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Northfield, OH (PressExposure) March 05, 2013 -- Parents of teen drivers in the Cleveland area will soon have a better way to protect those teenagers from one of today's biggest on-the-road dangers: texting and driving. Locally owned car electronics company Sounds Perfect Car Audio has added a new mobile electronics service to its roster. The company will now be installing TextBuster technology from Bluetooth, which disables texting during the duration of the drive.
TextBuster can be programmed to send a blocking signal, via Bluetooth, to phones within the car, and will automatically block texts anytime the programmed phone is in the vehicle. The driver will be unable to text, check e-mail, or use the Internet while driving. These activities have all been proven to be extremely distracting, and thus dangerous to the driver, passengers in the vehicle, and other cars on the road. TextBuster technology is ideal for parents wanting to protect their teens, but can also be installed by companies into employee vehicles or in any other scenario where texting is prohibited or frowned upon.
Sounds Perfect Car Audio prides itself on excellent workmanship in all of its mobile electronics installations, including in-car Bluetooth installations. The company's car Bluetooth specialists have extensive experience and training that enables them to install TextBuster and similar units properly for optimal functioning and minimal change to the vehicle's appearance. TextBuster is designed to install neatly under a vehicle's dash.
"By installing TextBuster products, we're pleased to be able to help Cleveland's drivers stay safer on the roads," says Sounds Perfect Car Audio owner Donald Jarski. "As with all of our in-car Bluetooth installations, we strive for quality workmanship above all else."
Sounds Perfect Car Audio is one of Cleveland's premier car electronics companies, offering car audio, mobile video, navigation systems, remote starters, and, going forward, car Bluetooth products including TextBuster. The company offers lifetime labor warranties.


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Presenting various products from members of the Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft in West Java, the exhibit likewise marks 3 years of relationship in between Namibia and Indonesia.
“In May 2021, Indonesia and Namibia celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations,” states the ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Wisnu Edi Pratignyo.
“The exhibition is an event to introduce and promote Indonesian SME products to the Namibian community as well as to build a network between Indonesian and Namibian SMEs. The purpose of the exhibition is also to build cooperation in capacity building among SMEs of both countries.”
To this end, in addition to the clothes, jewellery, leather items and other crafts on screen, sale and offered to purchase wholesale, the embassy will be hosting an Indonesian batik handwriting workshop on 6 July.
“The embassy invites Namibian handcrafters, including those from the Namibia Craft Centre, to participate. In accordance with the government of Namibia’s regulations on public health related to coronavirus, the number of participants will be limited. Therefore, Namibian handcrafters should contact the embassy of Indonesia to secure their place in the workshop.”
Pratignyo states the objective of this workshop is to present Indonesian batik utilizing native Namibian products so individuals can establish their own Namibian design.
The exhibit and the workshop are an action to the continuous coronavirus pandemic, which has actually seen handcrafters and SMEs in both nations deal with extreme financial challenge.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, SMEs face restrictions on travelling and promoting their products in the global market,” states Pratignyo.
“Through the exhibition, the embassy expects that Namibians and relevant institutions in Namibia will have a better understanding of Indonesia’s great potential to produce export-quality handicrafts. Furthermore, the embassy expects to explore the possibility of cooperation with relevant institutions to develop SMEs.”
Indonesia’s SME promo exhibit, which began on 28 May at the Namibia Craft Centre’s Omba Gallery, ends on 10 June.
The display likewise consists of marketing videos highlighting Indonesia as a traveler location endowed with unbelievable landscapes, thrilling sport and experience travel, abundant cultures and first-rate coffee.

domain: news


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Daval has expanded its team with the new appointment of Jason Key as business development manager.
Key will be responsible for developing Daval’s network in the south-east of England in this newly-created role.
With experience in media sales, events, marketing and management, Key will draw on nearly five years’ sales experience working in the KBB and interior design sectors.
Key said: “I already knew of Daval having been in the industry for nearly half a decade and so I am really pleased to have the opportunity to play a role in the future of this brand.
“My aim is to focus heavily on increasing Daval’s operational value streams in the South-East, as well as expand the company’s route to market and potential for newly accessible products, systems and service capabilities.”
Managing director Simon Bodsworth said: “We are very happy to appoint Jason as our newest business development manager, helping to maintain the company’s market buoyancy and add to our expert team of talented, well-versed personnel.
“Working alongside Nigel Palin, another newly appointed business development manager, I am confident that Jason will deliver a refreshing level of commerciality and make good use of his already-established retail and wholesale contacts,” said Bodsworth.


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Samsung saving Huawei isn’t something you see every day but it just might end up happening regardless. Huawei is apparently on the verge of securing perhaps its first major ally in the era post U.S. technology ban. Curiously enough, that potential partner also happens to be its biggest smartphone rival. From another perspective, Samsung is on the verge of neutralizing the arguably biggest threat to its global smartphone dominance to date. Because the very existence of their fierce rivalry is what makes them such a potentially powerful pairing. And the Chinese company could certainly use a break right about now, no matter how small.
A recent report suggested the duo is close to reaching a large-scale supply agreement which would essentially have Samsung save Huawei’s 5G ambitions; one that would eliminate a key barrier to its ability to continue mass-producing 5G equipment. That would be chips of the wireless variety, of course. The very latest of which are based on a 7nm process node, cutting-edge tech few foundries can deliver.
For added context, Samsung’s proprietary solution can accomodate about 10 billion transistors on a silicon wafer the size of a penny. Now for the pivotal part: that’s likely doable without utilizing any tech owned by an American company. Which is essentially what the Trump administration’s recently extended Huawei sanctions are all about. There’s no telling how exactly would Washington respond to Samsung saving Huawei from this predicament. But it likely wouldn’t be able to do anything directly.
Samsung saving Huawei can only be bad news for consumers
Samsung is now said to be in the process of testing out that theory. Sources close to the firm report it already set up a benchmark 5G chip production line sans U.S. tech. The shop floor in question instead utilizes equipment from only Europe and Japan, as per the same insiders. The setup’s believed to include silicon testing machines from Yokohama-based Lasertec, while the actual production will be handled by a line based on Dutch IP. There’s but one option for 7nm EUV etching, anyway; that would be the semiconductor specialists from ASML based in Veldhoven, Netherlands.
In exchange for that key support act, Samsung would secure a truce with its most threatening competitor in the smartphone space. Besides a ton of money, of course, since it’s not like Huawei has many other options at this point. Assuming conceding the 5G race before it even truly began is still out of the question. At the same time, this would spell exclusively bad news for consumers. How would it not? It’s difficult to imagine an industry that wouldn’t capitalize on two of its biggest players getting friendlier.
Then again, it remains to be seen whether this quid pro quo actually ends up happening. It’s not like having Korean partners is what landed Huawei in hot water with the U.S. in the first place. No, no, the other Koreans. Of course, there’s the whole other matter of doing business with another internationally sanctioned nation in Iran, among a couple… dozen other incidents which led Huawei to the thankless position in which it now finds itself.


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Dynamics, a startup that’s developing a bunch of multi-purpose credit cards under the name Card 2.0, announced that it’s working with Citi Cards on a new product that will make it easier to redeem the credit card company’s reward points.
Once a card user has earned reward points from Citi, they can use the new Redemption card to apply those points to a payment at a store. You just press a button on the card to select whether you’re paying using the credit card or the points. That’s more convenient than many other ways of cashing in your points, like choosing from an online catalog of products or ordering a gift card.
Again, this is built on top of Dynamics’ Card 2.0 technology, which embeds new technology into the card while leaving it readable for old-fashioned magnetic stripe readers — when you press a button, the card rewrites its magnetic stripe.
Dynamics launched Card 2.0 at the DEMO conference last month co-produced by VentureBeat, where it won the $1 million DEMOgod award and was also selected as the favorite among VentureBeat’s writers. At the conference, Dynamics demonstrated its first two card types, MultiAccount (for accessing multiple credit card accounts on a single card) and Hidden (where users have to enter a security code before the card will work).
Still, I heard from multiple DEMO attendees that Card 2.0 sounded awesome — as long as Dynamics could actually make it work. The fact that it’s partnering with a major credit card company on a pilot program should help quell any remaining doubts. This announcement should also make it clear that Dynamics isn’t stopping with just two card types.
The company is based in Pittsburgh and has raised $5.7 million from Adams Capital management.
VentureBeat's mission is to be a digital town square for technical decision-makers to gain knowledge about transformative enterprise technology and transact. Discover our Briefings.


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"THE MANDALORIAN" content on TweakTown - Page 1
We found 14 items for the tag: THE MANDALORIAN
This is how The Mandalorian S2 looks so damn good: a gigantic LED wall
Stagecraft's gigantic LED wall that Industrial Light and Magic built for The Mandalorian S2 is freaking incredible, check it out!
Baby Yoda, the Mandalorian, and God of War's Kratos coming to Fortnite
Baby Yoda, The Mandalorian, and...God of War's Kratos?! are all coming to Fortnite with new Season 5 Zero Point content update.
Disney+ pushes past 73M subscribers, Netflix still far ahead with 183M
Disney+ subscribers shoot past 73 million, can't compare to Netflix with 183 million -- but originals like The Mandalorian help.
This new Mandalorian Xbox controllers costs $160, drops on December 31
The Mandalorian S2 begins on October 30, with Microsoft announcing its new Mandalorian Xbox One controller for $160 on December 31.
Baby Yoda comes to Star Wars Squadrons with new Mandalorian DLC
Baby Yoda arrives in a new The Mandalorian crossover supply drop in Star Wars Squadrons, bringing lots of cosmetics/trinkets.
New Mandalorian episodes coming October 30 on Disney+
Star Wars' massively popular spin-off is coming back next month with season 2, complete with new Baby Yoda adventures and more.
Netflix's 'The Witcher' is still the no.1 series in the entire world
Even through the transition into 2020, Netflix's The Witcher still remains the most in-demand TV show globally.
Disney+ is on the brink of 30 million subscribers, about to beat Hulu
When Disney+ released it gained traction immediately, now the platform is almost at 30 million subscribers.
Baby Yoda's cuteness was shockingly expensive for Disney
Disney really forked out a lot of cash to make sure Baby Yoda was cute.
Netflix's 'The Witcher' usurps The Mandalorian as most in-demand show
Netflix's The Witcher has dethroned Disney's The Witcher as the most in-demand TV show in the world.
The Mandalorian Season 2 is coming to Disney+ in Fall 2020
Jon Favreau says Season 2 of the Star Wars hit TV show is coming in Fall 2020.
The Pirate Bay tests pirate streaming, Mandalorian, Joker available
Want to stream The Mandalorian but don't have Disney+? That's why The Pirate Bay wants you to stream it illegally.
Baby Yoda coming to Battlefront II in unofficial mod
The universe's cutest fuzzy green child is coming to Battlefront II.
The Mandalorian's new trailer is like a Star Wars western
Disney's new original bounty hunter is a stylish gunslinging rogue, comes to Disney+ in November.


