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Throughout 2012, I have been a big supporter of McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) in the mid-$80 price range. Despite investors claiming that McDonald's had lost its edge in the burger market or would continue seeing slowed growth, I still saw it as a good buying opportunity. While it certainly is true that there is increased pressure from competitors, I think McDonald's is so powerfully positioned, that the company cannot be moved -- easily that is.
There are headwinds, there's no doubt about that. Growth is slowing in some areas and the new management has got to fix things for McDonald's to start firing on all cylinders once again. An interesting article was brought to my attention regarding the food sector in general. Fellow Seeking Alpha contributor Bret Jenson provided me with the following article about why restaurant stocks will perform poorly in 2013. The main bearish viewpoints of the article are below:
"Mark Smith, analyst at Feltl & Company... "The Problem is," he confessed, "I just don't like anybody right now." He doesn't see a lot of positive for the restaurant industry this year, and his pessimism isn't unique."
"A number of analysts we spoke with said the industry faces a tough 2013. A really tough 2013. "This is going to be one of the most challenging years for the industry in many, many moons," said Northcoast Research analyst Bob Derrington."
"Domestically, restaurants are facing a combination of rising costs and uncertain demand. To be sure, this isn't 2009 when sales actually fell and restaurants close in bunches. But analysts are worried about commodity prices and health care costs, at a time when weak employment is yielding stagnant sales. In addition, many concepts lack pricing power now because they've been aggressively taking menu prices to meet previous commodity increases."
Before we get any further, lets take a look at the chart for McDonald's. Below is a three year chart displaying the recent price action of the burger giant. To gather a better understanding of the overall trend, we are using the 50-day, 100-day and 200-day simple moving averages. Below, the three year chart:
As you can see, McDonald's has been slow and steady for most of 2010 and 2011. Then, in 2012, the stock fell apart. It severely violated the long-term support from the 200-day simple moving average and is now trying to recover after a dismal year of poor price action. However, I think a couple of things are going for McDonald's investors.
For one, brand recognition. According to a study done in the 2011, McDonald's was the second most recognized company logo, right behind Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). McDonald's is all over the world, literally. Operating in 119 countries, McDonald's serves about 68 million customer per day. Yeah, that's a lot of Big Macs.
Another glaring catalyst is that McDonald's pays -- and continues to raise -- its dividend, which currently yields about 3.5%. I will follow this paragraph with several charts and tables regarding the company's dividend payments, both quarterly and annually. McDonald's has been consistently paying out a dividend since 1976, over 35 years. This is rather comforting when looking to establish a long-term position. Below, the charts and tables for McDonald's dividend:
McDonald's Quarterly Payout:
As you can see on the two charts above, McDonald's has been very consistent in terms of dividend payouts. Quickly looking at the annual dividend payout, you can see how McDonald's has continually returned more and more money to investors in a decade that has suffered two major bear markets.
The dividend has continually seen an annual bump, which is typically given in the fourth quarter. This is particularly evident in the second chart, when examining the darkest blue bar. Most recently, McDonald's raised the quarterly dividend payment by $.07, from $.70 to $.77, an increase of 10%. Below is a table illustrating McDonald's dividend growth over the last 10 years:
Current Annual Dividend Payout ($)
Previous Annual Div. Payout After Raise ($)
Percentage Change From Previous Year (%)
Wow. That's all I can think of to say when looking at the dividend growth over the last 10 years. The worst year came in 2008 -- when the entire market was being decimated by the credit crisis -- and McDonald's was still able to raise the dividend by 9.33%. The average dividend increase over the last 10 years is 29.86%.
While averages can really skew the actual increases, there is no doubt that McDonald's has been able to return a great deal of money to its shareholders. The dividend increases are evident, juicy and tempting for any long-term oriented investor.
Taking it one step further, the recent weakness is not only felt at McDonald's. YUM! Brands (NYSE:YUM), one of the biggest competitors for McDonald's, has also suffered from the same global sales slowdown that has recently pushed both stocks lower. This is good news, as it's an industry wide issue, not a company related one. It's essentially saying that McDonald's specifically isn't doing anything wrong.
I view this as a good thing because I look at McDonald's and its management as the most capable company to make the proper adjustments. There's a reason McDonald's is the king of fast food, and I don't expect that to change very soon, if ever. I am a buyer of McDonald's and remain so for the foreseeable future.
