text:
10 years down, and now over 10 million of you have joined our mission of money without borders. There’s also 2,400 Wisers across 15 offices working to make...
Chapter 2 of 5. Read the full report here.
The fact that finance is one of the last industries to be disrupted by technology, behind industries like telecoms, music, and retail over a decade ago, and transport and tourism more recently, is testament to one thing. How hard it was going to be. The industries that technology has taken longer to impact such as finance, health and education share a few traits.
For example, they’ve been around for longer and so have built up a legacy of both domination and trust - with regulation for the most part created by the incumbents for the incumbents to the exclusion of newcomers and with relationships built up with consumers over decades and generations. What’s more, they are formed around significant building blocks of our lives that are fundamental in our hierarchy of needs rather than modern-day additions.
For the financial sector, the barriers to entry were huge because of both the regulatory framework and the relationship of the consumer not just to the incumbent but also with money itself. The - historically - blind trust that we as consumers had in the banks is the main reason that it has taken longer in this sector than in others for disruption to take hold. That, coupled with consumer inertia in financial services, have always been the banks’ most valuable assets. The rise of financial technology disruptors has finally come about over the last five years primarily as the result of five key developments that laid the foundations for change. Alone they may not have been enough. But together they provided enough impetus for the first wave of companies like Wise, Lending Club, Funding Circle, Betterment and Nutmeg to gain traction.
####Creating the perfect storm: the five conditions for change
1. The loss of trust: the global financial crisis of 2008
Most importantly, the banks lost our trust. Financial services have always been about trust. Perhaps the biggest barrier to entry for new entrants has been getting new customers to trust an unknown brand or service and that’s particularly true with digital disruptors who lack a physical presence with no bricks and mortar on the local high street. The financial crisis of 2008 created a seismic shift in the dynamics of trust in financial services. The initial shock was bad enough, but over the past seven years, twenty of the world's biggest banks have paid more than $235bn (£151.71bn) in fines and compensation for breaching a variety of financial regulations during and before the crisis.
The banking industry has never regained that trust. According to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, financial services as an industry ranked second to bottom in trust, below historically disliked industries like Big Pharma, Oil & Gas and Big Tobacco. Fintech would have happened without the global financial crisis - but it would have taken much longer.
2. Expectations of better
As other verticals have been disrupted, consumers are now used to a better experience - one that’s faster, cheaper, more convenient… and we’re used to more choice. Our experience in everything from communication to music is now enabled by tech. By comparison, financial services look and feel outdated and restricted.
3. The rise of the millennials
The rise of the millennial created a new demographic whose expectations are very different. Millennials are the largest generation in world history and will soon command the largest wallet power as well. It’s estimated they’ll be spending $200 billion annually by 2017 and $10 trillion over their lifetimes as consumers in the U.S. alone. They do not have the same legacy relationship with their banks. In the US, 18% of millennials have switched their primary bank within the past 12 months—compared to 10 percent of customers aged 35 to 54 and just 3% of people 55 and older. The growth of fintech has been driven by adoption across age groups but the demand from the millennial generation to innovate and think about financial services differently has been a catalyst for change.
4. The rise of the mobile internet
With a smartphone, we have a supercomputer in our pocket and are always connected. The way we bank is changing as part of this macro trend. Traditional banks have made the move from branch to online - and more recently, to mobile. Our expectations of how and where we can do our banking have changed. By 2011, more than 65% of US adults were using online banking and by last year that number had risen to 74%. In the UK, online banking usage rose by 40% in the four years from 2009 and by 2013, customers used online banking 7 billion times over the course of the year. Additionally, the last five years have seen an explosion in mobile banking with nearly two thirds of Americans between 18 and 29 using mobile banking in 2014 and over a third of all UK adults using mobile banking.
5. Regulation that truly looks after the rights of the consumer
The financial sector is tightly regulated and rightly so: consumer protection must always be the priority. But regulation can encourage innovation at the same time as protecting our rights. In some countries, the regulators are more approachable, more flexible and have responded faster to the advent of financial disrupters. For example, in the UK the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) set up Project Innovate in 2014 to work with innovative businesses, an approach which others such as Singapore and Australia have followed. But in other countries, a company is required to be a ‘bank’ to do a whole range of financial services, even if it’s restricting itself to one activity such as payments. This makes it harder for challengers to enter the market. In contrast, the approach taken in the UK is to actively encourage non-banks to compete in payments. In April 2015 a new Payment Systems Regulator launched with an objective of broadening access to the UK’s payment systems. As more non-banks use payment systems more directly, consumers will benefit from increased competition and better services on offer. Regional regulatory agreements eg in the European Union can also encourage innovation. The EU is a large internal market: there’s only one set of rules for payments - just one Member State authorisation is required that enables a business to ‘passport’ into all Member States. It’s no coincidence that there are a number of new payment companies that have come out of Europe. Crucially, flexibility is still accompanied by high standards. For example in the UK, all companies must meet the standards set out by the FCA for the services they want to provide to consumers. This is an important factor as it ensures continued consumer trust in the sector - whether people use an incumbent or a new tech provider.
####Read the full report:
- Introduction and Summary - The Future of Finance
- Creating The Perfect Storm
- The Unbundling of The Banks 1.0
- The Unbundling of The Banks 2.0
- Conclusion: The Democratisation of Finance
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Still using a bank or broker to send money? Chances are you're overpaying. Traditional providers are deceptively expensive because they use bad exchange...
Hâlâ banka ya da komisyoncu aracılığıyla mı para gönderiyorsunuz? Şimdi para göndermenin daha akıllı ve ucuz bir yolu var. Eğer Avrupa'daki euronuzu...
Türkiye'ye hâlâ banka ya da komisyoncu aracılığıyla mı para gönderiyorsunuz? Şimdi para göndermenin daha akıllı ve ucuz bir yolu var. Eğer Türkiye'ye para...


text:
Analyst firm expects growth in display and search advertising through 2012, and changes in classified advertising.
Jupiter Research predicts local online advertising will reach $8.9 billion within five years.
In a report titled "US Local Online Advertising Forecast, 2007 to 2012," analyst Barry Parr states that local display and search advertising will grow over the next five years at compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 18 percent and 16 percent, respectively. It attributes that growth to continued interest by newspaper and yellow pages publishers along with improved local performance by major search engines. It also states that local advertising will grow at a CAGR of 13 percent from 2007 to 2012, a faster clip than online advertising in general, which has an anticipated 12 percent CAGR.
Parr writes in the report that although the newspaper industry and local broadcasters face challenges, their more established mature readers will keep them afloat as "local media must learn to work in a world increasingly dominated by the search bar and prepare themselves for an eventual face-off with their national competitors."
Drilling down into consumers' preferred methods for accessing local business information, Jupiter found portals have maintained a strong position with younger individuals. Thirty-six percent of those aged 18 to 24 cited portals as among the top two or three "most helpful" sources. Online yellow pages and traditional yellow pages also ranked well with the younger demo, appealing to 33 percent and 30 percent respectively.
Online review sites like Yelp and others performed comparatively poorly across age groups, ranking below 5 percent in all demos with the exception of those aged 25 to 34, 8 percent of whom said they found value in them. Perhaps not surprisingly, 45- to 54-year-olds tend to favor traditional channels, with 46 percent citing newspapers and 44 percent citing print papers as "most helpful." Respondents could select up to three preferred methods for researching local business info.
The report also said classifieds will continue to be the dominant form of local advertising, but predicts that major changes will occur in real estate and employment fields due to fears of a recession and major job sites like Yahoo HotJobs and Monster building relationships with local newspapers.
ClickZ Live Chicago (Nov 3-6) will deliver over 50 sessions across 4 days and 10 individual tracks, including Data-Driven Marketing, Social, Mobile, Display, Search and Email. Check out the full agenda and register by Friday, Sept 5 to take advantage of Super Saver Rates!
80% of internet users say they prefer to connect with brands via Facebook. 65% of social media users say they use it to learn more about brands, products and services. Learn about how to find more about customers' attitudes, preferences and buying habits from what they say on social media channels.
Latest research reveals 68% higher revenue per conversion for marketers who integrate their search & social advertising. In addition to the research results, this whitepaper also outlines 5 strategies and 15 tactics you can use to better integrate your search and social campaigns.
September 17, 2014
September 23, 2014
September 30, 2014
1:00pm ET/10:00am PT

domain: news


text:
Following Toyota's lead, Japan's No. 2 automaker, Honda Motor (HMC), said today it plans to recall an undetermined number of vehicles because of brake fluid leaks that could lead to reduced braking power.
The recall is related to seals within the vehicles' brake master cylinder that may dry out and leak brake fluid. The same problem prompted Toyota Motor (TM) to recall 1.5 million vehicles worldwide earlier in the day on Thursday.
Honda's auto recall involves 2005 to 2007 model year Acura RL sedans and Honda Odyssey minivans, the Associated Press reported.
Though the automaker wasn't able to immediately reveal how many vehicles are covered by the recall, Honda said it has received no reports of injuries or accidents related to the problem. Toyota also said it had received no such reports related to its recall.
Honda plans to notify the U.S. government of the recall later Thursday, AP said.
Basics Of The Stock Market
Stock Market 101 - everything you need to know but were afraid to ask!View Course »


text:
Neiman Marcus Hacked, Credit Card Data Swiped
Better check your Black Card statement: luxury department store Neiman Marcus got hacked in December, and customer credit card data is feared stolen, the store told customers yesterday.
“Some customers’ cards were possibly compromised as a result,” company spokeswoman Ginger Reeder told tech website Re/code. “We have begun to contain the intrusion and have taken significant steps to further enhance information security.”
So far, the company hasn't said how many customers may have been affected, but the issue was brought to light by a payment processing company that noticed unusual transactions.
The company's iconic Beverly Hills store is one of 42 locations nationwide. The firm is based in Texas.