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Now we finally can mark our calendars for Skin Fetish 003, a highlighting kit that comes in golden and nude. After teasing the three-piece highlighting set on contour queen, Kim Kardashian's app, McGrath announced on Instagram that it will be available on April 26 though PatMcGrath.com. The site even has a waitlist area ready for your email address to be added.
Though her last two product launches were released in limited edition, Skin Fetish 003 will also be coming to select Sephora stores and Sephora.com in May, just in time to highlight your summer glow.
Take a look at the "#swatchporn" of McGrath's highlighters below:


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The iPhone 15 is already making headlines, with its release date rumored to be on September 12, 2023, according to Forbes. Tech enthusiasts are buzzing about the new features, including slimmer bezels, a 3nm A17 Bionic chip, and even a new Action button, as reported by 9to5Mac. While these updates are exciting, there’s one thing Apple shouldn’t change: its commitment to user privacy.
Apple has always been a pioneer in the realm of user privacy. It’s one of the brand’s unique selling points. In a world where data breaches and privacy concerns are rampant, Apple’s stance on user privacy is like a breath of fresh air. The company has integrated privacy features into its devices, from end-to-end encryption for iMessages to strict app review processes that ensure user data isn’t misused. These features have not only set Apple apart but have also set a standard in the tech industry.
Now, let’s talk about why this is crucial for the iPhone 15. With advancements in technology, the risks to user privacy are also escalating. New features like slimmer bezels and a more powerful Bionic chip are fantastic, but they should not come at the cost of compromising user privacy. The iPhone 15 is rumored to have significant updates, and while these are welcome, Apple must ensure that these advancements are aligned with its privacy policies.
The tech world is abuzz with rumors about the iPhone 15’s specs and features. Tom’s Guide mentions that we can expect several changes in the design and specs. However, amidst these changes, Apple’s core value of user privacy should remain untouched. Any dilution in this commitment could not only alienate a significant portion of Apple’s customer base but also tarnish the brand’s reputation.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 15 is set to bring a host of new features and improvements, Apple must not waver in its commitment to user privacy. It’s a cornerstone that has helped build the brand’s reputation and trust among consumers. As we eagerly await the iPhone 15’s release, let’s hope that Apple continues to hold this key aspect in high regard, ensuring that technological advancements and user privacy can coexist seamlessly.


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‘CNN Marketplace Africa’: The Telecommunications business in Africa is vibrant and highly competitive. In the last five years, the continent has had the fastest telecoms growth in the world.
This week, ‘CNN Marketplace Africa’ reports from Kenya, a country where roughly 80 percent of the population subscribe to a mobile service.
Safaricom Limited is the largest telecommunications company in the country, with an annual revenue of more than ten million dollars
Safaricom’s CEO Bob Collymore, reveals to ‘Marketplace Africa’ how important mobile services are in Kenya: “People will often sacrifice on the quality and the quantity of the food they eat but will not sacrifice on how much they spend on the mobile phone because it’s an essential part of their daily lives.”
Collymore says that the growth is attributed to understanding the micro nature of the economy: “Here we allow you to buy airtime for as little as 5US cents and that’s what made the difference.
In Kenya we call it the kidogo economy… the kidogo economy means that people buy things one cigarette at a time. You go to some places, it’s a squeeze of toothpaste at a time not a tube of toothpaste; and we responded to that. 99 percent or more of our customers are paying as they go.”
Eight years ago, Safaricom created a mobile based money transfer platform known as M-Pesa. The service is believed to be used by 21 million people who Collymore say conduct “a million transactions a day”.
This service is used in various ways: “It’s now being used for all sorts of things, it’s being used to pay micro-insurance, its being used for savings and loans, its being used for aid, so If an AID agency wants to distribute money directly to the beneficiary they’re using the mobile phone to do that and has had a critical impact in growing economic activity.”
The platform was previously hosted in Germany but delays there slowed the service, and motivated Safaricom to move the platform to Kenya which offers twice the speed in connectivity.
Collymore explains to Marketplace Africa’: “We spent several millions of dollars undoing this and now we are seeing faster transactions. It used to take about six seconds to complete a transaction, now it’s taking about three seconds to do that, so we’ve halved the time and now we have a platform that we can start to build some real cute functionality.
Dr. Fred Matiangi, who works at Safaricom, discusses the impact of mobile banking in Kenya, telling the programme:
“Today in Kenya, you can check your account with the national social security fund very easily from the comfort of your house. So that M-Revolution as it were is the focal point around which innovation has grown in our country and continues to thrive as it were.”
The increase in mobile capabilities is allowing companies like Safaricom to step into sectors they haven’t before.
Collymore tells ‘Marketplace Africa’: “We think there are opportunities which could be presented by the digital migration that we are seeing across the continent. So we think there’re lots of opportunities rather than being distracted by moving across into different geographies at this stage.”
Collymore concludes ‘Marketplace’ Africa saying: “We use the phrase ‘going beyond the limits.’ It’s by going beyond the limits that we went into mobile money; it’s by going beyond the limits that we are now looking at the opportunities around digital migration.”


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From Home Furnishing Business
Home Furnishings Business Reveals the Forty Under 40 Class of 2021
Leading industry trade magazine Home Furnishings Business (HFB) is pleased to announce the honorees of its Forty Under 40 Class of 2021, which recognizes young leaders in the home furnishings industry. Now in its eighth year the Forty Under 40, sponsored by Storis, includes stellar individuals whose actions and leadership are driving the industry forward through their commitment to their core values, professional excellence, business growth, and the communities in which they serve. In honor of the inductees, a slideshow is now available here.
Each year, an outstanding group of under 40s are nominated by their peers to be selected as honorees for the Forty Under 40. The purpose is to call attention to the best and brightest up and comers in the industry. The mission is to recognize and celebrate the spirit inherent in these young movers and shakers as they help position themselves and their companies for a successful future.
“The strength of young professionals in the home furnishings industry is something we have always believed in at Home Furnishings Business,” said Bob George, publisher and editor in chief of Home Furnishings Business. “Once again we set out to find the under 40’s who championed the mission of the Forty Under 40 and not surprisingly found 40 of the most committed, hard-working, and innovative individuals to spotlight, thanks to those of you that took the time to nominate them. The Class of 2021 is a most impressive group, and we are thrilled to spotlight them as our way to support, celebrate and connect our community in a meaningful way.”
In addition to the slideshow, the July/August issue of the magazine is dedicated to the Class of 2021 and their achievements. All of the honorees bring something new and exciting to the table, but each shares the same key characteristics of smarts and exuberance. The prestigious honor has a strong impact on the honorees—boosting morale, accelerating career growth, expanding professional networks, and increasing company loyalty.
To view the issue and see why the honorees have earned a spot in this year’s class, click here.
Honorees will be recognized, celebrated and inducted at a reception held during the High Point Fall Market.