I mean for me, I'm just begging that McDonald's has a terrible 2013 and that the article from above is spot on. It wasn't that long ago -- in November -- when shares of McDonald's were making new 52-week lows. Hopefully that trend continues. That's odd isn't it? Someone who's bullish and long McDonald's is hoping it has a dismal year. It's not really, because I want as many shares as I can get now, before the stock finally trades higher again.
Right now, McDonald's is trading at $91.50 per share. While this is higher than I'd like for accumulation, over the long-term, I'm not so picky. Hopefully the article forecasting a poor year for restaurants is true; that way I can continue to grab more shares of my favorite companies.
If McDonald's trades down to the $70's or $60's even, how great! I can see the worry from short-term investors, or even the traders. But the long-term guys, those who plan to hold McDonald's for many decades to come, have a great buying opportunity in their hands.
Rising commodity costs will likely hurt McDonald's, especially on the beef side of things. But it's not going to sink the company, even if it hurts the earnings for several quarters over the next few years. Even a multi-year stumble for McDonald's wouldn't worry me, as I plan on holding for many, many years to come. Being a shareholder who is looking for a solid growing dividend company in the "core" section of my portfolio, I welcome any discounts I can get on this burger-flipping giant.


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After a long wait, Renault finally launched the Duster AWD in India. The much awaited 4WD variant of Duster is now available across India for a starting price of Rs 11.89 lakhs. Offered in two trims, but with only 110 PS diesel engine, we test drive the Duster AWD, and here is our review.
Mahindra launched Scorpio facelift and Renault launched All Wheel Drive version of Duster recently amplifying buzz in the segment. Here is on-paper technical specification comparison among aforementioned, Nissan Terrano and Tata Safari Storme.
Renault’s Romanian brand, Dacia has revealed plans to introduce two exclusive models, Duster Air and Sandero Black Touch at 2014 Paris Motor Show opening October2, 2014. Dacia Duster Air, called Blackstorm in other markets along with Sandero Black will be seen in limited editions with a host of equipment upgrades and select styling elements.
Current week of September is one of most important this year, with 6 car launches lined up. Auto industry is so busy this week mainly because this is an auspicious time for buyers to purchase new cars.
Renault India Private Limited has released promotional video for upcoming Duster 4×4 (All Wheel Drive) variant, set to launch in two days, 24th September 2014.
Right Hand Drive Dacia Duster for UK market used to be produced in Renault-Nissanâ€™s Chennai plant in India, until this summer. Then production was shifted to Daciaâ€™s Pitesti plant in Romania, where Left Hand Drive Duster is already being built.
Renault Duster compact SUV with tempting cash discount is something people would love in this festive season. Unlike many pseudo offers announced by many dealers, Renault has directly cur ex-showroom price of Duster crossover.
September is going to be exhilarating with an average of two car launches per week, starting premium sedan segment to drool-worthy super car space. Here is a brief info on all cars that are confirmed / expected to launch this month, in the order of price.

domain: news


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Evan Hessel, casualty practice leader, senior vice president & partner, Woodriff Sawyer
Forming a captive insurer to cover cyber liabilities is unlikely to be cost-effective, according to US broker Woodruff Sawyer. It may work for already established entities, however.
In an article published on the company’s website on Monday, casualty practice leader, senior vice president and partner Evan Hessel warns against forming a captive just for cyber risks.
Increased retentions, “huge premium increases”, and narrower terms are leading corporations to look to alternative solutions, including captives, noted.
“Unfortunately, starting a captive insurer for the primary purpose of insuring cyber liability is unlikely to be a cost-effective replacement for commercial cyber insurance,” he writes. “Forming a captive is not a cheap or simple transaction. Captives require substantive strategic resources, regulatory capital, and operational costs, all of which in total make traditional cyber insurance often look like a smart purchase (even at higher premiums).”
There may be an exception, however: where well-established captives of large organisations hold significant underwriting surplus generated from other coverages.
“[A]dding cyber liability may be a sensible potential strategy to mitigate the impact of a hardened cyber market,” he says.
