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Sunday, September 1, 2019 || By Shanel Romain || @maywoodnews
We spent a few hours on Saturday seeking out the people and stories behind some of the most popular dishes at this year’s Taste of Melrose Park, held from Friday to Sunday in Melrose Park.
Below are just some of the many $3 items that were a hit (some are staples of the annual festival and others are rather new).
Louie Ariola’s Artichoke casserole
“I made 33 trays today and I may have to make more,” said Corinne Ariola Principe, the owner of Louie Ariola’s, creator of the popular artichoke casserole. The popular dish is made “with a lot of stuff — garlic and all my good seasonings,” and baked in Principe’s prized pizza oven.
Artichoke dip, created by Corinne Aroila Principe, right, is served up at the Taste of Melrose Park. | Shanel Romain
Stuffed Melrose peppers
“This is very unique,” said David Scatchell, 37, and owner of Scatchell’s Stuffed Melrose Peppers. “We started this about 20 years ago. My mom passed away a couple of years ago. I was her helper. She owned it, but I helped her out.
A customer shows off his stuffed Melrose pepper before taking a bite. | Shanel Romain
“I took it over after she passed and we’ve seemed to be pretty successful. It’s all in the family. It’s a lot of work. This is by far the hardest and most expensive stand to own and run in the entire Taste. There are about 10,000 peppers. They’re all very tiny. You have to clean each one. You have to cut each one. You have to stuff each one. Not to mention you have to cook all the gravy. I call it gravy. I know there’s an argument between sauce and gravy. I call it gravy, because it’s cooked with neck bones, which is meat, so I call it gravy because of that.
David Scatchell, the owner of Scatchell’s, replenishing his supply of stuffed Melrose peppers. | Shanel Romain
“The preparation starts in July,” Scatchell said. “I take a break every summer from my real job. It’s hard work — stuffing, cutting, cleaning, family. That’s what it’s all about.”
Panzerottis being sealed after getting stuffed. | Shanel Romain
“Penzerotti is pizza dough,” said Carmin Iannelli, the owner of Iannelli’s Panzerotti. “We roll it out, cut it up, roll it flat, put mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce on it, seal it up and deep fry it.”
Stephanie Sisco, 38, waited in line on the dish for almost 10 minutes. While in line, she struck up a conversation with Cindy McClernon.
Skyy Campos, 12, eating a Panzerotti at this year’s Taste of Melrose Park. | Shanel Romain
“We just met and realized we know each other,” Sisco said, laughing. “My sister was just at her baby shower today!”
Anthony Dames, owner of Sweet Apples, said that his popup food vendor has only been in business for three years, but the sweet apples are already a hit.
Anthony Dames, owner and operator of Sweet Apples, with his sweet creation. | Shanel Romain
“They’re apples topped with caramel, fudge, nuts, sprinkles and marshmallows,” Dames said. “We do a couple of food festivals each year. This is our first year at the Taste, but we’ll be back next year.”
There were trays for people to carry multiple dishes at one time. Here pictured is Carlotta’s Linguini. | Shanel Romain
“This is my mother’s stand,” said Carlotta Mazzone, of Carlotta’s Sweet Aroma Linguine. “She’s had it for 30 years here. Her name is Carlotta, so we’re Carlota’s Sweet Aroma. We make fresh linguini with garlic and oil.”
Captain D’s Seeds & Nuts Homemade Lupinis
“This is what I come here for,” said Patty Tragarz, referencing the Dominic DiFazio’s lupini beans.
“It’s a really salty nut that you take out of the shell,” Tragarz said. “You can make them at home, but it’s hard to do. They’re comparable to navy beans, but you can’t eat the shell.”
Seeds and nuts at DiFazio’s lupini stand. | Shanel Romain
“I’ve been here for 20 years,” said DiFazio. “We have seeds and nuts. We’re big sellers of beanie beans — an Italian bean. They’re good with beer and nature’s aphrodisiac.” VFP
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.org | Facebook: @maywoodnews


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Faurecia announced that Faurecia Clarion Electronics (FCE) has won 20 business awards from Chinese OEMs in the past two years, 9 were in the first six months of 2020. Production for display systems...
<Oct 05, 2020>
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LeddarTech announces volume production of Leddar Pixell cocoon LiDAR with Clarion Malaysia (May 13, 2020)

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Some people are so competitive in nature that they’ll test
Most Millennials are sick of hearing that we’re too dependent on technology. There’s a think piece on every corner about the horrors of excessive cell phone use. But it turns out that the research is against us: there are some startling numbers about cell phone use and addiction. Check out these studies that might make you think twice about keeping that phone in bed with you at night.
1. 21% of Americans spend more money on their phone bill each month than on food. 13% even pay $200 or more per month for their beloved smartphone.
2. Lots of people like to keep their phones close, especially in the 18-29 age range. 90% of them sleep with their smartphones, and 90% use their phone immediately before bed. A full half of people will look immediately at their phone if they are disturbed during the night. This can lead to some problems, as more screentime can reduce melatonin and make it harder to sleep.
3. People don’t just bring their phones to bed when they’re sleeping. 10% of people will admit to using their phone during sex and that number bumps up to 20% for the young adults.
4. While we may love our smartphones, not everyone uses them responsibly. An astounding 12% of people use smartphones in the shower. We have to hope they have waterproof phones.
5. Perhaps the worst statistic available is that 50% of people text while driving. The behavior is six times more dangerous than drunk driving, and leads to thousands of accidents a year.
6. Many people show signs of being incapable of taking time away from their phone. In one survey, 84% of people said they can’t go one day without it.
7. Maybe there’s a reason we all keep our phones so close though. In the same survey, 20% of people said they check their phone about once every 10 minutes. People aren’t keeping them close as just an emotional safety blanket.


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The grand opening of 29:11 Tattoo on Jan. 11 marks the culmination of an almost decade-long journey for artist Kenny Brown.
Brown spent eight years as an artist at various tattoo shops in the Bay Area with a goal in mind.
“With every shop I was at, it was always at the back of my mind that I wanted my own,” he said.
Building owners in five different cities, from Morgan Hill to Fremont, shot down his proposal, but Brown kept his faith.
“Every disappointment was discouraging, but I knew there was something to look forward to,” he said.
Brown eventually came across a space in the Orchard Center at 353 E. 10th St., Unit C in Gilroy. As the months-long negotiations went on, he began to see his dream becoming a reality. But his shop needed a name, which Brown admitted wasn’t easy.
It wasn’t until a fateful moment while stuck at a traffic light when the perfect name presented itself. Brown, who at the time was wearing a wristband with the Bible verse “Jeremiah 29:11” imprinted on it, happened to glance at his wrist when inspiration struck.
The verse describes that success comes after trials and tribulations, something that Brown could relate to after experiencing rejection of his business proposal elsewhere.
The “29:11” numbers also added up: Brown’s birthday is Nov. 29, and he also turned 29 in 2019.
“It turned out the way it was supposed to,” he said. “It was definitely worth it.”
Brown is joined by tattoo artist Hayden Mann in his shop. The two met while working at a tattoo shop in San Jose and kept in touch over the years.
Mann began spending time at tattoo shops at a young age as a way to “stay out of trouble,” he said. But a promised apprenticeship at one shop that never materialized, as well as a brief stint at a shop in Ohio, led Mann to Brown’s shop.
Not content with the traditional 9-to-5 work grind, Mann said he has found his passion in tattooing.
“I see tattooing as a way to live the life I wanted to live and make ends meet,” he said.
Brown is quick to note that the shop is open to everyone, and he hopes it becomes a social gathering spot.
“That’s what I want this shop to emphasize: Every person that walks in here, whether they need to talk about something they are struggling with or talk about something they’ve overcome, we can be that establishment to help move forward and be able to find peace,” he said.
The 29:11 Tattoo grand opening celebration is set for Jan. 11 at 1pm.
Chamber breakfast set
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce will hold its first breakfast meeting of the year on Jan. 15.
The breakfast, sponsored by Guild Mortgage, will take place at Old City Hall Restaurant, 7400 Monterey Road, from 6:45-8am.
For reservations, visit gilroy.org or call 408.842.6437.
Send business news to Erik Chalhoub at [email protected]


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FSB has announced a new collaboration with Facebook to help address the digital skills deficit in small businesses and the event for the East Midlands will be held at BG University in Lincoln. Having called for both Government and industry action to tackle this skills shortage, FSB has now invited Facebook to collaborate in creating and delivering a custom-made in-person training session for small businesses.
FSB research found that a quarter (26%) of small business owners lack confidence in basic digital skills and says that left unchecked this will further stall productivity growth in the UK.
The need for small businesses to consider the utilisation of Social Media when creating their Marketing Plans is now firmly established. This event will help owners and managers to include the Facebook and Instagram platforms when developing a social media strategy and then take them through to action plans for working towards reality. The masterclass content is aimed at those who are probably already using Facebook but want to reach more people for the benefit of the business. There will also be a session on Instagram with information on new features such as Instagram Stories Ads, plus Actions and Shopping Tags designed to make it easier for customers to engage with your business.
The East Midlands event will be held at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln on Monday 10 June. The fee per delegate is £5.00 for FSB Members and £10.00 for Non-Members. Advance booking is required via the events page on www.fsb.org.uk/regions/east-midlands/events or via the Link: here


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Citroen has freshened up its DS5 with a dose of Wild Rubis-inspired styling, showing off a new fascia and touched-up interior at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
PSA Peugeot Citroën launches a revised version of its luxury flagship to spearhead the DS brand that's earmarked to hit the North American market in the next decade.
With the DS3 hatchback already on the market and the DS4 crossover soon to reach dealers, Citroën has confirmed plans to launch the next model in its premium lineup next week at the Shanghai Motor Show.
Last week, French automaker PSA-Peugeot-Citroen announced the development of the world's first hybrid diesel powertrain. Called HYbrid4, the propulsion system is earmarked for initial implementation on the Peugeot 3008 crossover. But after that, its sister-company Citroen will use the system in an all-new vehicle: the DS5.