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Rovi Completes Acquisition Of TiVo, New TiVo UX Interface Revealed
Rovi, the giant of on-screen program guide technology and search and recommendation tools, completed its $1.1 billion cash and stock acquisition of digital video recorder (DVR) pioneer TiVo, Thursday, and in an unusual turnabout, the buyer said it has changed its name to that of its new asset.
Shortly after the acquisition announcement, the company announced a new on-screen “user experience” called TiVo UX, which will bring together programming options from diverse platforms and sources in a viewer-friendly seamless search and recommendation experience.
“The new TiVo is uniquely positioned to provide ground-breaking offerings that address the rapidly changing media landscape,” stated CEO Tom Carson. “Our broader product portfolio, more innovative patented technologies, increased resources and a stronger financial profile position us strongly for success and to continue providing the ultimate entertainment experiences to consumers across the globe.”
Rovi said its shares will now be traded on Nasdaq under the TIVO ticker symbol. Daniel Moloney and Jeffrey Hinson, who were former directors of the old TiVo, will join the board of the new expanded company.
The new company expects big things from the acquisition to materialize quickly. Rovi said it expected at least $100 million in annual cost synergies to result, and 65 percent of that is forecasted over the first 12 months.
Read more on Rovi’s acquisition of TiVo after the jump:
TiVo, which first went public 17 years ago, was one of the first companies to introduce a hard drive-based video recorder tied to an on-screen program guide and intuitive program recommendation system.
TiVo called its initial devices personal video recorders, or PVRs, but later changed it to digital video recorder (DVR) as similar devices, like RePlay TV, began to appear followed by cable and satellite operators, among others, using DVR as a generic term.
TiVo had one of the most robust on-screen guides and user-friendly interfaces in the market, and over the years has profited from its related patents.
Rovi, which was at one point in its history known as Macrovision, the developer of a copy protection system for pre-recorded VHS movies and programs, has over the years branched out into a wide range of technologies for the digital age, many of which are centered around on-screen guides and search and recommendation technologies it has developed or acquired.
It garners considerable revenue from technology patents and licensing, and in April Rovi sued Comcast alleging that the cable MSO’s power remote recording and program search functions in the Xfinity AnyRoom DVR and X1 box violated its patents.
Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems
Carson said the company will develop products that enable users to access traditional pay TV channels as well as streaming services and what he calls “emerging providers.”
Executives with TiVo have said the union in particular brings intriguing possibilities in the areas of metadata, enhanced and expanded recommendation features and voice technologies.
On the heels of the closing announcement, TiVo revealed it has developed a new user interface designed for “a new generation of user experience (UX)” from today’s TVs and mobile screens. The new UI is designed to bring content from “an increasingly diverse array of sources” quicker and easier.
Among the new capabilities is presenting a choice of shows based on such things as time of day, past viewing choices, and the devices used.
The UX is said to be “visibly rich” and “builds on TiVo’s world-class usability, ensuring the viewer is always close to what they are looking for across content sources, and provides customizable shortcuts for functions on the main menu to give users faster access to their entertainment – not just traditional TV and movies, but also music and short-form videos.”
The company said the system will redefine “traditional TV” and “allow every device to become a primary screen for video consumption.”
By Greg Tarr
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Copyright ©2016 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HD GURU is a registered trademark.
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A little different episode today, but critically important for all of us. Apple is fighting the FBI’s demand that the company create malware to break into the iPhones of the San Bernardino killers. A judge has ordered the company to do it but Apple is looking to appeal that and Google is publicly siding with Apple. It’s important to understand that the government cannot simply obtain a search warrant because Apple itself doesn’t know, or have the ability right now to know, what data its customers store in the private areas of their iPhones. This is a straightforward constitutional issue and comes down to this question: Do we want to exchange essential liberties for a little safety? Benjamin Franklin gave us insight on that question. This is an important episode.
- According to Forbes, the FBI is using the courts to force Apple to write malware.
- Seattle Times editorial: this is a slippery slope.
- Apple CEO Tim Cook’s letter to customers.
- “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” —Benjamin Franklin, in a letter from the Pennsylvania Assembly to the Governor, November 11, 1755
- “Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.” —Ronald Reagan, Inaugural Address as Governor of California, January 5, 1967, echoing certain sentiments from John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961.


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Kraft Foods’ Gevalia Kaffe coffee brand will operate a temporary, pop-up cafe in New York City’s Times Square during the Christmas/New Year holiday week, starting Dec. 24.
The Gevalia Cafe, at 253 West 47th St., will treat locals and NYC visitors to free cups of Gevalia coffee and coupons.
The goal is to introduce coffee lovers to the “rich, never bitter taste of Gevalia” and encourage them to make a resolution to “leave bitter behind” by switching to the brand, says Gevalia.
"Johan," the ambassador featured in the brand’s advertising, will make an appearance at the Gevalia Cafe on Dec. 30, during which he will serve coffee and pose for photos with guests.
The cafe will be open 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Dec. 26 and 27; 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. on Dec. 28; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Dec. 29; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Dec. 30; and 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Previously available online only, Gevalia began offering its top 10 varieties in U.S. grocery retailers nationwide late last year.


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McDonald's in Grimsby town centre is all set to reopen after undergoing a three-week refurbishment designed to "enhance the dining experience".
The grand opening of the modernised Victoria Street restaurant will take place at 10.30am tomorrow when customers will have their first opportunity to enjoy the new facilities in place, including iPads, self-service machines and table service.
The restaurant will also be unveiling its new signature selection menu.
The Grimsby Telegraph was given a sneak peak inside the newly-revamped McDonald's to have a look at all the work that has been done in the past three weeks.
The old dated decor has been removed and replaced with modern fittings, bringing it in line with other restaurants around the region. It is the final McDonald's in North East Lincolnshire to receive the modern update.
A spokesperson for the restaurant said: "We would like to invite everyone down to our grand opening as we unveil our newly-refurbished restaurant on Victoria Street.
"The three-week makeover has enhanced our store in order to improve the dining experience for all of our customers.
"We have installed new iPads, self-service kiosks and will now provide a table service to our customers, which we are sure will become a huge benefit, especially with those who have young families.
"As well as the new store we will also be offering our new signature selection range, which gives you a choice of three premium burgers, served on a brioche bun."
Last week, a construction worker at the restaurant had to be taken to hospital after suffering a head injury while working on the refurbishment.
The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance was called but was deemed to no longer be necessary on arrival.


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Months of planning to organise the first ever Foodie Awards for Coventry & Warwickshire finally culminated in a fabulous evening celebrating some of the region’s best hospitality businesses.
Being ask to get involved in the awards – the first of their kind in the region – was not only a privilege but allowed me to bring some PR skills to the organising committee, as well as my food knowledge and contacts to help put together an awards programme that wouldn’t be about the big corporate sponsoring it, but the businesses themselves.
Along with Talk Business and Chalmers News PR, as well as Visit Coventry and Coventry BID, we organised a full programme comprising 15 food and drink categories that would allow us to showcase the full range of businesses across Coventry & Warwickshire.
The Foodie Awards didn’t just include one grand finale, but a finalists’ night, as well as a Masterchef-style cook-off judged by celebrity chef Glynn Purnell and his former boss Andreas Antona, owner of The Cross in Kenilworth.
Judges on the panel to decide the final winners included some of the area’s top food figures including Russell Allen, managing director of award-winning butcher Aubrey Allen, entrepreneur, investor and speaker John Stapleton and food influencer Chris Hardy AKA ‘The Fat Foodie.
Winners were as follows:-
Foodie Champion, sponsored by The Leamington Courier – The Barn Kitchen
Artisan Drink Producer of the Year – Dhillons Brewery, Coventry
Artisan Food Producer of the Year – Price’s Spices, Leamington Spa
The Godiva Award, sponsored by Coventry BID – Dhillons Brewery
Pub/Bar of the Year – Dhillons Brewery
COVID Resilience Award – Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen, Stratford-upon-Avon
Cafe/Coffee Shop of the Year – Warwick Street Kitchen, Leamington Spa
Best Newcomer Award – Pasta Brothers, Leamington Spa
Express to Success Awards, sponsored by Comesto – Price’s Spices
Farm Shop of the Year, Hilltop Farm Shop and Cafe, Leamington Spa.
Food or Drink Experience Award – Bread for Life, Leamington Spa
Restaurant of the Year – Turmeric Gold, Coventry
Chef/Cook of the Year – Tobias Reutt, Earlsdon Supper Club
Independent Business of the Year – Proof Bakery, Coventry.
Best Street Food – Stripclub Streetfood
Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, said: “I’m both relieved and inspired to have finally been able to host the first Foodie Awards and welcome all the finalists, supporters and guests to celebrate their amazing achievements from the last 18
“It’s fair to say that, after a series of postponements, at times we had our doubts about whether it could even happen, but all the organisers felt strongly that it would be a much-needed boost to the industry as it emerged from a very difficult time, so we were determined to adapt and push on.
“A big thank you as well to all our sponsors, without whom the night would not have been such a huge success – Visit Coventry (Coventry City Council); Visit Warwickshire (Warwickshire County Council); CW LEP; Comesto; Aubrey Allen; BID Coventry; NFU Mutual Central Warwickshire and Warwickshire College Group who produced the trophies. Now bring on Foodie Awards 2022!”
The event, which was hosted at The Box at Coventry’s FarGo Village, also raised more than £1,000 for the nominated charity, The Trussell Trust network of eight foodbanks in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Samantha Stapley, chief operating officer at the Trussell Trust, said: “The support of the Foodie Awards will help food banks within our network continue to provide the lifeline of emergency support for local people in crisis, while we work in the long term to build a hunger-free future.
“As the pandemic continues, more people are likely to need a food bank’s help. Food bank teams are working tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available.”
Reacting to a successful night for Dhillon’s Brewery, Trish Willetts, Director of Coventry BID and award sponsor, said: “The Coventry Brewery have their brewing facility by the CBS Arena, and took their first city centre unit during lockdown
restrictions in early 2021. They opened in the Christchurch Spire, one of Coventry’s three iconic Spires, and have gone from strength to strength.
“During the same time the team turned their brewery into a hand sanitising manufacturing unit to help with the battle of the virus supplying city centre businesses. Now they are embarking on their second bar which will be the Coventry City Tavern, a sports bar due to open on the outskirts of the city centre in August, with sponsorship with Coventry’s very own football team. They hit adversity in the eyes and kept on, keeping on!”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for tourism at Coventry City Council, said: “I was delighted to see so many businesses represented at the awards – they did our thriving food and drink sector proud. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and, in fact, everyone who entered.
“The awards gave a real boost to the hospitality sector in Coventry and Warwickshire and at just the right time. It’s been a tough year, but the awards ceremony reminded us that there’s great food and drink in our high street names, our independents and our new businesses.”
For more information on the Foodie Awards – and news on the Foodie Awards 2022 – visit www.foodieawards.co.uk


