts and swimwear sold well.
John Lewis said it achieved the strong result despite the threat of fuel shortages and the lack of Mother’s Day in the week.
In electricals, home and technology, the retailer said it had a “tremendous week with sales impressively up on last year”. Sales were driven by strong performances in vision, large electricals and IT.
Home had a more “variable” week as the strong comparatives - Mother’s Day fell in the comparable week last year - impacted sales, especially in accessories and gifts.
However, the department store chain said furniture had a “stronger week as the good weather reminded customers that Easter is a time to be in the garden”.
Johnlewis.com had an “outstanding” week with sales soaring 37%. The website had its busiest trading day of the year on Monday.
John Lewis head of online Jonathon Brow said: “The focus is now on making sure we capitalise on the outstanding assortment we have in shops and online, and the fantastic range of promotions and activities we have planned for this Easter weekend. There are more reasons than ever to shop with John Lewis.”
Waitrose sales rose 6.3% to £110.2m in the week ending March 31 as the school holidays, preparations for the Easter weekend and the unseasonably warm weather drove sales.
Heston from Waitrose Earl Grey & Mandarin Hot Cross Buns have been “flying off the shelves”, with sales rocketing 63% this week.
Barbecue meats soared 270% as Brits welcomed the warm weather. Picnic food “saw a significant uplift”.
Online shopping orders at Waitrose.com were up 35.1%.


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Panera Isn’t Delivering in Rockford But Here’s Who Should
Word was buzzing when Panera Bread announced delivery service until Rockford wasn't mentioned. Here's what area restaurants should start delivering around the state line.
So no deliveries from Panera Bread unless it's catering. Bummer, right?
Several Rockfordians on Facebook shared their thoughts on which restaurants in our neighborhood should begin delivering their deliciousness and their suggestions are spot on.
Top 5 Rockford Restaurants That Should Deliver
- Panera Bread
- Stockholm Inn
- Uncle Nicks
- Steak & Shake
- "Any Mexican Restautant"
- "Drunk food places" #radiopeople
Got a suggestion? Share it in a comment.


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The personal mobility device prototype developed by Nissan and Japan's AIST
The fact that the streets aren’t exactly swarming with Segways seven years after they went on sale hasn’t stopped some major players taking tentative steps (or wheels) into the personal mobility arena with their own device prototypes. As we’ve seen previously Toyota is working on the Winglet, while Honda recently displayed its U3-X experimental vehicle at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Now Nissan is getting in on the act with its own prototype developed in partnership with Japan’s National Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (AIST).
Other Images from this Gallery


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Barbie and Malibu Barbie fans of all ages, this one’s for you: The Barbie Malibu Pop-Up Truck is continuing its 2022 National tour and will be making 3 stops in the New York & New Jersey area with a whole new look and 70’s beach vibes.
The 2022 Barbie Malibu Truck Tour is heading to Edison, Paramus & Staten Island with NEW exclusive retro-inspired merchandise as part of its continuing U.S. tour to celebrate the 50th Anniversary and iconic heritage of the original California girl, Malibu Barbie.
Edison: THIS Saturday, June 4th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Menlo Park Mall
The Barbie Malibu Pop-Up Truck will be parked at the grassy area near Macy's
Paramus: Saturday, June 11th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Westfield Garden State Plaza
The Barbie Malibu Pop-Up Truck will be parked around the corner from the mall entrance near Capital Grille
Staten Island: Saturday, June 18th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Staten Island Mall
The Barbie Malibu Pop-Up Truck will be parked near Barnes & Noble
The newly redesigned Pop-Up Truck will offer an array of new 70s-themed Malibu Barbie beach apparel and accessories, including:
Barbie-logo embroidered denim jacket
Pink Barbie-logo hoodie
Tie Dye bucket hat
Embroidered patch set
Enamel pin set
Burlap Shopper Tote
Stainless thermal bottle
Malibu Barbie Necklace
Malibu Barbie Logo Mug
The Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour kicked off in Los Angeles in Fall of 2019 and will continue to travel to different cities throughout the U.S. Following the Staten Island visit, the Barbie Truck Malibu Tour will head to Boston on 6/25!
Merchandise will be available to purchase from the Barbie Pop Up Truck by credit card. Pieces range in price from $12 to $75.