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In recent years, South Carolina has become a frontier in the resurgence of industrial hemp, a versatile and sustainable crop with a myriad of applications. With its rich history in agriculture and a climate conducive to hemp cultivation, the Palmetto State is witnessing a green revolution that promises economic growth, environmental sustainability, and innovative solutions.
A Historical Perspective:
Industrial hemp has a long history in the United States, dating back to colonial times, its cultivation faced regulation issues for much of the 20th century. However, with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, states like South Carolina seized the opportunity to reintroduce this valuable crop.
South Carolina's diverse geography and favorable climate provide an ideal environment for hemp cultivation. From the fertile plains of the Midlands to the coastal regions, farmers are embracing hemp as a profitable alternative to traditional crops. With its ability to thrive in various soil types and minimal need for pesticides, hemp offers a sustainable option for agricultural diversification.
The burgeoning hemp industry in South Carolina is not only revitalizing rural communities but also driving economic growth statewide. From hemp farming and processing to product development and retail, the industry is creating jobs and stimulating investment. Moreover, the demand for hemp-derived products such as CBD oils, textiles, and building materials is fueling a lucrative market with untapped potential.
Beyond its economic contributions, industrial hemp holds promise as a sustainable solution to environmental challenges. As a fast-growing crop with deep roots, hemp has the capacity to sequester carbon dioxide, mitigate soil erosion, and improve soil health. Additionally, hemp requires less water than many traditional crops, making it well-suited to South Carolina's climate, especially in areas prone to drought.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead:
While the prospects for industrial hemp in South Carolina are promising, the industry still faces challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and infrastructure gaps. Addressing these hurdles will require collaboration among stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to ensure the sustainable growth of the hemp sector.
Looking to the Future:
As South Carolina continues to embrace industrial hemp, the state is poised to become a leader in this rapidly expanding industry. By leveraging its agricultural heritage, fostering innovation, and promoting responsible practices, South Carolina can harness the full potential of industrial hemp to create a greener, more prosperous future for generations to come.


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Leon’s Furniture posts modest gains for Q3
TORONTO – Revenue for Canadian furniture retailer Leon’s Furniture grew by 1.5% to C$601.4 million for the period ended Sept. 30 compared with C$592.3 million in the third quarter of 2018, according to the company’s quarterly earnings report.
Total system-wide sales were C$712.5 million in the 2019 third quarter compared with C$707.1 million in last year’s third quarter. Same-store corporate sales increased by 0.6% compared to the prior year’s third quarter. The adjusted diluted earnings per share grew 4.8% to C44 cents in September 2019 compared with C42 cents for the same period last year.
“In an environment that continues to challenge retailers in general, our team maintained its focus on delivering top-line growth while generating targeted efficiencies, resulting in 14.3% growth in adjusted diluted EPS in the first nine months of the year,” said Edward Leon, Leon’s Furniture Limited Group president and CEO.
Leon joined Steven Mills, head of company services for the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange, to open the market last Friday, Nov. 15, to celebrate 50 years listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Leon’s Furniture Limited started trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on November 11, 1969.
This quarter, Leon’s opened three new stores: two corporate banner stores and one franchise location, including the new Brick’s 50,000-square-foot West Edmonton Mall site as well as a 30,000-square-foot smart store in Coldbrook, Nova Scotia.
Leon said the concept is an example of one of the opportunities the company sees developing over the next several years: to optimize existing locations and drive value from the additional space, as well as looking at selective new greenfield locations in urban markets.
“Both of these new store concepts feature immersive technology, including features such as: digital availability and browsing of the banner’s full range of products; video walls enabling customers to view selected products in full size; and augmented reality to help with room planning,” Leon said.
The company also continued double-digit growth in the quarter from its e-commerce properties, after generating more than $100 million in online orders over the past 12 months.
Leon’s Furniture Limited is the largest network of home furniture, appliances, electronics and mattress stores in Canada operating under the names Leon’s, The Brick, Brick Outlet and The Brick Mattress Store. The company also operates three e-commerce sites: leons.ca, thebrick.com and furniture.ca.


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Shares in U.K. grocery delivery firm Ocado Group PLC OCDO, +0.69% slumped around 15% in early trading Friday after the pension fund of privately-held retailer John Lewis sold its 10.4% stake in the company. Ocado said the sale doesn't affect its commercial relationship with supermarket chain Waitrose, which is owned by John Lewis. Dow Jones Newswires reported that the stake was bought by investors at a discount of around 5% to Thursday's closing price.
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Nat Geo and Verizon’s Oath programmatically place ads in VR for ‘Mars’ series
The ads -- a static image and a video trailer -- display inside VR environments, the first commercial use for a capability Oath announced last summer.
Ads inside virtual reality (VR) environments have taken another step toward becoming commonplace, with the recent announcement that Oath and National Geographic have partnered to programmatically deliver VR ads for season 2 of Nat Geo’s “Mars” docudrama TV series.
The series, produced by the legendary team of director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer, shows a fictional mission to Mars interspersed with documentary segments on real-life Mars planning by today’s scientists.
Static image, video trailer inside VR. Inside VR gaming and social environments, users see ads for the Mars series as static images inside picture frames or on billboards, or as video clips on TVs. The ads themselves are not VR, in the sense of being navigable 3D environments.
The ads — a display ad and a 30-second trailer — are available programmatically through Oaths’ ad platforms, in partnership with the BidSwitch programmatic infrastructure and the VR/AR supply side platform Admix.
The ads are running in VR environments like VR Thrills: Roller Coaster 360, Jurassic VR, VR Abyss & VR Racer, which are designed to work with any VR headset using Android phones: Daydream VR, Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard. The campaign, which began late last month, ends next week.
The Verizon-owned Oath announced this capability last summer, and Admix specializes in providing this kind of ad-inside-VR environment:
Not yet RTB. Jeff Lucas, Vice President and Head of North American Sales and Global Client Services for Oath (soon to be called Verizon Media Group), said that this programmatic delivery of the ads does not employ real-time bidding (RTB), but his company intends to eventually offer RTB for these kinds of ads. He added that the ads can be served through the appropriate Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) ad unit.
This is the first programmatic delivery of ads inside VR for a Nat Geo series, although the company has previously used VR installations to promote the first season of “Mars,” as well as its series “Genius” and “One Strange Rock.”
Why this matters to marketers: According to eMarketer, there will be an estimated 37 million users of VR this year. As every new medium first reflects the previous media, these static and video ads inside VR environments reflect the web and in-app ads that currently dominate digital marketing. But, eventually, marketers will develop new ways of creating branded experiences that are themselves VR, potentially moving the messaging from convincing potential customers of a product’s virtues, to letting the potential customers experience the product directly.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily MarTech. Staff authors are listed here.
New on MarTech


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Here at Stylist, we’ve long been believers that your feminist credentials aren’t defined by the clothes you wear. We also have little time for the idea that women wear certain clothes or accessories solely to appeal to men.
But whether it’s women being sent home from work for wearing flats or the most powerful woman in the UK being told (by other women, natch) that her love of designer heels stems from a desire to “meet men’s expectations”, women still frequently find their footwear choices under scrutiny.
Now Tamara Mellon, the co-founder and former chief creative officer of Jimmy Choo, has dismissed feminist criticisms of high-heeled shoes.
“Heels aren’t anti-feminist,” Mellon tells the Telegraph. “They have nothing to do with looking sexy for men – they’re not there for men’s benefit but our own. If you put on a great pair of heels it’s mood altering, and I always feel empowered in high heels.”
Mellon adds that heels are only inherently unfair if women can’t actually walk in them: if their dedication to glamorous footwear stops them getting shit done.
“One thing I’m tired of though, is being in pain,” she says. “And that is a feminist issue.”
She’s right, of course. If you frequently find yourself hobbling around on the arm of the nearest available human because your shoes are completely impossible to walk in – let alone run for a bus or away from a mugger – it’s probably time to rethink your footwear choices.
It was the comfort issue that led receptionist Nicola Thorp to start a petition after she was sent home from work for refusing to wear heels earlier this year. “I was expected to do a nine-hour shift on my feet escorting clients to meeting rooms,” she told BBC Radio London. “I said I just won’t be able to do that in heels.” And fair enough.
Ultimately, heels don’t make the feminist: being able to choose whether or not to wear them does.
Images: Rex Features


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The latest Consumer Credit Market Report shows a concerning trend towards more lending happening in the unsecured space.
Tag - credit
If anyone has made a purchase through online retailer Takealot recently, you would have noticed that you now have an option to finance the purchase through a loan.
Just because a credit retailer no longer requires a payslip or bank account doesn’t mean they won’t have to do an affordability test.
RainFin is a crowdfunding platform whereby small businesses can get loans from individual investors, thereby cutting out the middleman.
There is much to be said for renting when it comes to electronics, appliances and even furniture. When I was young, everyone rented a TV, most of them from Teljoy. In those days, TVs were simply unaffordable and credit was not as easily available as it is today. As the prices of electronics fell and hire purchase agreements became common place...
Don't fall into the trap of taking on unnecessary consumption debt in a misguided attempt to build up your credit record.
Proposals to curb the costs of borrowing will be welcomed, but a likely consequence is that less credit will be available.
In this episode of Change in your Pocket, we expose the hidden costs that you incur when taking on debt.
Open up your bank statement and calculate how much of your monthly salary goes to repaying debt. Imagine if, apart from your mortgage, you had no debt repayments – think of all that money now available for savings. The reality is that we have already spent our future savings on cars, credit cards, personal loans and store cards; rather than...
Last month we wrote about the growing global phenomenon of peer-to-peer social lending, which links borrowers and lenders directly, bypassing banks and their fees. RainFin, which was the first peer-to-peer online lending platform in South Africa, announced recently that after being in the market for two years they are now listing around 18 new...