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AI R&D Update, Global Melanoma Concerns, Acnoc Challenge Results, and Loom Update
We hope everyone in our community stays safe and healthy given the recent developments with Covid-19. We also appreciate the dedication of our many followers and loyal supporters. Opu Labs is taking no short-cuts as we build out a viable and scalable personal health management platform.
The Opu Labs’ team continues to work on our core AI engine and we are very excited about the direction.
“Opu Labs’ R&D efforts have even focused on developing production-grade AI for identification and stratification of severity of skin imperfections. Our recent efforts have mostly focused on frontal face image processing, including segmentation of skin regions of interest, with the goal of localizing imperfections such as acne, redness, wrinkles, but also establishing probabilistic estimates of diseases, including melanomas.” – Dr. Prahlad Menon, Carnegie Melon University and Opu Labs AI Team Leader.
In addition to the most common concerns of acne, aging, skin pigmentation, and skin irritation, we are very concerned and plan to contribute to the worldwide concern related to melanoma. There are 132,000 new cases of melanoma each year. People in susceptible countries are very concerned about themselves and their children. Society needs better and more efficient tools for monitoring their skin health. We have had a long association with SkinAlive of New Zealand who has one of the world’s best sunscreens and one which is endorsed by the Melanoma International Foundation. Grant Lawrie, CEO of SkinAlive and a strategic partner for Opu Labs in New Zealand says “The rate of melanoma is disturbing – but we all need a wake up call – and to be honest I think this has gone beyond a wake up call – its now the Alarm Clock!”
Acne Challenge Results
We saw excellent results with all test users for the Acnoc All Hybrid Essence Challenge. All users reduced their acne score – on average the reduction was 82%. Seventy-five percent had sustained reductions and only twenty-five percent had fluctuating acne levels. You can read the full report here.
Loom continues to make great progress with their blazingly fast and gasless platform (we appreciate the shout-out). And our Loom deployment is now at the final testing phases. Given the permanence of smart contracts and blockchain deployments, the preparation and testing phase is naturally going to be longer and more critical than typical software deployments. The nature of Opu Labs’ business makes this preparation phase even more critical. We expect to have more announcements related to this soon.
Opu Labs – Recent Highlights
- Opu Labs named as company to watch by Forbes
- Opu Labs Selected as Winner of the AI Start-up Grand Slam in Singapore
- Opu Labs Named as CIO Applications “Top 25 Healthcare Solution Provider”


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The Food and Drug Administration plans to strengthen its oversight of the dietary supplement market in what Commissioner Scott Gottlieb called “one of the most significant modernizations of dietary supplement regulation and oversight in more than 25 years.”
The agency is developing a new “rapid-response tool” to alert the public to avoid buying products that may contain unlawful or potentially dangerous ingredients, the agency said in a press release Monday.
The dietary supplement industry is worth over $40 billion and the choices for consumers have skyrocketed from 4,000 products to 80,000 in the past 25 years, the agency said.
“As the popularity of supplements has grown, so have the number of entities marketing potentially dangerous products or making unproven or misleading claims about the health benefits they may deliver,” said Gottlieb.
The agency is also looking to update its compliance policies with new dietary ingredient notifications, or NDIs, which requires manufacturers to alert the FDA of any ingredients that weren’t sold in the U.S. before 1994.
“An effective NDI notification process represents the FDA’s only opportunity to evaluate the safety of a new ingredient before it becomes available to consumers and helps promote transparency and risk-based allocation of resources,” said Gottlieb.
It’s also creating the Botanical Safety Consortium, a partnership between the public and private sectors, to evaluate the safety of botanical ingredients and mixtures in supplements.
“This group will look at novel ways to use cutting-edge toxicology tools, including alternatives to animal testing, to promote the goals of safety and effectiveness we share with consumers and other stakeholders,” said Gottlieb.
It also is hoping to make enforcement processes easier, which allows employees to issue warnings to companies and consumers.
The FDA rolled out part of its plan Monday morning when it sent warning letters to 17 companies for “illegally selling” products that claim to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
“I’m concerned that changes in the supplement market may have outpaced the evolution of our own policies and our capacity to manage emerging risks,” said Gottlieb. “To continue to fulfill our public health obligations we need to modernize and strengthen our overall approach to these products.”
The FDA said it will continue to roll out plans in the next few months and that it plans to open communication up to the public and stakeholders.
Article source: CNBC.com
OUR THOUGHTS ON THIS:
Pro: Based on the situation with supplements and many false health claims, we see this as a 50/50 good news, for there are certain supplements that meets the most strict guidelines within the FDA, and there are those who do everything in their power to cut corners and increase profits, thus putting the consumer’s health at risk. So whatever it takes to police the bad actors in the industry.
Con: On the contrary, we do NOT trust the FDA at all, so we’re very concerned about the FDA’s measure in dictating the practices of the supplements industry. Based on clear evidence, the FDA has been notoriously and infamously known to have nefarious agendas regarding pharmaceutical products, at the same time make decisions that further threaten and jeopardize the health of the public. They are bought and paid for by big pharmaceuticals, and just mentioning the term “stakeholders” gives us a disturbing hint that they’re ready, locked and loaded to protect the investments of their stakeholders…AKA…owners’…AKA medical industrial complex’s bottom line, profits and influence.
Nevertheless, we also know our market and the majority of our consumers, and trust their abilities to investigate, verify, research, and trust their instincts and intuition regarding ANYTHING they choose to invest in and consume in their bodies they feel is best for their overall health that does NOT need a stamp of approval of a sold out governmental special interest firm.


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Seven years of data from more than 50 percent of the world’s farmed salmon sector is featured in the latest annual sustainability report from the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI).
Released on 11 May, the report’s data covers 15 key indicators – 10 environmental and five social – impacting salmon aquaculture operations worldwide. The new issuance, which highlights data through 2019, reveals some promising sector trends, GSI said, including a 50 percent reduction in the use of antibiotics over the past seven years, as well as a more holistic, collective approach to preventing and managing sea lice.
The report attributes the reduction in antibiotic use to improvements in stewardship, disease control, and fish welfare by GSI members.
“Minimizing the use of antibiotics is one of the key priorities of the GSI Biosecurity Taskforce, and this 50 [percent] reduction in overall use of antibiotics is a true testament to the commitment of the GSI members in improving antibiotic stewardship, disease control, and best-practice sharing,” explained Catarina Martins, the chief sustainability officer and chief technical officer for Mowi, a GSI member company. “Although situations vary regionally, we know there is benefit for everyone in coordinating efforts to find alternative methods to maintain fish health and welfare, and we will continue to focus on improving the environmental performance of the global industry.”
Meanwhile, a more holistic approach to sea lice prevention and management has resulted in a 50 percent decrease in medicinal use and a 130 percent increase in nonmedicinal approaches since 2013, GSI’s report found. A continued embrace of certification could be partially to thank for such promising figures – over 710,000 metric tons of farmed salmon produced by GSI members was sold as Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-certified in 2019, translating to almost 65 percent of total members’ production, the report noted.
In several areas, progress is evident, according to Blumar CEO and GSI Co-Chair Gerardo Balbontín.
“Each year we deliver the GSI Sustainability Report, it is always interesting to see what industry trends will be highlighted. But the trend we are most pleased to see is progress – which is not always a given. It is rewarding and motivating to see that the GSI model is supporting accelerated progress in sustainability performance across the industry, and that we are not only achieving rigorous sustainability standards, but also are making good headway towards longer-term goals and catalyzing innovations that are transforming the industry,” Balbontín said.
A new “Nutrient Profile” section has been included in the 2019 GSI Sustainability Report focusing on the information related to salmon’s nutritional value, such as macro- and micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and other health components. The addition coincides with the trend of farmed salmon producers providing “a nutrient-dense wholefood” that supports healthy diets, GSI explained.
“We felt it was important we provide the full picture on farm-raised salmon and salmon farming in this report from both and environmental and nutritional perspective to deliver a complete and transparent overview for stakeholders,” GSI CEO Sophie Ryan said. “It is now our role, in GSI, to continue to drive the changes in sustainability performance needed to support salmon farming’s ongoing contributions to healthy, sustainable diets and food systems.”
Established in 2013, GSI is comprised of 14 global farmed salmon producers representing approximately 50 percent of the global salmon production industry. GSI member companies are Australis Seafoods S.A.; Bakkafrost; Blumar; Cermaq; Salmones Camanchaca SA; Empresas AquaChile; Grieg Seafood ASA; Mowi; Multiexport Foods S.A.; New Zealand King Salmon; Nova Sea AS; Salmones Austral; Tassal; and Ventisqueros. These member companies have a presence in Australia, Canada, Chile, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
GSI also has a number of pharmaceutical and feed industry associate members such as Benchmark Holdings plc; BioMar; Cargill; Elanco; Merck, Sharpe and Dohme (MSD) Animal Health; PHARMAQ; Salmofood; and Skretting.


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E-commerce platform eSellerPro, an eCommerce software provider for multi-channel sellers, has secured a follow-on investment of £1m from Notion Capital, following the £1.8 million Notion put in 2010. The money will go towards the product and entry into new markets.
Although established online marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon, give retailers access to a huge customer base, it’s difficult to tie into those systems in an efficient way to keep storefronts up to date and manage multiple outlets. The eSellerPro platform cracks this by integrating the online sales process with existing internal systems. That means retailers can sync their back office systems with online marketplaces like Amazon. It’s closing the loop between online and offline.
eSellerPro is gunning to be one of the key SaaS companies in the UK. It claims to have tripled its revenues and customer base which includes Tesco Outlet, Dixons, Royal Mail, BMW, JJB Sports, Maplins, Whirlpool and BT Outlet. Its multichannel ecommerce platform processed £233m in sales on behalf of its customers in 2011 and they say they are heading to the £1m per day threshold.


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Samsung CF791 and CFG70 are two new additions to the gaming monitors family. The South Korean multinational company will officially introduce its latest additions at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) on September 1, which will take place at the Messe Berlin event center.
“As part of the launch of its new monitors, Samsung will offer IFA 2016 attendees a first-hand opportunity to experience this redesigned, immersive arena through an interactive gaming zone. Samsung’s booth will include stations where visitors can sample several of today’s leading video game titles on the CFG70 and CF791 monitors,” says Samsung in a press release.
The two curved monitors bring stunning colors across a 125 percent sRGB spectrum. Furthermore, the displays go through meticulous factory calibration before being shipped. Samsung CF791 and CFG70 monitors are optimized for various settings to enable players to enjoy sharp images regardless of the game they play.
At the IFA 2016, Samsung has announced it will show how the quantum dot technology has been integrated into the new monitors. The technology is already included in Samsung’s UHD televisions. The quantum dot technology ensures that the display will bring out all the intricate details of the game to life.
The new Samsung CFG70 has a Super Arena design that aligns the 1800R curvature with a sound interactive LED panel for a unique gaming experience. This model is also the first curved gaming monitor to offer a 1 m/s moving-picture response time. Furthermore, a 144Hz refresh rate ensures a seamless presentation.
The CFG70 also includes the Gaming UX OSD interface. When competing with others, gamers have the option of accessing the on-screen dashboard to view all the key settings in a single glance. The gameplay setting can also be easily adjusted through the shortcut hot keys that are located on the monitor.
The unique Samsung CF791 is the most curved gaming monitor yet. It has a 1500R curvature design, a 100Hz refresh rate, and a 21:9 aspect ratio. It also features the AMD FreeSync technology that synchronizes the refresh rates with the player’s AMD graphics. Gamers can customize the alignment of the monitor to meet their personal ergonomic needs.
The CF791 will sell for $999 while the 24-inch CFG70 is priced at $399, and the 27-inch CFG70 will cost $499. Both monitors are expected to hit the stores in the next quarter of the year.