text:
Department of Forestry (ODF) Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) could have disastrous effects on regional economies — especially those in and around Banks and Gales Creek — according to Portland-based Hampton Lumber, which operates a lumber mill on Commerce Street in Banks . . . You have reached content available exclusively to Banks Post digital subscribers….
This article was originally published by Bankspost.com. Read the original article here.


text:
Add THQ to the publishers expanding their operations into Canada. The company behind WWE games and last year’s “Avatar” has announced plans to open a development studio in Montreal – and has grabbed one of the country’s top developers in the process.
Patrice Désilets, formerly creative director on the “Assassin’s Creed” franchise at Ubisosft, will join the company next summer. (He’s currently riding out a non-compete from Ubisoft.)
That’s a big coup for THQ – and will help the company as it tries to break further into the core gaming market. THQ has had some success with its “Red Fraction” franchise and has high hopes for 2011’s “Homefront,” but hasn’t had a lot of recent success reaching out to core gamers.
That’s critical, since the core player is becoming increasingly important to publishers as casual players are spending more time with social network games and mobile apps.
Once he starts next summer, Désilets (who is represented by Creative Artists Agency) will be put in charge of hiring a new team that will develop new intellectual properties for THQ.
“We can’t wait for Patrice to join THQ,” said Danny Bilson, EVP of core games at THQ. “Patrice brings a passion for games rich with action-packed sequences, gripping characters and cinematic flair. … We expect calendar 2011 to be a watershed year for THQ.”


text:
December 29, 2013 BY Aaron Hope
As we saw on an Insta Pump Fury that showed up a little over a week ago, Reebok will continue to release new product featuring the durable Cordura fabric into next year. The new stuff will be decidedly more expressive than the first Reebok Cordura pack, but the pairing of Insta Pump and Reebok Pump Omni Lite looks to continue as this pair takes on the same colorway on the aforementioned runners. This Tin Grey and Reebok Royal makeup has the same Neon Sign hits as you’ll see in more photos below, and Sneaker News will keep you posted with US release info on what looks like a January 2014 release.
Source: Sneaker Freaker
Tags: Reebok Pump Omni Lite


text:
'I'm The Café And He's The Leche'
This week, Morning Edition ran a series of reports and interviews about coffee. Here at Code Switch, we decided to add to the "coffee talk" with a snapshot of a café in northeast Los Angeles where, for some, gentrification is synonymous with a good cappuccino with a design on the foam.
Café De Leche
Café de Leche (yes, all you Spanish-speakers, it is de leche not con leche) sits on the corner of Avenue 50 and York Boulevard in Highland Park, a neighborhood that's been predominantly Latino and working-class for decades.
Before it was a coffee joint that sells drinks made from Stumptown beans (Stumptown Roasters claims to have started the coffee revolution in Portland), it was an insurance business with a notary public. You can make it out in this famous shootout scene with Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi) in Quentin Tarantino's '92 flick, Reservoir Dogs. It's the building on the corner with the blue awning.
Now imagine that same space lined on the outside with chartreuse bistro tables and people of all stripes (many wearing stripes and skinny jeans) sipping on horchatacon espresso (the most popular drink) out of paper cups stamped with a hummingbird. Some are hunched over their smartphones, others type furiously on their laptops bobbing their heads to whatever is coming out of their white ear buds.
The Los Angeles Times reported last March that "revitalization" has "really" arrived in Highland Park. Three years earlier, The New York Times called it a "new culture district." Both pointed out that York Boulevard, once home to auto-body shops, is now home to nice restaurants, boutiques and a hip coffee shop.
Most of the negative Yelp reviews about Café de Leche revolve around hipster loathing: "hipster central," "hipster hangout" and "self-absorbed, smelly and unkempt looking hipsters." And if you're looking to get online, you'll find a Wi-Fi network on the list with an unprintable title that insults hipsters. Tension? Yeah, maybe a little.
'I'm The Café And He's The Leche'
Anya Schodorf owns Café de Leche with her husband, Matt. They met in Highland Park, fell in love, got married, had kids, opened a coffee shop and later a sandwich shop on York Boulevard. "When my husband told me you were coming to do this interview, I said, 'I hope they don't portray us as gentrifiers, because we're not.' "
Anya Schodorf was Anya Montalban before she married Matt, a tall, pale, Ohio native who grew up in Ventura, Calif. She grew up in Managua, Nicaragua, and came to the United States at age 14. English is her second language.
"We were criticized at the beginning because people thought we had the wrong name," says Schodorf, adding that local bloggers were saying white people who didn't speak Spanish must have named the coffee shop because it's café con leche (coffee with milk). "Café de leche is a regional thing in Nicaragua," Schodorf explains. "One day my mom was at home, and she told Matt in Spanish, 'Mateo, get me my cafe de leche' and he said, 'That's it, that's the name!' "
Schodorf says it took the longest time to get the Latinos from Highland Park to walk in the door. "They would look through the glass and shake their head and keep walking," she says.
"I don't understand why Latinos can't be successful and creative and have something nice. Why do we have to just a stand on a corner? What hurts me the most is that we're being put down by our own people," says Schodorf.
'Just Not A Mexican Thing'
Café de Leche employee Carmen Castillo says, "It's like my mom; my mom will not come in for a cup of coffee." Castillo has worked there for the past five years and grew up in Highland Park, just a couple of blocks away. She says her mom walks by the café often (she doesn't drive) on her way to pick up her brothers from school or run errands. She waves hello from outside.
"It's just not a Mexican thing to come into a coffee shop," says Castillo. "It's just ... it's more of a white thing."
Castillo says Highland Park is changing, and she's conflicted about it. She loves the new businesses that line York Boulevard and keep it bustling with activity, but she adds that she'll never be able to buy a home in the neighborhood she grew up in.
As far as her mom is concerned, Café de Leche is for the newcomers to Highland Park; she's content drinking her café de olla at home.
Copyright 2013 NPR. To see more, visit www.npr.org.


text:
The Power of Packaging
"There has been enormous growth in the candle business," agreed Gino Ferrara of Lawson Mardon Wheaton. In fact, his company's candle packaging business has quadrupled, he said. But this growth in fragranced personal care may be draining traditional fragrance packaging. Mr. Ferrara said traditional fragrance packaging sales have been slow in 1998. "Most companies are concentrating their efforts on bath lines," he explained.
Fragrance marketers are also realizing that more women have switched from a signature scent to a "wardrobe" of fragrances and they want to buy smaller sizes. Jeff Schneider of Worldwide Packaging said metal atomizers that look like lipstick cases and other small fragrance bottles are among the suppliers' most requested items.
"Fragrance marketers are looking for smaller sizes. They want to buy more bottles, but smaller," agreed Tom Richert of New High Glass. He added that many fragrance marketers are also investing in travel sizes and purse sizes.
With small sizes all the rage, it's the perfect time for Valois' new mini pump, which the company claims to be the smallest pump on the market. The pump has been a boon for fragrance package designers, said Mr. Matarese. Years ago, a pump was merely functional, he explained. But designers like the mini pump because it allows for more creativity with a bottle's overall aesthetics.
Delivering the Goods
A package must attract the consumer, but its components must also deliver the product properly. "There is a strong thrust in the treatment market," said Mr. Matarese. For example, he said, Estée Lauder has been a leader in branding through packaging. Earlier this year the cosmetics giant launched Diminish, packaged in a custom-designed bottle and pump. "We'll see more of that from companies trying to keep ahead. They can say 'We have this packaging innovation in addition to the formula.' It will separate them from the rest."
For product formulas that need extra protection, Valois offers airless packaging in partnership with Exal. Together they offer a pouch barrier system in aluminum cans. As it's actuated, the pouch contracts, explained Mr. Matarese. There is a growing demand for such a package as more and more actives are being used in cosmeceutical-type skin care, he said. And more marketers are choosing aluminum for their treatment products, said Mr. Matarese. Aluminum can give a lot of different feelings, he explained. "It's more modern than tin plate, it doesn't have seams and it can be decorated."
"Formulas can affect our business," emphasized Alex Piagnarelli of SeaquistPerfect Dispensing. "We've had to modify pumps to work with thicker, water-based formulas." Many marketers are replacing alcohol with water in their formulations, he said. Water-based formulas are much thicker than alcohol-based ones and this affects atomizing. The supplier has also designed specialty pumps for SPF formulations. SeaquistPerfect Dispensing's SPF-specific pumps don't swell or shrink, emphasized Mr. Piagnarelli. In aerosols, there is a trend toward integrated sprays, he observed. With this dispenser, consumers don't have to remove an overcap or worry about losing a cap. "While traditionally in air fresheners and furniture polish, now we see them in hair spray," he said.
The Soft Touch
All of the packaging suppliers that spoke with happi emphasized that there is strong demand for soft touch texture on packaging. Said Mr. Ferrara of Lawson Mardon Wheaton, "There are a lot of new requests for soft, velvety touch packaging." He described the texture, which has been incorporated onto such products as Clairol's Daily Defense line, as similar to the feel of baby powder.
Mr. Schneider of Worldwide Packaging said many clients are requesting a soft touch texture for lipstick, mascara and compact packaging. Demand has also increased for wide makeup sticks, said Mr. Schneider. The package looks like an oversized lipstick, but marketers are filling the package with blush sticks or all-in-one color cosmetics for the face.
"Packaging is more transparent with smooth, round shapes and a smooth touch," said Tom Richert of New High Glass, adding, "The trend has been toward more natural shapes- designs that remind you of natural objects such as leaves or drops of water. Mr. Richert also noted that many marketers are turning to color lacquering, instead of using amber bottles, to protect their light-sensitive products. They are also requesting the process simply to add color options to their product lines, he said. New High Glass also recently developed a new process called sublimation, which can print an image completely around a glass container. Although an expensive process, Mr. Richert anticipates strong interest because of the unlimited, decorative possibilities.
Try It, You'll Like It
Many marketers rely on sampling to get their products into consumers' hands. But the sample also has to get the consumer to buy the full-sized retail product. Howard Thau, president of Sonic Packaging, maintains that liquid blisters can be the perfect vehicle. Liquid blisters can duplicate the appearance of a bottle or tube's shape and decoration and look exactly like the original product for easy recognition. These samples can be incorporated into a foldover card offering a large billboard for graphics and a coupon. Or, a marketer can introduce two products on one card. Mr. Thau added that cost-conscious marketers are also looking for ways to sell unit-dose samplers, instead of just giving them away. Liquid blisters are more expensive but have more perceived value, he explained. Sampling is hot, and it's not just for large companies, said Mr. Thau. "Smaller and mid-size marketers are more aggressive with sampling today than they have been in the past. They don't have huge advertising budgets, but they understand how important it is for the customer to try their product."
"The sampling market is very strong," said Paul Morris of Flexpaq. And he expects growth in one particular new category. Last month Flexpaq patented its mascara sampler, which took five years to develop. What makes this technology so unique is that it can be used with any marketer's brush applicator. "The brush makes the difference in mascara," said Mr. Morris, noting that cosmetics marketers often differentiate their mascara brands through specially-designed brushes. "We've created a technology that could use any company's brush," he said. But the technology isn't limited to mascara, and can be used with other cosmetics, according to Mr. Morris.
While samples are given away in weekend newspapers, magazine inserts and direct mailing, some marketers are selling their samples too. This tactic makes sample packaging all the more important-it must motivate the consumer to buy what is normally free. Thermal form blister plastic trays with aluminum lidding, which are now being used for skin care, liquid makeup and lipsticks, is one form that could be sold at retail, said Mr. Morris of Flexpaq. Molded out of clear plastic, the container enables consumers to see a product's color. The packaging is more expensive, he maintains, but it's good enough to sell.
While consumers are bombarded with a dizzying array of skin-improving product formula claims and more scented lotions and candles in every store, packaging is one key way to stand out from the crowd. "Packaging is becoming more important to distinguish brands," observed Mr. Matarese. "Marketers are coming back to packaging to create customer loyalty."