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[Chung Chan-seung] The collapse of trust: South Korea's true health care crisis
[KH Explains] Why doctors refuse to bend despite lack of public support
[KH Explains] What does Apple's dead car project mean for Samsung, Hyundai?
Actor Lee Jae-wook vows legal action against malicious rumors
Yoon, Zuckerberg discuss AI, digital ecosystem in Seoul
Police raid striking doctors' homes, offices, after deadline passes on return-to-work order
Interior minister renews calls for trainee doctors to return to work
Bitcoin soars to record high in Korea
Yoon touts improved Japan ties on Independence Movement Day as gateway to 'new world'
S. Korea, US voice 'deep concern' over NK's definition of S. Korea as 'hostile' country
[Weekender] Gardening blossoms in COVID-hit Korea
Pandemic takes at-home gardening culture in South Korea to next level as grocery prices see steep riseBy Jung Min-kyung
Published : June 5, 2021 - 16:01
His passion of cultivating scallions and other plants at a corner of his home veranda is an illustration of a trend that has been sweeping across South Korea: home gardening.
Though raising one or two plants at home may be nothing new, the pandemic has spurred people to take the hobby to the next level. Koreans are now splurging on building their own mini gardens in their apartment balconies or decking out front yards of their houses.
“At-home gardening used to a hobby for the rich,” said Kim Jung-min, CEO of Studio Conte, a garden design firm.
“After COVID-19, however, the market saw a whole new level of demand, with more people seeking to integrate nature in their lifestyle as remote working and stay-at-home activities increased,” she added.
Those seeking to nurture their green thumbs have also jumped at the opportunity to join her gardening classes she offers at a private studio in Gyeonggi Province, Kim observed.
Like Kim said, home gardening had been a hobby for the minority only until recently as most Korean households reside in apartment complexes, which are not the most ideal places for plants to thrive.
The number of Korean households living in apartments surpassed 10.01 million as of 2018, accounting for 50.1 percent of all households here, according to data from Statistics Korea.
Another major e-commerce site Interpark saw its sales of gardening products rise 32 percent on-year in the June-August period last year.
“Buying gardening products, especially large bulks of soil, were always troublesome,” said Shin Na-young, a 60-year-old woman residing in Itaewon, who has taken up gardening as a near-retirement hobby.
“I had to drive outside Seoul to get it from suppliers directly, but with the e-commerce site’s delivery services, I don’t have to go through all that trouble anymore.”
Sales of gardening products in major brick-and-mortar retailers saw gains as well, despite having been dealt a blow by social distancing rules.
According to Lotte Mart, its sales of gardening-related products gained 18.7 percent on-year last year, while the corresponding figure for E-Mart inched up 1.4 percent on-year.
Convenience store chain GS25 too jumped on the bandwagon, and installed special home gardening sections -- which displays seeds, soil, pots and other small tools -- in 500 stores nationwide last September.
“The home gardening trend just lines up with everything that became amplified with the pandemic,” said Lee Eun-hee, a consumer science professor at Inha University.
“It’s people seeking comfort with nature coupled with more frequent use of Instagram -- a perfect mix that garners attention,” she explained.
Tightening purse strings
At the moment, one of the most popular plants to grow at home are edible ones, as shown in the “I Live Alone” episode featuring SHINee’s Key. Scallions are at the heart of the edible-plant demand because it’s a key ingredient needed in most Korean dishes including kimchi.
“Because of the soaring prices of agricultural products, people have been farming them in small batches at home, creating a new word such as ‘Patech,’” said Lee at Inha University.
“Patech”, a term specifically describing at-home scallion farming, was coined by internet users. It is a portmanteau of the Korean word “pa,” which means scallions and “zetech,” meaning effective investment. The word zetech derives from Japanese term “zaitech,” or financial engineering techniques used by companies making speculative investments to boost profits.
As the name indicates, the popularity is mainly due to soaring scallion prices, which gained 130 percent on-year in May, according to data from Statistics Korea.
The average cost of scallions per kilogram sold in retailers across the country more than doubled on-year in May to 5,215 won ($4.69), data provided by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. showed. It was relatively tamer than the price gains in March and April when it jumped 300 percent and 270 percent on-year.
A temporary supply chain disruption was the culprit behind the price surge, according to Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki.
The overall cost of agricultural, livestock and fisheries products surged 12.1 percent on-year in May, becoming a key catalyst in accelerating the nation’s consumer inflation to more than a nine-year high.
Prices of garlic, another important ingredient in making kimchi, jumped 53 percent on-year in May as well.
Meanwhile, businesses have been eyeing the growth of the local home-gardening market, and are hoping to harness technology to capitalize on the nation’s horticulture frenzy.
Kyowon Wells, a water purifier manufacturer here, has been one of the first to launch an indoor plant cultivator in 2018. Plant cultivators are appliances that utilize advanced technology to control light, temperature and water to create optimal conditions for plants to grow.
A total of 25,000 cultivators have been sold as of end-2020, the firm said. The cultivators are also available for rent.
SK Magic, a kitchen appliance-maker under SK Group, acquired plant cultivator startup Aiplus last year, while LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics introduced their own cultivators at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest annual tech event held in Las Vegas.
By Jung Min-kyung (email@example.com)
Yoon touts improved Japan ties on Independence Movement Day
Bill to probe first lady fails to pass
Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol on the 105th March 1st Independence Movement Day


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South Africa’s tobacco industry is stepping up its campaign against illicit cigarette producers with a new educational campaign aimed at helping smokers to distinguish between legal and illicit products.
The “Know what you smoke” campaign is hinged on an animated video that explains how the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes is the best way to identify illicit cigarettes.
“It’s all in the price,” says Zacharia Motsumi, spokesperson for the South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance (SATTA) – the voice of South Africa’s legal tobacco industry value chain.
“Just the cost of the taxes on a packet of 20 amounts to R21.60. That covers excise duty and VAT on excise only. But it doesn’t include anything else – like the tobacco, the processing, manufacturing, distribution, wholesale or retail.
“So, if you see a pack of 20 on sale for less than R21.60, you should know there’s probably something wrong with it. Somewhere, somehow, the cigarettes are probably not fully compliant, or legal.
“And in that case, it’s best to avoid them altogether – or, if you can, report the matter to the police or other authorities.”
‘From seed to smoker’
Motsumi says research by IPSOS, funded by BATSA – one of SATTA’s founding members – has shown that a packet of 20 illicit cigarettes can be bought for as little as R6, with the average price of illicit packs being between R18 and R22.
“There is no way these products can be sold so cheaply and the manufacturers are still paying taxes. We are now on an all-out campaign to explain this to smokers, and to expose how the illicit traders are getting away with tax evasion.”
SATTA does this in the “Know what you smoke” video by demonstrating the costs involved in the various stages of the tobacco industry value chain, from “seed to smoker”.
“At SATTA, we are committed to producing quality cigarettes, adhering to all the regulations and paying the necessary taxes,” says Motsumi.
“Buying a pack of 20 for less than the minimum collectable tax of R21.60 means supporting illicit trade and, in the process, stealing taxes, putting tobacco farmers, processors and manufactures out of work, undermining the economy and supporting the wrong people.
“Our appeal to smokers is: know what you smoke, and in that way avoid the tax-dodgers. Let’s buy legal and protect the legal tobacco industry.”
Motsumi emphasised that SATTA supports all law enforcement agencies that are involved in the campaign against illicit traders and was heartened by recent actions by SARS, in particular, that had led to the confiscation of consignments of illicit cigarettes.
“There is no doubt that the law enforcement agencies have increased their efforts in recent months, and we welcome that.
“However, although the efforts are commendable, it still only scratches the surface and much more needs to be done to get to the big fish who sits behind the production of these illicit products.
“Now, we are empowering consumers themselves so that they too can play a role: by recognising and avoiding illicit products, and reporting these to the authorities.
“We need a national effort to combat the illicit traders. That means law enforcement agencies, organisations like SATTA and consumers themselves.
He concluded, “We all have to work together to stop the illicit trade – it is robbing tobacco farmers of their income, jeopardising jobs in the processing and manufacturing sector and stealing millions from the fiscus every month. It has to stop.”
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.