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Rice Business Plan Competition Adds ‘People’s Choice’ Award
As if a couple of million dollars in prizes weren’t enough, the Rice Business Plan Competition this year unveiled a reality-show style “People’s Choice” award.
The voting for the $5,000 prize takes place on a special Facebook page; only one vote per customer, please. The polls close Saturday at 1 pm Central. As of mid-morning Friday, with about 16,000 votes cast, Tulane University’s Advano is in the lead. The New Orleans, LA-based company is making a nanoparticle which founders say can enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries common in consumer electronics.
The next two favorites are student startups from Drexel University—Kegg Apps, which, yes, helps students find parties at their schools and those nearby—and the University of Manchester’s MyHelpster, an online platform for small business to source freelance skilled employees like marketers.
The Rice business plan contest, which is in its 15th year, kicked off Thursday with 42 student startups from universities both in the United States as well as in Asia and Europe. The teams will be whittled down over the weekend in a series of pitch competitions, and six finalists will be named at a gala dinner Saturday evening in Houston.
The contestants for this year’s competition span the innovation range from biotech and health IT, next generation batteries and insulation to social ventures in education and transportation.
“We started this (people’s choice) competition to bring the excitement and fun of university competition more typically associated with sports to the RBPC,” says Mary Lynn Fernau, director of marketing for the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepeneurship, which hosts the event each year. “We wanted to build team and school spirit, and build excitement around a school’s business plan team, similar to basketball and swimming.”


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Quintessential Wines Sees Turnaround For Duboeuf, Upside For Spanish PortfolioApril 10, 2019
With annual volume of around 1 million cases, Napa, California-based importer and marketer Quintessential Wines has been achieving growth across a number of imported wine segments recently. Last year, the company enjoyed a solid performance from Georges Duboeuf, one of its larger labels, and Quintessential father-and-son owners Steve and Dennis Kreps tell SND they’re especially bullish on Spanish wines looking ahead.
Quintessential’s Spanish business rose nearly 12% to 250,000 cases last year, with high-end wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero leading the charge. “Spain is the most under-developed category in the U.S. right now, and we’re capitalizing on that, as well as on Spanish wines becoming more recognized for their quality-to-price ratio,” Dennis Kreps says. The company currently imports six labels from Spain—Bodegas Muriel, Bodegas Ollauri, and Vina Eguia in Rioja; Tinto Figuero in Ribera del Duero; Pazo Cilleiro in Rias Baixas; and Real Compañia in La Castilla—and is on the hunt for additional properties.
In the France category, Georges Duboeuf has been bolstered by Cru Beaujolais offerings and the November 2018 launch of a Beaujolais Nouveau rosé, as the brand rose 10% to 171,000 cases last year. After a strong initial showing for the rosé, Kreps says, “I’d like to see the rosé make up 30% of the portfolio this year.”
Meanwhile, Quintessential recently added two Provence properties—Château Roubine and Château Sainte-Beatrice—to its range. Both are owned by Provençal winemaker Valerie Rousselle and her son, Adrien Riboud. Château Roubine’s flagship rosé, La Rose ($24 a 750-ml.), is set to roll out nationwide this May, while Sainte-Beatrice is expected to debut stateside next year. In addition to Roubine and Sainte-Beatrice, Quintessential imports Provence-based Château Ferry Lacombe ($17-$22).
Quintessential also sees opportunity for its Italian portfolio, which includes a number of DOC-specific wines from Piedmont’s Luca Bosio and Montalcino-based La Mannella-Cortonesi. “We’ve had some success with our Italian portfolio, but we’re now looking to grow it more actively—consumers are buying Barolo, Brunello, Dolcetto, and Gavi with more enthusiasm, and it’s now a matter of getting our brands in front of the right accounts,” Kreps says.
Elsewhere, Argentinian label Valentin Bianchi remains a volume driver, with 200,000 cases depleted in 2018. Last year, the brand unveiled a new winery project dedicated to higher-end bottlings. Kreps says Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina is a varietal to watch for the future.
In addition to imports, Quintessential handles a number of California wines, including proprietary label Samuel Charles, which is at around 2,000 cases. Earlier this year, Samuel Charles released two new wines: Oak Knoll Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($80) and High Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($25). Quintessential also represents Lodi-based Ironstone, which is expected to deplete around 160,000 cases this year.—Julia HigginsSubscribe to Shanken News Daily’s Email Newsletter, delivered to your inbox each morning.


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In February 2011, a company called Medical Marijuana Delivery Systems, LLC (MMDS) acquired the rights to a patent for a transcutaneous (through the skin) delivery of medical marijuana to humans and animals. The MMDS goal is for public availability of this patch by year end. Given the trade name Tetracan, this skin patch delivery system could be called a pot patch for pups, canine cannabis or even medical marijuana for mutts.
Animals suffer from many of the same debilitating illnesses that humans do, like arthritis and cancer. With many U.S. states legalizing the use of medical marijuana for humans, it doesn’t seem like such a stretch to apply this concept to animals.
How Tetracan Originated
In 2000, a Santa Ana Pueblo tribe member in New Mexico, Walter Cristobel, experimented with finding a transcutaneous delivery system of marijuana for his mother’s pain relief and was awarded a patent. In 2010, businessmen Jim Alekson and Chester Soliz — learning of Cristobel’s patent — joined him in forming MMDS, “a company devoted to the advancement, research and development of marijuana delivery modalities.”
“MMDS is pleased to be working with Walter Cristobal to help him develop his innovative ideas as MMDS advances the research and development of TETRACAN holistic, therapeutic products,” stated Jim Alekson, ADG Market Focus spokesperson for MMDS in a press release. Other delivery systems such as creams, gels and oils will be explored for other ways of delivering medical marijuana.
Alekson informs me he has been working on a stock exchange listing for MMDS that is expected to take place shortly. With that and the new bio-chemists with trans-dermal expertise coming on board, the arranging of manufacturing contracts in medical marijuana-legal states should see the Tetracan patch available by second quarter, 2012.
Photo credit: Chris Yarzab via flickr
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Vancouver, B.C., September 1, 2021 – Plant Veda Foods Ltd. (CSE:MILK) (XFRA:A3CS6B) (the “Company” or “Plant Veda”), an award-winning dairy-alternative company, is pleased to announce that CEO Sunny Gurnani will be speaking at the upcoming Forward Food Program, organized by Humane Society International Canada.
The Forward Food Program helps businesses and institutions across Canada increase offerings of delicious and nutritious plant-based options for environmental, health, animal welfare, and cost-saving benefits. As an exciting plant-based company with a commitment to sustainability, Plant Veda was invited to speak at the upcoming webinar on September 23, 2021, at 12:00 pm ET/9:00 am PT.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to businesses and foodservice professionals about how Plant Veda can broaden their menu with plant-based beverages, as more people are looking for healthier beverage alternatives,” says Sunny Gurnani, Chief Executive Officer of Plant Veda.
The theme for the event will be "Plant-Based For The Planet", and it will explore the sustainability benefits of plant-based foods, the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly meals, and strategies for foodservice professionals to adapt their menus. The event is targeted toward businesses and foodservice professionals as well as members of the general public.
“Our award-winning plant-based lassi was created specifically as a restaurant and foodservice beverage to accompany a meal - imagining that instead of ordering a sugar-filled carbonated drink, you have a smooth, fibre-rich, fully plant-based beverage made from wholesome cashew, oats and local fruits, that is sweetened by maple syrup,” says Gurnani. “Our drinks pair perfectly with meals due to its naturally acidic and probiotic nature to help with digestion. It is truly the 21st century’s beverage that every restaurant in the world should include on their menus.”
Those who wish to join the webinar can register now at the HSI Zoom registration page.
About Plant Veda
Plant Veda has a mission to accelerate humanity’s shift to a plant-based lifestyle. They remain clear in their goals, which is to improve the environment and humanity’s overall health due to plant-based lifestyles. They have succeeded in creating award-winning plant-based dairy alternatives that are better than the original in terms of health and flavour. Plant Veda continues to shake up the dairy-free market by creating unique, one-of-a-kind products that leave their customers forgetting about dairy to begin with.
To learn more about Plant Veda, visit www.plantveda.com.
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “project”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, materially from the Company’s expectations are disclosed in the Company’s documents filed from time to time with the Canadian Securities Exchange and the provincial securities commissions in which it is a reporting issuer.