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In 2020, Tesla shares skyrocketed over 740 percent, making the Elon Musk-led electric carmaker the world’s most valuable automaker by a wide margin. But it seems Tesla has failed to carry that momentum into 2021. Year to date, its stock has stayed miserably flat, while the S&P 500 index is up 18 percent and Dow Jones 15 percent.
Still, bullish Wall Street analysts believe the stock has huge upside potential, especially after its recent strong financial figures.
Last week, the investment bank Jefferies upgraded Tesla stock from “neutral” to “buy” and raised the price target to $850 from the previous $700. The upgrade came not long after Tesla reported estimate-beating earnings for the second quarter, during which the company delivered 201,304 vehicles, a new record, and doubled revenue from EV sales.
Tesla shares are currently trading at around $700, valuing the company at a whopping $702 billion. Considering its wild rally in 2020, many believe its current price point has too much future expectation, rather than actual performance, factored in. But one investor says the EV stock should be worth 30 percent more given its growth potential.
In a podcast interview with Barron’s last week, the seasoned Wall Street fund manager Gary Black said Tesla could reach $1,100 by 2025, assuming that Tesla will own a quarter of the global EV market by then.
“Tesla is continuing to introduce new models, going into new markets,” he explained. “By 2025, if you figure global [car sales] of 80 million units, EV adoption about 25 percent, and Tesla has a 25 percent share. That’s about five million units [for Tesla]. For perspective, Tesla will deliver about 860,000 units in . That’s about 55 percent growth between now and 2025. That is huge growth.”
Black continued, “When I add it all up, I get about $32 of [per-share] earnings for 2025. The question is what multiple [price-to-earnings ratio, or P/E ratio] to pay for that.”
Black figures he’s willing to pay a P/E ratio of 50, assuming that Tesla keeps an annual growth rate of 20 percent. That works out a PEG ratio (price-to-earnings ratio divided by growth) of 2.5, which is below the the S&P 500’s 2.9.
Black was a former analyst for Bernstein and the CEO of Aegon Asset Management. He’s now the chief investment officer of The Future Fund, an ETF set to debut later in August.


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TRENDS, iVILLAGE.com, DECEMBER 20, 2012 – iVillage, one of the largest online, content-driven community for women on the Internet today reaches 30 + million unique visitors per month (comScore) has identified Concierge Medicine as the number 1 trend coming to consumers in 2013. With over four million plus conversations annually and thousands of specific brands talked about weekly, iVillage is at the center of her digital routine and soon … concierge medicine may be a hot topic among this female demographic.
As more and more consumers become fed up with insurance companies’ co-pays, deductibles and having to choose ‘in-network’ providers, 2013 will see big growth in the field of concierge medicine. Boutique, or concierge medicine (also known as retain based or direct care) offers patients the opportunity to pay an annyual fee or retainer directly to their doctor, instead of relying only on insurance for coverage.
“The new affordability of concierge medicine is driving the middle class to it in droves,” says Matt Jacobson, CEO of Signature MD. “Over the last five years, it’s increased 500 percent and the trend promises to accelerate because of a looming doctor shortage, a graying population that will need more healt care, and the advent of Obamacare, in which 30 million previously uninsured Amercians will enter the healthcare system.”


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The Crackdown 3 release was expected sometime this year, but according to Reagent Games creative director Dave Jones, the studio has pushed back the game?s launch to 2017. The studio suggests that the development team could not release the game until next year, and Crackdown 3 will become a part of the Play Anywhere initiative. Play Anywhere will allow players to swap back and forth between PC (Windows 10) and Xbox One.
Crackdown 3 is an upcoming third-person shooter bringing multiplayer experience in a futuristic game setting. On the game?s official website, Jones wrote that the studio will launch the game next year and that the delay was due to challenges in development. According to Jones, the studio has taken this decision to ensure better gaming experience for PC and Xbox One players. Players will be able to purchase one copy of the game and play it on both Xbox One and PC.
?It has become clear that our original timeline of delivering multiplayer to fans this summer, while maintaining the size, scope and quality of the game, would be challenging,” Jones said in the official blog post.
Fans were waiting for the game to appear at E3 2016 last week, but the studio didn?t take part in the event. Those looking forward to the game will have to wait a little longer, but what Jones said indicates that the extra time will be beneficial for both players and the studio. The game is being developed at a large scale and Reagent Games is making sure that they will deliver something players have never seen before, Jones added. According to the developer, sticking to the original release timeline would compromise this goal, which the developer obviously doesn?t want to do.
There?s no specific Crackdown 3 release date revealed by the studio. We expect that the studio might announce a beta session before the official launch of the game. However, the studio hasn?t confirmed anything regarding the Crackdown 3 beta or official release.