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Amazon Has a Reported Deal to Buy Parent of Diapers.com
Amazon.com plans to announce Monday that it will acquire Quidsi, the e-commerce company that runs Diapers.com, for about $540 million, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The acquisition suggests how far Amazon will go to maintain its edge in many corners of e-commerce, including sales of bulky household items for which it competes against Walmart.com and online drugstores.
In addition to Diapers.com, which sells baby supplies, Quidsi, based in Jersey City, recently started Soap.com, which sells drugstore products, and BeautyBar.com, which sells makeup and skin and hair products.
Quidsi is an example of the new wave of e-commerce companies. After companies like Webvan and Pets.com flopped during the dot-com bust, Quidsi came along with a new approach. It offers free shipping in two days or less, around-the-clock customer service and a wider selection than a store can stock.
It also developed warehouse technology that saves the company money on filling and shipping orders. For example, Quidsi uses robots that determine which size box to use, and they scurry around warehouses filling the box with products.
In an interview in June, Vinit Bharara, Quidsi’s co-founder and chief operating officer, said, “We’re trying to shift in a big way consumer behavior over all, and take share from offline.”
But Quidsi has also been trying to take market share from big online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com and Drugstore.com. In September, Amazon started a program called Amazon Mom, which offers free two-day shipping and discounts on products like diapers and wipes.
Amazon has been snapping up rising e-commerce stars. Last year it bought Zappos.com, the online shoe and clothing retailer, for more than $900 million, and it bought Woot, the discount shopping site, this year.
“We believe this acquisition demonstrates that Amazon is open to using acquisitions to expand its footprint in key categories,” Imran Khan, an analyst at JPMorgan who covers e-commerce, said in a report Sunday.
Quidsi did not respond to requests for comment, and an Amazon spokesman declined to comment. The acquisition was first reported on the Web site of Fortune.


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By Antoine Pourchet
Once every two years or so, the computing power of electronic devices doubles, and has been doing so for the past few decades. As such, we tend to discard so called “obsolete” computers when they are two to three years old and buy another that is faster and usually cheaper than the previous one. This has been at the root of the business platform for hardware manufacturers for a long time now, and it is widely known that they hold out new releases and technological advances to increase profits. The waste produced by this industry is colossal. Each year more than 50 million tons of e-waste are disposed of in landfills, and China is wrongly being blamed for it.
An article in the New York Times states that China is slowly becoming a menace on a global scale because of its rising e-waste production when it is actually acting like the world’s biggest e-dumpster. Numbers can lie as they do in this particular case. Although China now produces roughly the same amount of electronic scrap as the United States, one needs to remember the proportionality. China has 1.3 billion people. The United States, on the other hand, has about a fourth of that. Furthermore, China is investing a lot of money into the technology sector and although the Silicon Valley is known to be “where it’s at,” China may be catching up, and fast. More and more Chinese people come to the United States to get degrees, and now more than ever, many return home to find work. As technology and know-how increase, why should it be okay for the United States to pile up landfills but not for China?
In addition, a lot of the e-waste that is supposedly from China comes from overseas, as Western countries figured out that it was cheaper to export garbage than it is to take care of it. And as such , every year, they ship hundreds of thousands of tons of electronic garbage to be “recycled”, as people call it, in China. What actually happens is that the recycled waste is sent off to developing countries, where it pollutes water, soil, and air, and poses significant health risks to the people who dismantle it. Had it stayed in the States, e-waste would have caused these problems here too. In reality, this is the secret to a healthy environment. Have other people deal with your carcinogenic garbage, and the air will surely become clearer.
People argue that this kind of trade has positive consequences in China because it creates work and increases the flow of capital in and out of the country. The New York Times article states that towns like Guiyu can have more than one hundred thousand people employed in such industry. However this cannot compare to the number of cancer cases related to the pollution that such an industrial urban area produces. Thousands of people die prematurely in China every year because of lead poisoning, a condition that is very specific to the e-waste “treatment” industry.
This is not China’s problem, it is not Europe’s problem, it isn’t the United States’s problem; this is our problem as people of this planet. The waste we produce needs to go somewhere at some point in time, and so the only way to solve this problem (for now) is to reduce the amount of waste that we produce. Wait another year to throw your laptop out and sell extra cables and spare parts on eBay. Not only will it help the environment, but you will also earn a little money from doing so.


