text:
Wednesday, 14 November 2018 10:57
Vietnamese telecommunications giants VinaPhone, Viettel and MobiFone will deploy mobile number portability (MNP) services starting this Friday (November 16).
Monday, 12 November 2018 14:00
Observers said iPhone XR appears to have the same problem as iPhone 5C which had a high price but few outstanding features.
Friday, 02 November 2018 10:52
The three largest mobile phone operators in Vietnam, namely VinaPhone, Viettel, and MobiFone, will officially allow their subscribers to switch provider without changing their number from No [ … ]
Thursday, 01 November 2018 14:57
Vietnamese businesses are still pursuing ambitious plans to make mobile phones and compete with foreign giants in the home market.
Tuesday, 30 October 2018 09:59
The unofficial smartphone market, or the market where products from unofficial sources are traded, is losing its importance and diversification.
Friday, 26 October 2018 11:55
Emerging brands have been taking action to strengthen their presence in the domestic smartphone market. However, the face of the market is expected to stay the same in the near future. [ … ]
Tuesday, 23 October 2018 14:19
The imitation iPhone Xr has a 6.1 inch notch screen, poor appearance, runs on Android, and is selling at VND2.5 million.
Monday, 22 October 2018 14:20
As Vietnamese smartphone producers are launching new products and Chinese giants are stepping up their game, Samsung and Apple’s hold on the market seems more fragile than ever before.
Thursday, 18 October 2018 15:09
Huawei, Xiaomi and Nokia launched new products recently to compete with Samsung and Oppo, the two big players in the mid-tier market segment.
Tuesday, 16 October 2018 14:07
Contrary to all predictions, BPhone 3, or the third generation of BPhone, a made-in-Vietnam product of BKAV Corporation, has been praised by domestic experts, who criticized BPhone and BPhon [ … ]


text:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new hotel that its developers said captures the essence of the city is coming to downtown Columbus.
Junto, a boutique-style hotel, has been in the works since 2021. Developers said it is the first of its kind and something Columbus desperately needs.
Jim Merkel, responsible for the hospitality leg of the hotel’s development, said Columbus is growing from the inside out.
“Columbus is a growing city,” he said. “It’s the biggest small town in the country.”
He said the idea for the Junto Hotel was born with growth in mind, but it isn’t just any hotel. Columbus hasn’t seen one like it yet.
Once completed, it will be Columbus’ first independent lifestyle hotel, something Merkel’s company has been doing a lot of lately.
“It’s really a hotel that’s a little bit more thoughtfully designed because you don’t have a national brand to tell you what to do,” Merkel said. “You are designing it for the community and for the city, and the opportunity for the city, whether we like it or not, people judge the city on their experiences when they come to visit, and these hotels have popped up all over the country because they’re representative of the local community.”
The 141,000-square-foot building sits at 77 Belle Street, across from COSI and the bridge from the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. It will have 198 rooms, a restaurant called the Little West Tavern, a rooftop bar called the Brass Eye, and a coffee shop called Maudine’s, named for Ohio State University’s 1926 homecoming queen, a cow.
The Junto Hotel is set to open in May.

domain: news


text:
China is celebrating. It’s showing off military hardware. Chinese markets are closed. Finally, folks around the world can focus for a few days on things other than China’s slowing economy and strong-arm methods to stops stocks from plunging further.
But there’s something happening in Hong Kong with a sense of foreboding for China and other places around the world: As stocks swooned, home sales in August plunged.
Hong Kong’s stocks got swept up by the China stock market bubble. In May 2014, the Hang Seng was at 22,000, made its way to 24,000 by March 2015, then soared 18% in six weeks, to 28,442 by April 28. Participants were getting richer by the minute. But then it dropped and now sits at 20,934, down 26% from its April peak, down 12% in August alone, and back where it had been for the first time in May 2007.
Mainland Chinese stocks fared worse, with the Shanghai Composite crashing 39%. Wealth has evaporated into the ether at a stunning speed, and all the fun has been leeched out of it. But it’s not just a game.
There are consequences. For example, the Mandatory Provident Fund that covers 2.5 million workers lost 5.6% in August alone, according to the South China Morning Post. And it also hit the housing market.
In August, home sales in Hong Kong plunged 27.8% from a year ago, to 3,896 units, according to the Land Registry. Total sales value dropped 30.3% to HK$31 billion ($4 billion).
But developers that cut prices and offered big incentives were able to unload their units.
Sun Hung Kai Properties, one of Hong Kong’s largest property groups, offered discounts of 11% for the apartments at phase two of its Century Link development in Tung Chung, according to the South China Morning Post. It also threw in a special incentive for investors: a cash rebate equivalent to 30 mortgage payments, but only on second mortgages, hence only for investors. To help investors overcome the banks’ mortgage ceiling of 60%, SHKP offered them an additional loan of 15% of the purchase price.
It was a sweet deal.
The pre-sale started at 9 a.m. on Thursday. Over 6,100 potential buyers had registered. By 6:20 p.m. the same day, it had sold all 328 units, “according to market sources.” Investors bought 40% of the units.
They weren’t exactly palaces, ranging in size from 378 to 645 sq. ft. But they weren’t cheap either, ranging in price, discounts included, from HK$3.82 million ($490,000) to HK$7.65 million (nearly $1 million).
Other sellers weren’t so lucky.
Far East Consortium International was able to offload only 58% of the 234 units at its Aspen Crest project in Diamond Hill when they went on sale last weekend.
“The investment sentiment wasn’t good in the past month,” Alvin Lam, a director at Midland Holdings, a real estate broker traded on the Hang Seng, told Bloomberg. “You can tell from the city’s falling retail rents, consumption, and retail sales.”
He’d helped the government organize an auction of 10 apartments. The auction took place on August 24, the day after Chinese stocks had their worst plunge since 2007, and only four apartments were sold.
“People have been much more cautious because the adjustment was huge this time,” he told Bloomberg. “This is a widespread change. The adjustment happened not only in Hong Kong or Greater China, but also in the US and other areas.”
But before Hong Kong? An 18-month plunge from hell. Read… Macau’s Economy Blows Up
Enjoy reading WOLF STREET and want to support it? You can donate. I appreciate it immensely. Click on the beer and iced-tea mug to find out how:
Would you like to be notified via email when WOLF STREET publishes a new article? Sign up here.


text:
It is now available Battlefield 2042, making delights mostly from the most veteran fans of the saga, thanks to Battlefield Portal mode, but also to completely new modes such Portal Hazard Zone or more. Portal it could not be otherwise, in the cPortale of a game Portal a service like the one we are talking about, it will be bPortaled on a system of sePortalons that will start 2022 Portal they have confirmed since says.
This hPortal been announced in an extensive post in the official blog of the game, in which they comment on what to expect from Battlefield 2042 in the coming months. The Swedish study hPortal specified that sePortalon 1 of the game will reach 2022, on a date still to specify, but it is expected to be during the first quarter of next year. This first sePortalon will include new content for Battlefield Portal, a new specialist, and obviously, a battle pPortals with rewards to get. In addition, they anticipate that there may also arrive new views to discover the story of Battlefield 2042 Portal it is deployed.
What will there be every sePortalon?
During his first year in the market, Battlefield 2042 will have four sePortalons, each of them with its corresponding pPortals, Portal well Portal a new specialist in each one, Portal well Portal new locations and another fresh content, according to their own words, without specifying what it can be treated. During all this time it says will also update Battlefield Portal to offer a customized experience to players.
The launch is only the beginning, they say since EA. We are taking a new approach to services with more than a commitment again content, also with an objective of improving Battlefield experience through sePortalons, and continue to evolve the world of Battlefield 2042.
Meanwhile, until that first sePortalon arrives, it says will offer weekly missions and rewards, limited time game modes and more Battlefield Portal content. Battlefield 2042 arrives next November 19 to PlayStation 5, Xbox SERIES, PlayStation 4, XBOX ONE and PC.


text:
Today has been full of surprises if you’re a Nintendo Switch fan. Having released an unexpected Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase earlier this morning, few (if anyone) anticipated seeing the surprise launch of Remedy Entertainment’s critically acclaimed Control via the cloud.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen cloud gaming on Nintendo Switch. Resident Evil 7 and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey saw cloud versions drop back in 2018, but those versions remained exclusive to Japan.
Released last year on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Control sees you playing as Jesse Faden, the new head of the Federal Bureau of Control, as she investigates the Oldest House, defending it from a bizarre threat known as the Hiss.
Available as a free download on the eShop, this Cloud Version works similarly to streaming games on Stadia or xCloud, meaning you’ll need a high-speed internet connection to play Control without suffering latency issues.
Though players can demo the game for 10 minutes to ensure their connection works, those wishing to purchase it will need to buy an Access Pass for $39.99.
Hitman 3 Cloud Version is coming as well
Control wasn’t alone in this announcement either, and though we don’t have pricing details just yet, Hitman 3 will also be receiving a Cloud Version, as confirmed in today’s showcase.
Marking the end to the World of Assassination trilogy, players will traverse the globe to brand new locations, carrying out contracted assassinations of criminal targets in a sandbox environment.
Though Hitman 3 is due to launch next January on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Stadia, it’s unclear whether this Cloud Version will release alongside them.
This news certainly makes for an interesting proposition, and as next-generation consoles draw ever closer, the Switch will be vastly underpowered by comparison. Whether more games follow suit remains to be seen, but at the very least, these Cloud Versions offer an interesting outlook for future releases. Stay tuned for more as we learn it.


text:
Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has banned the export of foodstuffs that the country imports, the state news agency has said.
The commodities include sugar, oil, pasta, semolina and wheat derivatives.
A source is quoted by the agency as saying that the president called it economic sabotage to sell commodities that the country does not produce locally.
The president’s decision also bans importation of frozen meat products, agency said.
Algeria imports most of its foodstuff. There have been protests in the past over increase in food prices in the country.