text:
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - The Norfolk and Williamsburg Premium Outlets are celebrating the start of a new school year with back to school savings.
Both outlets are offering thousands of deals and savings that can save customers up to 65% off. Each location offers a variety of retailers selling clothing, footwear, athletic apparel, and outerwear. Retailers have their own special back to school discounts and in-store sales.
The outlets are open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. from Friday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Click on the outlet's name for a complete list of the deals and events:


text:
These days, Bitcoin’s price has been boosted by some reports claiming that Amazon would start accepting the king coin.
The rumours were fueled by all sorts of reports.
The rumours that Amazon might be entering Bitcoin and crypto payments were strengthening.
According to the news website City A.M., an “insider” has confirmed that Amazon is “definitely” looking to launch Bitcoin and crypto payments by the end of 2021.
The source said the following:
“This isn’t just going through the motions to set up cryptocurrency payment solutions at some point in the future – this is a full-on, well-discussed, integral part of the future mechanism of how Amazon will work.”
Crypto Twitter is in awe, and they are calling Bezos the GOAT.
LMAO if Bezos is really ripping bitcoin market orders a week after launching himself to space, then everyone has to agree he is the GOAT 😂
— Pomp 🌪 (@APompliano) July 26, 2021
Amazon denies rumours
Bitcoin was trading around $40k due to these rumours, but now Amazon denied it all that BTC lost a bit of its price.
Amazon has since denied the rumours via an email statement to Coindesk. The firm said that it has no plans to launch a crypto by 2022 and will not accept Bitcoin this year.
On the other hand, they said that they will continue to explore cryptocurrencies and blockchain.
“Notwithstanding our interest in the space, the speculation that has ensued around our specific plans for cryptocurrencies is not true. We remain focused on exploring what this could look like for customers shopping on Amazon,” said the Amazon spokesperson.
The Street online publication noted that Amazon starting to accept Bitcoin and even going as far as to make its own token lit the crypto community on fire and Bitcoin pumped nearly 11% on the day, only to drop back down after it denied the rumours.
At the moment of writing this article, BTC is trading in the red and the king coin is priced at $37,070.15.


text:
The industry produced a total 17,097,096 vehicles including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers, two wheelers and quadricycle in April-October 2017 as against 15,811,071 in April-October 2016, registering a growth of 8.13 percent over the same period last year.
The sale of Passenger Vehicles grew by 7.67 percent in April-October 2017 over the same period last year. Within the Passenger Vehicles, Passenger Cars, Utility Vehicle and Vans grew by 4.72 percent, 16.95 percent and 2.86 percent respectively in April-October 2017 over the same period last year.
The overall Commercial Vehicles segment grew by 6.04 percent in April-October 2017 as compared to the same period last year. Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs) declined by (-) 5.38 percent, however, Light Commercial Vehicles grew by 13.97 percent in April-October 2017 over the same period last year.
Three Wheelers sales declined by (-) 6.27 percent in April-October 2017 over the same period last year. Within the Three Wheelers, Passenger Carrier sales registered a de-growth of (-) 8.52 percent, however, Goods Carrier grew by 3.83 percent in April-October 2017 over April-October 2016.
Two Wheelers sales registered a growth at 8.09 percent in April-October 2017 over April-October 2016. Within the Two Wheelers segment, Scooters and Motorcycles grew by 14.63 percent and 5.93 percent respectively, while Mopeds declined by (-) 7.08 percent in April-October 2017 over April-October 2016.
In April-October 2017, overall automobile exports grew by 10.37 percent. Two and Three-Wheeler Segments registered a growth of 15.87 percent, and 17.93 percent respectively while Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles declined by (-) 4.13 percent and (-) 28.05 percent respectively in April-October 2017 over the same period last year.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Sign me up for the newsletter!
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Zendesk’s Double-Digit Growth in APAC Cements its Commitment to Developing Tech Talent Across the Region
Hungama’s latest Marathi original show, ‘Shree Kaamdev Prasanna’ crosses 43 lakh episodic views in 30 days!
Mother Dairy – Pioneers of Automated Bulk Milk Vending – Announces Pan-India Plastic Waste Collection & Recycling Drive
5 Major Organ Transplants at Pune’s Sahyadri Hospitals
Axis Bank launches MAGNUS credit card, strengthening its Premium Cards portfolio
2014 The Global Indian New Network (TGINN)


text:
Dunkin’ just announced a new product they’re selling for Halloween . . . the Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut. It’s a regular donut covered in a strawberry icing, with a HOT red sugar sprinkled on top. If you’re interested, they should be on sale today.
I dare ya!!!!
The Pumpkin and Apple Cider Donuts aren't the only the only ones making fall better at Dunkin'. You might want to grab a glass of milk, because the coffee chain has introduced a new Spicy Ghost Pepper Donut that is equal parts trick and treat.


text:
Pre-entries shut but you can still enter on the day for weekend of riding in Ashton Court
Singletrack reader Martin Boddy decided to take on the mighty Three Peaks CX race…
Rab takes on the longest chip shop run in the world – all 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William in under 12 hours
Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s going to be in the next issue of the magazine
Bike demos, celebs and more at the ‘Northern mini expo’ in North Yorkshire
We’ve got a warm, waterproof and bright pick of products this week. You might almost feel good about winter after it..
This week’s opportunity to win with the lovely Lakeland based Premier Dealers, DC Cycles and Izzivelo
Follow living legend Steve Peat though the ups and downs of the Leogang Worlds
We get a look at the new Reynolds stainless steel tubed R-931 Skyline, plus a hard hitting hardtail
The UK’s newest ‘cross challenge/sportive/not-race happened last weekend. Looks like they had fun.
Some high tech bags for bikepacking, one of those 26″ wheelers plus a selection of rubber for all needs


text:
Exports of canned seafood, including albacore, continue to climb for Spain. Canned tuna is the leading export and Most of Spain’s seafood is shipped to the European Union.
Spanish officials also expressed “concern” … “with respect to agreements between the EU and third countries,” reports Fish Info & Services at FIS.com. In particular, he insisted that the interim economic partnership agreement between the EU and Papua New Guinea seriously jeopardizes some 25,000 direct jobs and up to 54,000 direct jobs in Europe.
Pacific albacore is certainly more sustainable than Atlantic blue-fin tuna, but consumers are increasingly aware – and yearn to buy local!