The comments come despite a survey of Airmic members in October showing that cyber risks were the most likely new perils to be financed by captives.
cyber liability, Captives, Reinsurance, Insurance, Woodruff Sawyer, casualty, Evan Hessel, North America, cyber risks,


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The big development shown in the Chevy Volt is a high-tech composite that lends itself to mass production. Composites in aircraft are thermosets, usually either polyester or epoxy-based, and usually require long cycle times. GE Plastics is working with several partners on a new thermoplastic approach, but refused to divulge the OEM that will pioneer the use of the new technology. GM said they have no plans to put the composites in their cars in the next two years.
The new high-performance composite technology (HPPC) developed by GE Plastics features a sandwich of glass mat and thermoplastics made with regenerated plastic scrap. The parts are said to be cost competitive with other materials, and significantly lighter. The technology was shown in January on the Chevy Volt concept car at the Detroit Auto Show. The newly announced drive by President George W. Bush to reduce gasoline consumption in the USA by 20 percent within 10 years will give the technology another boost.
One of the biggest hurdles has been the development of a new processing technology that will allow the hoods to be made in less than three minutes. Another potential roadblock was painting, which will initially take place off-line, with the goal of full on-line integration. Production cycle time and paintability issues have long been the bugaboos with composite processing technologies, which first debuted on cars in the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Major composite technologies for challenging structural applications, such as hoods, have always been theromoset, until now.
The major advantage of thermoplastics is weight reduction. The various thermoplastic innovations in the Chevy Volt add up to a 60-pound weight reduction, estimate officials at GE Plastics. The Volt uses 100 pounds of thermoplastics, including composites in the hood and doors, as well as unreinforced materials in the rear deck lid, roof and fenders.
“The structure of the composite has three layers,” explains Robert Butterfield, global market director of design innovation in the GE Plastics’ automotive business, in an interview with Design News. “The top and bottom layer has a skin, and in the middle is a core. The purpose of the core is to move the compression and tensile areas away from the neutral axis to give it more strength. So what you have is a composite that you would more typically associate with aircraft or race cars.”
GE Plastics has developed an automated system that will use low-pressure matched metal tooling. GE Plastics is using presses and tools at much lower pressures than are used for current thermoset composite molding in cars. As a result, costs are expected to be lower. Initially, however, Butterfield expects that automotive plastics suppliers will be using current equipment to avoid huge capital outlays to get the process rolling. “At the moment we are using aluminum tools,” comments Butterfield, “and they seem to be working quite well. We expect the tools will have a life similar to injection molds because the pressures are so much lower.”
BMW has already incorporated more than 10,000 3D-printed parts in the Rolls-Royce Phantom and intends to expand the use of 3D printing in its cars even more in the future. Meanwhile, Daimler has started using additive manufacturing for producing spare parts in Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Researchers have been developing a number of nano- and micro-scale technologies that can be used for implantable medical technology for the treatment of disease, diagnostics, prevention, and other health-related applications.
SABIC's lightweighting polycarbonate glazing materials have appeared for the first time in a production car: the rear quarter window of Toyota's special edition 86 GRMN sports car, where they're saving 50% of its weight compared to conventional glass.
Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies.
You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived.
So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.


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Vivo officially announces the availability of its mid-range smartphone; the Vivo Y20 in Kenya with sales going live effective today at all vivo Kenya brand stores, Jumia and dealer’s store countrywide for a price of KSH13,999, and available in Obsidian Black and Nebula Blue color options.
The launch is reportedly said to come after Vivo was ranked among the top international smartphone manufacturers in Q3 2020 —representing a clear year-on-year growth. The ranking is based on Q3 data for the global smartphone market released by Canalys and the International Data Corporation.
According to the reports, the numbers from both entities indicated that vivo’s mobile phone shipments ranked among the top five in the world while on the other hand —Canalys’ data indicated that vivo had 31.8 million shipments, thus ranking 5th.
Vivo’s Y series is known for its innovative technologies and elegant design that support the day-to-day lives of the tech-savvy young audience. Keeping its commitment towards customer-centric designs and innovation, the newly launched vivo Y20 is a lightweight, sleek, and perfectly polished smartphone with an ergonomic 2.5D elegant body.
The phone comes with advanced features for performance, a premium design —combining an AI triple camera to seamlessly capture moments with enough detail and perfection. This combination goes in line with the brand’s focus of offering stylish smartphones infused with trendsetting technologies at the most competitive price points.