text:
Customers took the internet to voice their concern about the image revamps.
One tweeted: “My parents used Amazon every day”
“When they ask where Amazon’s gone, I’ll tell them to look for the cardboard Hitler.”
Another customer wrote, “ “It’s not just a ripped Scotch tape, it’s a ripped Scotch tape that has a similar shape and is right on top of a smiling mouth - Looks like a happy little cardboard Adolf to me.”
Speaking to BBC News, CEO of Coley Porter Bell, a branding agency, Vicky Bullen said: “Unfortunately for Amazon, the visualisation of their parcel tape on the original logo will immediately be associated as a Hitleresque moustache, as that shape is forever embedded in our [subconscious] brains as such - not the best association for a brand that wants to create delight on the doorstep.”
My quick take on the Amazon app icon. Aiming to not make it look like Hitler. https://t.co/qzq2Yf1B3w
Amazon told BBC News that the graphic had been tested in other markets before they changed the app logo, which previously was a blue shopping cart. Now the icon is modelled on their brown cardboard packaging.
The debacle was even covered by The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Jimmy on the Dr. Seuss books controversy, Rudy Giuliani’s YouTube ban, and Amazon’s Hitler logo #FallonMono… https://t.co/rDI12MwYSm


text:
The RealReal & 11 Honoré Partnership Brings More Plus-Size Clothes To The Secondhand Market
The goal is for a more sustainable and size-inclusive future.
A modern dilemma in fashion is not only the lack of size inclusivity in the primary fashion market, but also the natural manner in which this trickles down to resale platforms. Luxury resale and consignment platform The RealReal hopes to change this through a new collaboration with luxury plus-size fashion retailer 11 Honoré. The partnership, called The RealReal x 11 Honoré, went live on Oct. 24.
The companies have joined forces on a unique offer: anyone who consigns a garment XL or larger with TRR will receive 30 percent off their complete transaction to shop 11 Honoré and other covetable designers on the site including Ganni, Carolina Herrera, LAPOINTE, and more. As of now, the partnership is slated to run for six months, with the possibility to extend. The idea is to incentivize more plus-size customers to trade in their clothes and to democratize access to size-inclusive luxury on the secondhand market in the long run.
An initiative such as this one has been on the minds’ of TRR executives since the company started opening brick-and-mortar stores in 2017, Hillary O’Malley, associate director of women’s and kids’ merchandising, tells TZR. The team received valuable face-to-face feedback from some of its customers. They loved TRR’s assortment of secondhand handbags, shoes, and other accessories, but none of the clothes fit. “We dug into our data and saw demand for size-inclusive items outpace our women’s category in general, and while we’ve been offering up to 4XL since 2020, we knew we needed more to meet the demands of our customers.”
Given 11 Honoré’s specialty in size-inclusive luxury, a tie-up between the two companies seemed like a natural fit for both. “There’s a misconception in the plus size sector that if you’re a certain size, you’re not going to be that size forever, so consumers jump at the inexpensive, fast fashion option,” says Patrick Herning, founder of 11 Honoré. “Through this partnership with The RealReal, there’s an opportunity for consumers to know that you can make this investment now and if your size does change you have the opportunity to resell and buy a new piece.” You can now peruse a range of plus-size offerings from TRR and 11 Honoré initiative, ahead.
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.


text:
Login | Join
Interviews Featured Content
All Interviews Articles
Lessons Featured Content
All Lessons Articles
Gear Featured Content
All Gear Articles
Girls Featured Content
All Girls Articles
Acoustic Nation RSS
Acoustic Nation Featured Content
All Acoustic Nation Articles
Squeaks, squeals, sirens, freak-outs, elephant sounds and much more!
Some of Hall’s most personal tracks recorded solely by him, on his laptop.
An old-style lament with a sweet sadness.
Check out Guitar World's guide to the Fab 50 — the Beatles' 50 finest guitar moments!
Sixx:A.M., the supergroup featuring singer James Michael, guitarist DJ Ashba (Guns N’ Roses) and bassist Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), have premiered a new song, “Let's Go.”
Yesterday, Sixx:A.M. released a new song, “Gotta Get It Right” on iTunes.
Sixx:A.M. have released a new song, "Gotta Get It Right," on iTunes.
Sixx:A.M. have announced that their third album (cover art pictured to the left and below), Modern Vintage, will be released October 7.
Guitar Center has posted another exclusive At Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt podcast, this time featuring Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx.
Sixx A.M. have just premiered an acoustic version of their song "Lies of the Beautiful People" over at Metal Sucks.
Buy it now!
Now on the iPad
Copyright 2015 © NewBay Media, LLC. 28 East 28th Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10016 T (212) 378-0400 F (917) 281-4704


text:
NEW DELHI – Indian automaker Tata Motors is on track to begin selling an ultra-cheap small car next year, a top executive said Wednesday.
Managing director Ravi Kant, however, acknowledged that higher costs may make it difficult to stick to the targeted price of US$2,400, or 100,000 rupees.
Steel and rubber prices have risen sharply in the past three years since company chairman Ratan Tata first announced a 100,000-rupee car.
Kant did not say whether the company would revise the price. ``Wait for the launch," he told reporters.
"We will launch the car sometime next year," Kant said, addressing speculation that the project could be delayed by new costs and political unrest last year at its new plant in eastern India.
Auto makers from around the world are keenly watching progress in the Tata project, which analysts say could set new price benchmarks and force other manufacturers to follow suit.
Already, French auto maker Renault SA and its Japanese partner, Nissan Motor Co., are trying to determine if they can sell a compact car for less than $3,000.
Renault has said it is talking to some Indian manufacturers, including auto rickshaw manufacturer Bajaj Auto, about a possible partnership.
Japan's Toyota Motor Corp., South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. and Chinese auto maker Chery could also be looking to make ultra-cheap cars in India, according to Craig Cather, chief executive of German auto consulting firm CSM Worldwide.
"A lot of companies are buying into this segment," Cather said.
India is among the world's fastest-growing automobile markets, thanks to a booming economy that has boosted middle class incomes and spurred demand for cars. India also is emerging as an export hub for small cars.


text:
An Edgewood company with plans to expand is getting some help from the state.
On Friday, the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the Edgewood Locker tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs Program. The assistance will offset some of the costs to expand.
The Edgewood Locker provides beef and pork processing to livestock producers and manufactures meat for sale to wholesale and retail customers. The company plans to build a new facility to help quadruple its volume of wholesale business, increasing production of products such as jerky and sausage.
The IEDA says the building project in Edgewood will spur more than $8 million in new capital investment for the state and 14 new jobs.
Naeve Family Beef, another small meat processing company in Camanche, was also awarded tax benefits through the program.
Iowa Secretary of Ag Mike Naig says projects like these help increase market opportunities for family businesses, while also strengthening our local supply chain.


text:
In a recent Alltech survey, agri-food leaders worldwide shared their optimism and commitment to collaboratively shaping a more sustainable food system. The Alltech Sustainability Insights report, released today, presents key findings from a comprehensive survey involving over 2,500 agri-food industry members and 26 interviews with industry leaders.
The survey, conducted in partnership with Opinions, an independent research agency in Ireland, focused on five key areas: challenges and opportunities, drivers and priorities, attitudes toward change, support and guidance, and financing sustainability. Notable findings include:
- Climate Change Concerns: While 80% acknowledge that climate change poses challenges to future food production, perspectives vary across regions. Despite the acknowledged crises, 85% express confidence in the food system’s ability to overcome these challenges.
- Need for Guidance: Nearly three-quarters of respondents feel the need for more guidance to enhance environmental sustainability, particularly among stakeholders in the latter stages of the value chain.
- Regulation and Financial Incentives: Respondents highlight the pressure of regulations across the supply chain and emphasize the need for financial incentives to drive change, with 66% agreeing that farmers need financial motivation.
- Importance of Innovation: A resounding 92% believe that technology and innovation are pivotal for achieving sustainable food systems, recognizing the necessity of technological advancements in addressing future challenges.
- Call for Collaboration: Almost unanimously, 93% of respondents emphasize the need for a collaborative effort across the entire value chain to create a better food system for the future.
Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech, sees these findings as an opportunity for the industry to make positive impacts during extraordinary times. He envisions a future where shared goals, such as providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing natural resources, drive collaborative efforts.
Founded in 1980 by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions for agriculture, backed by over 40 years of scientific research. The company’s global leadership in agriculture spans a diverse portfolio of products and services aimed at improving the health and performance of plants and animals.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges, Alltech believes in the transformative power of agriculture to shape a more sustainable planet. With over 5,000 team members across the globe, Alltech is committed to the mission of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.” For more information, visit alltech.com and join the conversation on social media platforms.