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LAS VEGAS– McAfee has repackaged and re-priced several of its solutions for the channel.
Security solutions for mobility, apps, risk, real time, ePO, email, device control, firewall, encryption and end point will now be packaged together for the channel. They will also come with a new pricing structure, said Steve Redman, executive vice president of global sales for McAfee.
Redman admitted that one of the company’s biggest problems was that in the commercial market more than 68 per cent of deals went through the deal desk. “To me that’s not a company that is easy to do business with. Even for $50,000 deals we could not get the price right and we are sorry,” Redman told an audience of about 400 channel partners at the Focus conference, held here.
The solution is to this problem comes in a three part approach. The first is to repackage the solutions and price them accordingly for partner engagement. The second part is to provide simple implementation for partner deployment and thirdly position the solutions suites for advanced protection.
Matthew Gyde, global general manager for security at Dimension Data, told CDN that this repackaging will drive new profits into the company’s business.
“This will enable us to go to clients with a new OPEX, utility style package and price, which is very important in the security space and what customers are asking for,” Gyde said.
Steve Duncan, vice president of security and strategy for solution provider Lumenate, said McAfee’s repackaging and pricing strategy was kept simple for the channel.
“I think McAfee bit the bullet a little bit here and sacrificed on the high end so that the channel can get a profitable program and it’s going to be a lot easier for the customers too because they no longer have to buy six or seven solutions,” Duncan said.
McAfee is also offering on-demand licensing for the OPEX model.
Redman added that competitors specifically Symantec, Kaspersky, Trend Micro and Sophos were beating McAfee in the marketplace even though they had comparable solutions because the company was unable to package the products correctly.
The only solution that will not be part of this package is the full disk encryption product.


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Tech Mahindra., a specialist in digital transformation, consulting and business reengineering today announced the audited consolidated financial results for its third quarter ended December 31, 2016.
“The strong deal wins and business momentum during the quarter reaffirm that we are on the right track to capitalize on the opportunities from the global digital transformation, and see measurable benefits from that,” said Vineet Nayyar, Vice Chairman, Tech Mahindra.
C P Gurnani, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tech Mahindra said. ““Our differentiated offerings focused on the five pillars of our DAVID strategy – Digitalization, Automation, Verticalization, Innovation and Disruption, position us as a strong partner of choice for global businesses.”
Experiences that matter, and it’s in our DNA
The whole world is on the brink of another revolution, this time it is led by the theme of ‘connectedness’ that has been amplified by the proliferation of smart devices, smart technologies and smart thinking, which is impacting consumers as well as businesses alike. ‘Connectedness’ is the core strength of Tech Mahindra, whether it is though the company’s dominant position in areas like IoT, machine learning and cognitive computing, backed by early investment in the communications space.
As the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds are getting blurred and the world is becoming increasingly connected with amalgamation of connected devices and solutions, Tech Mahindra has refreshed its brand philosophy, to align with the changing needs. Accordingly, the brand focus has been aligned to the changing need, with a new brand tagline – Connected World. Connected Experiences. “Going forward, we will have the theme of Connected Experience ingrained in every proposal, every conversation and client opportunity we pursue, with the launch of our revamped brand philosophy,” said Gurnani.
Code to Connect (C2C)
While with the new brand tagline is a testament of our positioning as a ‘Connected Experience’ provider, we also feel that as a responsible corporate, it’s our duty to contribute in our own way to provide the right kind of experience to the citizens by helping create a better world for future. With
this objective, Tech Mahindra is going to launch a multi-city global codathon campaign called ‘Code2Connect ‘which aims at providing city councils with technology platforms, products and solutions that will help in making cities address their current and potential issues. The issues may range from air pollution to vehicular traffic to water scarcity to power distribution among others. Starting from Delhi, ‘Code2Connect’ will be launched across 17 cities across the world in partnership with City Councils, the Governments, NGOs and relevant authorities..
DAVID at Work
DAVID – Digitalization, Automation, Verticalization, Innovation and Disruption is going to drive the way we approach the changing technology landscape and thus influencing the customers’ technology buying decisions. We introduced our DAVID theme towards end of last year and since then we are seeing good traction to this strategy. In a nutshell, DAVID has the key ingredients which makes us future-ready, agile and receptive.
Digital transformation: A leading Asia Pacific Bank selected Tech Mahindra to roll out a multi-year and multi-million dollar digital transformational project as the bank is looking at enhancing its customer experience across omni- channel platforms. The project encompasses implementation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Solution, Analytics, Security services, Networks, etc. by setting up a private cloud and enabling the bank to improve in cross- selling and cross- servicing across its group.
Improved Experience: A large telco in the Asia Pacific region has awarded a multi-million dollar, multi-year project to improve its Customer Experience. Deal mandates Tech Mahindra to help it ensure high service assurance quality and provide an optimal subscriber experience to subscribers.
Optimizing efficiency through Automation: A large retailer in Nordic region has selected Tech Mahindra as a digital services partner awarding an end-to-end managed services deal. Scope of work includes helping the retailer optimize its existing IT infrastructure through automation and consolidation while augmenting end-customer experience through digital solutions.
Consolidation & Automation: Has been selected by a communication service provider in ASEAN to help it consolidation, automation and improved efficiency in the telco’s enterprise- wide testing services.
Digital and Cloud: A Leading Agricultural Cooperative Company in Northern Europe has selected Tech Mahindra for transforming its IT infrastructure management services including managing its SAP landscape, providing security services and setting up a private cloud.
Disruption: A leading wealth management Services Company in Asia has engaged Tech Mahindra to help it with IT Infrastructure management which will be executed under “as-a-service model” and thus enabling customer optimize its costs.
Cloud migration: A leading business conglomerate in ASEAN has awarded Tech Mahindra with a mandate to implement a cloud- based Oracle ERP services. As a digital transformation partner, Tech Mahindra will help modernize its legacy systems and provide seamless solution across group companies delivering cost and time efficiencies’.
Cost optimization: A leading OEM in the US has awarded Tech Mahindra a contract for device testing with an aim of optimizing its costs
Tech Mahindra was recognized as a global leader for its actions and strategies in response to climate change; was awarded a position on the Climate A List by Climate Disclosure Project (CDP), an international not-for-profit which drives sustainable economies.
Ranked as one of the Top 3 companies in India and one of the Top 20 companies in Asia in the Channel NewsAsia Sustainability Ranking for Asia’s top businesses
Positioned in the Leadership Zone in the Zinnov Zones 2016 – Internet of Things (IoT) Technology Services report
Tech Mahindra launched its Virtual Network Function (VNF) Exchange, along with a number of leading new age providers of Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) products
Tech Mahindra Ltd. announced the launch of the Connected Service Experience Solution, which will enable the manufacturing industry to integrate connected devices with end-to-end business processes; the solution was built on Pegasystems’ Pega® 7 Platform
C P Gurnani was recognized as the Best CEO in IT/ITes Category by Business Today
Tech Mahindra joins hands with UC Berkley, Advance Energy Center, Canada and AP’s Eastern Power Distribution Company to offer its Microgrid as a Service platform to create sustainable energy business modela


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Talks about the contract have been going on for over a month, and Feb 17th is when it will become signed and official. According to it, Apple will invest 4 trillion won (Approx. $3.6 billion) to set up production capabilities at the Kia Georgia plant in the United States. Once signed, Kia will be expected to produce nearly 100,000 units per year initially, and it can be expanded to 400,000 units at the max.
In related news, Apple will also be working with Hyundai for the development and design of the Apple Car. Specifically, Apple is interested in using its E-GMP battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. The platform can have two motors, a five-link rear suspension, battery cells that can deliver up to 500KM of range, and high-speed charging.
When the news of Apple’s rumored investment came out, Kia saw their stock prices jumping up by nearly 14.5%. In the future, if the deal with Hyundai works out, Apple may look into partnering with General Motors and PSA to expand to other markets. If Apple is successful in bringing their electric vehicle to the market, they will be competing with the likes of Tesla, Lucid Motors, Daimler AG, and Volkswagen AG.


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Quiksilver, Inc. reported that revenues grew 2 percent to $512.4 million in the third quarter ended July 31, 2012, as a successful back-to-school launch of DC footwear and apparel into mid-tier department stores in the U.S. and growing sales in new Asian markets barely offset declines in Europe.
Speaking in his 100th quarterly earnings call, Chairman, CEO and President Bob McKnight, said the BTS season has been marked by favorable weather, good margins and leaner inventories. The one weakness was women’s swimwear. Sales attributable to DC’s BTS launch were ahead of plan.
“It was great for DC,” said McKnight.
Quik’s revenues grew 8 percent in currency-neutral (c-n) terms; increasing across all three brands, all three regions, and all three distribution channels compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Gross margin was 49.5 percent of net revenues, down 1.2 basis points (b.p.) from a year earlier, primarily due to deteriorating conditions in Europe, where discounting levels remained higher and currency exchange rates were less favorable.
SG&A increased to $225.8 million, or 44.1 percent of revenues, up 10 basis points, primarily driven by $3.9 million of costs associated with 70 layoffs and other restructuring costs that are projected to save $6 million a year.
Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA dipped 2.8 percent to $51.2 million due to narrower gross margin. Net income was $12.6 million, or 7 cents per diluted share, compared with $10.4 million, or 6 per diluted share. Pro-forma income, which excludes $3.8 million of net after-tax restructuring charges and asset impairments, was $16.4 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, compared with pro-forma income of $10.4 million, or 6 cents per diluted share.
On a c-n basis, sales of Quiksilver increased 3.5 percent to $193.5 million; sales of Roxy increased 4.6 percent to $131.8 million; and sales of DC were up 15.5 percent to $168.2 million, thanks in part to a 16 percent increase in BTS sales during the month. McKnight said Roxy’s new outdoor fitness line, which was launched at Outdoor Retailer in January, is projected to do about $6 million in sales in its first year. He said Roxy is gaining market share in every channel.
By distribution channels, Wholesale business was up 4.5 percent to $370.0 million and Retail was up 6.8 percent to $119.3 million. Third quarter same-store sales in company-owned retail stores grew 4.0 percent on a global basis, double digits in Australia and single digits in Japan. Quik’s e-commerce surged 180.2 percent to $23.2 million, or nearly 20 percent of the company’s retail sales.
“Overall, our order book looks pretty good with a low single-digit growth forecast for next year,” said Craig Stevenson, global brand president and COO. “So, we are not putting as much through our outlet stores and are expecting better margins through our full price store.”
Revenue increased 10 percent to $286.1 million in the Americas from $260.2 million, and was up 12 percent c-n.
In Europe, revenue decreased 13 percent to $154.1 million from $176.4 million, but was up modestly in c-n terms. The company’s comp store sales remain in the positive single digits year to date. Conditions remain difficult in France, Spain and the UK, where consumer sentiment and the weather have created headwinds since last winter. However, sales were strong in Germany and even in Portugal and Italy and are growing rapidly in Russia.
“We’re very pleased in light of how very, very tough it’s been over there in the last year,” said McKnight, noting how the lack of snow last winter and rains this summer have compounded economic headwinds faced by many of its European dealers. “All these things are beating away at the European market.”
Executives attributed the success to strengthening relationships with key retailers.
“While we have seen some of our smaller independent core accounts face financial difficulties and fold, we have actually strengthened our relationship with key accounts like El Corte Ingles and in that market,” noted CFO Richard Shields. “And those large national accounts are really leaning on the leading brands as core opportunities.”
In Asia Pacific, revenue reached $71.6 million, up 9 percent from a year earlier (13 percent c-n), but far off its 27 percent pace of the second quarter. Executives attributed the slow down to slower growth in Australia and New Zealand, which is increasingly being offset by rapid growth in smaller and newer markets such as Indonesia and South Korea.