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Planning permission was granted for the new 20MW installation this week, which will double the amount of renewable electricity generated at Nissan’s factory to 20% of the plant’s needs.
This is enough to build every 100% electric Nissan LEAF sold in Europe.
Watch armed police guard Sunderland house after large-scale cannabis farm found inside address off Chester Road
Watch Sunderland teen who took cannabis drive at up to '70mph in a 20mph zone’ and on wrong side of road in police pursuit
Sunderland fan in Arizona faces a 10,500 mile round trip to Wembley - and look at the name of the street he's travelling from!
Trusted administrator stole over £21k of her Sunderland firm's cash to spend on Just Eat takeaways and treats
Drug addict who burgled vulnerable pensioners is put behind bars
With planning permission granted, work will begin on the development immediately and installation alongside the plant’s existing wind and solar farms is expected to be completed by May 2022.
The plans were approved by Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways (West) Committee on Tuesday, November 30.
Alan Johnson, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland, welcomed the decision by councillors.
“We have been using renewable sources on-site for more than 15 years,” he said.
“The expansion of our solar farm is an integral part of the Nissan EV36Zero project and the company’s journey to carbon neutrality.”
The development is the first of a potential ten additional solar farms planned under Nissan EV36Zero, which was announced in July with an initial £1bn investment from Nissan and its partners in future electric vehicle manufacturing, along with a new Envision AESC gigafactory and Sunderland City Council’s renewable energy Microgrid.
This week, Nissan also announced Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term plan to empower mobility and beyond, which included the Chill-Out Concept – previewing the new-generation electric crossover slated for future production in Sunderland.
In October, battery partner Envision AESC also received planning permission for its new gigafactory to be built on land adjacent to the vehicle plant.
The project includes plans for a 1MW battery storage system using second-life Nissan EV batteries, which will also allow for excess energy generated during daylight hours to be captured and used at different times, helping to balance demand on the grid.
Nissan began integrating renewable energy sources in Sunderland in 2005 when the company installed its first wind turbines on site.
These 10 turbines contribute 6.6MW power, alongside the existing 4.75MW solar farm installed in 2016.
Under Ambition 2030, Nissan aims to become a fully sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.
This vision supports Nissan’s goal to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products by the fiscal year 2050.
The new solar farm, which was approved by Sunderland councillors this week, is being developed and installed by its partner company Engenera.
Referred to as the Hylton Plantation Solar Farm, the development will contain around 37,000 panels arranged in rows on undeveloped land located near the main Nissan factory complex.
The application from Engenera Renewables Group aims to operate the development for a 40-year period, after which the solar farm will be decommissioned and the site restored to its existing condition.


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- FC Barcelona receives €120 million investment for ‘Barça Vision’ from Libero Football Finance AG and Nipa Capital B.V.
- The club has a history with digital platforms, including partnerships with Chiliz blockchain and launching NFT collections.
- The investment awaits approval from the club’s shareholders and aims to conclude by the end of 2023.
FC Barcelona, the Spanish footballing giant and current La Liga champion, is venturing further into the digital sphere. With a hefty €120 million (roughly $132 million) backing, FC Barcelona is propelling their new project, ‘Barça Vision‘. This will be a dedicated platform where the club will place all of its digital content around web3, NFT, metaverse, and blockchain.
The investment is a collaborative effort from two significant entities: Germany’s Libero Football Finance AG and the Netherlands-based Nipa Capital B.V.
As a part of this transaction, the club has agreed to relinquish 29.5% of its shares in Bridgeburg Invest. This firm acts as a guardian company for ‘Barça Vision’.
At its core, Barça Vision signifies FC Barcelona’s commitment to the digital age. It aims to amalgamate facets of the digital world, with a keen focus on Web3, blockchain, and notably, NFTs (digital collectibles). Furthermore, it seeks to pioneer in the realms of the metaverse. In essence, this endeavor is a testament to FC Barcelona’s vision of crafting a comprehensive digital ecosystem termed ‘digital Espai Barça’.
Past ventures and digital achievements of FC Barcelona
Historically, FC Barcelona has always been at the forefront of digital innovations. Since as early as February 2020, they’ve partnered with Chiliz, a blockchain pioneer, to curate exclusive digital tokens tailored for their vast fanbase. This association further strengthened when, in August 2022, Chiliz acquired a 24.5% stake in Barça Vision, amounting to a staggering $100 million.
Further accentuating their digital dominance, FC Barcelona, in collaboration with Plastiks, launched an exclusive collection of NFTs earlier in May. Titled “Unleash Your Passion”, this collection boasts of 3,000 animal-inspired NFTs. Priced at $30 apiece, they serve a dual purpose: digital collectibles and a beacon for an environmental cause, aiming to eradicate 35 million kilograms of plastic from our ecosystem.
Adding to their illustrious digital portfolio, the club championed the auctioning of an NFT, “Masterpiece #1 In a way”, in July 2022 in New York. This masterpiece fetched an impressive $693,000. Its successor, “Masterpiece #2 – Empowerment”, found its patron on the digital platform, selling for $300,231 in June 2023.
It’s noteworthy that the recent investment will only materialize post the nod from FC Barcelona’s shareholders. Current indicators hint at a possible closure by 2023’s end.
Through these initiatives, FC Barcelona underscores its mission — football prowess intertwined with digital innovation.