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All over the world people are living and working longer than ever before, resulting in a lifestyle that tends to be more active. However often an extended active lifestyle puts strain on the human body in expected ways, resulting in the need for joint replacement and enhancements. This need is driving the rapid advancement of new surgical techniques and new products to support these new stresses on the body. This is causing an explosion in the orthopedic implant market, and 3D printing is one of the advanced techniques driving its growth.
While 3D printed implants and medical devices are fairly new they are quickly catching on as an inexpensive, viable and customizable replacement for their traditionally manufactured counterparts. At this point the United States and most of Europe have already approved the development and use of most 3D printed implants; however, there are still huge population centers who have not caught up. But a major hurdle that was blocking their use in Asia was just cleared when the China State Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) formally approved the manufacture and use of 3D printed medical implants, specifically those manufactured with metal 3D printing technologies.
Less than a month after the CFDA approved the use of additively manufactured orthopedic implants, metal 3D printer manufacturer Arcam has announced a sale of five Arcam Q10 metal 3D printers using their electron beam melting (EBM) technology. The sale was to longtime Chinese customer Beijing AK Medical, which will be implementing EBM technology for the creation of multiple varieties of medical implants. So far this was China’s first official CFDA approval for an orthopedic implant made using an additive manufacturing technology.
“We are happy to present this order from Beijing AK Medical, a customer since long and a leading Chinese Implant manufacturer, driving the adaptation to Additive Manufacturing in China. This order also shows that the implant industry in China is now moving to volume production of medical implants with our EBM technology,” said CEO of Arcam Magnus René.
Beijing AK Medical specializes in the research, development, manufacture and sale of artificial joint prosthesis and their associated surgical instruments and applications. These newly acquired metal 3D printing production systems will be applied to volume production of newly developed orthopedic implants. These implants can include joint and knee replacements, bone and skull implants and customized surgical tools.
“We are excited to move into volume production with the EBM technology. Having worked with Arcam since 2010 we are now ramping up our activities, following the recent approval by the CFDA,” said CEO of Beijing AK Medical Mr Li Zhi Jiang.
The Arcam Q10 is the newest generation of Arcam’s EBM metal 3D printers that was specifically designed for the industrial production of orthopaedic and medical implants. It has been developed to meet the growing implant industry’s need for high productivity, high resolution, ease-of-use and quality part manufacturing. The Q10 is the replacement for the outdated Arcam A1 system and integrates several new advanced production features. These new enhancements include a new EB gun which offers a higher level of productivity and increased part resolution. the Q10 also includes Arcam’s new LayerQam technology, a new camera-based monitoring system for inline verification of part quality.
Discuss this story in in the Arcam forum thread from 3DPB.com.
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Five Exotic Car Technologies You’ll See On ‘Regular’ Cars Within 5 Years
Tech that's destined to trickle-down to mainstream automobiles
Supercars – and more recently, a new class of Hypercars – continue to showcase the very best and most advanced technologies currently available in production road cars. While that’s not going to change (it’s the natural order of things, really), we should be anticipating an influx of exotic and wild features on the common vehicles of tomorrow.
The top-down succession of technologies has been occurring since the dawn of automobiles; however, with the exponential rate at which technology is improving these days, it won’t be inconceivably long before your average commuter car will be boasting many of today’s supercar credentials.
The proliferation of EV technology adds yet another dimension to this communal melting pot of automotive prosperity, where we’re already seeing once unimaginable horsepower and torque figures become quite easily attainable – not to mention all the other groundbreaking advancements in aerodynamics, hybrid technologies, software, and more.
Here are Five Exotic Car Technologies You’ll See On ‘Regular’ Cars Within 5 Years.
Disclaimer: I am fully aware that advanced aerodynamic technologies (of which active aero is certainly a part of) will be overkill for the majority of production road cars, both now and in the future.
However, we can certainly expect it to start featuring more regularly on flagship performance models – particularly those from mainstream producers – within the next few years. In fact, it has been basically confirmed that the new 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS will have at minimum, an actively-adjusted rear wing. Ok, so Porsche isn’t exactly your typical “mainstream” automaker, but there’s no reason we won’t see similar adaptations on next-gen versions of cars such as say, the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and Nissan GT-R.
By the way, active aerodynamics can (and should) involve a lot more than just a rear wing that changes its position at certain speeds. We’re talking more along the lines of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ’s ALA 2.0 system, which controls actuators that open and close flaps on the front splitter, engine cover and rear wing. In conjunction with Lamborghini ‘Dinamica Veicolo Attiva’ 2.0, the SVJ’s computer processors are able to determine where downforce is needed in live time.
In the same way that some cars have torque vectoring, this essentially provides the Aventador SVJ with “aero” vectoring. That is, the ability to actively manage the car’s non-static aerodynamic features to improve cornering speeds and stability with minimal adjustments to steering and pedal inputs. For example, on your typical turn, having more grip (and hence, more downforce) on the inside wheels will improve turn in. Flaps on the front splitter and rear wing will be adjusted by the system to decrease relative downforce over the outside turning wheels, creating a grip bias towards the inside. Aided by other features such as rear-wheel steering, this can significantly improve the car’s general handling capabilities.
It’d be prudent to first speak about what supercapacitors basically are, before getting into the the nitty-gritty of how they fit into the general automotive landscape – so let’s do that. After all, the likelihood is that most people don’t know what they are, and the fact of the matter is that they’re not currently a hot topic in any of the broader conversations about EVs or hybrids. So that was your first clue: it’s some sort of electrical thing-a-ma-jig. Its present application is predominantly in that of hybrid technology, storing energy which can be converted into thrusting the car forward. If this sounds to you like what your typical EV battery does, you’re definitely on the right track. However, that’s where the similarities end.
First of all, capacitors are hardly a new technology – they’ve literally been around since electricity – nor are they proprietary to automobiles. In fact, most of the gadgets we use today have them; smart phones, computers, stereos, or just about anything you can think of that has a circuit board. That’s because of their very crucial ability to store and release energy at a rapid pace, without suffering from degradation like a typical battery.
The Lamborghini Sián is the most notable example of an automobile which uses a supercapacitor – the ‘super’ added because, well, you need a really, really big capacitor to help power a car. In this configuration, the supercapacitor collects and stores energy (primarily from regenerative braking). In certain moments (such as a launch), the supercapacitor dumps all of its energy into an electric motor which immediately and briefly adds an extra 34 hp on top of what the Sián’s 785 hp naturally-aspirated V12 engine produces.
As long as the supercapacitor keeps getting recharged – which can be achieved with just seconds of hard braking – there will always be that extra bit of power boost at the car’s beckoning. Compared to an EV battery which takes much, much, longer to fully recharge, and weighs substantially more, you might be wondering why supercapacitors aren’t the dominating technology in electric or hybrid vehicles today.
Well, there are a few very important reasons for this. By nature, supercapacitors aren’t able to store energy for long periods of time like a battery, making them unviable to be the primary food source for an electric vehicle. At least for now, simply replacing a battery with a (mega?) capacitor isn’t the solution; they’re not going to be powering cars on their own, any time soon. On that note, the ‘wee-little’ 34-hp-producing supercapacitor in the Sián probably isn’t cheap either. However, we should expect that to change as the technology gets refined, eventually becoming scalable at mainstream levels.
I’m no engineer, but I figure these same principles could be applied to fully-electric platforms, with some sort of battery-supercapacitor amalgam creating a “best of both worlds” scenario. This means we could see more supercapacitors on everyday cars sooner than later, with the shift to EVs already well underway. Then there’s the concept of solid-state batteries too… but we’ll leave that one for another story.
Magnetorheological Suspension System
Magne-what? Modern automobile suspension technologies have also been put through perpetual rethinks throughout the years, significantly evolving from more humble beginnings with leaf springs and the like. Although there is still work to be done to realize the full potential of magnetorheological suspension systems, they do presently represent the current peak of suspension technology as far as handling performance is concerned; i.e. they’re good for go-fast automobiles like supercars and hypercars.
In principle, MR suspensions work very much the same as hydraulic suspensions in that they are filled with a fluid which travels between different chambers in the piston. This allows “shock” energy to be converted into heat, essentially absorbing impacts from road contact to improve ride quality and performance. The difference with an MR suspension is that it also incorporates an electric circuit into its piston assembly.
This is where the technology is revolutionary: the electrical currents supplied to the suspension create magnetic fields inside the piston, which can instantaneously change the properties of the fluids inside, subsequently altering how the suspension responds and behaves. Adaptive suspension systems rely on this process in order to calibrate the characteristics of the suspension in any given moment. Computers help monitor factors such as steering angle, g-forces, pitch and various other factors and decide on how best to optimize the geometry based on the data. Advanced systems are able to do this in real time, making calculations and adjustments at a rate of thousands of times per second.
While MR suspension systems do still face challenges – such as the dampers not being serviceable, while being prone to problems such as hysteresis, leakage and sedimentation – the technology continues to be refined. It’s destined to become a more common feature on the cars of tomorrow as things continue to improve and scale. If you like the idea of active aero, then MR dampers are basically what that is, but for suspensions. Imagine driving a car equipped with both such systems!
AI & Cloud-based Driver Aids / Monitoring Tech
When we think of ‘connectivity’ these days, we often refer to social media, various smartphone apps, zoom meetings and some degree of cloud computing. All of the aforementioned typically exist within the ecosystem of mobile devices and personal computers, but connectivity is starting to apply very much to automobiles too. Features such as GPS navigation, in-car Wi-Fi – and more recently, self-driving capability – immediately come to mind, but with the direction the industry is going, we can expect so much more than just those things.
Connectivity as we know it, is now a big part of how we get from one place to another – physically, as well as virtually. And you only need an imagination (albeit one rooted in reality) to conjure up some of the fascinating tech we’re about to see integrated into the everyday automobile. Real-time warning systems that can detect intricate anomalies or hazards using artificial intelligence? That’s already being developed by Porsche in partnership with HERE Technologies and Vodafone, and will feature a system which identifies animate objects, monitors the behavior of other drivers and anticipates inclement road conditions. Trials are currently taking place in Aldenhoven, Germany – using a Porsche Taycan amongst other vehicles – where the system will be further optimized before it’s rolled out to more test sites.
“5G and data processing on the roadside help to transmit hazard warnings without delay and make road traffic even safer,” Michael Reinartz, Director of Innovation at Vodafone Germany, said in a statement. “We are currently trialing this under everyday conditions.”
Rimac is working on an “AI Driving Coach” program, which should be ready before the first examples of its Nevera hypercar roll off the production line. This system uses, as its name implies, an artificial intelligence which guides drivers while they’re on a race track. Using visual and audio aids, the AI will give drivers real-time tips on how to improve their lap times. An “augmented-reality” racing line will even be available for a select group of renown international race circuits. The same AI system is also capable of providing self-driving features. Awesome.
“What we are building is a system where AI plays a key role in teaching the driver how to perform on racetracks, at the maximum vehicle performance,” Sacha Vrazic, Director of Rimac’s autonomous driving department explains. “Not all of our customers are professional drivers, but we want them to really enjoy the car and have fun with it.”
Michelin has recently released a new range of Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which work with their proprietary ‘Track Connect’ app to deliver unparalleled access to essential data related to a car’s handling, grip and the suitability of its tires. This data is then translated into advice for the driver with regards to optimizing tire pressures, inflation, temperatures and much more. It also provides inputs on the driver’s style, performance and skill, whether pushing the limits on the racetrack or simply commuting around town.
Naturally, the newest and most advanced technologies will typically debut on more expensive cars, before proven dependability and the economies of scale bring them to the mainstream. Expect the aforementioned technologies, and many more, to start featuring on a growing number and variety of automobiles.
Synthetic Bio Fuels (Hydrogen)
Even with the likes of Porsche taking the reigns on this recently (with McLaren and Audi also continuing to play major roles), bio fuels – or ‘eFuels’, as they’re calling it in Stuttgart – won’t require much of a trial period on exotic cars before being rolled out to the rest of the crowd; should eFuels proliferate as a viable alternative to power the world’s vehicles, it will undoubtedly benefit all players within the entire automotive landscape.
Porsche said its first iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is a blend of advanced biofuels, formulated from food waste products by ExxonMobil’s in-house team of scientists and engineers. The automaker has already begun experimenting with eFuels in its GT Cup race cars; so if it’s ultimately good enough for that level of performance, the assumption is that it will definitely suffice for production road cars as well.
The big-wigs at Porsche are already suggesting that this latest version of eFuels may even allow internal combustion cars to achieve a smaller overall carbon footprint than an electric car, particularly when taking into consideration, the byproducts created from battery manufacturing. “This technology is particularly important because the combustion engine will continue to dominate the automotive world for many years to come,” said Porsche R&D Executive, Michael Steiner. “If you want to operate the existing fleet in a sustainable manner, eFuels are a fundamental component.”
“Porsche is committed to three powertrains: purely electric, plug-in-hybrids, and highly efficient gasoline engines. From Porsche’s point of view, eFuels open up an opportunity for our plug-in hybrid models as well as our icon, the 911—either with a combustion engine or as a very sporty hybrid. This means that we could continue to drive the 911 for many years to come, which will certainly make our customers and fans happy.”
Without diminishing the significance or role that EVs will play in the more distant future – we should still expect them to become the prevailing technology – perhaps an optimally balanced coalition of clean burning fuels and fully-electric solutions is not only better for business, but for the environment too. It looks as though Porsche is already creating a model for how this could work, and if the science behind eFuels checks out, then there’s no reason that it couldn’t become the conventional formula in the years to come.