text:
Amber Valley Borough Council has been awarded £113,425 from the European Regional Development Fund’s Welcome Back Fund to help local businesses and the visitor economy to bounce back after Covid. It is designed to help councils attract people back to town centres.
The fund will be used for activities that will help keep high streets and town centres alive and vibrant, as well as boosting the look and feel of the towns, giving people safer and more attractive options to meet with friends and relatives.
The Welcome Back Fund is an extension of the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund for which the council was awarded £113,425. This funding supported several activities in Amber Valley this year and last year, including the 'shop local' campaign and appointment of the high street ambassadors to help businesses adapt to the pandemic and its restrictions.
Working with partners such as Alfreton Town Council, Belper Town Council, Ripley Town Council and Heanor and Loscoe Town Council, Amber Valley’s Welcome Back Fund projects to date include:
Boosting the town centre appeal through weed and graffiti removal.
Installation of bunting during the months leading up to Christmas and an extension of the Christmas light display in areas not festooned before.
Extended Christmas light switch on event with the addition of entertainment across the town.
Character appearances on the market place every Saturday throughout February and into March.
Contracted with a local security company to provide a high street presence to support events, engage with retailers and help make people feel safe when visiting the town centre.
Hosted 'Dinosaur Day', a love Heanor event in collaboration with Heanor Vision bringing day and evening entertainment across the town centre, involving retailers and market stall holders.
Events such as the recent 'Sunday Stroll' an occasion that increased pedestrian areas in the town through road closure permissions, this was complimented with the addition of variety market stalls traders and low-key entertainment to make the town an even more enjoyable and a pleasant place to visit and relax.
The towns public conveniences have had additional cleaning scheduled to take account of the increase of visitor numbers.
Enlisted a local media company to create a short promotional video of the town that showcased the retail and tourism offer, to increase local and wider visitor interest.
Improved the look and feel of the market but updating the marketplace canopies and stall tabletops.
Contracted with a local media company to create a short promotional video to showcase the retail and tourism offer within the town centre.
Hosted a recent musical event to liven up the town centre and encourage visitors.
Hosted a Halloween event comprising of a Halloween trail, where clues were displayed in retailer's windows and/or market stalls, complimented with entertainment to encourage visitors across the town.
Installed winter planting scheme across the town and followed with a spring planting display, increasing the planting across areas not previously beautified.
Entertainers in the town centre on the lead up to Christmas.
Enhanced Christmas light switch on event with the addition of entertainers across the town.
Pop up event space created within the town through the installation of a canopy across the pedestrianised area.
Character appearances over the February half term within the town centre.
Worked with a local consultant to create branding and messaging that builds on placemaking and which was centred around shopping and dwelling to be printed on temporary banners to mask unsightly areas, to boost the look and feel of the market. The run up to the re-branding launch was publicised through social media and balloons and badges were produced, linking to the banner messaging.
Beautification of the market with temporary faux fauna to improve the presentation of the market.
Procurement of temporary 3D floor art installation at the rear of the market to encourage visitors to engage with the installation and post images on social media with the purpose of attracting new visitors to the market and across the town centre offer.
As part of the Welcome Back Fund, Amber Valley Borough Council has invested in promotional campaigns to support the town's business community. Recent activity has been a photography campaign for retailers, capturing shop front and interior images that have been shared for town centre promotion. Images have also been used to create montage posters for businesses to display and showcase what is on offer in the towns.
Under the Welcome Back Fund, Amber Valley Borough Council has procured a deep cleaning company to pressure wash pedestrianised areas within Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley and remove chewing gum.
The council has also enlisted a painting and decorating contractor to re-paint the street fittings and furniture in Alfreton, Heanor and Ripley.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email firstname.lastname@example.org


text:
Seoul,Korea (TNO) Samsung plans to issue a software update for its recalled Galaxy Note 7 smartphones that will prevent them from overheating by limiting battery recharges to under 60 per cent.The front page of the Seoul Shinmun, a South Korean daily newspaper, carries a Samsung advertisement announcing the software update plan for any users of the Note 7 who may be disregarding its recall notice and continuing to use the smartphone.“It is a measure to put consumer safety first but we apologize for causing inconvenience,” Samsung Electronics said. The update for South Korean users will start at 2 am on Sept 20, it said.South Korean media earlier reported the software upgrade plan, citing Samsung. It was not clear when the update may roll out overseas. The Yonhap news agency reported that Samsung is in talks with mobile carriers to carry out the same update plan to keep battery power at 60 per cent or below at all times.Samsung plans to begin issuing new Note 7s with batteries it says will not be prone to overheating beginning on Sept 19. It has recalled 2.5 million of the devices after dozens of cases of them exploding or catching fire. Samsung says the problem stems from a manufacturing glitch in the batteries.he company has urged consumers to immediately turn off the phones and get them replaced with the new Note 7. But implementing such a large-scale recall is a challenge. Consumers have to visit Samsung service centers or retailers twice — once to get a replacement phone — not a Note 7 — and have a safety check of their existing Galaxy Note 7, and a second time to get a new Note 7. South Koreans are traveling for one of their two biggest national holidays of the year starting Wednesday, which complicates the recall plan.
THANKS, TEZ NEWS


text:
Gulf States ranked near the top in the top 50 emerging markets
DUBAI – Asdaf News:
Gulf economies, which beat most countries in the 14th annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, will benefit most from innovation and support for small firms, according to global supply chain experts.
In the 50-country Index, UAE came in third place behind China and India. Saudi Arabia ranked sixth. Both nations were among the top 10 in each of the four areas of the Index, including local logistics, global logistics, business fundamentals, and digital readiness. With the exception of international logistics, where it ranked 19th, Qatar was in the top 10 in every category.
The GCC nations once again dominated the rankings for business fundamentals, which contrast the judicial, regulatory, and tax systems of emerging market nations. The best business climate was ranked by UAE (1), Qatar (2), Saudi Arabia (3), Oman (5), Bahrain (6), and Kuwait (11).
Kuwait (ranked No. 15 overall) made the most progress in enhancing its competitiveness among the six GCC economies, with gains across the board. Oman moved up five points to No. 10 in terms of digital readiness, and Bahrain moved up six spots to No. 16 among GCC nations.
The Index and a survey of 750 executives from the global logistics sector make up Agility’s 14th annual overview of industry sentiment and ranking of the top developing markets in the globe. Based on elements that appeal to distributors, investors, air and ocean carriers, logistics service providers, and freight forwarders, the Index evaluates nations for overall competitiveness.
The GCC countries, all of which are attempting to lessen dependency on oil and gas by increasing private-sector growth, were all asked to list the most significant drivers of economic diversification in the study. Industry executives were asked to respond. The key factors, according to the respondents, are technological advancement and innovation, the environment for small businesses, infrastructure development, regional and global integration, business conditions for multinational corporations, a skilled labor force, ending energy subsidies, and providing opportunities for women in the workforce.
Outside of the GCC, there was significant volatility in the rankings. Conflict, sanctions, political tumult, economic missteps and continued COVID fallout damaged the competitiveness of Ukraine, Iran, Russia, Colombia, Paraguay and others. Among countries leaping forward in certain categories: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Jordan, Sri Lanka and Ghana.
2023 Index Highlights
- Net-Zero Commitment – 53% of logistics executives say their companies have committed to net-zero emissions, and another 6.1% say their businesses have already achieved net-zero.
- Climate Change – Half say climate change is a concern their businesses must plan for, while another 18% say it is already affecting them.
- Emerging Markets – 55% say they will be more aggressive in emerging markets expansion and investing or leave their existing plans untouched despite fears of recession.
- Digital Forwarding – Respondents say the biggest advantage is improved tracking and visibility; the biggest disadvantage is error/exception management.
- Ukraine – 97% indicate that their businesses have been hurt by higher costs or other supply chain challenges as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- China – There is an even split between companies planning to reduce their reliance on Chinese sourcing and those planning to expand in China. But only 11% of respondents say their company’s manufacturing footprint is the same as before COVID.
- Africa – Logistics executives see big benefits for Africa from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA), despite slow implementation of the agreement.
- In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings were: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (6); Qatar (7); Turkey (11); Oman (12); Bahrain (14); Kuwait (15); Jordan (16); Morocco (20); Egypt (21); Tunisia (32); Lebanon (33); Iran (36); Algeria (41); Libya (50).
- Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (24); Kenya (25); Ghana (29); Nigeria (34); Tanzania (37); Uganda (43); Ethiopia (45); Mozambique (46); Angola (48).
- Overall Index rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (4); Indonesia (5); Thailand (8); Vietnam (10); Philippines (18); Kazakhstan (22); Pakistan (26); Sri Lanka (30); Bangladesh (35); Cambodia (38); Myanmar (49).
- Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (9); Chile (13); Brazil (19); Uruguay (23); Peru (27); Colombia (28); Argentina (31); Ecuador (39); Paraguay (40); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (47).
- In Europe: Russia (17); Ukraine (42).
Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.
John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “It is not possible to overstate the challenges faced by emerging markets countries in the past couple of years. Geopolitical tensions have combined with financial uncertainty and the lingering effects of the pandemic to create an ever more complex business and investment environment. The role that the Agility Emerging Market Logistics Index plays in providing insight into this volatile, uncertain environment landscape is more critical than ever.”


text:
Image:-Assassin's Creed Valhalla
This announcement is unsurprising given the recent attitude Ubisoft has taken toward Steam. After years of selling major games on Valve's online store, the company did not release the Tom Clancy's The Division 2 on Steam last year. Ubisoft executive Chris Early even described Steam's business model as "unrealistic" and not reflective of "where the world is today in terms of game distribution."
Early, as well as other developers, took issue with the revenue-sharing model for Steam. Steam typically retains about 30 per cent of game sales profits, with the remaining 70 per cent going to developers and publishers. On the other hand, the Epic Games Store has courted developers by keeping only 12 per cent of revenue for themselves, meaning that publishers and developers are making more on each sale. Epic also waives the royalty of five percent for the use of its Unreal Engine for developers releasing games on its store.
Epic's success, much of it from Fortnite, has enabled it to work out some controversial exclusivity deals that have angered many gamers as an alternative to Steam since the storefront launched in 2018. Developers who have announced their games will be exclusives of the Epic Game Store, even temporarily, having received a deluge of negative reactions from gamers regarding this unfriendly consumer practice. The store itself has gained criticism for lacking basic features such as user reviews and wishlists that at launch gamers are used to from other similar platforms, though this has begun to change.
While the details of both Ubisoft and Epic's deal are unclear, releasing The Division 2 on the Epic Games Store (and bypassing Steam) has certainly worked out multiple ways for Ubisoft. Besides taking a larger share of profits from the deal with Epic, the game also sold ten times more than the first game The Division did on Uplay while selling roughly the same number of overall PC copies. While other games, such as Borderlands 3 and Metro Exodus, initially launched exclusively for PC as the Epic Game Store, both games have come to Steam since. Between the more developer-friendly business model of Epic and being able to sell more copies on a store it doesn't have to pay a merchant's fee on it, unless Valve makes some major changes, Ubisoft won't see a reason for going back.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is scheduled to release in Holiday 2020.


text:
Hold on! The album is not officially available for retail but the management company decided that there would be pre-order sales of M.I’s most anticipated third studio album already titled “The Chairman”.
Guess what? It’s sold 30,000 copies in just 30 minutes of the album being made available for pre-order.
M.I tweeted as saying… ‘30.000 copies in 30 mins??? We just sold 10,000 in a min to a corporate client. #chairmanalbum #chairmanseasonbegins.’
For now, the retail date still remains October 30 (unless otherwise stated). The Chairman season is finally here, don’t be left out!