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Ride-sharing, courier costs increasing by 20%
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, August 8: The entrepreneurs of courier service and ride-sharing sectors are planning to increase the costs of courier service and ride-sharing by up to 20 percent due to the fuel price hike. As a result of this, the cost of e-commerce and f-commerce entrepreneurs will increase quite a lot, said the concerned people.
Last Friday night, the price of all types of fuel oil increased by 42-52 percent from the day after, its impact began to be felt in all sectors including agriculture and industry. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs in the ride-sharing and courier sectors are also mulling a price hike.
Biplab Ghosh Rahul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of nationwide goods transport company E-Courier, said, "Due to the increase in fuel prices, our cost per kilometer has increased by Tk 9. Due to the increase in transport costs, losses are already being counted."
He further said, "We have not yet finalized the decision to increase the cost. The discussion is going on among themselves. However, the cost of transporting goods will definitely increase."
"In the meantime, some companies have increased the service price. We are also planning to increase by 20 percent. But we want to increase the cost logically so that the pressure on the customer is reduced," he added.
According to the Courier Services Association, there are 153 courier services in the country. Seventy-eight (78) of these are registered. Online courier services have become popular with the growth of digital commerce in the country.
Those concerned say that the courier services usually charge Tk 60 within Dhaka and Tk 120 outside Dhaka for delivery. However, due to the increase in the price of fuel oil, some companies are already demanding a delivery charge of Tk 20-30 per parcel.
Nasima Akhter Nisha, president of Women and E-Commerce Trust (WE), said that customers do not want to pay the cost of courier service. For this, small entrepreneurs bear the courier cost as a supplement. It also expands their business.
In 2016, two ride-sharing companies named Uber and Pathao started their journey to alleviate the public transport woes of the capital. At first, thousands of motorcyclists and private car drivers started ride-sharing because of the lucrative opportunities. More companies have entered the market.


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Waitrose is launching a new virtual Cookery School for kids throughout the summer holiday period, adding to the partnerships range of virtual interactive experiences.
Starting this week Waitrose cooking classes for kids will run for one hour every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until schools reopen in September.
These classes will teach kids a range of kitchen skills like how to handle knives safely and how to make pastry, while teaching them essential knowledge about ingredients and seasonality.
Only eight households can attend the hour-long lessons at any one time, and each session will cost £10 per participant, not including the list of ingredients needed to take part.
It comes as Waitrose has enjoyed a spike in demand for its online cookery classes for adults during lockdown and builds on the company’s selection of virtual services.
Its stablemate John Lewis also launched a virtual fashion styling service via Instagram in April.
“Our online Waitrose & Partners Cookery School courses have been incredibly popular through lockdown, so we’re thrilled to be opening these up to children as well,” Waitrose Cookery School’s Kirsty Scott said.