text:
Organizers claimed that nearly 2 million Hong Kong protesters took to the streets Sunday in a rally to demand the city's top official resign a day after she suspended — but...China Politicsread more
Heavy rains caused unprecedented delays in planting this year and contributed to record floods across the central United States.Agricultureread more
Stocks in Asia traded mixed on Monday as investors await a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting set to happen later in the week stateside.Asia Marketsread more
Although Cook did not mention companies by name, his commencement speech in Silicon Valley's backyard mentioned data breaches, privacy violations, and even made reference to...Technologyread more
In the survey, 66% of Democratic primary voters say they'd be enthusiastic or comfortable about Biden as their nominee to take on President Trump in the 2020 election. Just...Politicsread more
U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman called the gesture a "birthday present" to Trump, who turned 73 on Friday.Politicsread more
The outlook for Germany's economy and political stability are more uncertain than ever, writes Michael Ivanovitch.World Economyread more
Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong walked free from prison on Monday after serving nearly five weeks for contempt of court, pledging to join a mass protest movement...China Politicsread more
The agreement, which is on the framework for the plan of adjustment, provide for more than a 60% average haircut for all $35 billion, a 36% haircut on pre-2012 general...Bondsread more
Target's registers were down on Saturday for several hours preventing customers from checking out.Retailread more
The newspaper wrote that Goldman's executive are hoping CEO David Solomon's changes to a firm that historically thrived in investment banking and trading will boost its...US Marketsread more
Walmart is adding to its online coterie of brands with its acquisition of plus-sized online retailer, Eloquii.
The big box retailer, which announced the acquisition on Tuesday, has been building up an online collection of labels since its roughly $3 billion acquisition of Jet.com in 2016. Those brands now include ModCloth, Bonobos and Allswell.
Walmart did not disclose the deal's value, but a person familiar with the terms told CNBC it valued Eloquii at roughly $100 million. It had interest from other retailers in the sale process, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential. Recode first reported the deal price.
Eloquii, which sells clothing in sizes 14 to 28, was started by teen retailer the Limited which sold the plus-sized lines online and in a limited number of stores. After The Limited shut down Eloquii in 2013, the brand for fuller-figured women reemerged as a digital-only retailer. It began opening stores in 2017.
It employs roughly 100 workers today and will stay in its Long Island City, NY and Columbus, Ohio locations after its sale to Walmart closes, which is expected later this quarter.
Americans spent $21.4 billion on women's full-sized clothing in 2016, according to NPD Group, which has predicted the market will grow at an average of 4 percent each year through 2020.
As result, retailers have been looking for ways to tap into the market for women with curves.
Kohl's last month said it would be launching EVRI, a new private label plus-sized brand, next spring. Target launched its plus-size brand Ava & Viv in 2015. It said earlier this year said it plans to double the number of stores in which it sells Ava & Viv by the end of this year, to 300.
Online styling service Stitch Fix told analysts earlier this week it is continuing to add more plus-size items for shoppers.


text:
After four years, Fashion’s Night Out will go on a hiatus in 2013 in the US. The event will still take place in select international cities.
Fashion’s Night Out was launched in 2009 to help NYC retailers hard hit by the recession. After an initial positive response by consumers, the event was held again in 2010, 2011, and 2012. By its fourth year, FNO had expanded to stores in over 500 cities nationwide and 30 international cities.
While FNO was a big hit with the public, it’s questionable if it drove sales for retail brands.Â The night took on an atmosphere of a “street festival,” with open bars, DJ’s, and celebrity appearances. Many stores hoped customers would come back after the parties to buy items they saw during the event.
Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the CFDA, said the organization is extremely proud of the event and feels it’s served its purpose. He said, “I don’t think the success of it was measured only by numbers or money, but was really about engagement.…Everyone feels we had a great four years. It brought a lot of attention to retail, to fashion’s important place in retail.â€
Some industry experts felt a hiatus was probably needed. Some fashion brands, in an attempt to weed out teens, tourists and other patrons who were more interested in free drinks than shopping, had begun to enforce dress codes, created VIP lines and offering snacks only after guests had purchased something.
Read More atÂ WWD


text:
It is confirmed that Zelda: Twilight Princess will be launching alongside the Wii console on December 7th in New Zealand! They’ve also confirmed the price for the game which will be $109.95.
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ Softprint Interactive were recently confirmed as the New Zealand distributor for Nintendo. They will be spending half a million dollars on marketing activity for the Wii across TV, print and online media before Christmas 06.
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ Softprint Interactive will be showcasing the Wii at both Armegeddon in Auckland on Labour Weekend, and at Big Boys Toys in Auckland in November.
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ There will be an official Wii carry bag available from day one — once pricing is confirmed we’ll have it up for pre-order.
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ The new Mario game will not be available in NZ until early 2007
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ Accessory pricing is being confirmed in the next week or so. It’s expected there will be a Controller + “WiiPlay” bundle which we expect to be around $90-100. WiiPlay is a collection of minigames.
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ Unlike other Nintendo console launches in New Zealand, the Wii has solid Third Party support from all the major players in the industry.
Ã¢â‚¬Â¢ According to GamePlanet NZ, Wii is already a winner and they now have more pre-orders for it than the PlayStation 3!


text:
The Bucharest office is remote control productions’ second international subsidiary. It will be managed by BigBlue Studios CEO Bogdan Oprescu.
Munich-based remote control productions has opened a new international subsidiary in Bucharest, Romania. It’s the company’s second office outside Germany, as it expanded successfully to Finland last year. The network’s founder Hendrik Lesser described international expansion as an “important goal”. “Romania is a perfect fit for us,” he told GamesIndustry.biz.
Bogdan Oprescu, co-founder and CEO of Bucharest-based BigBlue Studios will take the lead in the new office. “I was instantly hooked when I heard about the rcp vision of a European family of developers,” he said.
“Here in Romania there’s an active and growing independent developer scene which will benefit tremendously from the unique services the rcp group has to offer. I’m excited and proud to introduce rcp’s proven business model to the Romanian games industry.”
The remote control family is Europe’s largest association of independent game developers, comprising about 150 staffers in 14 companies. The group has developed over 35 games for several platforms, including Son of Nor and Word Wonders. The network’s greatest success so far is the mobiole RPG Angry Birds Epic, which was developed by remote control family studio Chimera Entertainment and published in association with Rovio Entertainment. The game launched in June 2014 and has been downloaded over 60 million times.
Latest posts by Nicholas Meyer (see all)
- Playdead co-founder Dino Patti opens new UK studio Jumpship - 27. June 2017
- Tate Modern’s Modigliani exhibition to feature HTC Vive VR experience - 27. June 2017
- Grab Free Cardboard Materials - 26. June 2017


text:
The Cinema EOS lineup has been fairly profitable for Canon, however 2019 was a sluggish 12 months for the system as we solely noticed one new digicam, the Cinema EOS C500 Mark II.
We’ve been informed that at the very least two new Cinema EOS cameras will are available in 2020, one would be the Cinema EOS C300 Mark III, a Tremendous35 4K digicam that may comply with the modular design of the Cinema EOS C500 Mark II.
The second, and far later in 2020 will probably be a alternative for the Cinema EOS C100 Mark II. When the Cinema EOS C200 was introduced, we had been informed at the moment that it was successfully a alternative for the C100 Mark II, however a few sources are saying that’s not the case. One supply advised it might be the primary Cinema EOS digicam with an RF mount “out of the box” and would introduce a brand new type issue for the lineup.
We’ve additionally been informed that Canon is not going to announce an 8K digicam within the “usual way” in 2020, however that it is going to be addressed with some form of announcement subsequent 12 months.


text:
As we grow into an increasingly digital society, it’s hard to believe that Millennials, of all people, respond well to direct mail. But a recent study found that 84% of Millennials take the time to look their mail.
Granted, the study was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, so there’s probably a little bit of bias in it. Still, it does make sense when you think about it.
There’s no competition
First of all, the shift to electronic communications has cut the competition in what was once a very cluttered marketing environment. Simply put, Millennials receive less mail, so they’re more likely to notice what they do receive.


text:
The ecommerce group has introduced Meraki, a label specialized in men’s and women’s basic apparel. The collection is available starting today through the company’s online platform.
Amazon boosts its fashion business. The American ecommerce company has launched Meraki, a new brand specialized in men’s and women’s basic apparel. The label, whose collections will be developed in London, adds to the platform’s Europa-based portfolio and puts pressure on other retailers in the region.
Meraki offers products such as t-shirts, merino wool sweaters and trousers on neutral colors. This is the fourth brand that Amazon sets up from Europe. Last September, the company introduced Find: its first-ever label designed in London and whose manufacturing is carried out by some of Inditex’s key suppliers.
In April 2018, Amazon stepped up its fashion offering and launched Truth&Fable, focused on party dressing. The group also owns intimate and lingerie brand Iris&Lilly.
Amazon’s apparel sales represent between 10% and 20% of the company’s overall turnover
Amazon Fashion in Europe is headquartered in London, where the ecommerce giant installed several photo studios. The company’s business in the US is spearheaded by Christine Beauchamp, while the European own-brands division is led by Frances Russell, who joined the group in 2016 after heading the womenswear department at Marks&Spencer.
Amazon’s apparel sales represent between 10% and 20% of the company’s overall turnover, according to research firm Instinet. It forecasted that the group will double its fashion sales until 2020, reaching 85 billion dollars (71.9 billion euros).


text:
Just two months after Labeed Diab was named head of health and wellness at Walmart, Mark Phillips was elevated to the role of VP pharmaceutical merchandising. Phillips assumes command of more than 4,175 retail pharmacy operations that generates $16.8 billion in pharmacy revenue, according to DSN's PoweRx 50.
In his new role, Phillips will lead the pharmaceutical merchandising team and report to Diab. Phillips, who most recently served as the senior director of merchandising in small formats, is a long-time buyer for Walmart and may be an indication of Walmart's steadfast commitment to growing pharmacy, health and wellness, especially across Walmart's smaller formats.
Diab and Phillips will oversee the health side of Walmart's aggressive expansion of small formats that contain pharmacies, as well as the company's recent foray into its own healthcare clinic where Walmart employees pay $4 per visit and the general public $40 per visit. The pharmacy executives will also help link Walmart's health and wellness offerings across formats as Walmart continues to tether its Supercenters, smaller formats and online. "Tethering stores together ... will allow us to not only provide greater access to customers, but use the combination of both digital and physical assets to provide a broader array of services and products," said Jeff Davis, EVP and CFO of Walmart U.S., during the recent Jefferies 2014 Global Consumer Conference. "In the month of May we opened up an Express store that was 'tethered' ... to a Supercenter that was about 30 mi. to 40 mi. away," Davis said. "What customers can do is essentially go into this rural supermarket and have the capability of ordering anything that is in that Supercenter. If they order by noon, they can get it the same day," he said. "At the end of the day, customers in a rural area can have access to millions of items, if you consider everything that is available on dot-com, and they do all this within a 10,000-sq.-ft. facility."
Or, in other words, the size of a small drug store.
And Walmart, which already has a solid reputation as delivering EDLP on products is looking to extend that reputation to include services like the clinic concept, Davis said. "We opened up a Walmart Care Clinic in the front of the store in the tentant lease space," Davis said. "We believe this is a great opportunity for us to help manage the rising cost of our health care." Having opened its first in Copperas Cove, Texas, Walmart anticipates opening a dozen of these clinics by the end of the year. Two additional clinics were expected to open at the end of June in Benbrook and Carrollton, according to a Fort Worth Star-Telegram report.
It's not just health and wellness that's getting re-energized with fresh leaders. Walmart recently recast the roles of its top merchants across the organization in an effort to reinvigorate growth. According to an internal memo obtained by DSN sister publication Retailing Today, Walmart chief merchandising and marketing officer Duncan Mac Naughton said he was pleased to announce “a few changes which will help accelerate our growth and efficiency as a world-class merchant organization. Additionally, these moves provide a more specialized service to our customers, while also creating better alignment and a greater visibility across our business.”