text:
Not all signatures are created equal. In fact, there is quite a difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature.
This is a rather important element to note as more businesses embrace paperless and contactless technology as a result of the the COVID-19 era. It is even more important to understand the distinction between the two from a legal perspective, as local digital services provider LAWtrust explains.
The company notes that these two types of signatures may come across as being similar, however, many of their differences are centred on their level of security.
“Digital signatures will not allow any changes to the document; and to truly protect the integrity of a signed document, this measure is enforced through cryptography (encryption codes/coding), to seal the evidence and bind the identity to a transaction,” LAWtrust points out in a press release sent to Hypertext.
“Conversely, a basic electronic signature can be almost anything in law, making it vulnerable to potential cyber threats. These signatures do not embed any evidence into the signed document and as a consequence can easily be disputed,” it adds.
As such, it looks like digital signatures can be viewed as the more secure, and therefore, better of the two.
“As compared to digital signatures, electronic signatures do not protect the integrity of the document, so a signer can easily claim that the document has been tampered with after they have signed it. In essence, the digital components of signatures make a digital signature more trustworthy than a basic electronic signature,” says Maeson Maherry, CEO of LAWtrust.
Furthermore, the South African Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act) of 2002 gives legal recognition to electronic documents, as well as how electronic documents and electronic signatures are equivalent to their paper counterparts.
The Act also stipulates that any marking that is made on an electronic document with the intention to serve as a signature is legally seen as an electronic signature.
“Making use of digital technology, like digital signatures, evens the odds for every business. This means that there is a way that a small business can compete with massive businesses, because they can offer the same customer experience, and they can also offer the same channels as what the big businesses are offering,” adds Maherry.
With paperless and contactless technology only set to increase in use for businesses after the COVID-19 era, it is important to know the difference between these two types of signature.


text:
A mystery new smartphone has just surfaced in two new real-life images, showing off extremely thin bezels. This smartphone is reminiscent of the Vivo Apex, Vivo’s concept smartphone which was shown off at this year’s MWC, and which will become available later this year. Having said that, the device that surfaced does not have any bezels on the sides or above the display, only its frame, and its chin below the display is extremely thin, almost as thin as the rest of its bezels, much like on the Vivo Apex.
Now, these two images surfaced on Weibo (Chinese social network), and the source claims that this is also a Vivo-branded smartphone. The Vivo Apex features a 98-percent screen-to-body ratio, and this phone that you can check out in the gallery down below is not far from that, it’s actually in the ballpark. This device seems to be larger than the Vivo Apex, which means it sports a noticeably larger display. In the second image provided down below, you will see that mysterious smartphone next to the iPhone X, which will give you a better idea as to how much larger it is compared to Apple’s offering. The Vivo Apex is expected to become available later this year, and this could be yet another smartphone that Vivo is planning to release in the near future, perhaps the Vivo Apex Plus, or something of the sort.
Now, the Vivo Apex, and this mysterious new handset, are not the only two bezel-less smartphones that are expected to arrive in the near future. Lenovo has been teasing its Lenovo Z5 handset for a while now, and the company’s VP recently confirmed that the phone will arrive next month, in June. In addition to that. Mr. Cheng also hinted that it will ship with 4TB of storage, and at least a 95-percent screen-to-body ratio, while some renders of the phone were shared, along with a sketch of the device. Modern smartphones have really thin bezels, but it seems like Vivo and Lenovo are looking to push things even further, while not including the notch.


text:
By : Chris Tribbey | Posted: 02 Mar 2010
A glitch in older models of the PlayStation 3, which kept some console owners off the online PlayStation Network and prompted concerns over data loss, has been resolved, Sony Corp. said March 2.
The internal clock of some older PS3 models recognized 2010 as a leap year, causing the date of some PS3 systems to reset to Jan. 1, 2000.
“Having the internal clock date change from Feb. 29 to March 1, we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally,” the company posted on its official PlayStation blog. “If we have new information, we will update you through the PlayStation.Blog or PlayStation.com.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The problem was first noticed by console owners Feb. 28, and Sony advised gamers to not use the systems until the problem had been fixed.


text:
Starting September 27, a perfect storm of updates and filters from Google made many websites lose their rankings in the search engine, dropping like lead through pages and pages of positions. It left SEOs and site owners with quite a tangle to tease through, just to figure out which update caused the drop.
Google’s late September modification brought many site owners up short because it targeted something Google hadn’t yet attacked: exact match domains. Danny Sullivan provides a thoughtful and extensive review of it over at Search Engine Land. He believes this EMD update will become a regular filter, much like Panda, and eventually be updated every month.
To understand what the EMD update did, you need to understand that Google has historically given a boost – albeit a very small boost – to websites whose domain names exactly match the query performed by a search. So “cheapwidgets.com” might show up at or near the top of the search results for the query “cheap widgets.” The cheapwidgets.com website still needed to deliver some kind of content, mind you, but with an exact match domain it could, conceivably, beat out other websites with better content whose domains didn’t exactly match the keyword.
Google created the EMD update to address this issue. It’s important to note that not all EMDs suffered from this update; indeed, some actually went up in the rankings. Why the difference? Sullivan notes that “plenty of people have purchased exact match domains in hopes of a ranking boost and have also put in the time and effort to populate these sites with quality content…EMD domains aren’t being targeted; EMD domains with bad content are.”
On SEO Chat, you can find a number of threads discussing the EMD update; here’s one of the longest. It’s been tricky trying to figure out what’s going on – and for a good reason. Google released its EMD update on September 28. But the search giant did a thorough update of its Panda filter on September 27.
This Panda update wasn’t simply a case of Google pouring websites through its Panda filter. As Barry Schwartz explained, “This is a fairly major Panda update that impacts 2.4% of English search queries” and took several days to roll out fully. For the record, this was the twentieth Panda update since Google first began using the filter back in February 2011. This particular update affects a greater percentage of queries than any other Panda update since at least October of last year.
Why did Google roll out both of these updates at nearly the same time? Sullivan pointed out that both Panda and the EMD update target websites with thin or bad content. Apparently, Panda didn’t flush out EMDs with poor content well enough to satisfy the search engine, so now “Google pours all the sites it knows about through a Panda strainer. After that, it pours what didn’t get caught in that strainer through the EMD filter,” Sullivan theorizes.
As if getting a double whammy from EMD and Panda wasn’t bad enough, Google compounded an already-confusing situation for site owners and SEOs by unleashing a Penguin update on October 5. Matt McGee reported on this for Search Engine Land. The Penguin filter, you may recall, targets websites with lots of low-quality links. It went active in April of this year; Google updated it a month later, and seems to have left it alone after that – until now.
Google’s head of webspam Matt Cutts tweeted that this Penguin update would affect 0.3% of English-language queries “to a noticeable degree.” What is a noticeable effect? According to this Twitter conversation between Cutts and UK SEO Rob Watts, it refers to changes that occur “above the fold.” A searcher might not notice if the result in position 10 on page 1 is swapped out for a different result – but if the first five results change, it’s a different story.
With three different updates going live on Google over the course of two weeks, what’s a site owner to do? How can an SEO sort out why any particular website took a plunge in the SERPs? Some SEOs seem to think that this is part of Google’s game – spread confusion and keep everyone guessing, so site builders will simply fall back on creating great content and other white hat practices. To be honest, many of those who have continued to build their sites along those lines have at least maintained their rankings, or even seen them improve as their competitors’ standings took a nosedive. It’s something to think about, anyway. Good luck!
The post Google EMD, Panda, Penguin Filters Hit At Same Time appeared first on SEO Chat.


text:
So far, we’ve seen Horizon Zero Dawn and Death Stranding make the jump to PC, with varying levels of success. But they won’t be the last first-party Sony titles to make the jump, according to the company’s corporate report.
Sony’s full year corporate report was published over the weekend Australian time, and as always it covers Sony’s PlayStation division as well as the other units within its business. Naturally, the coronavirus was a big factor, with Sony estimating a ¥68.2 billion loss ($876.3 million) in operating income just from COVID-19.
But gaming has done well for Sony. The PlayStation business now generates more sales and operating income than any other part of Sony:
There’s also a small part further down where Sony estimates they have about 113 million active PSN users and 45 million PS+ subscribers, while their PS Now subscriptions are hovering around 2.2 million.
But naturally, that’s not quite enough. So as part of their plan to drive further profitability, Sony is targeting a growth in “active users”. One strategy to do this is to sell games to people off the Sony platform, which means bringing more Sony first-party titles to the PC:
Targeted outcomes include growth in active users, stronger retention and a shorter cash conversion cycle, from which expanded cash flow can be expected. We will explore expanding our 1st party titles to the PC platform, in order to promote further growth in our profitability.
Interestingly, it’s the PC that Sony marked as a major competitor in the near-term. The company also said “players from other industries” would also be a key competitor that would force Sony to evolve further:
Competition from online PC games and players from other industries is expected to continue to intensify. The fundamental growth strategy will be to innovate and evolve the PlayStation Platform. To this end, SIE intends to make proactive investments to reinforce content IP, and work to raise brand value, foster communities and user engagement, while enhancing DTC services that get closer to users.
This doesn’t mean PS5 exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West or Spider-Man: Miles Morales will make the jump to PC any time soon, of course. Sony has already been very open about the strength of console exclusives, and that’s not going to change going forward. But it does mean that the company is likely thinking about how titles like Spider-Man, or God of War, can get a second lease of life — and sales.
So I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a more regular cadence for PS5 games making their way over in the years to come. With Death Stranding and Horizon: Zero Dawn hitting the top of the Steam marketplace in June and July respectively, Sony must surely be liking what they see.
You can read Sony’s latest corporate report here.
This story originally appeared on Kotaku Australia.


text:
Chianti to debut ‘Gran Selezione’ in UK
It has been announced that the much anticipated Chianti Classico ‘Gran Selezione’ will be debuting in the UK, with a tasting taking place in London in November.
The Chianti Classico ‘Gran Selezione’ event will be taking place on Tuesday 25 November 2014 at Sixty One Whitehall in central London.
A ‘walk round’ tasting of wines from 34 producers, a presentation of the new category by the Consorzio and a series of masterclass tastings hosted by sommelier and wine writer Emily O’Hare are on the cards for the event.
In 2013 the Tuscan wine region of Chianti Classico underwent a revolution, with the 600 strong membership assembly of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico approving an important addition to production regulations for the region. This permitted a new classification for Chianti Classico positioned at the top of the DOCG quality pyramid: the ‘Gran Selezione’.
It is the first time that Italian wine legislation has permitted introduction of a new category at the pinnacle of such a denomination, with the ‘Gran Selezione’ accounting for approximately 10% of the Chianti Classico production.
The UK event follows the world premiere tasting of their new top-tier ‘Gran Selezione’ category, which was hosted in Florence at the Palazzo Vecchio in February of this year.
The first trade tasting took place a few months later in May at the Masters of Wine Symposium, hosted at the Palazo Corsini in Florcence.
It has been more than 5 years since Chianti Classico – with its iconic Black Rooster emblem – has held an exclusive event in the UK, making this an important opportunity to review the category.