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Business consultant Adrian Mutton says it takes courage for a foreign corporation to make a big-ticket investment in India given the uncertainties thrown up by capricious twists in government policy.
Companies have long griped about India’s byzantine rules and suffocating bureaucracy, but recent policy flip-flops have further soured the investor mood.
“You have got to be a pretty brave CEO to gamble on a major investment decision in India, especially if you think that decision may be overturned,” said Mutton, who heads India-based Sannam S4, a consultancy which helps firms enter India.
The latest, and for many investors most egregious government measure, was announced in last month’s budget which included provisions allowing India to tax foreign takeovers retroactively to 1962.
The measure seeks to override an Indian Supreme Court judgement in January that rejected a US$2.2-billion tax bill slapped on British phone giant Vodafone over its 2007 purchase of a local operator.
“The Indian government is perhaps hoping the country’s economic growth potential will retain companies like Vodafone,” said Deepak Lalwani, chief of India-focused investment consultancy Lalcap.
“However, fresh capital will be fearful of the business and investment climate and will be hesitant to come,” he said, cautioning that poor investor sentiment “might dramatically slow future foreign capital.”
Already, gross foreign direct investment in India has fallen by a quarter to US$20.3 billion in the fiscal year that ended last month, down from US$27.1 billion the previous year, according to official figures.
In a letter to India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier this month, seven global business groups, including the Confederation of British Industry and the US Business Roundtable, warned of a “widespread reconsideration of the costs and benefits of investing in India.”
The investment slowdown comes as India urgently needs foreign funds to upgrade its dilapidated airports, roads, ports and other infrastructure in order to ease bottlenecks and spur growth.
Economic expansion for the last fiscal year is estimated to have been about 6.9 percent, the -second-slowest rate in a decade.
The retroactive change to India’s tax code was only the latest piece of news to dismay foreign investors, already preoccupied by policy paralysis on reforms to liberalize the economy and corruption.
The investment plans of Norwegian telecom giant Telenor and other foreign firms who had jumped into the world’s second-largest mobile market were left in tatters earlier this year when the Supreme Court of India canceled their licenses.
The court’s move stemmed from a scandal in which the government had issued mobile licenses in 2008 at throw-away prices, costing the public treasury up to US$39 billion, in what is believed to be India’s biggest graft case.
The license cancelation “was a shock for the foreign operators, especially as this was a ruling on a government policy decision,” said Kamlesh Bhatia, India research director at global consultancy Gartner.
In December last year, in a major U-turn, the government reversed a decision to allow foreign supermarkets into India after a key ruling coalition ally said the move could hurt millions of small shopkeepers in the country.
“The reform process has really just fallen apart,” Indian Council on Global Relations head Manjeet Kripalani said.
Further discouragement has come from a slew of stalled projects, including South Korean steelmaker POSCO’s plans to build a US$12-billion steel mill — first announced in 2005 and trumpeted as India’s biggest foreign investment deal.
Late last month, an Indian tribunal suspended environmental clearance for the plant, keeping the project in limbo.
However, many global companies have little choice but to enter the increasingly affluent country of 1.2 billion people if they want to boost revenues in light of the slowdown in developed economies, Mutton said.
“You cannot afford not to be in India as a marketplace when you look at the huge population,” says Mutton, whose India advisory business has tripled in size over the past few years.
“In boardrooms around the world, people are saying if we are going to deliver growth, where do we go? India inevitably comes up. They may know it will be a pain in the backside, but they have to make the best of the situation,” he said.
POOR INTERNAL CONTROLS: Insurance Bureau Director-General Shih Chiung-hwa said the company is expected to get back on track while its chairman is suspended The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) yesterday fined Shin Kong Life Insurance Co (新光人壽) NT$27.6 million (US$939,415) for a reckless investment that endangered its solvency, and suspended its chairman Eugene Wu (吳東進) for poor supervision. The penalty is the second-highest in a single case after Nan Shan Life Insurance Co (南山人壽) was fined NT$30 million in September last year and its chairman Du Ying-tzyong (杜英宗) suspended for two years, the commission said. In three rounds of special and regular examinations conducted since last year, the commission found that Shin Kong Life had given too much power to an asset and liability management committee
Sony Corp has cut its estimated Play Station 5 (PS5) production for this fiscal year by 4 million units, down to about 11 million, following production issues with its custom-designed system-on-chip (SOC) for the new console, people familiar with the matter said. The Tokyo-based electronics giant in July boosted orders with suppliers in anticipation of heightened demand for gaming in the holiday season and beyond, as people spend more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company has come up against manufacturing issues, such as production yields as low as 50 percent for its SOC, which have cut into
HEAVY INVESTMENT: Moody’s affirmed the firm’s ‘Aa3’ rating with a ‘stable’ outlook due to its leading position in the industry and ability to match customer requirements Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s (TSMC, 台積電) revenue this year is expected to increase about 21 percent to NT$1.29 trillion (US$44.01 billion) from NT$1.07 trillion last year, driven by strong demand for advanced 5-nanometer and 7-nanometer chips mainly used in smartphones and high-performance computing devices, a Moody’s Investors Service report on Wednesday said. TSMC’s rate of revenue growth next year is to increase to 7.5 percent, the ratings agency said. The company, which supplies 5-nanometer chips for Apple Inc’s new iPad series, has introduced the advanced chips ahead of its competitors and gained a significant share of the market for the foundry industry’s
O2O BICYCLE SHOW: The Taiwan Bicycle Show next year is to be online to offline, with forums, audio-visual conferences and livestreaming of the offline events Local bicycle makers expect demand to continue outpacing supply due to orders triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some companies seeing orders back up through next year. “Next year is all full in terms of orders. Our lead time on components is one year,” Giant Manufacturing Co Ltd (巨大機械) chairwoman Bonnie Tu (杜綉珍) told a news conference in Taipei organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to announce next year’s Taipei Cycle Show. The pandemic has reduced bicycle supplies and increased demand around the world, Robert Wu (吳盈進), chairman of KMC (Kuei Meng) International Inc (桂盟國際), one of the world’s


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Microsoft wants to take over your living room, and in so doing is taking on not only Sony’s PlayStation 4, but also any plans Apple has for its Apple TV product.
The Xbox One was unveiled Tuesday (May 21) in an exclusive presentation at the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington, just east of Seattle.
Vancouver’s Don Mattrick, president of Microsoft’s interactive-entertainment business, made the announcement, calling the new hardware, “the all-in-one system for every living room”.
The price of the Xbox One, which according to Mattrick will be available worldwide “later this year”, was not revealed.
While games are certainly an anchor experience for the Xbox One—Activision used the event to present the world premiere of Call of Duty: Ghosts—it is the way the console integrates other home entertainment experiences that makes it unlike anything we’ve seen before.
The Xbox One has the potential to replace cable boxes so users can watch television live using the console. In an on-stage demonstration, corporate vice-president Yusuf Mehdi instantly switched from live television to a number of other entertainment experiences without even using a controller.
Kinect, the interface that detects movement and voice commands, is an integral part of Xbox One, and enables personalized homescreens. The redesigned Kinect reportedly supports multiple users better than before and can more accurately read and interpret the movements of users.
The camera and microphone that make Kinect work also allow users to use Skype, a Microsoft company, from the comfort of their couch, and group video calls are also possible.
Microsoft would never launch a new console without having Halo a part of it; this time, the franchise appeared not in the form of a game, but as a new live-action television series that will be executive produced by Steven Spielberg.
In a prerecorded address, the director said that Halo is “where technology and mythmaking meet”.


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Anthony Strong's SuperStella Van, Red Bay Coffee and more new businesses arrive at the Ferry Building
A spate of high-profile closures at San Francisco's once-thriving Ferry Building is being followed by some more positive news, as four new businesses announce openings at the iconic shopping and dining complex.
In April, Red Bay Coffee — the Oakland roaster that’s known for its environmentally-conscious practices and globally-sourced beans — will come to the Ferry Building to bring their “fourth wave” of coffee closer to customers this side of the Bay Bridge.
Sad news arrived late last week that Cowgirl Creamery is closing its Ferry Building store after 18 years of cheesemongering in the beloved food hall. Both the store and its next-door Sidekick Cafe will close on April 10, ending an era for cheese lovers across the region.
The 55th Super Bowl kicks off this Sunday with the Kansas City Chiefs aiming to defend their title against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Looking for some food and libation options to enjoy while watching the game at home? From hearty brisket slider kits to Spanish-influenced snack packages, we’ve got you covered.
People spilled into the streets Saturday morning and afternoon as SF residents celebrated the election of Joe Biden to the presidency. For some, the wait since Tuesday’s election had felt interminable and the relief and joy at the decision was palpable at the celebrations.