The AI Triple Marco camera setup features a 13MP primary camera with a 2MP macro and a 2MP bokeh sensors while the front camera comes with an 8MP sensor with a af/2.2 large aperture and PDAF technology (Phase Detection Autofocus) to seamlessly capture breath-taking photos with more clear details.
It provides an ultimate visual experience on a 6.51-Inches HD+ HALO Display with Eye Protection, allowing users to indulge in a worldly entertainment experience with an immersive aspect ratio of 20:9 and a screen resolution of 1600 x 720.
It will run on Android 10 coupled with a Funtouch OS 10.5. It is as well powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor 460 with 4GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage supporting a microSD card for memory expansion of up to 256GB. It will backed on a 5,000mAh battery which will provide a long-lasting experience. With AI power-saving technology, a single full charge can provide up to 16 hours of online HD movie streaming, 11 hours of resource-intensive gaming action —as claimed by the company. It supports a 18W fast charger and reverse charging as well.
The phone also has a cleverly designed side-mounted fingerprint scanner that adapts to your daily phone use, making phone unlocking instantaneous.


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Infographic: 7 cool facts you should know about online lending
If you're in the business or financial world you probably have heard the term "Fintech" by now. A portmanteau of financial technology, the sector is redefining the way the financial world works. From online lending, to payments, to insurance, wealth management and more. Leaving a large debate whether Fintech can undermine the position of banks.
If it can or will, is yet to be seen, however, it has undoubtedly ushered in a new era for entrepreneurs and opportunities for businesses, and business owners who now can get access to working capital beyond the traditional banks.
A trend that doesn't seem to be slowing anytime soon. So the folks at Market Inspector put together a cool infographic highlighting 7 cool facts you should know about online lending.


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O'Bannon's lawsuit challenges the NCAA's long-standing right to sell its broadcasts and not pay collegiate athletes any portion of the proceeds.
For a look at the latest twists in this trial, click here.
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( Sal Pizarro )
Cocktail Chronicles: Mission Creek Brewing at Whole Foods store
When I first heard about Whole Foods Market's plan to include a brewpub in its store on The Alameda in San Jose, I wondered what kind of person would go to a grocery store to drink. Turns out there are a lot of those kinds of people, and I'd happily be one of them.
(California Academy of Sciences)
Golden State Warriors guard honored by California Academy of Sciences, which named its newest baby penguin after the reigning MVP.


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iQoo Z1 5G, an upcoming smartphone from the new company, will be unveiled on May well 19 and iQoo is attempting to get people today hyped for the start by revealing some vital specification of the mobile phone. With a pair of new posters on Weibo, iQoo has verified the iQoo Z1 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity one thousand+ SoC, alongside with some other facts. The corporation lately shared some live photographs of the mobile phone exhibiting off the style and design and colour possibilities. On top of that, in a independent leak, the selling price for the iQoo Z1 5G has been tipped, thanks to a promotional poster.
The on-line event will be held on May well 19 at 2:30pm CST (12pm IST) as noticed in one of the official posters on Weibo. As of now, iQoo has not introduced where by the event will be streamed but further bulletins for the exact same can be envisioned in the coming times, considering that the event is just five times absent.
iQoo Z1 5G selling price (envisioned)
Talking about the selling price, a report by 91Mobiles states that a promotional poster demonstrates the pricing for the phone’s 6GB RAM + 128GB storage design. It is priced at CNY 2,498 (approximately Rs. 26,500). This is envisioned to be one of the configurations the iQoo Z1 5G will come in.
iQoo Z1 5G specs and style and design (verified)
iQoo shared two posters on Weibo on Thursday, May well fourteen, confirming the processor, battery capacity, and charging speed for the iQoo Z1 5G. The very first poster states the mobile phone will be powered by the 7nm MediaTek Dimensity one thousand+ CPU with an built-in GPU. The 2nd poster states the mobile phone will come with a 4,500mAh battery and will assistance 44W speedy charging. Talking about the style and design and colour possibilities, a independent write-up by the corporation demonstrates live photographs of the mobile phone and reveals two colour possibilities – Galaxy Silver and House Blue (translated). It also demonstrates 3 cameras on the back again positioned in a rectangular module on the prime still left corner of the mobile phone. From the photographs, we can make out that iQoo Z1 5G will have a aspect mounted fingerprint scanner and the quantity buttons positioned on the proper aspect of the mobile phone.