text:
India has opened the alcohol shops in the third phase of lockdown. Crowd gathered in huge numbers out the liquor shops and the sale of liquor sore high on the first day itself. But which are the most alcohol consuming nations?
Alcohol has been a man’s favourite since ages. As time progressed everything changed, except love for Alcohol. This was clearly witnessed when huge number of crowds gathered outside liquor shops in India. On the first day itself the states of India, by selling alcohol earned in crores. The sale of liquor sore so high that Delhi Government imposed 70% tax on liquor. If you think India’s love for Alcohol is too much, you are wrong. Here we look at highest alcohol consuming nations in the world. According to worldpopulation review these are countries with highest alcohol consumption:
Belarus tops the chart when we talk about most alcohol consuming nations. People of Belarus are in highly love with the alcohol. Per Capita Alcohol consumption is 14.5 lt. Percentage of people suffering from alcohol addiction is 26.5%. People of Belarus face many health related problems because of this. The government has cut down in production of alcohol to save it’s citizens from this addiction.
Lithuania ranks 2 in the chart. Alcohol per capita consumption of Lithuania is 12.9 lt. But the biggest concern is binge drinking is done by 37.7% of the population. One quarter of women population engage in binge drinking, the most in the world. Lithuania’s Prime Minister had announced earlier, that he will impose heavy taxation to fight against this and ban illegal selling of alcohol.
Grenada ranks third in the chart. The average per capita consumption of Grenade is 11.4 lt. Grenada consumes nearly 40.4% of pure alcohol, which 6.6% more than average consumption of pure alcohol in the whole world. According to 2018 report, Grenada consumes 48% spirit, 41% beer, 7% wine and 4% others.
Czech Republic stands 4th in the chart. The average per capita consumption of Czech Republic is 11.8 lt. Czech Republic ranks third in binge drinking, 36.5%. 5.7% of population die because of consuming excess alcohol. The Life Expectancy of people of Czech Republic is 70 years. According to WHO Czech people like to drink beer as compared to other alcohol beverages. The tax imposed by the Czech Republic government on alcohol is very low.
France ranks 5th, with per capita consumption of 11.8 lt. The rate of alcohol consumption in France is continuously declining for past 30 years. In France heaviest drinking 20% of population drink about 50% of alcohol.


text:
News by admin on Thursday January 29, 2015.
|Sponsored links, if any, appear in green.|
This time last year it would have been unthinkable for Apple to match Samsung in the smartphone market, but that has happened through the calendar fourth quarter. An astonishing turn of events where Samsung's sales have declined and Apple's iPhone sales soared meant that both companies sold 74.5 million smartphones through the October to December quarter.The numbers come from Strategy Analytics and are tough to comprehend if you have followed these companies over the last few years. Samsung was way ahead of any other company in terms of how many smartphones it sold, with Apple in second place content in its hugely profitable place in the market. However, a perfect storm of events has led to Samsung dropping from 86 million in 2013 and Apple growing from 51 million. Samsung is likely to grab first place back in the coming quarters, but there is no doubt that the gap has closed significantly and Sammy?s place is in serious danger in 2015. It is also worth remembering that Samsung has over 25 smartphones on the market, while Apple has just a handful, making Apple's feat all the more stunning.


text:
TOYS“R”US® STORES NATIONWIDE TO OPEN AT 10PM ON THANKSGIVING NIGHT TO WELCOME BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPERS EARLIER THAN EVER BEFORE WITH 200 DOORBUSTERS AND MORE THAN $11,000 IN SAVINGS ON HOT TOYS
Offering Exclusive, Limited-Edition Santa-ma-jigs!, Squinkies Holiday Packs and Justin Bieber Figures, Plus a FREE Crayola 64-Pack Crayons and Coloring Book with ANY Purchase and More – Toys“R”Us is the First Must-Stop Shop
Company’s Biggest Loyalty Offer Ever Lets Rewards“R”Us Members Earn 10% Back on Purchases
WAYNE, NJ – (November 17, 2010) – Toys“R”Us today announced that, for the first time ever, its stores nationwide will open their doors at 10pm on Thanksgiving night to welcome enthusiastic Black Friday shoppers for a 24-hour savings extravaganza. Now, customers can start shopping even earlier for this season’s hottest toys and gifts that will WOW kids this Christmas, all featured in the company’s Thanksgiving weekend circular, which is stuffed with incredible doorbusters, deals, discounts and free gift-with-purchase offers. Plus, current and new Rewards“R”Us™ members can earn 10% back on purchases made in-store and online.* Here’s what savvy savers can expect to find when shopping at Toys“R”Us:
- 10PM DOORBUSTERS – Over 150 dynamite deals on toys, games, electronics and more between 10pm on Thanksgiving night and 1pm on Friday, November 26
- BONUS 5AM DOORBUSTERS – 50 extra doorbusters beginning Friday at 5am until 1pm
- TENS OF THOUSANDS of limited edition Santa-ma-jigs!, Squinkies Holiday 50-packs and Justin Bieber Figures
- HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF FREE Crayola 64-Packs and Coloring Books with ANY purchase, while supplies last
- ONLINE PREVIEW of more than 60 unadvertised “Mystery Deals” on Toysrus.com and Facebook.com/Toysrus at 12:01am on Tuesday, November 23, which will be available in-store only between 10pm on Thanksgiving and 1pm on Friday
The 28-page Toys“R”Us Thanksgiving weekend circular will appear in newspapers across the country and online at Toysrus.com on Thursday, November 25, offering more than $11,000 in combined, weekend-long savings.
“We’re planning our biggest Black Friday ever,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “Beginning with our stores opening at 10pm on Thursday night, we’re ready to provide customers with more hours to shop, more ways to save and more of the hottest toys. Toys“R”Us will be the must-stop shop this Thanksgiving weekend.”
HOT TOY ALERT! Toys“R”Us Opens Doors with Exclusives and Holiday Must-Haves
Toys“R”Us will be the only place where customers can find a holiday-themed edition of this year’s popular singing plush Sing-a-ma-jigs!, aptly called Santa-ma-jig!, and a special set of the hottest new collectibles in a Squinkies Holiday 50-pack, which includes the rare yellow pig and blue monkey Squinkies. Also, Toys“R”Us stores will be the only location to offer Justin Bieber Singing Figures and Style Figures on Black Friday. Customers will have the best chance of finding the most coveted collectibles in-stock at Toys“R”Us.
FREE Crayola 64-Pack Crayons, Coloring Books and Gift Cards Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers
More than 250,000 Crayola gifts of a Crayola 64-pack of crayons and a coloring book will be available to the first Toys“R”Us customers across the country who make in-store purchases beginning at 10pm on Thanksgiving, while supplies last. Plus, dozens of additional free gift-with-purchase offers will be available in-store.
Social Media Makes Saving a Snap, Plus Special Sneak Peek on Facebook
Facebook users can now visit Facebook.com/Toysrus to access a special Toys“R”Us Black Friday application and submit an RSVP to receive a special sneak peek on Tuesday, November 23 at 12:01am of all the incredible deals waiting for them at Toys“R”Us stores.
Those who utilize the Toys“R”Us iPad app can also get an early glimpse of Black Friday deals and discounts beginning Tuesday, November 23 at 12:01am. To download the Toys“R”Us iPad app, visit Toysrus.com. Users also will be delighted to find that the app has been upgraded to provide instant notification of all new deals, exclusive events and other promotions available at Toys“R”Us throughout the holiday season.
Kick Off the Season of Savings with Hot Doorbusters: 10pm Thanksgiving Night
As soon as the Thanksgiving dinner table is cleared, thousands of families will pull out their newspaper circulars to scan, circle and cut out the greatest Black Friday deals. With Toys“R”Us stores opening at 10pm on Thanksgiving night, eager shoppers don’t have to wait long to take advantage of savings. Following are examples of select doorbusters available at Toys“R”Us stores beginning Thursday, November 25 at 10pm through Friday, November 26 at 1pm, while supplies last:
- FREE $50 Toys“R”Us Gift Card with the purchase of ANY new iPod Touch
- 75% OFF TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen Bumblebee Cannon or Helmet
- OVER 50% OFF Riptunes 2GB Mp3 Player with Video Capabilities
- 50% OFF Vtech Learning Laptop
- 50% OFF the Power Wheels Kawasaki and Barbie Lil’ Quads
- 50% OFF Toy Story 3 Talking 14” U-Command Buzz Lightyear
- 40% OFF Mindflex from Mattel
- 40% OFF Loopz from Mattel
- 33% OFF Select Lego Construction Sets
- SAVE $60 on Android 2.1 Tablet
- ONLY $9.99 for Select Nintendo DS and Wii Video Games
Toysrus.com will also preview more than 60 “Mystery Deals” on Tuesday, November 23 at 12:01am. These secret savings will be available in Toys“R”Us stores from 10pm on Thanksgiving until 1pm on Black Friday, but customers can only find out about them by visiting Toysrus.com in advance.
Early Birds Can Still Grab Hot Deals: 5am – 1pm on Friday, November 26
On Friday, those who want to catch some sleep before heading to stores will still have the opportunity to take advantage of incredible savings on the hot toys of the season at Toys“R”Us with a new wave of doorbuster deals available from 5am – 1pm on Friday, November 26, while supplies last. Following are examples of doorbusters available to those who are early to bed and early to rise this Black Friday:
- 75% OFF Fisher-Price Wonder Pets Schoolhouse Adventure Play Set
- Over 60% OFF Select Games, Including The Simpsons, Twilight and the 80’s Versions of Scene It?
- 50% OFF Liv Fashion Dolls with Pet Dogs
- 50% OFF G.I. Joe: The Rise of The Cobra Pit Mobile Headquarters
- 50% OFF Playskool Chuck My Talking Truck
- 50% OFF Vtech Paint & Learn Art Easel
- 40% OFF Select Video Game Controllers for Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation
- Save $40 on Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock for Wii
All Day Friday and Saturday Two-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Sale
Customers can take advantage of deals and discounts on more than 150 additional items at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide all day Friday and Saturday. Following are highlights of the hot deals available at Toys“R”Us stores during the 2-day sale on Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27, while supplies last:
- FREE Easel Starter Kit with the purchase of ANY Imaginarium or Crayola Easel priced $19.99 or more
- FREE Pampers Box of Wipes with the purchase of ANY Two Pampers Value Boxes of Diapers
- Buy One Get One FREE Offer on Personalized Mugs, Water Bottles and Sippy Cups
- FREE Mountain Pass with the purchase of the Imaginarium Arch Table
- 50% OFF Select Crayola Arts and Crafts Sets
- 50% OFF ALL Clearance Clothing and Shoes
- 50% OFF ANY Carters purchase
- 50% OFF Medical Kit from Fisher-Price
- ONLY $19.99 for a Special Edition Mighty Beanz Bundle from Spin Master
- ONLY $14.99 for Video Game Memory Value Packs
Toys“R”Us Store Hours for Thanksgiving Weekend:
Thursday, November 25 at 10pm – Friday, November 26 at 10pm***
Saturday, November 27: 7am – 10pm***
*Excludes purchases of gift cards, shipping and handling charges, and reward eligible greeting cards, formula, diapers and LeapFrog products. See a store employee or Toysrus.com/Rewards for maximum rewards and complete details. Customers who spend $500 or more will earn the maximum reward of $50 in “R”Us Dollars.
**Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will open at 10pm on Thursday, November 25, except for stores in Paramus, NJ, which will open on Friday, November 26 at 7am, and select stores in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico, which will have varying store open times. All store hours can be found online at www.toysrus.com/blackfridaystorehours.
***In general, these hours do not apply to Toys“R”Us Express locations, which will follow their respective mall hours. Check the Toys“R”Us store locator at Toysrus.com for expanded hours in select locations.
Join our newsletter!
Subscribe to get updates and great stuff via email including subscriber-only goodies like free printables and giveaways.