text:
This summer Gogo Business Aviation announced it is now enabling an “open router environment” in a bid to give its inflight connectivity customers the power to select a router to meet their specific needs.
Customers currently access Gogo Business Aviation’s connectivity services through equipment supplied by the company, either the Aircell Cabin Telecommunications Router (CTR) or the UCS 5000 “smart” router. The former enables wifi connectivity, while the latter adds voice, movies/television, weather, map compression and other services.
But under the new paradigm, Gogo is type certifying selected routers for compatibility against its air-to-ground (ATG) network, as well as for Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service and Jet ConneX the business aviation service powered by Inmarsat Global Xpress.
“We’re in contracting discussions with several entities for third party router approval testing. We’re not yet at a stage where we can mention specific providers, but these will be announced in the near future,” a Gogo Business Aviation spokesman told RGN in a recent interview.
Interestingly, the company is not seeking merely to endorse the most popular products. Instead it aims to work with manufacturers on a series of router trials. “The work will include throughput tests on the Gogo network, DHCP [dynamic host configuration protocol] lease tests, Gogo Biz Voice tests and additional Gogo features testing, among other assessments,” says Scott Richter, VP-product, inflight connectivity services.
Gogo is therefore looking carefully at functionality, but also recognizes that for business customers the service provider and router are of little consequence if there are connection problems that aren’t solved quickly, or security concerns. Consequently, customer support, customer service and security are also key considerations in the router certification process.
Once customers are accessing connectivity through the router of their choice, “there will be no impact or implications specific to revenue or billing”, assures Richter.
Enabling operators to choose routers from outside Gogo’s own product range may also open up a new market. The new routers are likely to include smaller, lighter products than those currently available, potentially introducing Gogo’s services to smaller turboprops and light jets, and perhaps even helicopters.
“That’s what we hope happens,” says Richter. “If an operator wants a smaller router for a King Air or PC-12, say, they will now have other options to consider that will be a fit for their airframe. For helicopters, it’s possible given the smaller size options that may become available, but because our ATG system works best above 10,000ft, it likely won’t be leveraged much in that space.”
Gogo is also cognizant of the possibility that existing CTR or UCS 5000 operators might switch to alternative routers once its certified list is released, and while Richter admits that may happen, he says: “We’re doing this to provide new options and a better experience.
“Some may abandon their existing equipment for new routers, but we also see the initiative attracting new customers, opening access to some who didn’t have it before and those who appreciate the additional flexibility.”


text:
UK – At the British Pig and Poultry Fair recently, two speakers from trade show partner ABN explained that as retailers focus more and more on responsible and sustainable foods, innovative solutions will be needed in the feed supply chain.
Many retailers already require a certain degree of responsible sourcing for feed products such as soybeans to prevent deforestation, but this is likely to become more stringent in future as retailers compete on environmental credentials. 2020 seems to be the target year for most UK retailers to move to certified sustainable feed sources.
In addition, dependence on imported feed ingredients such as soybeans leaves Europe vulnerable to price volatility and increases the ‘food miles’ of the animal products on consumers’ plates.
ABN speakers Ade Adebiyi and Hugh Burton said the feed supply chain must therefore work to improve certification of responsible sourcing, whilst also reducing reliance on soy.
Mr Burton said the aim is to prevent a situation where the retail requirement for sustainability creates a big price premium in the feed supply chain, by ensuring there are enough responsible growers in place by the time retailers make the transfer.
He described how the European Compound Feed Association (FEFAC) has worked to form a benchmarking system, to make sure all the different certification schemes come up to standard. These standards have 37 essential criteria and additional desirable criteria. Currently there are nine schemes that meet the FEFAC criteria and another five in the pipeline, maintaining diversity and competition between schemes.
Mr Burton said that plans are in place to gradually raise the standards of sustainability schemes in future years. “What that allows us to do is move the industry forward in bite-sized chunks without really increasing the costs,” he said.
Mr Adebiyi discussed other possible solutions to reduce Europe’s over-reliance on soy protein, using innovative research to create more nutritional value from the same ingredients.
One possibility is using concentrated protein sources, made by taking out the non-digestible or undesirable fractions of the soy or other protein source.
“These sort of feed ingredients are becoming more popular, they are more available, and increasingly we are seeing the use of a diverse range of raw materials to produce concentrated protein sources.” This includes more locally available materials such as potatoes, rape, beans, peas or wheat, Mr Adebiyi said.
“By removing the unwanted fraction, or less digestible fraction, you will improve overall gastrointestinal or general health of the animal,” he added.
Looking after the gut is especially important in chicks and piglets, which have immature gastrointestinal tracts, so using concentrated protein could help give them the best start in life. That could help producers reduce antibiotic usage on farm – a key consumer requirement for the future – as well as improving farm results in the increasingly important starter phase.
Another innovation that Mr Adebiyi touched on was phytase superdosing. This involves feeding higher doses of the enzyme to ensure the full breakdown of the anti-nutrient phytate in the gut.
“When you break it down completely, you improve performance,” he said. This includes improvements in feed conversion ratio and sometimes improvements in live weight gain as well.
“We need to make those tiny steps and improve on efficiency… we all need to work together as an industry to continue to drive innovation,” Mr Adebiyi concluded.
Read more content from the British Pig & Poultry Fair:


text:
OlliOlli 2 Launching on PS4 and PS Vita on March 3
Get ready for some sweet skating action.
OlliOlli 2, the long awaited sequel to last year’s stylish sidescrolling skateboarding platformer game from Roll7, finally has a release date- the studio announced that it will be launching for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita on March 3.
The new game will include split and hidden routes, a four-player local multiplayer mode and new combos; in addition, it has also been confirmed that it will be Cross Buy (meaning that buying it once makes it accessible on all PlayStation platforms that it is available on), and Cross Save, meaning that your progress carries over from version to version- so you can easily pick up your Vita on the commute, and continue playing from where you left off at home on your PS4.
If you’re not a PlayStation owner, but still want in on the OlliOlli action, never fear, because the original game (which is already available on PC) will be coming to Wii U, 3DS, and Xbox One as well, so maybe look into getting that.


text:
WSP Global Inc. agreed to buy Parsons Brinckerhoff, designer of New York City’s first subway line, for $1.24 billion in cash from British builder Balfour Beatty Plc, extending the Canadian engineering company’s reach in the U.S. and Australia.
The agreement also calls for Montreal-based WSP to contribute $110 million that will be retained by Parsons Brinckerhoff, the companies said yesterday in separate statements.
Balfour Beatty, the U.K.’s largest construction company, bought Parsons in 2009 for $626 million to expand outside its home market. Last month it rejected a merger with Carillion Plc, citing the British rival’s insistence that Balfour call off plans to sell New York-based Parsons, which Balfour said “has not provided synergistic benefits.”
WSP said it expects the acquisition to immediately boost earnings per share by a “mid-single digit” percentage, “increasing to the mid-teens once synergies are fully realized” in two years. It said the purchase will let it expand in countries where it has a limited presence, such as the U.S. and Australia, as well as in the U.K., where it’s already present on a larger scale.
London-based Balfour said it plans to return as much as 200 million pounds ($329 million) of the proceeds to shareholders and use about 85 million pounds to reduce its pension-fund deficit.
Balfour shares rose as much as 3.7 percent in London trading, valuing the company at 1.7 billion pounds, and were up 2.5 percent as of 8:11 a.m.
Balfour said the sale requires its shareholders’ backing, as well as antitrust and other approvals. The companies said they expect to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter this year.
WSP said Barclays Plc and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce were its financial advisers. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. was Balfour’s lead financial adviser, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch also provided advice, Balfour said.


text:
In the recent Bud Light commercial, Amy Schumer makes many claims regarding gender equality. One of these claims is that women pay more than men when buying cars. Here's a link to said video.
Is this true?
While Jonathan Wisnoski's comment refers to a study about car repairs, I agree with the question and will assume the ad's sentence "And we need to pay more for the same stuff - cars, [...]" is about car purchases. (Also, in the article the comment links to, a different study from only 2015 is mentioned that found women pay more for repairs). (Furthermore, I think car repairs are even more of a credence good than purchases, and therefore - this is my assumption - car mechanics are more likely to overcharge people who they assume have less knowledge about the topic, which would likely apply to women. This would make car repairs different from purchases.)
I am inclined to say the answer is yes, at least in the US (to which the video was most likely referring to), although the information I found is a bit outdated. Or rather, studies in the past have found this to be case, and I don't see why this would have changed in the past decades, unfortunately.
Evidence supporting this: A study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs from 1992, that says:
The 1992 study found that when women bought used cars, they were twice as likely to have been quoted a higher price than men.
Dealer's initial offer to white females: $200 higher than those of white males. Final offer: $130 higher. Black females: Initial offer: $450 higher than those of white males. Final offer: $400 higher
Slightly more recently, a study authored by economics/marketing professors from Harvard and University of California found the that women and minorities pay more than men for cars:
We find that women pay more for cars (0.2%), as do older consumers (0.2 %for moving from 20 to 64 years old) and consumers who have a higher probability of being either black or Hispanic. A buyer with probability one of being black pays 1.5% more for the equivalent vehicle than does a buyer that has probability zero of being black[...]
Although they're a bit older, given two of that these are academic studies published in peer-reviewed journals that show their methodology, I am more inclined to put trust in them than the car repair price studies, which were carried out by private companies and whose methodology is not shown (or at least I couldn't find it).
The answer is a strong YES for single women. Women pay more than man for cars. Ashley Langer at the University of Arizona has a paper called (Dis)Incentives for Demographic Price Discrimination in the New Vehicle Market. She shows that demographics matter when it comes to the price you pay. In particular, she says
I show that after controlling for the optimal markups, single women pay a premium over single men and married men pay a premium over married women. Furthermore, single consumers pay more than married consumers.
The paper is unpublished but available here.
Yet another study using test purchasers showing women and non-whites paying more for cars.
More than 300 paired audits at new-car dealerships reveal that dealers quoted significantly lower prices to white males than to black or female test buyers using identical, scripted bargaining strategies.