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Single-use plastic bags have now been banned in all Woolworths stores as the retail giant tries to dramatically reduce the amount of plastic in its stores – but there’s still some questions that need answering.
Woolworths and Coles last July joined a push to rid Australia of disposable plastic bags and set a deadline of June 30, 2018 for their stores to stop offering them to shoppers.
With Woolies pushing their date forward to June 20, shoppers are now also being urged “not to bag” the staff during the transition. Coles will stop giving out free plastic bags on July 1.
“While we understand that some customers may be frustrated by this change, there is no excuse for abusive or violent behaviour towards retail staff,” SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said.
In the lead up to the plastic bag ban, many shoppers have voiced their frustrations that it will also spell the end for their makeshift bin liners.
Mr Banducci said most of those single-use bags that were used as bin liners would end up harming the environment.
“We have been working very hard to give you the right choices at the right prices in our grocery aisle.
“We have a good biodegradable bag that’s now available, you’ll see a lot more delivery of value in compostable items in our aisles.”
He has not addressed the concern that the ban would lead to an increase buying bin liners.
While Woolworths and Coles have proudly promoted their own respective wars on plastic, Mr Banducci said it was the customers who wanted to see them gone as well.
“We have done a lot of research on what our customers want to see and one of them is leadership in the area of the environment,” he said.
However, not everyone is buying into Woolworth’s eco-friendly approach, accusing the supermarket giant of overusing plastic in other areas.
But Mr Banducci said the matter was not as straight forward as simply removing plastic packaging from fruit and vegetables.
“We are working very hard to take out plastic from fruits and vegetables… but we’ve got to be very careful in taking plastic out, we don’t compromise the quality of freshness,” he told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
“We are also phasing out plastic straws out of aisles, 150 million straws will no longer be in the environment from June this year.”
Woolworths shoppers who don’t bring their own bags to the store will be able to purchase a green reusable bag for 15c
In addition to the new 15c reusable bag, Woolies will also offer the 99c ‘bag for good’, the 99c foldable bag and the $2.49 chiller bag.
Coles is also introducing a new range of Community Bags which include $1 tote bags, $2 shoulder bags, $2.50 chiller bags, $3 jute bags.
Customers who shop at Coles will be able to purchase Better Bags which are 100 per cent recyclable through Red Cycle bins in Coles stores.
A portion of sales from these particular bags will go to charities – including Clean Up Australia, Little Athletics Australia, SecondBite and Guide Dogs Australia.
“It isn’t a money-making proposition, nothing could be further from the truth,” he said
In an effort to dispel that myth, he said the supermarket giant has also introduced their 99 cent foldable bag, in addition to the 15 cent green bag, that has a lifetime guarantee.
“All profits from that bag will go back to Junior Landcare and really help communities in Australia build more activism by the youth around doing good things for the environment,” Mr Banducci added.
Greenpeace spokeswoman Zoe Deans said the bans should dramatically reduce plastic waste, particularly on Australia’s coastline.
“It takes a bit of getting used to and remembering to pop your re-usable bag into your handbag or backpack to make sure you have one on hand,” she said.
“But we do think people understand the pervasiveness of plastic and that it takes hundreds of years to break down in the environment.”
For Woolworths alone the move will see 3.2 billion single-use bags out of circulation each year as the supermarkets continue to work towards a more sustainable future.
Bans on single-use plastic bags in several European countries since 2003 have led to a 30 per cent drop in plastic bags found in waters off the continent, according to a study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment in April.


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Shop.com has added 24 new merchant partners to its already vast offering of online brands. The latest merchants include Barnes and Noble, RedEnvelope, FTD.com and Target.
As Shop.com continues to add to its always-growing list of partners, consumers can find everything from beauty products and luxury knitwear to hunting and camping gear and sports fan merchandise, and take care of all of their shopping needs at a one-stop destination on the web.
Shop.comâ€™s CPC (Cost-Per-Click) program allows consumers to purchase directly from hundreds of partner stores. Through Shop.comâ€™s CPO (Cost-Per-Order) program, consumers can browse and purchase items using the siteâ€™s proprietary universal shopping cart, OneCart.
Originally posted on December 18, 2008 @ 12:44 pm


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Amazon.com Inc. is selling more than 2 million products from about 30,000 international brands to Chinese consumers, the company says. Amazon also is stepping up efforts to improve its e-commerce platform to promote goods from Chinese merchants to consumers outside China through a program called “Global Selling.”
In 2014, China’s cross-border online retail trade grew 44% to $71.8 billion, including $51.2 billion from exports, up 40% from a year ago, according to a report from China’s Ministry of Commerce. Amazon says overseas sales by Chinese merchants on its global sites grew 100% in the first half of 2015, much faster than the average growth in China.
“Amazon has an edge to help Chinese companies expand out of China. We operate 109 fulfillment centers and serve 285 million active users all over the world,” says Sebastian Gunningham, global senior vice president at Amazon. “We plan to increase our [ability] to facilitate Chinese manufactures creating their own brands for global consumers.”
Amazon says it manages sites in 14 countries and has opened 10 of those sites to Chinese merchants so far. The sites are in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Japan, Germany, China and Mexico. Chinese merchants can also use Fulfillment by Amazon services, or FBA, to handle logistics, including inventory, delivery and after-sales services, according to Amazon.
Amazon has launched a program named “Amazon Global Shipping” in China; it aims to enable local merchants to manage logistics in several countries through just one account. The company says its logistic networks can deliver products to 185 countries.
Amazon also says it has translated the back-end system of its U.S. site into Chinese to create a more user-friendly interface for Chinese merchants.
Amazon is No.4 in the Internet Retailer 2015 China 500.Favorite


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1st Gear: Oops!
Part of the reason Tesla’s been able to keep going, despite its long (and not unexpected) unprofitability has been CEO Elon Musk’s uncanny ability to convince shareholders to keep pumping money into the company. A lot of that strategy relies on Musk being able to pitch the notion to money people that what he’s doing is in the best interest of Tesla first and foremost, and he’s always got their best interests at heart.
There was a time when Morgan Stanley Analyst Adam Jonas thought shares of Tesla Motors Inc. would nearly double. But after Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk presented a $2.86 billion plan to combine Tesla and SolarCity Corp., the analyst is drastically cutting his price target and downgrading the stock.
Elon Musk is accustomed to shareholders snapping up whatever his Tesla Motors Inc. has to sell. Now his plan to merge the electric-car maker with struggling SolarCity Corp. has him confronting a rare case of investor unrest. “This is a high-risk proposition with my money,” said Ross Gerber, a self-described fan of Musk’s and chief executive officer of Gerber Kawasaki, a money-management firm with more than 25,000 Tesla shares. “I don’t need Elon picking stocks for me. That’s my job.”
Investors are annoyed for two main reasons. The first is that it doesn’t seem like they’re buying the whole “oh yeah, a company that installs solar panels and a company that makes electric cars make total sense together” argument, mostly because there’s a pretty huge leap between installing solar panels and providing an entire electric grid.
But another big reason they’re opposed to the deal is that there appears to be a massive conflict of interest going on. Tesla’s CEO is a guy named Elon Musk, and SolarCity’s chairman is a guy by the name of... Elon Musk. Which means if this deal goes through, Elon Musk will get a huge personal payout out of Tesla’s corporate coffers. Which, while completely legal, doesn’t exactly smell right to some shareholders.
On the other hand, Tesla’s done pretty well with infrastructure projects in the past, like its network of fast-charging stations. And Tesla’s argument is that Tesla drivers will install solar panels on their homes to charge their cars, and they will use SolarCity to get those solar panels. Probably. Maybe.
As of this writing, Tesla shares are down 1.67 percent.
2nd Gear: Jaguar Land Rover Could Lose Big On Brexit
The United Kingdom votes today on whether it should leave the European Union. A lot of car companies, like Toyota and Nissan, have already registered their opposition to a British exit (or “Brexit” as annoying Europeans say) from the E.U. But the latest car company to express reservations might hit closer to home – Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover, Reuters reports:
In the latest warning of potential economic damage, two sources familiar with the company’s thinking told Reuters that Britain’s biggest carmaker, Jaguar Land Rover, estimates its annual profit could be cut by 1 billion pounds ($1.47 billion) by the end of the decade if Britain leaves the EU.
$1.47 billion ain’t nothing to sneeze at.
3rd Gear: The Highest Quality Cars In The World Are Made By... Kia?
If you’re an Old like me (let’s say, over the age of 15) you may remember a time when Korean cars like Kia were the butt of jokes about quality and reliability. That time has been over for some time now, but it’s still a bit weird to see news that Kia’s on top of the world right now (via Automotive News):
Kia overtook Porsche to lead the industry in J.D. Power’s annual report card on vehicle quality, marking the first time in 27 years that a nonpremium brand has topped the list.
Kia, with 83 problems reported per 100 vehicles, joins Toyota as the only nonpremium brands to have finished first in the 30-year history of the Initial Quality Study, J.D. Power and Associates said today in releasing the results at the Automotive Press Association here. Toyota came in at No. 1 overall in 1989.
And while Kias really aren’t terrible these days, I’m always a bit wary of these J.D. Power studies. They might be rigorous and all, but I’m not sure there’s a precise measurement of “plastic cheapness” or “leather suppleness” or “this feels like it’s made out of flimsy crap-yness.”
I’m just saying, buy a brand new Rolls-Royce if you want quality, peasants.
4th Gear: Carmakers, Please Make Your Cars Symmetrical
Over the past few years, I’m sure you’ve all seen examples of the small overlap crash test done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Mazda CX-9, in particular, did absolutely terribly back in 2014. Cars have gotten safer since then, with more and more examples earning a “Good” overall rating from the IIHS in the small overlap test. Sort of.
But if you were paying very close attention, you may have noticed that every instance of the test was exactly the same. The car would roll on down in the lab, and then smash into a little barrier. On the driver’s side. Every time, on the driver’s side.
Automakers got wise to this, and realized that if they only strengthened the driver’s side, they could pass the test. At the same time, they could leave the passenger side weak and save a whole bunch of money for themselves, because automakers are really only interested in your life so long as they can make money off of it. The IIHS is now wise to this scheme, according to the Detroit Free Press:
Because of the angle of impact, the small overlap crash avoids most vehicles’ main front crash protection structure. Over the last four years 13 automakers have upgraded the driver’s corner crashworthiness to 97 models, partially in response to the small overlap test.
But few of those engineering changes to bolster the impact were also made to the right front corner.
“Right now we are discussing with the manufacturers when they plan to introduce passenger-side improvements,” Mueller said. “If they plan to do that in a short time frame we may not need to add it to our Top Safety Pick criteria. If it takes longer we will.”
In the meantime, please avoid crashing your car on the passenger’s side. For the next few years.
5th Gear: It Sounds Like Volkswagen’s Shareholder Meeting Went Well
Reverse: Mercedes Registered As A Brand Name
On this day in 1902, German automaker Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) first registers “Mercedes” as a brand name; the name will gain full legal protection the next September.
Neutral: Are You Buying What Musk’s Selling?
Tesla and Solar City, good idea or bad idea?