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Call it a “Biden pay cut.” Americans’ real wages are falling under President Joe Biden.
On Wednesday, the Labor Department announced that inflation rose by 5.4 percent over the previous year — the fastest pace (tied with last month) since 2008.
Last Friday, it revealed that average wages only rose by 4 percent over the same timeframe. These numbers confirm what Americans already know: Their living standards are declining under President Biden as inflation swamps wage gains.
The Federal Reserve and Biden administration have tried to gaslight Americans by downplaying inflation and calling it transitory. Yet consumers and small businesses in the real world are feeling its full effects.
Gas prices have increased by approximately 50 percent since Biden was elected. Major companies, including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Kimberly-Clark, General Mills, and Unilever, have announced price increases.
The CEO of Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest chicken producer, said on a recent earnings call that costs are rising faster than the company’s ability to raise prices. Half of second-quarter nominal GDP growth is phantom inflation gains. According to the Job Creators Network Foundation Monthly Monitor poll, inflation is the biggest concern of small businesses.


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Well, at least it could be if EV maker Drako can take the Dragon from the sketchpad to the street.
A new all-electric Mini crossover will debut alongside an updated three-door car and refreshed Countryman.
Let's take a peek behind BMW's curtain once again with a trio of never-before-seen CSL-branded prototypes.
The Apple Car rumor mill is running at full tilt. I want to throw my concept in the ring.
Inspired by the GSX-R/4 concept, it packs a Hayabusa engine supplemented by three electric motors.
A new EV factory in South Korea is set to crank out these delightful vans.
Fisker says Project Ronin will do 0-60 in 2 seconds and have the longest range of any EV ever made.
Chrysler said the Firepower was going to go into production. Then said, “Nah, never mind. It won't work".
You can own it, too, but you'll have to finish putting it back together.
It's a frunk with a sunroof, and that's not even the strangest part.
In 1988, this vehicle was GMC's idea for a truck with the comforts of a car.
This car had up to 300 HP turning front tires into smoke, but GM brass wasn't convinced.
But you know we won't ever see this thing on our shores when it goes on sale.
Once the subject of public adoration, many one-of-one design studies and prototypes suffer the same fate as ordinary…
A family sedan powered by a hybrid diesel engine would've been a game changer.
French car maker DS has thrown all its Formula E tech into the E-Tense Performance concept car.
There's a brand new Noble supercar. That's a sentence I didn't expect to say anytime soon.
Cadillac says the concept is designed to be a 'passenger experience.'
From a futuristic luxury hotel on wheels to the minimalist camper of my dreams, Nissan's latest campervan concepts…
Uber worked with UK EV startup Arrival to create a new electric car specifically for ride-hailing firms. Convenient?


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BY BRITTANY BROLLEY
Ahead of 2020, The List consulted with hairstylists about the hottest hair trends to try in the new decade. From micro bangs to curtain fringe to Farrah Fawcett-inspired feathery layers, the experts revealed a mixed bag of trendy cuts to embrace at the start of 2020 and beyond. But, as exciting as it is to look ahead, we can’t help but also glance back at the past.
Although all of us probably hope for our favorite hairstyles to stick around forever, that’s never really the case, is it? Over the last decade, we experimented with a lot of hair trends and, uh, some of them didn’t exactly stand the test of time. Much like the Kate Gosselin ‘do circa 2009, there were quite a few hairstyles we thought were cool over the past ten years, but we ended up being more than happy to leave them behind.
Can’t remember the craziest styles you attempted? Allow us to remind you. These are the hair trends we were all guilty of trying — and ditching — between 2010 and 2019.
Everyone stopped rocking the Snooki pouf hair trend this decade
We have one word for you: Bumpit. The volumizing, as-seen-on-TV “hair inserts” enabled the wearer to achieve a “bump” or pouf near the crown of the head, which gave the hair added height and, you know, style. It mimicked the 1960s bouffant hair trend.
Despite being around in 2009, Bumpits took off at the start of the next decade. “Should it be interpreted as a sign of the apocalypse, or just a really big trend, that both Hillary Clinton and Snooki have been accused of wearing Bumpits of late?” wrote The New York Times reporter Eric Wilson in 2010. The article also revealed that Bumpits made possible Leighton Meester’s iconic Gossip Girl hair.