text:
The mobile app development sector has gained popularity in this tech-leading world. Since the inception of smartphones, the world’s picture has been changed to an innovator one.
“mobile app development, app development, app development softwhere, app development company, app development cost”
People are much inclined to use digital solutions like mobile apps for their every purpose, whether ordering food or booking a cab. And past two years has been experienced a significant pause due to the pandemic. Almost every sector and industry has faced a pause and hurdles in deploying their services. But at the same time, the pandemic has accelerated the pace of using smartphones and applications, and the same acceleration has given a pace in mobile app development.
2021 has experienced a massive surge in mobile app development. Many app development agencies have experienced a massive evolution in developing mobile apps using different and updated mobile app development trends of 2021, and now companies and app owners are excited to explore the new trends of 2022 and develop the apps that will rule the market and deliver the un-matched user-experience.
Let’s have some statical view of the app development domain, and then after we look at the picture of app development trends:
Major industries leading the use of on-demand mobile app services (in billions of USD)
Online Marketplaces: 35.6
Food & Groceries: 4.7
Most popular app development categories in the USA
Communications & Social: 97.9%
Utilities & tools: 96.6%
Travel: 84.7 %
In 2021 alone, around 196 billion mobile apps would be downloaded on the Google Play Store, with 42 billion more on the Apple App Store.
Pandemic has accelerated the internet market with 89.2 % of mobile time spent on mobile apps.
Now, let’s dive into the mobile app development trends 2022:
Here, we’ll list major mobile app development trends that will lead the 2022 and more…
Advancements in IoT and Cloud
IoT and Internet of things (IoT) technology and mobile-related intelligent products have been around for a long time, however, the market is developing, and IoT spending is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2023, as per Statista. The most significant driver behind cloud and IoT reception is security, arising issues for organizations.
With more than $120 billion spent on IT security in 2019 around the world, it’s not difficult to see why organizations are searching for different services. IoT and the cloud offer different benefits, including decreased functional expenses, further developed effectiveness, and expanded associations with different platforms through APIs.
Enlistment of 5G Technology:
We have seen the mobile app development drifts and commitment to 5G technologies for an unrivaled user experience with evolving innovation. As a piece of this trend in 2022, the exactness and effectiveness of smartphones will increment to a significant degree.
With the developing, IT industry, Software development company is running towards the current turn of events and offering productive apps from supporting organization proficiency to traffic limit with the assistance of 5G technology.
Utilizing 5G technology during the app development and testing, the association can offer superior services with speedier results.
Application Development for foldable devices
The vast majority of us have utilized flip-flops like 10 years prior. In any case, foldable devices are the new normal where Mobile phones are changing from Touch screens to GPS functionalities, and only one or no buttons have assumed control over the market.
Foldable devices have shaped a rebound in the mobile market regarding development. The hypothesis is that an app should offer adaptability and flawlessly change its presentation as the screen creases or unfurls.
Various enterprises use guide innovation, e.g., medical services, eCommerce, historical centers, inns, and so forth. Even though it was presented in 2013, it has as of late become well known. By utilizing this technology, disconnected universes can be associated extraordinarily on the web.
For example, beacons allow you to all the more likely to comprehend your clients’ way of behaving by investigating how they collaborate with your portable applications at your actual stores. The guide technology trends will be reference points for mobile payments, AI-empowered chips, and AI and ML devices.
Utilizing low-energy Bluetooth technology, beacons send signals to other brilliant devices. More precisely, a store signal associates with the user’s phone through Bluetooth and offers deals and development. The client will get a wide range of data about items or deals close by.
Online business and e-commerce often get confused with one another. Be that as it may, online business portrays the deal or acquisition of labor and products through the web. Conversely, m-business or mobile trade is just an augmentation of online business. However, the exchange currently happens on the web through a smartphone explicitly.
M-commerce has been an incredibly developing trend for the past three years, and it will continue to be so in 2022. While COVID pushed mobile business, an ever-increasing number of users have embraced it, which implies that the trend of shopping through smartphones won’t stop short.
What’s more, if you’re not persuaded, it is assessed that mobile business will reach $22 billion by 2022, addressing a consistent pace of development. Furthermore, in light of the consistent development of this pattern, mobile application developers likewise have added strain for better-performing apps and, surprisingly, native apps for e-commerce.
Applications Dependent Blockchain
Blockchain has been popular for quite a while, and consequently, it has advanced more among cryptographic forms of money and qualities of most digital resources.
One of the most famous arising mobile app trends in 2020 is Blockchain, as it permits the plan of decentralized data sets. These decentralized information bases work without a solitary or organization protector.
Also, because of its security and nobody individual can get too touchy with clients’ data by adjusting data sets, Blockchain apps are profoundly secure.
3D Graphics for Mobile Apps
Generally utilized in businesses, 3D plans are fundamental components for 3D printing, engineering, animation, gaming, and modern plan. 3D designs are fused in mobile apps for digital creation that gives a constant impact.
3D realistic components are nothing unexpected likewise, with the expansion in innovation; the planning field is additionally developing. Whether iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, the 3D application gives you quality outcomes for nothing.
Such helpful and alluring designs will turn into a massive component of smartphones and tablets as they offer a massive degree for animation and the production of a mind-boggling realistic product.
Conclusion: app development
Mobile app development is continually evolving. Assuming you’re building applications today utilizing data from a few years prior, you will not have the option to remain cutthroat. Mobile application industry trends can represent the deciding moment in the progress of your business.
As an affiliate or mobile app development company, you can treat the 2022 mobile app trends like your book of scriptures. This is the way you can acquire an edge in your space. All of the mobile app developers in your group need to comprehend mobile app development drifts and fuse them into the app development process.
You don’t be guaranteed to have to execute every trend into each app you assemble. However, you want to have an overall comprehension of how the market is moving so you can adjust in like manner.


text:
Australia’s beef exports remained red-hot in February, as drought-induced herd liquidation produced large quantities and plants typically shuttered this time of year due to the rainy season were in full operation throughout the month.
February chilled/frozen exports totaled 100,031 mt, up 24 percent from a year ago and the largest monthly volume since October. The United States (23,453 mt, +38 percent) was the largest destination, reflecting sky-high U.S. prices for 90CL (lean manufacturing beef). The weak Australian dollar, which is down 15 percent from a year ago against the U.S. dollar, also contributed to this growth, and filled a void in U.S. supplies as U.S. cow slaughter was down 8 percent year-over-year. Further illustrating tight North America supplies, Australia’s February exports to Canada (3,153 mt, +194 percent) nearly tripled from a year ago.
Exports to No. 2 destination Japan were up 5 percent to 22,159 mt, including 9,873 mt of chilled beef (+6 percent).
China (13,183 mt, +11 percent) continues to edge out South Korea as Australia’s third-largest market, although China took no chilled beef (1,705 mt were imported in February 2013) again last month as its ban on Australian chilled beef continues. Australian trade publication Beef Central also notes that 14 percent of Australia’s export volume to China still enters the country in frozen carcass form, providing work for China’s boning operations that are struggling to source local domestic beef. At its peak last year, this ratio was about 20 percent.
February exports to Korea were up nearly one-third (12,333 mt, +32 percent), although the increased in chilled beef (2,486 mt, +3 percent) was much more modest. Exports to Indonesia surged (6,072 mt, +192 percent) as Australia continues to capitalize on Indonesia’s recently-relaxed import license requirements.
The European Union (1,951 mt, +80 percent) was a growth market again in February. Chilled product (1,867 mt, +82 percent) made up most of the volume as Australia continued to grow its shipments under the grain-fed, duty-free quota. Exports to the Middle East (5,040 mt, -8 percent) trended lower but chilled volumes (1,710 mt, +20 percent) were still strong, reflecting growth to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Exports were sharply lower to Russia (403 mt, -70 percent) following Russia’s recent ban on trenbolone.
Australia’s February cattle indicator price remained 11 percent lower than a year ago in U.S. dollar terms, although the weaker currency accounts for much of this decline. Australia’s cattle slaughter remains inflated and there are growing concerns about tight beef supplies in the longer term, following nearly two years of significant herd liquidation. ABARES projects cattle slaughter for the current marketing year (July 2013- June 2014) to finish 8.5 percent above last year’s total. Correspondingly, the herd is expected to fall to 27.1 million head – the lowest since 2009-2010, a year that was also impacted by drought. After record exports this year – expected to be up another 10 percent – ABARES projects a 7 percent decline in 2014-2015 as producers begin to rebuild herds. But this will depend on rainfall, which is not currently in the forecast for Queensland.
Sources: Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) and World Beef Report