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Edwards trial driving up downtown sales
Having your former U.S. Senator accused of illegally using campaign donations to keep his mistress a secret isn’t exactly good publicity for North Carolina, but at least someone is benefiting from it.
The trial of John Edwards, a former presidential candidate, going on at Greensboro’s federal courthouse since April 23 has brought a flurry of foot traffic downtown and increased sales to many local businesses.
“I’ve never seen them so busy,” Wolverton said.
National news crews have inundated the Green Bean coffee shop on South Elm Street with orders for carafes of coffee and warm scones, according to the baristas there. The shop was even the setting for a live shot for NBC’s “Today” show.
Occupancy at the Biltmore Greensboro Hotel is up about 25 percent compared to this time last year, said General Manager Brian Coleman.
“We’re pretty booked up for the next couple of weeks because of the Edwards trial,” Coleman said.
Harry Miller, a store manager with Jimmy John’s at 216 S. Elm St., said the sandwich shop has noted an increase in sales of about $300 to $400 extra per day — a jump of about 5 percent to 10 percent.
And West Market Street United Methodist Church is renting parking spaces to national media and plans to donate the funds to the Greensboro Urban Ministry, Wolverton said.
Charlie Buck, an assistant manager at Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co., said several other events — including graduation at UNC-Greensboro, auditions for reality TV show “The X Factor,” early voting in local elections and the 2012 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships — have contributed to the influx of foot traffic downtown.
Catherine Carlock covers commercial and residential real estate, construction, economic development and retailing and restaurants. Contact her at 336-370-2918.
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&l;p&g;This past week &l;a href=&q;https://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-lays-off-most-of-its-remaining-workforce-1523382373&q; target=&q;_blank&q;&g;Theranos laid off all but a sliver of its workforce&l;/a&g;. This marks a sad event for a medical technology firm whose &l;a href=&q;https://www.wsj.com/articles/theranos-lays-off-most-of-its-remaining-workforce-1523382373&q; target=&q;_blank&q;&g;board once included prominent people&l;/a&g; such as Henry Kissinger, George Schultz, Larry Ellison, and the country&a;rsquo;s current Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis. Moreover, Theranos was backed by luminary Silicon Valley venture capitalists such as Tim Draper and Don Lucas.
&l;img class=&q;dam-image getty size-large wp-image-491568882&q; src=&q;https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/dam/imageserve/491568882/960×0.jpg?fit=scale&q; data-height=&q;680&q; data-width=&q;960&q;&g; SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 06: NBC News Special Anchor Maria Shriver (L) and Theranos Founder and C.E.O. Elizabeth Holmes speak onstage during &s;True Blood&a;#151;Diagnostics in the New Age&s; at the Vanity Fair New Establishment Summit at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on October 6, 2015 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Top Medical Stocks To Watch For 2019: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (VLKAY)
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Volkswagen’s (VLKAY) Audi A8 will be the first production vehicle to claim Level 3 driving capabilities.
In Level 3 autonomous driving, the car can monitor its environment, but needs the driver’s attention for safety. In Level 4 autonomous driving, that’s no longer the case. Drivers can read, sleep or simply watch the landscape as the car drives by.
- [By John Rosevear]
Prosecutors in Munich, Germany, who have been investigating Volkswagen AG’s (NASDAQOTH:VLKAY) diesel-emissions cheating scandal searched the homes of Audi CEO Rupert Stadler and another member of Audi’s executive team on Monday, according to multiple reports.
- [By ]
Volkswagen Group (OTCPK:VLKAY) / Audi (OTCPK:AUDVF) / Porsche (OTCPK:POAHF)
Volkswagen is currently ranked the number 6 top-selling global electric car manufacturer with 6% market share. In Europe Volkswagen is the number 2 electric car seller with a 14% market share.
Top Medical Stocks To Watch For 2019: Hitachi Ltd (HTHIF)
- [By ]
Some of the larger companies that have begun incorporating blockchain into their industries include:
Overstock.com (OSTK) , once a retail company, has become one of the biggest blockchain options on the stock market. The company has developed tZERO, a cryptocurrency and blockchain-based registry that complies with the regulations of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. IBM (IBM) has developed blockchain technology that they are using with a large variety of partners in a large variety of industries. One example is their partnership with food retailers, most notably Walmart, to help quickly, efficiently, and securely track the supply chain to help ensure ideal food safety. They have also partnered with Maersk to work on a blockchain platform for global trade. Hitachi (HTHIF) , the Japanese conglomerate that has worked on social infrastructure and IT systems, among other industries, has begun dabbling in blockchain. It has released reports about how it believes the technology can positively impact the financial sector, and how it could potentially be used to create new services for businesses.
There are also ETFs that one can invest in that hold a number of stocks related to blockchain. For example, the Reality Shares Nasdaq NextGen Economy ETF (BLCN) holds stocks in all of the examples above, as well as Intel (INTC) and Cisco Systems (CSCO) .
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The vast dealer network, built up over the more than 90 years that Caterpillar has been in operation, is the key competitive advantage that the company possesses. While Caterpillar’s products are renowned for quality and low downtime, it is the availability of the support service on an international level in tandem with a reputation for product quality is what gives Caterpillar its edge, and has given it pole position among the world’s construction machinery manufacturers in 2017 based on construction equipment sales, outranking Komatsu Ltd. (OTCPK:KMTUF) (OTCPK:KMTUY), Hitachi Ltd. (OTCPK:HTHIF) (OTCPK:HTHIY), Volvo (OTCPK:VOLVF) (OTCPK:VOLVY), the privately-held Liebherr group, the Chinese government-owned XCMG Group, the Doosan Infracore subsidiary of the Doosan Group conglomerate, Sany (OTCPK:SNYYF) (OTC:SNYYY), and John Deere & Co.
Top Medical Stocks To Watch For 2019: Apple Inc.(AAPL)
- [By Paul Ausick]
Revenues generated by mobile apps and game sales rose 35% year over year in 2017 to $58.6 billion. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) nabbed $38.5 billion in sales at its App Store through in-app purchases, subscriptions, and premium apps, almost double the $20.1 billion total generated by Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) at Google Play.
- [By JJ Kinahan]
This is one of the busiest weeks for earnings this quarter. In addition to TWTR and FB, there are quite a few other tech companies reporting this week. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) all report after market close on Thursday, Apr. 26. Next week, we’ll see a few other major tech reports with both Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE: BABA) on the docket.
- [By Evan Niu, CFA]
Priced at $120, Fire TV Cube will be the most expensive Fire TV device, but more affordable than competing products like the Apple(NASDAQ:AAPL) TV 4K, which is only now about to receive Dolby Atmos supportand starts at $179. However, Amazon is already discounting Fire TV Cube for Prime members, who can purchase it for $90 for a limited time. Fire TV Cube will ship later this month on June 21.
- [By Chris Neiger]
That’s why it’s important to think about adding some dividend stocks to your retirement portfolio so that you can not only receive some additional income but also build wealth at the same time. To help you get started, let’s take a look at why three very different companies — 3M (NYSE:MMM), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), American Tower (NYSE:AMT) — could be great long-term investments for your retirement.
- [By Logan Wallace]
Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Asset Management CO. LTD. boosted its holdings in shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) by 19.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 94,822 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 15,710 shares during the period. Apple makes up 2.3% of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Asset Management CO. LTD.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest holding. Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Asset Management CO. LTD.’s holdings in Apple were worth $16,047,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
Top Medical Stocks To Watch For 2019: Analog Devices, Inc.(ADI)
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Crutcher added that TI’s own chip manufacturing teams have been pushing equipment suppliers to make their machinery smarter. “We want it to tell us sooner if there’s an issue with the [chip] wafer that’s going through that machine,” he said as an example. Fellow analog chip and microcontroller (MCU) suppliers such as Analog Devices (ADI) and Microchip (MCHP) also have strong industrial exposure.
- [By Stephan Byrd]
Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) by 3.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 175,419 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock after buying an additional 5,091 shares during the quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd.’s holdings in Analog Devices were worth $15,986,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
- [By Stephan Byrd]
Ardevora Asset Management LLP reduced its stake in shares of Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) by 0.7% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 346,931 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock after selling 2,369 shares during the period. Ardevora Asset Management LLP’s holdings in Analog Devices were worth $31,616,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
- [By Ethan Ryder]
Aditus (CURRENCY:ADI) traded 3% lower against the dollar during the one day period ending at 20:00 PM Eastern on June 17th. In the last week, Aditus has traded 9.7% lower against the dollar. Aditus has a total market capitalization of $3.81 million and $461,918.00 worth of Aditus was traded on exchanges in the last 24 hours. One Aditus token can currently be purchased for about $0.0163 or 0.00000251 BTC on cryptocurrency exchanges including IDEX, COSS and CoinBene.
- [By Joseph Griffin]
Aditus (CURRENCY:ADI) traded 0.3% lower against the U.S. dollar during the 24 hour period ending at 14:00 PM E.T. on May 14th. In the last seven days, Aditus has traded 164.5% higher against the U.S. dollar. Aditus has a market cap of $9.93 million and approximately $1.63 million worth of Aditus was traded on exchanges in the last 24 hours. One Aditus token can now be purchased for $0.0424 or 0.00000485 BTC on exchanges including CoinBene, COSS and IDEX.
- [By Shane Hupp]
Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its position in shares of Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) by 6.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,608,728 shares of the semiconductor company’s stock after purchasing an additional 532,620 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN’s holdings in Analog Devices were worth $784,513,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.
Top Medical Stocks To Watch For 2019: Western Asset Bond Fund(WEA)
- [By Shane Hupp]
Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (NYSE:WEA) hit a new 52-week high and low during mid-day trading on Thursday following a dividend announcement from the company. The stock traded as low as $12.63 and last traded at $12.63, with a volume of 12970 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $12.63.