Almost as quickly as BumpIts came on the scene, though, they were gone. “I’m over the pouf, just because it’s everywhere, and people always associate me with the pouf,” Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi told The Denver Post in January 2011. “I don’t want to be known for just one hairstyle.” With Time also rating the Bumpit as one of “the 50 worst inventions,” it’s easy to see how this style lost its en vogue status. And, well, we’re not complaining.
Top knots lost popularity as a hair trend this past decade
When the top knot — or as it is also know, the high bun — hair trend started to take off in 2011, not everyone was sold. Regardless, the trend persisted for years. By late 2014, it started fading into obscurity, before being briefly revived at Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2015 runway show. “The top knot is back and it’s higher than ever!” Harper’s Bazaar reported in May 2015.
The newer high bun was “much more complicated,” Guido Palau, who created the 2015 iteration for the Marc Jacobs show, explained to the publication. The super-high bun involved blow-drying the models’ hair both upside-down and forward.
Despite its brief resurgence, Jennifer Sitto, hairstylist and founder of The Gypsy Vault, confirmed to The List that most everyone ended up ditching the high bun and the sock bun, which was yet another way we tried to fake voluminous hair in the 2010s. Good times, good times.
The hair trend of side-swept bangs overstayed its welcome last decade .
As we alluded to at the outset of this article, you’re going to see All. The. Bangs. in the new decade. Well, except for one style. Despite baby bangs, long bangs, and curtain bangs being a sure bet in 2020 and beyond, you won’t see anyone rocking side-swept bangs.
We all — especially Taylor Swift — loved the hair trend in the early 2010s. However, Terra Harvell, founder and hairstylist at Salon Five Zero Four and CEO of Harper Ellis Hair Co., told The List that “thick bangs swooped to the side and slightly curled under” is a look has since been retired. Yes, even Tay Tay traded in her sweeping bangs for a more modern style, as she showed at the 2019 American Music Awards (via CNN).
If you’re interested in a look similar to Swift’s updated shag, hairstylist Devin Toth told PopSugar that it’s an especially flattering cut, especially with bangs — albeit, not side-swept ones. “It’s so popular right now because it adds a different, more interesting kind of geometry around the face,” he revealed to the publication.
Everyone said goodbye to the ombre hair trend this decade
As far as hair trends go, ombré stuck around for a long time. Hairstylist and founder of The Gypsy Vault, Jennifer Sitto confirmed to The List that the two-toned style was a big deal in 2011. By 2012, Glamour confirmed that the trend was “still going strong.” However, it eventually started showing signs of fading. Within subsequent years, the ombré trend was replaced. First, with balayage and then with color melting.
“This [color melting] is similar to regular balayage only with an added color melt or root-fade done after,” Chad Kenyon, celebrity hair colorist and Olaplex ambassador, explained to InStyle in 2016. “With the melt we’re not so interested in having those stark ‘pops’ of light around the face. They’re there, but instead of being so obvious they’re underneath the color melt in a more iridescent, glowing way.” In the new decade, you should expect to see both of these techniques again, but don’t get your hopes up for ombré.
The glitter roots hair trend faded away in the 2010s
“Back in 2015, glitter roots were everywhere,” StyleCaster revealed. “What started as a festival trend moved on to everyday life.” If you dove into the hair trend headfirst, you may still be finding random sparkles around your house. The trend had all but died out until Julianne Hough briefly revived the style at the 2019 America’s Got Talent finale. According to PopSugar, Jill Buck, a hairstylist at Nine Zero One salon, was the brains behind the look, which surely marked just one stage of Julianne Hough’s stunning transformation over the years.
Despite a small resurgence, glitter roots were replaced by a far less messy sparkly trend just months later. Dubbed hair tinsel, a hairstylist for Tips & Toes revealed to Harper’s Bazaar that the trend is “created by [a] thin … glitter thread that is tied into the hair in different sections close to the scalp.” According to the stylist, it can last up to two weeks and, because “the threads are made from polyester,” you should still be able to blow-dry and straighten your hair.