text:
Sunflower Farmers Market will bring their crunchy-feel-good groceries to an additional location soon. The Lafayette City Council approved an incentive package to allow a Sunflower Farmers Market to open in a vacant Albertsons building.
City administrators hope this new addition will be the first of many in the partially abandoned area on South Boulder Road.
Sunflower Farmers Market, a Boulder-based discount natural grocer, will open in the vacant Albertsons building sometime this year under a deal approved by city officials Tuesday night. Read more


text:
If you’ve been enjoying free “Friday Night Baseball” games with Apple TV+, Apple has good news for you.
Today, Apple and Major League Baseball announced the August schedule for “Friday Night Baseball” and confirmed that all games will stream for free, meaning you don’t need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch. Although the company said advertisers would be revealed weekly, it did specify who would host the coverage before and after the game:
Lauren Gardner, along with a rotating panel of analysts and former MLB players, including Carlos Peña, Cliff Floyd and Yonder, will continue to host live coverage of “Friday Night Baseball” before and after the game. Alonso and former MLB referee Brian Gorman will continue to offer analysis and interpretation of the rules.
Here is the full schedule for August:
friday august 5
- Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies at 7 p.m. ET
- Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers at 8 p.m. ET
friday august 12
- San Diego Padres at the Washington Nationals at 7 p.m. ET
- Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets at 7 p.m. ET
friday august 19
- Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees at 7 p.m. ET
- Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins at 8 p.m. ET
friday august 26
- Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox at 7 p.m. ET
- Cleveland Guardians vs. Seattle Mariners at 10 p.m. ET
Apple TV+ is available on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV through the Apple TV app. It is also available on Fire TV, Xbox, Playstation and Smart TV. The service is also streamed directly through the Apple TV+ website.
If you want to enjoy “Friday Night Baseball” in the best possible quality, check out our Apple TV 4K review and our list of the best TVs for Apple TV 2022.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famous directors and award-winning actors and actresses on all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in a new window)


text:
The internet has answers to all that you ask, it might be correct, or it might not, how do you know? Should you just look it up and believe what you read is true? This is the issue that comes with being so well connected to all and everything, 24/7 news cycle and social media. Big exciting news or an interesting technological breakthrough spreads rapidly through networks, but when it’s found to be the work of a photoshopped image or quote taken in the wrong context that will never reach the same amount of points in the network.
This is dangerous and we now see how people can be influenced by others, even worse is realizing it and now not knowing who or what to trust.
Recently this has been a major subject in news, entertainment, and politics. You can even see similar issues in the technology sector, if there’s money to be made by influencing others it will happen. It hinders new technology in many ways, for example Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. Bitcoin opened a door to a new idea using blockchains and others saw the endless uses it could have. As more developers and users that believed in the tech joined the value starts to increase over time to where the “Sharks” realize there’s money to be made, regardless of what the tech or product is.
Eventually the value of bitcoin and crypto in general gets so large you get deceitful ICOs and useless crypto coins trying to quickly grab anything and get out. Now companies pop up talking about how they utilize the blockchain to do X, Y, and Z without any new product or tech, which hurts the industry.
Questions for you the reader…
- Has any new tech breakthrough not been affected by negatively by others copying or creating harmful products, to try to make a quick profit?
- Internet – scammers, ads, trackers, hackers
- Bitcoin – Endless Initial Coin Offerings and shell businesses created
- Social Media & 24/7 news cycle – Data privacy, security


text:
The exhibition organisers
The industry’s oldest and premium exhibition, Paper Arabia, has made a comeback following post-Covid new investments and expansions in the GCC paper industry surging in excess of $1.6 billion in the past two years.
At a media briefing , spokespersons of Paper Arabia, organised by Dubai’s pioneer in events and expos, Al Fajer Information and Services, said a major share of these investments were in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in greenfield projects as well as in expansion of existing production facilities to cater to the growing consumer demand for paper products, particularly in packaging and hygiene.
“The paper industry in the Middle East has evolved over the years and it is now one of the world’s fastest growing markets. The Covid pandemic had brought in disruptions and production bottlenecks throwing in unprecedented challenges for paper mills across the world, but it also helped mushroom new opportunities in paper packaging and paper disposables, further fuelled by an e-commerce boom,” said Nadhal Mohamed, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services.
He said the relaunch of Paper Arabia comes in a growth context for the paper industry. “This is the 12th edition of Paper Arabia and the response have been robust with nearly 100 companies from 30 countries participating,” he said.
The B2B show is taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 16 to 18, 2023. Saudi Paper Group, the Middle East’s biggest tissue manufacturer are the principal sponsors of the show. The group have been unwaveringly supporting Paper Arabia since 2007.
The growth of the Middle East paper industry investments also comes in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war which is a cause of concern for Europe with implications on the energy-intensive paper industry.
The demand for paper and pulp products in the Middle East and Africa market is being driven by the increased demand for green packaging solutions, and according to a research entity, Mordor Intelligence, the market is poised to touch $28.72 billion in the next five years, growing at a CAGR of 3.28%.
“Consumer attitudes and preferences have changed, and in the recent times, health and hygiene conscious consumers have fuelled the market for paper packaging and disposables like tissues with per capita consumption of these products on the rise,” said Naveen Seth, Assistant Secretary, PHD Chamber of Commerce, India.
Increasing environmental awareness is also driving the growth of paper products with governments in the region, particularly the UAE, clamping restrictions on the use of non-renewable products like single-use plastics, he said, adding that 30 companies taking part in the exhibition at the India Pavilion.
The growth of the packaging industry has also grown with e-commerce boom, and data from Statista for the UAE estimates that e-commerce now accounts for some 7% of the retail spend.-- TradeArabia News Service


text:
The Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) says 2017 was a mixed up year for consumers because government made a number of drastic decisions that affected Zambians in different ways throughout the year.
CUTS centre coordinator Chenai Mukumba noted in a statement to News Diggers yesterday that the removal of subsidies from the fuel and electricity sub-sectors were some of the tough decisions that government made that even led to a hike in price for the two commodities.
“Tough decisions were made in 2017 when the government removed subsidies from the fuel and electricity sub-sectors which in turn saw a hike in price for these two commodities. This was very difficult for consumers but necessary according to government. In September 2016, Zambia saw the complete removal of fuel subsidies as a measure to put the country back on the path of economic recovery, as well as reduce the burden on the treasury. As a result of the bi-monthly annual review, consumers were met with both increases and decreases in the price of fuel during the year. Unfortunately, while the increase in the price of fuel was accompanied by an increase in the price of transportation these price changes were not reflected in the transportation sector when fuel prices reduced and as such consumers were adversely affected,” Mukumba stated.
“In 2018 we urge the Energy Regulation Board to stick to its commitment of undertaking bi-monthly reviews of the cost of fuel. For this process to truly benefit the consumer, it is important that the ERB stick to this policy commitment so that consumers can benefit when the performance of the Kwacha and the international price of oil is in their favour. In addition it is important for the ERB to maintain consistency and predictability in its interventions.”
And Mukumba stated that electricity tariffs were likely to be adjusted this year.
“The energy sector also saw changes when government resolved to hike electricity tariffs. The tariffs of electricity were increased by 25 per cent in May, 2017 and later increased by 50 per cent in September the same year. While government ensured a life line tariff of 200 units, there was a significant complaint from SMEs who noted that this meant an increase in production costs. In 2018 we expect that the government will conclude with the Cost of Service study — this study will ensure that as consumers we are aware of the true cost of producing electricity and that we do not subsidise inefficiencies of ZESCO. In light of the findings of the study it is likely that we will see another change in the cost of electricity this year. We hope that the change of electricity tariffs will be across and inclusive of all sectors, particularly the mining sector,” she stated.
Mukumba further commended government for its efforts to maintain a single digit inflation rate.
“Last year saw a significant decrease in the inflation level. By December 2017, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in their monthly release indicated an inflation rate of 6.1 percent. According to the CSO. The year on year inflation rate as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2017 had increased to 201.8 compared to 196.33 recorded in September 2017. This means that on average, prices increased by 6.1 percent between December 2016 and December 2017. As CUTS we welcomed this especially given that in February of 2016, the inflation rate reached a record high of 22.9%. The government should be commended for maintaining the inflation rate at a single digit. Our expectation is that in 2018 the economy maintains single digit inflation between six and eight percent as was indicated in the 2018 National Budget address,” Mukumba stated.
Meanwhile, Mukumba commended the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) for fining Zambia Sugar and the three mobile service providers respectively for failure to provide quality in their goods and services.
“The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in October 2017 fined Zambia Sugar more than K76 million for price discrimination and unfair pricing after an investigation that had lasted four years revealed the irregularities. Zambia Sugar management however disputed the Commission’s findings from both the factual and legal perspective. We welcomed and commended this decision by the CCPC as the cost of sugar in Zambia had been an area of concern for us for a number of years,” stated Mukumba.
“And Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) in December 2017 fined all the three mobile phone operators a total of K3.1 million for failing to adhere to Quality of Service parameters as agreed in the Quality of Service Guidelines for the third quarter of 2017. Indeed the performance of the three mobile service providers had been an area of concern for many consumers for a long time. We therefore commended ZICTA for holding them accountable.”