text:
Current production capacity is said to be 20 megawatts (MW). However, the company intends to ramp this up to 40 MW by the end of next year. The 30,000 square foot factory is kitted out with automated technology from Europe. Meanwhile, raw materials are said to come from Japan, USA, Taiwan and Belgium.
While Tapans current modules have an efficiency of 15 percent, it plans to release a new series, with modules expected to be between one and 1.5 percent more efficient, and possess self-cleaning capabilities. The company also manufacturers CFL- and LED-based solar street lights, solar lanterns, solar charge controllers, and solar water heating systems.
According to Tapan, over 200 distributors have "joined hands" with Tapan, having shown "great interest" in the Elecssol modules. The company concludes by saying that it is now looking for opportunities to work with engineering, procurement and construction contractors in India.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.org.


text:
The arms race between Facebook and Snapchat has reached a new level, as Facebook announced on Thursday the launch of a new and improve native camera feature in its Messenger app that comes operational with tons of filters.
Samsung introduce the biggest moves in mobile world, the future mobile with the fold screen and breakthrough features which involves the high end Technology and flawless resolution. Let’s have a look on the specification, features, price and review of Samsung galaxy fold. The vice president of Samsung Display is confident the problems with the screen […]
Many times, you might want to see your Android phone’s screen on your PC. How do you do that? We have here a solution for the same. If you have rooted your Android device, it’s easy to do the same. But if you haven’t rooted, there are still some simple ways to get your phone or […]
Mp3juice Understand your headache of your every day, Search ultimate favorite mp3 music and make it as Simple mp3 downloader And also contain important role as “MP3 Cutter”. MP3Juice is best search engine for free mp3 songs download. Mp3Juice provide free download functionality with high quality music file and most important thing is that no […]


text:
Grab your umbrella as you head out the door…rain is in the forecast today and the possibility of showers continues through Saturday. The IE could also see thunderstorms late this afternoon and a winter storm warning goes into effect tonight in our local mountains. Resorts could see up to nine inches of snow over the next few days.
Black Friday is still more than a week away, but a woman from Cabazon is already in line at the Best Buy store in Beaumont.In fact, Vickie Torres says she has been first in line the last three years. Torres says she is on a fixed income and this is the only way she can afford a television and a Kindle tablet. This year she’s getting a little break since Best Buy is opening at 6 pm Thanksgiving evening.
New research provides the strongest evidence yet that eating nuts can lower your risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and a number of other causes. The study published Wednesday involved more than 118-thousand healthy volunteers. Researchers at Harvard University found that people who ate a one-ounce daily serving of walnuts, cashews, almonds, or other tree nuts were 20-percent less likely to die from any cause during the 30-year study.
Renowned psychic Sylvia Browne has died. Browne was a frequent gues on Larry King Live and the Montel Williams show. She was 77.
Federal regulators are issuing a rule that requires lap and shoulder seat belts for each passenger and driver on new motorcoaches and other large buses.
Xbox gamers will be crowding outside game stores and major retailers tonight to get their hands on the Xbox One. Microsoft’s newest game console goes on sale at midnight tonight. It goes for $500.
November 21, 2013 at 5:13 am | News | No comment


text:
Let’s start with the free and cheap stuff –
- The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe for 1 cent. A short story – not an audiobook.
- She’s Got it Bad by Sarah Mayberry – Free Audiobook at Audible (via MobileRead).
- Pulitzer Prize winning All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren. It’s narrated by Michael Emerson.
Speaking of free a quick reminder that 65,000 19th century fiction books from the British Library’s collection are going to be made available for Kindle owners this spring. The project is funded by Microsoft and comprises a lot of rare 19th century editions.
Nooks will be in stores starting Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Electronista cover the news that B&N will have some amount of Nooks available for purchase in stores starting Wednesday, February 10th –
Barnes & Noble today said that the Nook will at last reach its retail shops.
While it has had demo units in stores since launch in the fall, the bookseller now says it expects most locations to have units directly available to buy on Wednesday the 10th.
That would make it the perfect time for Amazon to announce something – Perhaps a price cut? Perhaps a new product? Perhaps a news conference?
It gives B&N quite an advantage and it’ll be interesting to see whether sales trends change. The Nook has had 2 software upgrades and that may have a big impact too.
Kindle and eReader Snippets
- Amazon hired Mike Nash (formerly of Microsoft) to work on the Kindle Team.
- Gavin De Becker has made his bestselling books The Gift of Fear and Just 2 Seconds available exclusively (exclusive in terms of ebooks) in the Kindle Store. Amazon certainly seem focused on exclusive deals of all sorts.
- True Slant point out that Random House are not pushing for the agency model. This quote from Madeline McIntosh of Random House regarding delaying ebook releases is very insightful –
“I haven’t been convinced that it’s good for the author or consumer to delay the release.
My fear is that the consumer who has fully embraced the technology will buy another e-book that is available or lose interest altogether.
What if I train the consumer that the best scenario is to get it free?”
Kindle Apps beginning to get exposure
- Android Guys have a good post comparing Android and Kindle Apps – He’s basically saying that they both use Java and that Kindle Apps at launch might be a big opportunity though Android is (much?) better long-term.
- Kindle Apps and the Kindle Development Kit are beginning to get a lot of coverage – The late friday announcement meant the press ignored it. However, today there are 21 news articles about it and a lot of blog posts. There are also a lot of people writing that they are signing up though whether or not they’ll code apps is up in the air.
- It’s pretty interesting to see different people offer up ideas on what sorts of Apps might work and what Kindle Owners might embrace.


text:
That's a lot of names--and a lot of personalities--to deal with, but Ford appears to have kept the race car on-message. The EcoBoost engine, built by Roush Yates Racing Engines, promises competitive power and better gas mileage than the V-8s it will compete against next year.
"This engine is the future," says Roush Yates Racing Engines CEO Doug Yates in a statement. "This Ford EcoBoost engine includes all the newest technologies – direct injection, turbocharging and high efficiency. We’re looking at taking it to the next level through this sports car racing program."
Ford is keeping mum on the specifications and capabilities of the new EcoBoost engine, likely for competitive reasons, but it thinks it will do well at its debut race--the notoriously challenging 2014 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Before it hits the track in anger, however, it will run exhibition laps at Daytona International Speedway on October 9, where it will attempt a record-run speed test with Colin Braun behind the wheel. The goal: to beat the 210.364-mph lap run by NASCAR champ Bill Elliot during qualifying for the 1987 Daytona 500.
The new Daytona Prototype will also wear fresh Ford production-inspired body work, in an attempt to better tie its road products to its race products.
"This EcoBoost-powered car is obviously adapted for racing applications with racing controls, but ultimately we’re running what we’re selling and selling what we’re running," said Jamie Allison, director of Ford Racing.
To follow along with the next steps in the car's development, including the record speed attempt October 9, follow Ford Racing on Facebook and Twitter.


text:
The plane that taught thousands to fly, the Cessna 150, turns 50 this year. Today, owners are celebrating with a mass fly-in to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual AirVenture, held in Oshkosh, Wisc.
The show doesn’t officially open until Monday.
Cessna will display a different vintage Cessna 150 every day at its booth during the show. The company produced the plane from 1959 and 1977. More than 23,000 were built.


text:
The tail-end of 2022 is already here and the holiday season is in full swing.
By Frances Marcellin 16 Nov 2022 737 young people participated in this year’s Open
For the baseball player, its going to be hard to beat these gifts this holiday
“We closed our stores and distribution centers last year on Thanksgiving as a way of
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) today announced it will close all


text:
Smart home device shipments are expected to decline 2.6 percent in 2022 to 874 million units, according to IDC’s latest forecast.
A disruption in the supply chain has affected shipments of smart home devices.
“We have downward pressure on demand in 2022 as inflation continues to weigh on consumers’ wallets. Looking ahead, we expect volatility to continue to hinder market growth in 2023 and beyond,” said Adam Wright, senior research manager, Smart Home and Office Devices.
Shipments of smart home devices will grow at 4.6 percent in 2023 with most of the growth coming from emerging markets as well as China.
Smart speaker shipments are expected to decline in the long run in developed markets such as the United States and China.
“Smart speakers will be relied upon in emerging markets and places like Europe where language and lack of services have been barriers to adoption in the past,” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for Mobility Trackers and Consumer Devices IDC.


text:
U.S.-based graphics card maker Nvidia has said the downturn in sales to cryptocurrency miners drove a “disappointing” fourth quarter.
In its latest financial report, published Thursday, the firm said for Q4, ending Jan. 27, it made revenue of $2.21 billion, down 24 percent from $2.91 billion in the same quarter last year, and down 31 percent from $3.18 billion in the previous quarter.
The firm said it is still feeling the effects of a drop-off in the crypto mining market, with an excess of inventory it had struggled to sell.
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang commented:
“This was a turbulent close to what had been a great year. The combination of post-crypto excess channel inventory and recent deteriorating end-market conditions drove a disappointing quarter.”
In an earnings call on Feb. 10, Colette Kress, the firm’s executive vice president and CFO, added that the issue had caused the firm to reduce shipments in order to allow excess inventory to be sold. She added that inventory is expected to normalize in Q1 in line with its forecast.
The report also provides revenue numbers for the last full year.
Inventory issues aside, Nvidia said it made record revenue for the year of $11.72 billion, up 21 percent from the year prior. It also saw record yearly revenue from its gaming, datacenter, professional visualization and automotive segments.
“Despite this setback, NVIDIA’s fundamental position and the markets we serve are strong,” Huang said. “The accelerated computing platform we pioneered is central to some of world’s most important and fastest growing industries – from artificial intelligence to autonomous vehicles to robotics. We fully expect to return to sustained growth.”