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Inventor at Big Surf Waterpark
Phil Dexter invented and created the wave pool at Big Surf Waterpark in 1969, the first ever of its kind. Dexter was inducted into the World Waterpark Association Hall of Fame which exists to recognize and honor individuals who have made noteworthy achievements in the development and advancement of the water attractions industry.
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The plethora of new venues expanded the industry's reliance on the telephone, street-corner chats and mailbox surveys while helping push up U.S. research revenues 14.6% to $4.86 billion for the 100 Leading Research Companies in 1998, according to this 24th annual Advertising Age report. That score tops the previous decade high 12.2% set in 1997.
Researchers also are finding the work leading them elsewhere: This same group of research companies pushed non-U.S. totals to $3.33 billion, up 8.3%.
IMS Health leads the field, with revenues of $412.3 million. The company, a source of pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing information, also ranked second in non-U.S. returns, at $671.7 million, behind ACNielsen Corp., at $1.04 billion, down 4.3%.
Second in the U.S. was Nielsen Media Research, New York, at $401.9 million, up 12.1%, holding off Information Resources Inc., at $397 million, up 8.3%. ACNielsen was fourth in the U.S. at $390.4 million. ACNielsen, Nielsen Media Research and IMS Health are late-1996 spinoffs of Dun & Bradstreet.
DRIVEN BY CLIENTS
To meet the increasing global needs of clients, research companies are buying others to support their consulting and information-gathering operations.
"Acquisitions must be driven by the needs of clients," says Nicholas L. Trivisonno, chairman-CEO of ACNielsen Corp., noting "all clients have different global, regional and local needs.
"To be considered [by ACNielsen] for acquisition, a company has to have either proprietary products and services or a unique process."
ACNielsen in 1998 bought full ownership of Amer Nielsen Research, its joint venture with Cyprus-based Amer Worldwide. The acquisition also gave ACNielsen 49% of Amer's business in the Middle East and North Africa.
Additionally, ACNielsen purchased BASES Group in 1998 and Entertainment Data Inc. in 1997. A major BASES research product is a simulated test-marketing scheme that gives packaged goods marketers a pre-launch prediction of product success.
EDI offers overnight ticket-sale reports, a service now covering more than 45,000 movie screens in 11 countries. Under ACNielsen, the service has expanded to Mexico and Australia.
Leader in sheer number of acquisitions is NFO Worldwide, which added seven companies in 1998 -- 23 throughout the 1990s.
The focus of its acquisition policy is to select research specialties with global reach, says VP D.J. Gorman. For example, the company picked up Migliari-Kaplan, a specialist in healthcare, and PSI Global and Spectrem, both with financial services expertise.
Opinion Research Corp. added ProTel Marketing and is buyingMacro International. Macro, which does 70% of its business with the federal government, also applies its population sampling techniques -- by aerial photography if necessary -- to gather data in remote areas of Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
Aegis Group, London, which specializes in media communications, is adding Market Facts, which has been busy acquiring researchers in its own right, buying since 1997 five companies.
Globalism is a two-way oper-ation as big European researchers move into the U.S.
Taylor Nelson Sofres Intersearch is the current company that began as French company Sofres, which purchased Intersearch Corp. in early 1997. Later that year, it merged with U.K.-based Taylor Nelson, and then returned stateside to acquire Chilton Research Services last May.
United Information Group, a market research and information unit of London-based United News & Media, bought Audits & Surveys. "We operated a number of research companies in the U.S. [prior to Audits & Surveys acquisition]," says CEO Jim Rose, "but we wanted to add a full-service arm to really expand our critical mass."
U.S. expansion is on the mind of Canada-based Angus Reid Group, which grew 112.5% in U.S. revenue in 1998. It will open an office in San Francisco in addition to London, Singapore and Sao Paulo, says Chairman-CEO Angus Reid. ARG runs a poll of 25,000 respondents in 50 countries that is used by Turner Broadcasting.
The biggest revenue producers for researchers are sales tracking, database development and analysis and media measurement.
Media managers are regulars at the research counter every morning to get perhaps the hottest of all research products, ratings covering TV, radio, print and the Internet.
Nielsen Media Research allied itself with NetRatings in 1998 (creating Nielsen NetRatings) to better measure the Internet, the importance of which is sure to grow as convergence takes place between computers, TV, and the Internet.
The InfoStream service of Arbitron Co., the veteran radio-measurement company, late in '99 will measure the live broadcasting of audio streaming on the Internet coming from five radio networks. Visual streaming is slated for early 2000.
It is estimated that radio streaming is a growing use of the Internet: 27% of the 70 million Internet users have listened to radio on the Internet this year, up from 18% last year, says Greg Verdino, VP-general manager of Internet Information Services Division, the Arbitron unit that monitors streaming.
This year's survey of the research business found 64.9% of the companies responding are conducting research on the Internet, and 77.7% are doing research about the Internet. Ad spending on the Internet doubled in 1998 to $1.92 billion, according to a study just released by Internet Advertising Bureau.
The Internet is "the same as telephone or mall interviewing," says Judith Corson, partner at Custom Research, Minneapolis, which has been in partnership with America Online affiliate Digital Marketing Services to conduct consumer research on AOL's Opinion Place Web site since 1997.
Consumer Insights, which handles product development research for automakers, turns to the Internet to communicate when the phone or mail doesn't work. It has found that academics and high-income people have gatekeepers like caller ID to protect their privacy. They can best be reached by e-mail.
Away from the rush of ratings, tracking and measurement, Roper Starch Worldwide, uses sociologists, psychologists and statisticians as interviewers to grasp the contributing forces behind child deaths from car accidents.
Westat is delving into causes of early childhood development and substance abuse for the U.S. Department of Education, somewhat removed from Westat's usual customer satisfaction studies done primarily for the federal government.
And finally, the heavily computerized research companies in this report


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Black Angus parent files bankruptcy
Hit like many other businesses with lower consumer spending, the Los Altos-based parent of the Black Angus Steakhouse restaurant chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Pecus ARG Holding Inc. filed in Wilmington, Del.'s U.S. bankruptcy court in Wilmington.
Black Angus operates 69 restaurants in seven western U.S. states — including an Albuquerque location that has been open for 30 years. The company has more than 3,600 employees, according to the court filing.
In the filing, chief restructuring officer Lisa Poulin said the move was necessary becasue of "the recessionary economic environment" which caused sales to drop about 26 percent from 2006 to 2008.
According to the company's Web site, Stuart Anderson — a prominent rancher and Washington State native — opened the first Black Angus Steakhouse in 1964.
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Massy Stores Trinidad CEO Roxane De Freitas apologised to customers following a photo which was shared widely on social media recently.
It showed a melongene priced at $71.34 at one of its stores.
De Freitas said that it was an error and apologised to customers for the mistake.
The photo of the produce, circulated on social media on Wednesday, garnered criticism about its exorbitant cost.
Speaking to the media following the opening of Massy Stores at the Croisse in San Juan on Wednesday, however, De Freitas said, “As soon as it was brought to our attention, the product was all removed. The reality is we made a mistake with the pricing. It was removed and re-priced.”
She said the company was sorry for any distress but noted it was “not the Massy way of doing business.”
“Sometimes, like anything else, we don’t always get it right,” De Freitas said.
Regarding general prices of goods, De Freitas referenced Namdevco, as she noted that from July, melongene prices have increased by almost 100 per cent, which, she said, could have been attributed to flooding among other factors.