text:
Old school analog is the way to go.
This isn't exactly the most surprising news, but it is likely the start of a new trend nonetheless. According to Bimmerfile, a New York BMW chapter has banned all cars equipped with collision avoidance systems from track day events. The Genesee Valley Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America made the decision because it believes cars with "automatic emergency braking" and/or "lane keeping assistance" systems can make vehicles "behave in unpredictable and undesirable ways on a racetrack."
But what if the driver can disable these systems, as is often the case? Nope. GVC made clear that as long as the BMW in question has an avoidance system, it's no longer welcome, and that's going to be a problem for many – even BMW itself. For starters, most new BMWs come standard with these systems and there's no factory delete option. In fact, beginning in 2022, BMW will very likely make these systems standard in all of its models. Does this mean clubs like GVC will no longer take in new members? We don't see that happening, but it will require major changes to how these track day events are run.
For example, one possible solution could be to separate the vehicles based on whether or not they have these systems. In other words, two separate track day events. Fortunately, there's still time to decide, but advanced safety technologies are already changing the way car clubs and their organized track days operate. UPDATE: The BMW Car Club of America has announced that it's overruled the Genesee Valley Chapter's decision to ban BMWs with certain driving aids. It made clear BMW North America is working closely with the national BMW CCA office to "educate and develop a nationwide procedure for including BMWs with Driver Aids." The Photos courtesy of GVC via Facebook


text:
Alliance Ventures, the venture capital fund that invests in technology start-ups for Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors, is partnering with Plug and Play China, part of the global innovation platform.
“China is leading innovation in the automotive industry,” said Francois Dossa, Alliance Global Vice President, Ventures and Open Innovation; Chairman of Alliance Ventures.
“By harnessing the expertise of Plug and Play China, we can gain access to start-ups and technologies that will transform the mobility experience.”
Alliance Ventures and Plug and Play agreed to a three-year partnership in China that will benefit both groups.
This latest agreement follows successful existing partnerships with Plug and Play both in Japan and in Silicon Valley.
Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors will benefit through new business opportunities in the world’s largest automotive market and access to cutting-edge, next-generation technologies.
As an anchor partner of Plug and Play China, Alliance Ventures will connect to Plug and Play’s global innovation ecosystem through their twice-a-year acceleration program.
The last investment by Alliance Ventures, PowerShare, an electric vehicle charging platform start-up based in China, was part of Plug and Play’s Mobility Acceleration Program.
The Acceleration Program’s first session took place on March 26 and 27 in Shanghai (China) and focused on autonomous drive, the internet of cars, electrification and new mobility.
More than 85 start-ups were qualified by Plug and Play China with nearly 25 participating in the on-site pitch session. Alliance Ventures admitted 10 start-ups to participate in the three-month Acceleration Program.


text:
Subscribe to our Newsletter
This iframe contains the logic required to handle AJAX powered Gravity Forms.
GM brings Chevy Colorado’s 2.8L Duramax diesel to Express and GMC Savana vans
GM has announced that it will bring the popular Duramax diesel currently offered as an option on its Chevrolet Colorado ...
Chevrolet unveils 2016 Silverado 1500, 2500 Z71 Midnight Editions
Though Chevy has released several special edition pickups in the last few years, the automaker says its Midnight Edition trucks, ...
GM recalls 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon trucks over steering defect
General Motors has issued a recall on certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups. According to the National Highway ...
GM recalls certain 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon pickups due to console defect
Though General Motors hasn't yet benergy made aware of any known injuries or deaths associated with the defect, the automaker is ...
From our partners
Presented By: Caterpillar
RUGGED WORK TOOLS INCREASE MACHINE UTILIZATION IN DEMOLITION
More and more construction companies are growing their businesses by offering demolition services to their customers. Adding attachments (purchased or…
Turns out, coating a Chevy Colorado with bed liner is a pretty sweet look (PHOTOS)
It's still a bit hard to tell whether or not painting your entire truck with bed liner is a thing yet ...
Chevrolet intros 2016 Colorado Midnight Edition, a sharp monochrome midsize (PHOTOS)
Aimed at truck customers with more particular tastes, Chevrolet has announced a second special edition model of the Colorado to ...
GM unveils diesel 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon with all the 2.8L Duramax details (PHOTOS)
Nearly two years after unveiling the redesigned Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon and announcing the midsize pickups would eventually gain ...
GM unveils 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra with redesigned front ends (PHOTOS)
No. 3 Story in 2015 « No. 4 No. 2 » Thanks to some spy shots snapped while the truck was ...
Chevrolet is selling a lot of Colorados to people who have never owned a Chevy
Chevrolet could not have asked for a better first year for its new midsize pickup. The truck has garnered significant ...
PICKUP THROWDOWN: 2015 Ford F-150 dominates our track testing of 6 new V6 half-tons (PHOTOS)
Bench racers are always talking numbers and comparing which of the various nameplate’s newest models is the “best.” So we teamed ...
Chevrolet unveils 2015 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss, an off-road model that’s hopefully just the beginning (PHOTOS)
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Colorado's seemingly perfect size and great fuel economy, but have wanted a little more ...
Toyota to unveil 2016 Tacoma at Detroit Auto Show next month; here’s a spy shot of the new design to hold you over
Though Toyota has long dominated the market for midsize pickup trucks, consider the competition reignited. Soon after Motor Trend announced the Chevrolet ...
Page 1 of 3
Caterpillar to begin manufacturing mini excavators as market growth ends deal with Wacker Neuson
VIDEO: Watch as a massive Komatsu PC8000 mining shovel is assembled in this time-lapse
John Deere unveils 2 large-frame skid steers, 2 CTLs in G Series power boost
VIDEO: Entire Erques Bridge construction chronicled in beautiful time-lapse
REVIEW: Cat S60's design, speed, built-in FLIR thermal camera combine for the ultimate construction phone
Unsafe surroundings: Unrecognized hazards could cause trouble for you – or for someone else
GO TO SAFETY WATCH
Caterpillar to begin manufacturing mini excavators as market growth ends deal ...
by Wayne Grayson
REVIEW: Cat S60’s design, speed, built-in FLIR thermal camera combine for ...
by Wayne Grayson
With new emissions regs, can heavy truck makers go all-in on ...
by Jason Cannon
Test Drive: Off-roading in Nissan’s sonar-equipped 2017 Titan Pro-4X Crew Cab ...
by Tom Quimby
compact track loaders
John Deere unveils 2 large-frame skid steers, 2 CTLs in G ...
by Wayne Grayson


text:
“They are great to work with. Always challenging us, coming to us with new innovations and keeping us up to date with what’s happening daily. I highly recommend them to anyone in the future”
Trees That Count
- Objective for Novus Glass to increase consumers choosing Novus over their competitors.
- We teamed up with ‘Trees That Count’ and created a campaign – to ensure a greener future. Every NOVUS job helps plant native trees around New Zealand.
- There has been a noticeable shift in conscious consumer choice since the pandemic.
- Brand identity became more important.
- Individuals are increasingly considering the impacts of spending decisions.
- There is a need and desire for customers to support companies that are local and responsible.
Windscreens repair itself isn’t exciting. The client needed to offer something big enough to change consumer behaviour. Rising public concern about climate change and franchisee involvement were all determining factors in their approach.
The Chip in with Novus campaign allows consumers to make a difference. For every repair or replacement, Novus will donate to Trees That Count, a charity helping to plant more native trees around New Zealand.
The campaign launched on August 1st with TV commercials, radio advertising, radio sponsorships, and promotions, Google Ads and SEO, Facebook campaigns, and Stuff and Newshub articles.


text:
A lot of celebrities have been tapped to serve as the face of CoverGirl in the past. Amongst the bunch are Zendaya, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Drew Barrymore. What these ladies all have in common—aside from being famous—is, just that, they're ladies. Today, the brand announced that it’s switching up genders on us. Introducing: the first male CoverBoy, James Charles.
The 17-year-old beauty vlogger, aspiring makeup artist, and Instagram maven—and his perfectly highlighted cheekbones—is joining current ambassador Katy Perry to help launch CoverGirl’s latest selection of products. On top of a campaign, he’ll also be featured on TV, in print, and will share beauty tips, tricks, and tutorials during his reign.
“All of our COVERGIRLs are role models and boundary-breakers, fearlessly expressing themselves, standing up for what they believe, and redefining what it means to be beautiful,” a CoverGirl statement reads:
James Charles is no exception. One year ago, he boldly chose to launch his Instagram to the world, using transformative, dynamic makeup looks to showcase the many facets of his personality, serving as an inspiration to women, men, guys, and girls who might have been afraid to do the same.
Charles’ latest gig is just one example of makeup brands preaching a gender-fluid message. Anastasia Beverly Hills included men in their latest Glow Kit ads and big name vloggers, like Patrick Starr and Manny Gutierrez, have collaborated with brands in the past. Here’s to inclusivity being more than just a trend.
Look out for a commercial, starring Charles’ beaming face, on your small screen sometime soon. Now, try to watch his video announcement below without tearing up.


text:
Giant Recreation World in Winter Garden, Fla., will open a new “satellite store” in Palm Bay, according to a press release
The new dealership, expected to open by fall, will sit on 24 acres of land allowing for the display of over 300 RVs. The location will offer RV sales and service and is visible from Interstate 95, providing customers convenient access to the dealership.
Giant Recreation World COO Larry McNamara noted, “Our new location will have 50 full-time employees and easy access to serve the sales and service needs of our customers.”
Founded in 1976, Giant Recreation World’s 90-employee work force provide sales and service from three Florida locations: Winter Garden, Palm Shores and Ormond Beach.