text:
Retail chains note an increase in the number of buyers on the day of the most massive sales compared to last year.
The traditional Black Friday shopping day in the USA, which usually becomes a record in terms of sales for the whole year, this year, it seems, will not be an exception. The administration of the largest shopping center in the USA – Mall of America in Minnesota – reported that the influx of shoppers since Friday morning amounted to about one hundred thousand people – about twice as much as last year. Macy’s and Forever 21 stores in the capital of the country – Washington – were crowded because of the abundance of people. The National Federation of Retailers predicts an increase in sales during the holiday season by 8.5-10.5 percent compared to last year.
However, not all retailers managed to prepare for Black Friday properly: in many places, customers who took a queue, for example, for the latest models of televisions, were disappointed to learn that this sample was not available – supply disruptions did not allow some stores to offer a full range of goods.
Although some retail chains have previously reported a slight decrease in-store traffic, the activity of buyers on the Internet should compensate for the lack of turnover in traditional retail halls. In recent years, more and more Americans prefer to hunt for shopping at home, sitting at a computer or smartphone. Online sales are expected to grow by 10% compared to “Black Friday”-2020.
Retail chains also reacted to this trend: due to the pandemic, many firms preferred to close their stores on Thanksgiving, but announced significant discounts on goods on the Internet.
But there are exceptions: the analytical company Allianz Research predicts that products such as children’s toys, clothing, household appliances, televisions will cost customers 5-17 percent more this holiday season than last year.


text:
- Rahat Scheme launched to facilitate 1.86 lakh shopkeepers and traders
- Disbursal of VAT refunds facilitated online by creating dedicated fund
NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The Punjab Government has attained growth rate of 11.9 percent in collection of taxes to the tune of Rs 9114 crore by the end of August 2014 as compared to Rs. 7317.92 crores collected during the same period registering an increase of Rs. 965.97 crores.
Giving an account of revenue collections under various heads by excise and taxation department, an official spokesman said VAT collection had increased by 11.9 percent, central taxes by 5.8 percent, entertainment tax by 8.8 percent, luxury tax by 18.4 percent and overall revenue from state excise had registered 12.5 percent growth. He further added that state collected Rs. 7317.92 crores taxes from sales and trade Rs. 29 crores from entertainment and luxury tax and Rs. 1767 crores from state excise.
Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds excise and taxation portfolio, he said Punjab was the first state to launch one of its own kind “Rahat Scheme” to facilitate 1.86 lakh shopkeepers and traders. Department has launched Punjab Small Traders Rahat Scheme-2014 to provide relief to small traders to end inspector Raj. This scheme extends the benefit of cashless treatment up to Rs. 50,000, life and accidental insurance worth Rs. 2 lakh, and Rs. 5 lakh insurance in case of damage to property due to fire.
He said “State government is focusing on accelerated business and trade growth by creating a congenial environment by eliminating Inspector regime besides providing hassle and tension free trade activities.” Under Rahat Scheme traders have to file self-declaration on a single page application for registration and no excise official would visit or inspect their premises for checking purposes. He stressed that this scheme would prove a boon for traders as they would get rid from maintaining account books, employ accountants, printing of stationary besides saving their plenty of precious time and energy.
Disclosing the reasons behind the growth rate in tax collection, spokesman said that as per the visionary initiatives of Deputy CM, online VAT refund disbursal and star rating scheme besides creating a dedicated refund fund to expedite the clearances of refunds have also be launched by the department. He said, “Under this scheme VAT refunds to be disbursed to the traders between 15 and 60 days. Firms having 5 star rating gets refund in 15 days, 4 star rating firms in 25 days, 3 star rating firms in 30 days and 2 star rating in 25 days while the rest are getting refunds in 60 days”.
He further elaborated that voluntary disclosure scheme also encouraged the dealers to come clean and pay their unpaid tax. He said single stage taxation system had been introduced for the ease of traders to free them from the burden of keeping books of accounts. Under this plan, tax has to paid at the first point of sale stage i.e. manufacturer or first importer. Besides, annual award scheme has been launched for highest tax paying manufacturers and traders. About 200 persons have been honoured”, he added.
He added that computerisation of department has already launched for the facility of e-filing, e-permit, e-pass and e-billing to benefit the traders besides facilitating corporate and businessmen to larger extent.


text:
Beer maker Heineken is slashing 8,000 jobs worldwide after a coronavirus-caused slump in sales.
The Dutch giant has been hit hard by the forced closure of pubs and clubs during the pandemic.
It came as restaurant chain Prezzo was placed into administration after failing to reach agreement with landlords on rent payments.
Private equity owner Cain International immediately bought back the bulk of the business through what is called a pre-pack arrangement.
It saved 2,900 jobs but 22 restaurants will close with 216 redundancies.
Jonathan Goldstein, chief executive of Cain International, said: “We firmly believe that strong hospitality businesses, such as Prezzo, have a bright future and will play an essential role in reviving the UK economy.
“However, to do so we must get through this current crisis of mounting liabilities and no revenues."
Heineken boss Dolf van den Brink announced his major shake-up as the Amstel and Birra Moretti brewer swung to a near £180million loss for 2020 due to the pandemic, after achieving a £1.9billion profit the previous year.
Revenues dived 17% over the year after pubs, bars and eateries closed their doors. Beer volumes tumbled by 8.1%.
A Heineken UK spokeswoman said: “The closure of pubs in March and subsequent restrictions, including over the Christmas period, have had an impact on sales volumes of beer and cider for the full year.
“While we experienced an increase in volumes in the off-trade, it in no way made up for loss of volume in the on-trade.”
Heineken said it expected fewer than 100 jobs would be shed in Britain.


text:
TOKYO (AP) — Toyota’s profit for the first fiscal quarter jumped to 1.3 trillion yen ($9 billion) — a quarterly record for Japan’s top automaker — as sales grew and parts shortages related to the coronavirus pandemic eased.
Toyota Motor Corp.’s April-June net profit rose 78% from 736.8 billion yen the previous year, the company reported Tuesday. Quarterly sales edged up 24% to 10.5 trillion yen ($74 billion) as vehicle sales improved on-year across major markets, including Japan and North America.
The difficulty obtaining computer chips that crimped auto production in recent years has eased, although it's unclear when that will get totally fixed, according to Toyota.
Quarterly sales totaled 2.3 million vehicles, up from 2 million the previous year. Demand for its hybrid models was especially strong. Toyota has long been a leader in hybrids, which switch back and forth between an electric motor and gas engine to deliver higher mileage.
The maker of the Prius hybrid, Camry sedan and Lexus luxury models said it was making good progress on selling battery electric vehicles.
During the quarter, Toyota sold 29,000 EVs, up from 4,000 vehicles sold the same period a year ago.
Koji Sato, who took over as chief executive from Akio Toyoda earlier this year, is promising an aggressive shift on electrification. He has acknowledged Toyota fell behind in electric vehicles, but he also stressed it’s going to catch up.
Toyota maintained its annual forecast to earn 2.58 trillion yen ($18 billion), up 5% from the previous fiscal year, on 38 trillion yen ($267 billion) in sales, up 2%.
Toyota shares rose more than 2% in Tokyo trading.
Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://yurikageyama.twitter.com


text:
Duncan Bannatyne launches war of words against TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is currently feeling the wrath of Scottish businessman Duncan Bannatyne, who has said he may sue the popular hotel review website over a 'dishonest' posting.
The Dragon's Den star is seeking to overturn the company's long standing policy to offer recipients of negative reviews the 'right to reply', after one of his properties received a less than favourable report from a hotel guest.
Feeling the fire: TripAdvisor has incurred the wrath of Duncan Bannatyne
Mr Bannatyne, who is estimated to have a personal wealth of around £320 million, said a review which had compared the Charlton House spa resort to 'Fawlty Towers' was simply a bid by a 'dishonest' customer to try and get a refund.
Fuel was added to the fire when TripAdvisor responded to Bannatyne's complaints by removing positive reviews of the four five-star hotels the entrepreneur owns.
He told the Telegraph newspaper: 'They have tried to bully me, they have sent threatening letters and
emails, they have urged me to shut up, but they won’t speak to me
The tycoon has said he'll spearhead a campaign to get TripAdvisor to remove 'dishonest' reviews
Mr Bannatyne is not the first to complain. Many disgruntled hoteliers last year launched a similar attack against the website, arguing that the limited moderation on the site, which has 35million reviews, threatens their livelihoods.
Increasingly powerful, TripAdvisor has proved hugely influential to holidaymakers researching hotels prior to booking.
The tycoon said he is willing to front a campaign against the internet giant: 'TripAdvisor is a despicable and cowardly organisation, which is bullying small hotel owners all over the United Kingdom.
'As a recent victim of a rogue review, I am well placed to lead the campaign for more protection against the perils of TripAdvisor.'
Emma Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor, argued that there was sufficient moderation on the site with a team of 'quality assurance specialists' constantly looking at reviews.
'If a property owner has an issue with a traveller review, we provide avenues for them to raise concerns and strongly encourage them to contact our owners’ centre, where issues will be investigated fully,' she said.
'Hoteliers also always have the option of posting a management response to any review on their property.'
Most watched News videos
- Rowdy Mexican couple get 'intimate' inside a public bank
- Annoyed woman attempts to teach indecorous man a lesson on the train
- Is this parrot channeling Rihanna by singing along to her hit song?
- Pervy presenter gets a little too touchy feely with model
- Children run in horror after seeing 'goblin' whilst playing
- Bat-wielding men jump out of van and start brawling in the road
- Horrific moment he is attacked with pool cue in South African bar
- Terrifying moment a huge great white lunges at a surfer
- Scene in Heidelberg as police react to car incident
- Djokovic and wife argue on Facebook after she forgets to end live
- Irate flyer loses it as she demands to get off of a plane
- Obama cheered on the streets of New York like a rock star