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Resolve weighs in again for New Year's Eve plans
Time for a New Year's resolution. The most common one to lose weight is tough. Why? Because it requires two behavior changes diet and exercise to work long-term.
Fad diets won't do the trick. Diets are a quick fix and don't hold. The Atkins high-fat diet is trendy, but works mainly by cutting calories. Despite all the bacon, a typical Atkins diet has maybe 1,500 calories a day.
Most folks can lose weight on 1,500 calories, no matter what the food. You can lose weight on a 1,500-calorie Twinkie diet.
A Twinkie diet, however, is not healthy, and some experts say the Atkins diet high in saturated fat and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may be risky long-term.
USA Today recently reported that in two studies, folks lost more weight on the Atkins diet than a low-fat diet. Improvements in blood fats were similar on both diets.
What about long-term? I agree with the physician who wrote USA Today and said folks on the Atkins diet are guinea-pigs risking their long-term health for short-term weight loss.
Next week I'll have good news and tips on exercising to lose weight. Today I'll conclude with how weight-war winners win.
Last June, Consumer Reports covered 8,000 of their readers who lost at least 10 percent of their weight and kept it off a year or more. Nearly half of them lost on average nearly 40 pounds and kept it off five years or more.
Most of them more than 80 percent did it on their own. Few followed the fad diet books, but they took tips from books. Only 14 percent signed up with a commercial diet program.
Most of them listed regular exercising as their No. 1 strategy. Close behind came changes in eating: smaller, more frequent meals; smaller portions; few fatty foods; fewer sweets and junk food.
They cut back on snacks and alcohol. They didn't skimp on protein and weren't afraid to eat some fat.
They learned to trick their stomachs into feeling full by eating fruits, veggies and grains rich in water and fiber and they kept at it.
Every day, or several days every week, month after month, year after year, they applied these strategies.
Persistence paid off. They won the weight-loss war. Maybe we can learn from them.
Next week: Exercising options. Every little bit counts.
Dr. Eichner is a professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Archive ID: 1082524


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With the help of the Mfuse technology, Stan James recently launched their mobile gaming services. The company also hopes that this will be a standard norm in the gaming industry.
Netherlands-based IMCT and Spin3 recently finalized a mobile agreement. Spin3 is to provide Spinlite to IMCT. Both sides said that they are happy and content with the partnership.
© Copyright 2005 CellGambling.com. All rights reserved


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NISE Launches Inaugural Customer Satisfaction Index – Results by end of August 2010
Barbadians are to have their say about the level of service offered on the island. According to CEO of the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE), Kim Tudor, the launch of the NISE Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) 2010 for Barbados will provide a measure of the national level of customer satisfaction with goods and services consumed in both public and private sectors across Barbados. Indeed, this survey, which is adapted from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, will allow Barbados the unique opportunity to benchmark local service performances across international boundaries, with at least 12 other countries including, the UK, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Colombia.
Ms Kim Tudor explained that NISE’s mandate, “is to drive and support initiatives that ultimately improve service levels across Barbados as well as the LIVE EXCELLENCE ideal.” A key strategy to these efforts is research and the development of a robust measure of customer satisfaction, to provide an objective assessment as to where Barbados stands in terms of meeting customer expectations and requirements, and to support the effort to be globally competitive as a service based economy.
The NCSI is a uniform, national, cross industry measure of satisfaction with the quality of good and services available to residential customers of Barbados. It is both a trend measure and a benchmark for organisations to compare themselves with others in their own and other industries, as well as against up-to-date international performances and standards.
The model being used to measure customer satisfaction has been proven to be a valid predictor of corporate performance, growth in GDP and changes in consumer spending. One of the key benefits of this model is that it assesses customer satisfaction from the organisation level, which is aggregated to the industry, sector and then national level. To this end, Ms. Tudor noted that the Ministry of Economic Affairs will include the NCSI as another critical indicator of economic and social development for the nation, “and we are very pleased about that”.
The first phase of the NCSI measurement is about to start, and focuses on the Public sector and the Finance sector (which together represent approximately 36% of national GDP). This will be done via a series of telephone and face to face interviews with people drawn from across Barbados. The NISE CEO underscored the benefit to all Barbadians by reiterating that the information will prove “invaluable to the national service improvement effort”, and asked everyone to cooperate fully. She went on to assure the general public of Barbados that NISE would not be not collecting any personal or financial information, just candid opinions about service experiences here in Barbados.
Results from this phase of the project will be published by the end of August 2010, and Barbadians can personally assess the nation’s service performance and challenge themselves to continuously improve and do better as they interface and serve customers in all spheres of activity. Phase two, research on the Retail/Wholesale and Distribution sectors, will begin in July 2010.
“The launch of NCSI is exciting for us,” stated Ms Tudor. “We know Barbadians like to be heard and still hold strongly to the principles of Pride and Industry and will therefore participate willingly with the knowledge that this survey will help the country to attain and sustain service excellence that will be acknowledged on the world stage.”


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Crapo on Inflation: No Signs of Slowing
Core inflation increases in September
Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below following the release of data on the personal consumption expenditures price index (PCE), which showed that year-over-year PCE inflation was 6.2 percent in September, the same as in August. The core PCE price index, which excludes energy and food prices, was 5.1 percent in September, an increase from August’s 4.9 percent. Inflation in the PCE has been above 6.0 percent for 10 consecutive months, well above the Federal Reserve’s 2.0 percent target.
“Today’s inflation data confirms what American workers and families feel every day in the grocery aisles and at the gas pump: continued broad-based runaway increases in prices. Paychecks continue to be eroded by runaway inflation that was fueled by the Biden Administration’s unbridled and reckless spending sprees. With inflation continuing to run well above the Fed’s target, interest rates will continue to rise, putting yet more strain on small businesses and new home buyers seeking credit. These are direct results of the Administration’s mismanagement of the economy.”
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by IHA | Feb 7, 2023 | Announcements, Featured, Global Innovation Awards (gia), News, Press Releases, Retailing
The Inspired Home Show and the IHA announces the national gia winners for 2022-2023: 27 outstanding home and housewares retailers from 26 countries around the globe.
by IHA | Feb 2, 2023 | Announcements, Featured, Global Innovation Awards (gia), News, Press Releases
Katherine Gaylord, a junior at University of Notre Dame, captured first place and $3,500 for Stack, a breast pump drying rack for the breast pump pieces. It helps nursing mothers who pump at work or in public restrooms to safely, easily and discreetly wash, dry and store breast pump equipment.
by IHA | Jan 13, 2023 | Announcements, Education, Featured, Innovation Theater, News, Press Releases
Creating strategies for success in the current economic marketplace will be the focus of this year’s presentations in the Innovation Theater at The Inspired Home Show 2023, March 4-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
by IHA | Dec 15, 2022 | Announcements, Featured, Industry News, News, Press Releases, Trending
As economic concerns begin to dominate the news cycle and consumers feel the pinch of inflation, they are responding by bringing more experiential activities back into their homes. At-home entertaining is one of these activities and it is back in a big way.
by IHA | Dec 9, 2022 | Announcements, Featured, Industry News, News, Press Releases
Housewares Joins the Celebration in New Report Examining Consumers’ Purchasing Plans for Celebrating Life Moments in 2023
by IHA | Nov 16, 2022 | Announcements, Featured, Industry News, News, Press Releases
The International Housewares Association (IHA) and the Travel Goods Association (TGA) today announced a collaboration that will bring TGA’s 2023 live event to The Inspired Home Show 2023, March 4-7 in Chicago.


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BMW has patched a security flaw that would have allowed hackers to open car doors, the company has announced.
The flaw was noticed inside the ConnectedDrive connectivity system that was implemented in some 2.2 million cars, including BMWs, Minis and Rolls-Royse vehicles.
The security patch will be applied automatically, as soon as the vehicles connect to BMW's servers.
They also include HTTPS, a secure version of the hypertext transfer protocol, to data transmissions via the ConnectedDrive system, Reuters reports (opens in new tab).
The flaw also affected air conditioning and traffic updates, but not steering or brakes, BMW says.
The German automobile group ADAC was the first to discover the flaw last year, but remained silent until BMW worked out a fix.
ADAC's security researchers were able to simulate the existence of a fake phone network, which BMW cars attempted to access, allowing hackers to manipulate functions activated by a SIM card.
No one tried to steal a car using this flaw, both BMW and ADAC have said.
Access to functions relevant to driving was excluded at all times," it says in the BMW’s news release. "There was no need for vehicles to go to the workshop."
Security researcher Graham Cluley believes (opens in new tab) HTTPS should have been implemented from the very start.
“It appears the vulnerability revolved around the insecure transmission of data, as the patch rolled out by BMW appears to have enabled HTTPS. Something you would probably have hoped that BMW’s engineers would have thought about in the first place.”
If you have a BMW, a Mini or a Rolls-Royce and worry about not getting the patch, then you should choose “Update Services” from your car’s menu.


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Blockbuster’s administrator Deloitte is to close 129 of its 528-store portfolio as it looks to slim down its estate to a “profitable core”.
Deloitte said the 129 stores would close over the coming weeks as part of a phased closure in addition to 31 stores which had already been put on notice of closure prior to its administration.
During this time there will be a number of closing down promotions across the stores.
The DVD rental chain collapsed into administration last week after admitting competition from online competitors had made trading difficult.
Deloitte said it continues to review the profitability of the store portfolio and it may give notice of further closures in the coming weeks.
Stores will remain open for business as usual and customers will be notified in advance of closure so that they can return their outstanding rental items beforehand.
Joint administrator Lee Manning said: “Having reviewed the portfolio with management, the store closure plan is an inevitable consequence of having to restructure the company to a profitable core which is capable of being sold.
“We would like to thank the company’s employees for their support and professionalism during this difficult time. We are also grateful to the customers for their continued support.”