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Malaysia’s big data market to grow to US$1.9bil by 2025: IDC
By Digital News Asia May 24, 2021
- Services sector will contribute 64% of total data-driven spending
- Companies investing in BDA will expand their presence with Malaysia as regional base
MALAYSIA's big data analytics (BDA) market in Malaysia is set to grow from US$1.1 billion in 2021 to US$1.9 billion in 2025, according to research firm IDC.
The study, comissioned by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), forecasted that the BDA market in Malaysia will grow and that the services sector will contribute 64% of the total data-driven spending, with the banking and telecommunications contributing nearly a third, MDEC said in a statement.
“Covid-19 has been a true game-changer in terms of demand for BDA, backed by the surging demand for data and cloud services, both accelerating digital transformation and enabling business sustainability,” said Raymond Siva, senior vice president, investment and brand, and chief marketing officer (CMO) (pic)
He said companies investing in BDA will continue to expand their presence by having Malaysia as a base for its regional and global businesses and operations to manage its core functions.
Citing another recent analysis by IDC Worldwide Big Data and Analytics Spending Guide 2020, Siva noted that Asia Pacific’s BDA industry is set for further growth.
“APAC’s BDA industry can expect to grow at the fastest rates and in excess of 15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of between 2019 and 2024 due to increased BDA investments by many start-ups and businesses,” he claimed.
The report also forecasted that the revenues for BDA solutions has reached US$22.6 billion in 2020, with a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 12% in Asia/Pacific.
According to MDEC, DataMicron Systems Sdn. Bhd., a local MSC Malaysia company; and TDCX, a customer experience service provider, have started embarking on an aggressive expansion starting with BDA as part of their new investment portfolio.
MDEC said that BDA is central to Malaysia’s digital economy and this has resulted in the explosive growth of other digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced automation.
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According to Gurman, it seems that Apple’s Mac Pro refresh could end up using an M2 Extreme chipset, or at least that’s what Gurman thinks it will be called. As noted by Gurman, Apple did mention at their Peek Performance event last week that the M1 Ultra will be the company’s last chipset in the M1 series.
This means that it is currently the most powerful chipset in the M1 family, which suggests that either Apple will use multiple M1 Ultras in the Mac Pro, or as Gurman claims, the M2 Extreme. Gurman also states in his report that this might be one of the reasons why Apple delayed the launch of the Mac Pro to 2023 instead of launching it this year.
He writes, “Holding off on launching a new Mac Pro until the M2 line is ready would make sense. That’s because low-power M2 Macs are likely to hit before the first Mac Pro. It wouldn’t be a great marketing exercise for the M1-based Mac Pro to drop after M2 machines, but stranger things have happened.”
Many have wondered how Apple will approach the Mac Pro refresh. This is because currently, the Mac Pro is Apple’s most modular computer, so it will be interesting to see how Apple might approach this concept with SoCs like the Apple Silicon.


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ID4Africa publishes report on Rwandan identity ecosystems
ID4Africa, the organization that promotes the transparent and responsible adoption of digital ID management in the service of development in Africa, has published a report on the identity ecosystem in Rwanda. The report was released at the ID4Africa Forum held in Kigali last week.
The commemorative report, authored by ID4Africa, presents Rwanda as a model for a robust, harmonized, multi-element identity ecosystem that provides several lessons that could be useful for other African countries. The report is designed for information transfer tool for African identity authorities, allowing them to learn about Rwanda’s experiences and establish best practices.
“Rwanda has created an ecosystem that is focused on people and is focused on delivering services based on identity infrastructure,” said Dr. Joesph J. Atick, Chairman of ID4Africa. “We think this is a very performant identity system and ID4Africa wanted to create a study that would make information about it available to other African nations.”
The report helps other countries set the correct expectations for what is involved in launching and sustaining successful identity programs. ID4Africa definitively called Rwanda’s identity ecosystem “remarkable” due to 10 factors:
• A national population register that covers 95 percent of the population.
• A unified social register covering between 2.3 and 2.5 million households
• Extensive administrative processes that link civil registration events to national population register for updating both national population and social registries
• A national identity card that has been issued to 90 percent of the population along with a unique identifying number issued for administration
• Lowest cost in Africa for mandatory national identity card (under US$1) subsidized by other credentials (i.e., driver’s licenses, etc.)
• Optional eID is offered to those that need it and can afford it
• The electoral registry is supported by the national identity card
• The national identity card can be used as a travel document in the East African community
• Established online identity verification
• A sustainable, self-sufficient national identity agency that covers operating costs from its services exclusively
The report provides an essential guide to identity ecosystems in general, along with providing a holistic overview and offers a number of lessons for consideration aimed at other African identity authorities that desire to establish or strengthen their legal identity systems.
Read more coverage from ID4Africa
BiometricUpdate.com was the official journalist for the 2016 forum and exposition.


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New Alpine Sports Car Teased in Video
Premiere Edition can now be ordered
Alpine is getting ready to debut its Cayman-fighter. Until then, this video showing the Alpine's sliding skills will have to suffice.
It has been several months since Alpine came out with its Vision concept car, featuring a mid-mounted turbocharged inline-four engine. The rear-drive Alpine could make around 250 hp, and is said to be 660 pounds lighter than the Porsche Cayman. While it may not have a rear-mounted engine like its predecessor, the new Alpine harkens back to the original A110.
Alpine hasn't shown off the car's final sheetmetal, but it is getting a jump start on orders. Alpine's website says the company is taking orders for the "Premiere Edition" model, of which only 1,955 will be created. Available in blue, white, and black, the model is estimated to hit 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, which means it should be about on par with its rival. When we tested a 2014 Cayman S a while back, it was able to hit 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. We have yet to test a Porsche 718 Cayman with the new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
Watch the video below to see the Alpine in action, and check out Alpine's website for more on the "Premiere Edition" model.


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Amogh Dusad has recently been elevated by Sony Pictures Network India as Head – Business Operations of Sony LIV, according to the media reports.
Before getting elevated, Dusad was working as Head – Content, Partnerships, New Initiatives – Digital Business at Sony LIV for more than 2 years.
He is associated with the company for almost a decade now and has been a part of Sony Entertainment Television for more than 6 years after which he entered Sony LIV in 2018.
Prior to SPNI, Dusad has also worked at NDTV Imagine and TAM Media Research for a long period. Adgully


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PBS KIDS goes ’round the clock
PBS KIDS took large digital strides this year to improve program accessibility across its platforms. When the pubcaster’s 24/7 broadcast channel was unveiled in early 2017, it fell in step with a live stream available on its website and the PBS KIDS App. A few months later, PBS KIDS released a COPPA-certified Plug & Play streaming stick loaded with sing-alongs, exclusive games and videos. When connected to the internet, the stick provides subscription-free access to more than 100 hours of on-demand programming.
“Kids are on so many different platforms now, and they’re finding and expecting content on any screen,” says Sara Dewitt, VP of digital at PBS KIDS. “So we want to make sure we can be accessible in any way. We’re always thinking about how new technology is giving us an opportunity to engage in more play with our viewers and connect with kids who we might not otherwise be able reach with deep interactive content.” Aided by a grant from the US Department of Education, PBS has been researching how to use data to improve learning for kids, as well as incorporating more personalization in game play. This led to the release of Fish Force, based on the digital series Ruff Ruffman. The online game adjusts timing, force and aim based on a child’s abilities, and PBS now is working on a suite of offerings using this adaptive back-end technology that will begin rolling out in spring 2018.


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A few weeks ago, prolific voice actor Troy Baker announced plans to turn his voice into an NFT. Predictably, this led to heavy backlash, and now Baker has walked back the idea.
In an update on Twitter, Baker thanked fans for the “feedback,” which is undoubtedly a diplomatic way to mention all the negative comments the initial idea received. “Careful consideration” led him to break things off with VoiceVerseNFT, abandoning the NFT plan altogether. Baker also apologized to those he accused of “hating” for disagreeing with the NFT idea — a direct reference to the original announcement, when he said, “you can hate, or you can create.” Apparently, there’s a third option: announce a thing, then jump ship when Twitter tells you it’s a bad idea.
Troy Baker is far from the only name in video games exploring the idea of NFTs. Ubisoft’s Quartz program launched last year, but initial sales are proving sluggish. While Quartz offers NFT cosmetics like Ghost Recon Breakpoint gun skins, it seems most of the gaming world is uninterested in the concept. Konami auctioned off 14 NFTs a few weeks ago and garnered $155,000, which sounds like a strong number until you compare it to the money that actual game hardware and software bring in. It’s easy to see why most game devs are more interested in unionization than NFTs.