text:
The SHOP Local program has already become a huge part for many of our smart shoppers nationwide. We are seeing a huge adoption of the new SHOP.COM feature. What’s not to love – you’re getting paid to eat, shop and play at your favorite restaurants and stores while supporting local businesses! The #goSHOPlocal hashtag was introduced in early February as a way for smart shoppers to share their experiences with others who are either learning about SHOP Local themselves or those who are already enjoying their local experience and want to join the ever-growing conversation.
Take a look at the local restaurants and stores that SHOP Local participant have been enjoying in their home area:
What SHOP Local partners are you enjoying in your area? Share with us on social media using #goSHOPlocal!


text:
NEW YORK, March 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, L’Oréal Paris launched a call for nominations for the 2017 Women of Worth awards honoring 10 inspiring women who are championing change through their charitable causes. Now in its 12th year, L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth has honored 110 women who find beauty in giving back to their communities. Women of Worth, the signature philanthropic program for L’Oréal Paris, brings to life the brand’s tenant that “we’re all worth it” by recognizing a diverse group of women who are putting forth their passion and vision to selflessly volunteer and create lasting impact in their communities. Women and men can nominate women of all ages who are philanthropists, volunteers and change-makers to be a Woman of Worth and receive up to $35,000 in donations for her cause now through May 8, 2017 at WomenofWorth.com.
Each year, the 10 extraordinary women are chosen from thousands of nominations and honored for the significant impact they’ve made across a breadth of causes, including advocating for women and children, raising awareness for health issues, supporting troops and their families, bringing technology to underserved communities and many other important initiatives. L’Oréal Paris elevates their heroic stories, fosters connections, builds networks and provides financial support to help the Women of Worth continue to empower and transform lives.
“Worth and beauty are entwined within our L’Oréal Paris heritage and nothing encapsulates this more beautifully than Women of Worth,” said Tim Coolican, L’Oréal Paris USA President. “The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth are fearless and selfless leaders who make extraordinary contributions to their communities and to society as a whole. They are the embodiment of our belief that ‘we’re all worth it’ and we are honored to be part of their journey.”
NOMINATE A NEW 2017 WOMAN OF WORTH
Nominations for the 2017 Women of Worth program, executed in partnership with Points of Light, the world’s largest volunteer service organization, are open today through May 8, 2017 at WomenofWorth.com.
The final 10 Honorees will each be awarded a $10,000 donation for her cause. One Honoree, chosen by popular vote, will be selected as the National Honoree and awarded an additional $25,000 donation for a total of $35,000 to support her organization. All 10 of the 2017 Honorees will be recognized in December at an awards ceremony hosted by L’Oréal Paris in New York.
SUPPORT THE PAST WOMEN OF WORTH HONOREES
Available for purchase is the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Giftbox, a limited-edition collection of some of the brand’s most iconic beauty products, including Colour Riche La Palette Lip in Nude, Voluminous Primer Mascara, Colour Riche Pocket Palette in French Bisque and Voluminous Original Mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Giftbox is available exclusively at Amazon.com for $24.99, while supplies last. Purchases of the limited edition L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth giftbox help demonstrate support for the 2016 Women of Worth Honorees. Donations can also be made to each Honoree at WomenofWorth.com.
“The Women of Worth are emboldened to make a beautiful difference in the world every day and through their passion demonstrate their vison,” said Karen T. Fondu, President Emeritus and Chairwoman of L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth. “With Women of Worth, L’Oréal Paris is able to embrace the power of its resources and harness them to provide the honorees with the support they need to continue charting their own unique and powerful paths.”
For more information about the Women of Worth program, to nominate a woman making a difference or to learn more about past Honorees, visit www.WomenofWorth.com.
ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT
Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to http://www.pointsoflight.org.
ABOUT L’ORÉAL PARIS
The L’Oréal Paris division of L’Oréal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The L’Oréal Paris brand encompasses the four major beauty categories – hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics – and includes such well-known brands as Preference, Excellence, Feria and Healthy Look hair color; Advanced Haircare, Advanced Hairstyle, Elnett Satin Hairspray, EverPure, EverStrong, EverSleek, EverCreme, EverStyle, EverCurl and L’Oréal Paris Kids hair care; Advanced Suncare, Youth Code, Revitalift, Age Perfect, Ideal Clean, Ideal Moisture, Sublime Bronze and Men’s Expert skincare; and the Colour Riche, True Match, Infallible, Visible Lift and MAGIC cosmetics collections, along with a portfolio of mascara including Voluminous, Double Extend and Telescopic among many others. For more information on L’Oréal Paris and its brands, and to receive personalized beauty advice, expert tips and exclusive beauty content 24-7 (wherever you may be), check out www.lorealparisusa.com.


text:
Star Wars Squadrons update 1.04 patch notes released for PS4, PS VR and Xbox One players. According to Star Wars Squadrons 1.04 patch notes, the latest update added some fixes and changes to the game. Apart from this, Squadrons version 1.04 also includes stability improvements.
Recently, the game was released with positive reviews. Unfortunately, since the release, players are facing several issues while playing the game. Today’s Star Wars Squadrons version 1.04 will fix a few of these issues.
Read more details here.
Download free Star Wars Squadrons update 1.04 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.


text:
By: Delainey Stewart.
On Wednesday, September 13, the students at FHS found a friend to twin with for day three of the homecoming dress up days. The students at FHS did not disappoint. The costumes ranged from matching t-shirts to matching onesies.
The winners for the twin day were Abigail Judd ’21 and Leah Mach ’21. They wore matching Star Wars t-shirts, Star Wars underwear over black leggings, scrunchies in their hair, pink beaded necklaces, and Birkenstocks.


text:
Do you think you'll read this blog until the end? It's 540 words long, about two minutes of your time.
A couple of minutes doesn't seem much, but readers are increasingly ignoring longer copy, as shown by the rising popularity of the hashtag TLDR - too long, didn't read. According to twitter data, it's being used 29% more than last year.
The rising popularity of #TLDR is a symptom of our declining attention spans. Microsoft researchers quantified the decline by surveying 2,000 participants in Canada and studying the brain activity of 112 others, using electroencephalograms (EEGs). Their key finding was that, between 2000 and 2013, average attention spans dropped from twelve seconds to eight seconds. In their headline grabbing claim, the average attention span is now shorter than that of a goldfish.
What's hampering our concentration?
The principal cause of dwindling attention is the internet, and in particular mobile. We're constantly interrupted by e-mail alerts, tweets, Facebook updates or simply the ever-present knowledge that we're one click away from something better. We are, in T.S. Eliot's aptly prophetic phrase, "distracted from distraction by distraction".
We're now spending so long on the internet - on average 2 hours and 51 minutes per day, says the UK Online Measurement body - that this constant barrage of distractions is having a marked effect on our abilities. According to the Pulitzer Prize nominated book, The Shallows, we're losing the ability to concentrate deeply.
Is the internet changing our brains?
It seems a bold claim, but there's evidence that the physical make-up of our brains is changed by our actions. In the language of neurologists, our brains are plastic.
The most famous experiment to prove this was conducted by Eleanor Maguire, a neurologist at University College London. She took MRI scans of the brains of 16 London cab drivers and found that their posterior hippocampus, the area of the brain associated with spatial representation, was enlarged compared to the population as a whole. More conclusively, she found that the longer they had been taxi drivers, the larger the hippocampus; remembering vast amounts of spatial information had changed the physical make-up of their brains.
Marketers haven't reacted to decreased attention spans
While consumers have changed, marketers haven't. Today's ads require as much concentration as they always have.
At ZenithOptimedia we analysed hundreds of randomly chosen print and outdoor ads from 2010 and 2015 and found that the length of copy has remained constant. For outdoor ads, the median number of 12 words has remained the same over the last five years and for print headlines it has dropped only slightly, from 8 to 7.1 words. The situation is similar on TV. Running times haven't adapted to cultural changes: 30-second ads accounted for 49% of ads in 2015. Exactly the same as in 2010.
To maximise effectiveness, brands need to adapt to reduced attention spans. There are two tactics. Either, seek out the rare moments when consumers are forced to concentrate deeply, the cinema being a prime example, or accept that consumers will only be paying partial attention and brutally simplify the copy. Make it shorter and simpler. Brands that adapt will be at an advantage compared to those who don't.
Was that worth two minutes of your time?


text:
Released in time for Veterans’ Day in the US, there is now a virtual reality (VR) experience of World War 1 available. The VR film, titled Soldiers’ Stories, created by the Academy Award-winning production team of Nick Reed from Kallisti Media and Jonathan Kitzen, features narration by Academy Award winner Mickey Rooney.
Set in the trenches of WW1, the film uses restored original stereoscopic images taken over 100 years ago to tell the story of the bloodiest battle in human history, the Battle of the Somme, from the perspective of the soldiers who fought it. “This is an epic film about epic engagement, so what better way to see it than in its original 3D glory and with the immersive quality that only virtual reality can bring,” said Reed in a statement.
VR and especially 3D isn’t a new technology, with stereoscopic imagery going all the way back to the 1840’s. When WW1 broke out there were thousands of 3D images taken by all sides. The trick was finding and restoring them. The filmmakers were able to locate over 9,000 images by enlisting the help of a network of private collectors who had a treasure trove of original images never before seen by the public. In the end, the process took over two years and thousands of hours.
This film contains some graphic content (due to the nature of the topic) and viewer discretion is advised. Soldiers’ Stories can now be downloaded for mobile devices via Google Play, Vimeo, and the iTunes store for £3.95 GBP. The VR film will support head-mounted displays (HMDs) like Google Cardboard, Gear VR and Oculus Rift.
VRFocus will continue to bring you all the latest news and announcements on the VR industry.
The post WW1 VR Film ‘Soldiers’ Stories’ Now Available appeared first on VRFocus.