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In response to Mike Rapier’s letter “‘COVID Police’ Don’t Really Care About Community” [July 22, Xpress]: Mike, please read Mindy Brennan’s letter about her father dying of COVID-19 alone because family and friends weren’t allowed to visit him, in an effort to prevent the spread of infection [“My Father Died Alone,” June 22, Xpress]. It might shine a light for you. …
And in response to Mindy: I, too, am appalled at what I’m finding at Ingles supermarkets, even after they “changed” their policy to “require” facial coverings. I’ve put those words in quotes because their change appears to consist of zero enforcement beyond posting an unobtrusive sign at their stores’ entrances.
On July 25, I counted nine people without masks at the Ingles on Leicester Highway at a slow time when I saw fewer customers than staff. A couple of days earlier, my husband counted 27 people without masks in under half an hour inside the Ingles in Marshall.
Ingles corporate management apparently doesn’t value the health and safety of its customers and workers enough to actually enforce facial covering in their stores. Shame on them.
At this point, even big-box stores like Walmart, as well as a wide range of small, local businesses, are ensuring that all customers and staff wear masks. There’s no need for anyone to risk their health and safety at retail stores that refuse to implement this very simple and effective measure to hamper contagion.
If any store where you’ve been a regular shopper refuses to enforce facial covering, please take the time to talk to its manager, say that you won’t be coming back, explain why — and if the manager isn’t the owner, write to corporate management.
We’ve got plenty of better alternatives. Let’s give them our business and let stores that don’t require masks know why we won’t be coming back.
— Tricia Shapiro
Editor’s note: Xpress contacted Ingles CFO Ron Freeman with a summary of the letter writer’s points relating to the company, and we received the following response: “Thanks for your comments. We want all our customers and associates to wear masks. Masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will help all of us return to conditions before the pandemic. Our stores have masks available to help customers voluntarily comply with mask requirements. There are medical exceptions to mask requirements. We are providing management inquiries, in-store announcements, enhanced awareness signing, plexy shields at point-of-sale contact, one-way aisles and extra hours for cleaning to provide a safe shopping experience.”
Also, CNN reported July 26 that Walmart, despite its new rules requiring masks, will continue to serve customers who aren’t wearing them.


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Existing players will have more time to comply with the laws, while new entrants to the French market will face stricter rules.
A set of tighter regulations for cryptocurrency companies have been passed by French lawmakers, and President Emmanuel Macron now must officially sign them into law.
A set of laws from the European Union were approved by the country’s National Assembly by a vote of 109 to 71, and one amendment tighter the rules for new players wishing to enter the French cryptocurrency market.
However, the 60 companies that chose to register more quickly under the country’s current two-tier system won’t be impacted and will still have time until legislation that applies across all of Europe enters into force.
Under the country’s current system, businesses can choose to operate by registering simply with the local financial authority, L’Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), or they can choose to seek full licensing, which involves additional disclosure.
None of the businesses with French registrations has chosen a higher level of license.
A Negotiated Settlement
Hervé Maurey, a French senator, had initially proposed imposing stricter regulations on all crypto companies operating in France, even those that were already registered.
A compromise was subsequently reached that eliminates the option of simple registration for new market entrants but permits those already in operation to continue doing so until the EU’s landmark crypto regulations are put into effect. This was met with skepticism from the industry and other Officials.
The Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) of the bloc may be approved as early as April of this year, but the regulations most likely won’t take effect until 2026.
By positioning itself as Europe’s cryptocurrency hub, France has been successful in attracting companies like Binance and Crypto.com to open offices there. But, the adoption of MiCA, which will harmonize cryptocurrency regulations across the European Union, could jeopardize the country’s significant investment in the sector.


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Are you ready to take the next step in marketing your physician practice? Perhaps you’ve recently hired an agency and are unsure about what to bring to your first meeting. If so, we’ve got you covered! Sometimes developing a great long-term relationship depends on getting off to a good start. Here are five easy steps […]
We always claim that the best part of the Super Bowl is the commercials, and this time, they had no competition from the tedious football game going on in between. The game may have been a snooze-fest this year, but the advertisements were far from it.
What do your company and the most famous cream-filled chocolate cookie have in common? If the answer is nothing, perhaps you should rethink that.
Many have asked me how Lenz’s event, Beatles Vs. Stones, came off. As a marketing, advertising, pr and media firm, we believe communication is everything to a company (and a marriage!). And we believe that events are just another form of marketing communications. (Even weddings!)
Lenz Marketing Director Mike Killeen recently appeared in a feature article by the web site Politico regarding the insurance industry’s Obamacare advertising strategies. The article, titled “It’s not Obamacare, It’s Business” by Kyle Cheney and Paige Winfield Cunningham, examines the unique marketing opportunities and challenges facing insurance companies in the era of Obamacare. Politico contacted […]
If you Google these words and start clicking on links, you get lost in the vast number of web sites, blogs, articles, videos, and statistics all across the Internet devoted to this comparison. Who is better, musically? Who is more artistic? Who has been more influential? Who has been more successful in business? Who has […]
For the past four years, Lenz has partnered with Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in presenting Christmas at Callanwolde. This event will take place at Callanwolde, a 27,000 square-foot historic mansion, from December 6-17, 2013. “Christmas at Callanwolde is an Atlanta institution, and we are honored to support it,” said Lenz president, Richard Lenz.
You know you must develop great web site content to engage potential customers and rank high on search engines, but how can you establish a successful content marketing strategy? 1.Begin with original content. The first article a company creates should set the tone for all future endeavors. Start with a unique voice that reflects your […]
Lenz recently partnered with YourTown Health, a network of six Community Health Centers to develop and launch a new organizational brand.
The Lenz PR team celebrates a high-profile media feature for its client Worthmore Jewelers — a fine jewelry retailer specializing in unique wedding, commitment, and engagement rings, watches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, silver, and custom work. The article was featured in the Fall/Winter 2013 issue of Best Years, a USA TODAY Premium Magazine Publication.