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Flexjet’s European fleet could triple in the next several years, says International Managing Director Marine Eugene
After outlining the imminent additions of more Embraer Praetor 600s and now the Gulfstream G650 to is European fleet, Directional Aviation’s Flexjet see more growth opportunities.
Continue reading “Flexjet details European fractional expansion plans”
Directional Aviation’s Flexjet is continuing growth of its fractional ownership program in Europe by adding to its fleet there
Flexjet is expanding its European fleet following a 180% increase in activity so far this year. The announcement comes ahead of EBACE starting Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland.
Continue reading “Flexjet expands Praetor 600s, Gulfstream G650s in Europe”
Directional Aviation’s European jet card and charter broker PrivateFly says demand for guaranteed availability and fixed prices is on the rise
European jet card and on-demand charter broker PrivateFly said jet card sales spiked 258% in the first quarter of 2022. March set a record for jet card sales, according to the company.
Continue reading “PrivateFly jet card sales soar 258% in Q1”
In Europe, Directional Aviation’s PrivateFly is upscaling its jet card product as Flexjet returns to its fractional focus
PrivateFly has revamped its jet card line-up as sister Flexjet stops selling jet cards in Europe.
Continue reading “PrivateFly revamps jet cards as Flexjet moves to fractional focus in Europe”


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Faulty cars found in second-hand sting in Welwyn Garden City
UNDERCOVER Trading Standards officers found unroadworthy or faulty cars in a sting operation.
They posed as second-hand car buyers at garages in Welwyn Garden City, Watford and Hemel Hempstead.
Four second-hand vehicles – a Nissan Micra, Ford Galaxy, Honda Accord and Renault Scenic – were bought and revealed the potential pitfalls of buying used motors.
The cars were tested by a police vehicle examiner.
The Ford Galaxy was deemed to be unroadworthy as it had a loose and insecure battery and there was excessive wear in one of the steering joints.
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One of the rear seats was also unusable as there was not a suitable seat belt restraint fitted to it.
The other three cars were found to have minor faults including a faulty spare tyre, faulty driver window, under-inflated tyres, and an incorrectly fitted rear light bulb.
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The Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to sell vehicles for use on the road which are in an unroadworthy condition.
The trader who sold the unroadworthy car will be investigated, with the maximum penalty being three months’ imprisonment and a �2,500 fine.
Hertfordshire Trading Standards received complaints about the premises targeted.
Guy Pratt, assistant director for community protection at the county council, said: “No matter how much or little you pay for a vehicle, you are entitled to expect that it is safe, roadworthy and complies with the law.
“Be aware that a current MOT certificate is not an indication of a vehicle’s roadworthiness.
“Consumers should buy from legitimate businesses that inspect vehicles before putting them on sale.
“If we can prevent just one accident by urging drivers to get cars checked before they buy, it will have been worth it.”
Andy Rivers, crash investigation and vehicle examiner for Herts police, said: “Although some of these defects may appear minor and, therefore, insignificant, in my experience, they can become contributory factors in serious injury, or even fatal, road traffic collisions.”


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Imagine Communications, Net Insight, Red Bee Media and Telestream among new SRT Alliance members
The SRT Alliance supporting the SRT Open Source Project has announced that 39 more companies have recently endorsed the SRT protocol for low latency video streaming, including broadcast industry participants Imagine Communications, Net Insight, Red Bee Media and Telestream.
SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) is an open-source protocol, developed by Haivision, which allows broadcasters and streamers to deliver high-quality, low-latency streams across the public internet. SRT is, the Alliance claims, fast becoming the de facto low latency video streaming standard in the broadcast and streaming industries.
“We are pleased to support SRT technology and join the SRT Alliance,” said David Heppe, commercial general manager, targeted delivery at Imagine Communications. “We see SRT as a valuable tool to help our customers more reliably transport their content into our cloud-based targeted advertising workflows.”
“We are increasingly distributing video for high value live events, often on a temporary basis for customers that demand high quality over secure and reliable networks,” said Steve Russell, head of media management and OTT at Red Bee Media. “SRT enables us to expand our customers’ reach while adhering to our preference for open standards.”
Since SRT became open source at NAB 2017 more than 200 companies, including Microsoft, Comcast, EBU/Eurovision, Harmonic, Ateme, MediaKind, Brightcove, and Kaltura, have shown their support for the emerging standard by joining the SRT Alliance. For a current list of SRT Alliance members visit srtalliance.org/members.
At NAB 2019, over 60 SRT Alliance member companies will be exhibiting. Haivision and Microsoft will also be hosting a number of free-to-attend panel sessions featuring top broadcasters and industry leaders discussing their SRT implementation and the impact of SRT on their operations:


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GEODIS hosted a webinar on “Inventory Planning & Management” last month, if you missed it check out our video recording below.
There is a very large ecosystem of supporting parties in the oil and energy industry including International oil and gas companies, National oil and gas companies, drillers, engineering companies, procurement companies and construction. In this episode we will talk about Supply Chain challenges these parties are facing and the associated trends.
What is the digitization of freight? Will it be a disruptive force in the industry or a transformational one? Listen to our VP of Business Development, Brian Reed speak about the actions companies should take to prepare for the digital transformation of freight.
End to end supply chain visibility has been a top priority for companies for years but it's still a challenging goal to achieve. How do you define visibility? Do you want visibility or reliability? Customers want to see instantly where their products are. Change of pace has increased along with the need to make smarter decisions faster.
As a result, "real-time" visibility is becoming more important. Listen to our VP of Business Development, Julian Duerschmidt and Adrian Gonzalez from Talking Logistics as they deep dive into the topic of visibility.
Facing low prices of crude oil, companies need to reshape supply chains to get sustainable cost reductions and reach profitability in the mid and long term. End to end visibility in upstream, midstream or downstream portions of the business reduces substantially the inefficiencies, driving competitive advantages bringing you closer to achieving your strategic goals.
The good news for airlines
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the full-year 2017 data for global air freight markets showing that demand grew by 9.0% freight ton kilometers (FTKs). Almost triple the 3.6% annual growth recorded in 2016.
Freight capacity rose by 3.0% available freight ton kilometers (AFTKs) in 2017. This was the slowest annual capacity growth seen since 2012. Demand growth outpaced capacity growth by a factor of three.
Visibility, a term we hear far too often when talking about the supply chain but a word that signifies huge importance on this same topic. But how do companies gain that visibility?
There are hundreds of solutions out there, how do you pick the right one and implement it as quickly as possible to start benefiting from end to end visibility? By choosing a company who provides a customer centric experience through their Centers of Excellence.


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By Naveen Athrappully
E-commerce has gotten more expensive due to the inflationary environment, according to a recent report from Adobe, and it’s significant during the holiday season when retailers normally push big-discount deals.
Online prices rose 1.9 percent in October from a year earlier and 0.9 percent from the previous month based on data from Adobe Inc. The latest numbers mark the 17th straight month of price increases after six years of declines in the Adobe Digital Price Index.
“Consumers are now seeing a double hit to their pocketbooks, with everyday expenses like rent and gas rising, while the big holiday shopping season is going to get more expensive,” says Vivek Pandya, lead analyst, Adobe Digital Insights, in the report.
Although prices remain high, Adobe expects e-commerce to account for at least 25 percent of the overall holiday sales. Shoppers headed to the market early by almost a month this year, mainly due to supply chain constraints that many fear might lead to products going out of stock. In October, shoppers saw over two billion out-of-stock messages online.
Consumers spent more than $72 billion last month, eight percent more than 2020 according to data from the software company. Despite high prices, online shopping remains the cheaper option as offline retailers push up prices to record highs based on the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose by 6.2 percent YoY in Oct. 2021.
When looking at individual categories, discount levels for electronics are at 8.7 percent compared to last year’s 13.2 percent. Sporting goods prices are down by 2.8 percent (11.2 percent in 2020). Appliances are offered at a discount of 4.6 percent (10.2 percent).
Computers and toys fare much better with 12.4 and 15.9 discounts (11.9 and 7.5 percent decrease same time last year). However, home improvement and tools went up in price by 1.2 percent. In 2020, it was offered at a 6.8 percent discount.
“After 17 consecutive months of online inflation, we are entering a new normal in the digital economy. As e-commerce takes on a greater share of overall retail, the pricing trends have become a more important indicator of net impact to consumers,” said Pandya.
Almost one trillion retail site visits and over 100 million products were analyzed by Adobe. Altogether the Adobe Digital Price Index tracks 18 product categories, out of which, only books reduced in prices when indexed to a historical average (2015 to 2019).
Cost of purchasing electronic goods was down by 0.60 YoY in October, but the category is typically down 9.06 percent on average each year from 2015 to 2019.
Due to overseas manufacturing disruptions and supply chain issues, apparel prices have gone up 9.81 percent YoY in October. Toys were down by 2.71 percent, but lower than the historical average discount of 5.54 percent each year. Deals have gotten smaller and weaker with the trend likely to persist.


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US-based data backup firm Unitrends has partnered with Zycko in a move to bolster its European coverage and target the SMB market. Unitrends, founded in 1989, claims 90 per cent of its business currently...
Belgium VAR powerhouse Cegeka indicates ambitious EMEA expansion plans with a 23.6 per cent shares buyout by European private equity firm Gimv
Analyst says Toshiba sale to consortium that includes Dell and Apple will give it an 'adrenaline shot' to battle Samsung in NAND market
Veritas claims its new approach tells resellers it is back, two years after Symantec spin-out
We talk to some top AWS partners to see how the new billing system will affect their business