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New York City’s tourism industry has grown steadily since the recession. But the city in 2017 is facing its first potential — and pretty steep — decline in international tourism, courtesy of President Donald Trump and his administration’s less-than-welcoming policies and rhetoric. Officials estimate that, as a result, 300,000 fewer international tourists will be gridlocking Times Square this year. That’s going to add up: It could mean $600 million less in spending in the five boroughs, and New York City and the state could take a $120 million hit to tax revenue.
Chris Heywood, who helps lead global communications for the city’s tourism board, NYC & Company, said the lower forecasts — which are based on a number of factors, including flight searches — are directly linked to Trump’s tough talk, and, even if it’s on hold, the travel ban. “It’s created a considerable perception challenge,” Heywood said. “[New York City] is the number-one port of entry. We have the most to lose.”
Foreign travelers only make up about 20 percent of the 61 million tourists who visit New York City annually. But unlike Americans, they stay much longer and spend a bit more freely — an average of $2,000 each. Overall tourism is still expected to tick up by about a million visitors in 2017, but it’s expected to be mostly domestic (a.k.a. thrifty) tourists.
So NYC & Company has launched a new campaign to try to head off these possible losses, one that’s asking international visitors to, please, still vacation in Trump’s hometown. The campaign’s message is a slight dig at the president: “New York City — Welcoming the World.” Ads like the one pictured above have already popped up in the United Kingdom and Mexico, and will soon launch in Germany and other parts of Western Europe. The campaign is designed to “counter negative rhetoric and remind the world that New York City is open for business,” Heywood said, pointing out that the Statue of Liberty is front and center. It does not appear as if Trump Tower made the cut.


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Following a number of leaks, Apple’s first over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are here with the AirPods Max.
Apple has announced an updated version of their 27-inch iMac which has SSDs across the board, Intel chips up to 10 cores and AMD graphics.
After previously announcing the shift to an online format, Apple has announced the start date for its Worldwide Developers Conference for 2020.
Following the launch of the MacBook Air refresh in March, Apple has updated their 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Apple has announced an update to its iPad Pro which brings faster internals and a new LiDAR Scanner.
Since it’s launch back in 2010, Apple’s main iPad hasn’t changed all that much. But last year, Apple gave its main iPad, an update with a slightly larger body and a 10.2-inch display.
Apple has announced a refresh of its MacBook Air with new Intel processors and a new keyboard.
Due to the current health situation, Apple will be transitioning their annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to an online event.
Apple has released the first trailer for Loren Bouchard’s animated musical comedy Central Park.
Since it’s launch in November, Apple has been releasing trickling more content for its Apple TV+ service. The company has now shown the first trailer for Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories revival.


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Urgent recall of baby sleeping bags over fire safety fears
- Popular baby sleeping bags have been urgently recalled for fire safety warnings
- Peanut Shell Infant Sleep bags by Farallon Brands were recalled on May 29
- Some of the baby sleeping bags were found to be missing the fire safety label
Popular cotton sleeping bags for babies have been urgently recalled after they were found to breach fire safety labelling requirements.
A product created by Farallon Brands had inadequate safety warnings, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said on Tuesday.
According to the ACCC, the Peanut Shell Infant Sleep Bags were missing the required fire hazard label.
Popular cotton baby sleeping bags (pictured) have been urgently recalled after they were found to be breaching fire safety labelling requirements
The Peanut Shell Infant Sleep Bags are 100% cotton and are designed for new-born babies.
They are sold in a range of different colours and patterns, such as clouds, anchors and elephants.
'The product does not comply with the fire hazard labelling requirements of the mandatory standard 'Consumer Goods Safety Standard 2017',' the product recall read.
Because products are missing the required safety label, parents and carers may not be aware of the fire hazard.
'As a result, infants may be at risk of burn injury,' the website said.
The ACCC urged anyone who had bought one of the products affected by the recall to immediately stop using it and return it to Oz Sale for a full refund.
The Farallon Brands Peanut Shell Infant Sleep Bags (pictured) were missing the required fire hazard label
Sleep bag navy anchors 6-18 months SB18ANNV
Sleep bag grey arrows 6-18 months SB18ARGY
Sleep bag mint arrows 6-18 months SB18ARMI
Sleep bag coral tribal 6-18 months SB18TBCL
Sleep bag black triangles 6-18 months SB18TGBK
Sleep bag navy anchors navy trim SBANNV
Sleep bag grey arrows white trim SBARGY
Sleep bag mint arrows white trim SBARMI
Sleep bag black clouds black trim SBCLBK
Sleep bag grey clouds grey trim SBCLGY
Sleep bag gold dots coral trim SBDTGD
Sleep bag grey elephants grey trim SBELGY
Sleep bag pink elephants pink trim SBELPK


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From the report:
"Of the estimated 30 million users of wireless access technology in the U.S., 75% or 23 million have wireless accessed Internet radio. In fact, 48% of those accessing the Internet via wireless technology seek out Internet radio. The number of Internet radio listeners accessing wirelessly will grow to 77 million by 2010 as wireless technology penetrates the average U.S. lifestyle.
ABI Research forecasts that the total number of Wi-Fi-enabled consumer electronics devices will grow from just 40 mln shipped in 2006 to nearly 249 mln in 2011.
Mobile WiMAX customers will grow at an annual compounded rate of 64% between 2009 and 2012, when telecoms embrace WiMAX as a fixed wireless broadband service, according to Pyramid Research.By year 5 of in-car Wi-Fi acceptance, traditional radio can expect to see the amount of time spent listening to fall below 19 hours a week and by year 8 when we project that more than 23% of the U.S. public will have adopted wireless Internet technology in-car, weekly time spent listening to traditional radio will fall below 18 hours per week.
The availability of wireless Internet in-car poses a signficant threat to traditional as well as satellite radio. This study projects that the growth of Wi-Fi in-car should reach more than 50% of the U.S. population after nine years of market availability."