People ditched the controversial boxer braid hair trend this decade
In 2016, Cosmopolitan dubbed “boxer braids” the “[one] hairstyle to wear when you don’t feel like doing your hair.” Both Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian sported the braided style that year, which undoubtedly propelled the look into the mainstream. However, not everyone was a fan. Many took issue with the famous Kardashian and Jenner women donning the style, citing cultural appropriation. Actress Amandla Stenberg, for example, explained in a comment on Jenner’s Instagram post (via Teen Vogue), writing, “When you appropriate black features and culture but fail to use your position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards your wigs instead of police brutality or racism.”
To the relief of many, these hairstyles — as a hair trend — fell out of favor later that year, Jennifer Sitto, hairstylist and founder of The Gypsy Vault, told The List. Of course, braids as hairstyles are still around. “Black women have been wearing braids for a very long time, and that’s another part of the frustration,” Euphoria star Zendaya explained to PopSugar. “We’ve been using that as a protective style, as a hairstyle. That’s been in our culture and our community for a very long time.”
Last decade’s glass hair trend didn’t last
In 2018, “glass hair” became the go-to trend for summer. But it wasn’t invented that year. “The ‘glass hair’ trend is not new to the beauty industry,” celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez revealed to Yahoo! Lifestyle. “It’s actually referred to as ‘silk press’ by beauty professionals and has been around for many years.” She continued, saying, “Instead of using a traditional hot comb to straighten natural hair, a silk press is achieved by using a flatiron. Using a flatiron allows natural hair to be very straight, shiny, silky, soft, and most importantly, gives the hair tons of body and movement.”
While shiny hair will probably never go out of style, the glass hair trend isn’t going to make it into 2020, Jennifer Sitto, hairstylist and founder of The Gypsy Vault, told The List. In fact, it didn’t really make it beyond 2018. Getting the glass hair look involved a super hot — we’re talking 400 degrees — straightening process whereas the trends of the new decade call for a more natural, less heat-treated, and thus healthier approach to shiny hair.
The unicorn hair trend has since been replaced
Who could forget the unicorn hair trend? Although you may want to, it’ll be cemented in your memory for a long time. Although this may be one of the defining trends of the 2010s, it later officially went extinct, along with other hair trends everyone ditched in 2019. You may think that people have traded in their unicorn hair because it requires a ton of upkeep, costs more money, and does not last as long as other colors, but that’s not the case.
While all of those things are true, people aren’t necessarily going to give up vivid colors in 2020. Instead, the “fantasy colors” trend has taken the place of unicorn hair, Tonya Reid, hairstylist and owner of the beauty salon T. Reid and Company in Charlotte, N.C., told The List. Although this look still calls for multiple colors like unicorn hair, “the new take will be multiple colors on the same strand,” Reid shared. “The outcome will be a more banded effect.”
The artificial gray hair trend came to an end this past decade
Natural gray hair is expected to be a huge hair trend in 2020, but the artificial gray trend has already met its end. The trend was especially popular in 2014, but Susan Hurley, color director at Chicago’s Art and Science salons, revealed to The Atlantic that “very few people” were able to achieve a dynamic silvery color.
“The actual gray hair you see on Helen Mirren can’t be [recreated],” the expert explained, “but if you want that more bold Gwen Stefani steel feel, that is something only a small population can achieve.” Dying your hair gray was also potentially very damaging. All things considered, it makes sense why dyed silver hair met its demise. Although dyed gray hair won’t be around in 2020, you will still see some smokey shades, but they will call for the addition of other hues like purple. And, as highlighted above, you will certainly see more and more women embracing their natural grays.


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Paramount (PARA) reported third quarter results on Thursday that came in mostly ahead of estimates as streaming losses significantly improved.
Paramount reported a direct-to-consumer (DTC) loss of $238 million, narrower than analyst expectations of $438 million and the $343 million loss seen in the year-earlier period. The company reported a $424 million loss in the second quarter.
The company now forecasts full-year direct-to-consumer losses in 2023 will be lower than in 2022, with anticipated fourth-quarter DTC losses similar to the year-ago period.
We continue to execute our strategy and prioritize prudent investment in streaming while maximizing the earnings of our traditional business,” Paramount CEO Bob Bakish said in the release.
“In Q3, we successfully grew direct-to-consumer revenue and Paramount+ subscribers while narrowing DTC losses over 30%. In fact, we now expect DTC losses in 2023 will be lower than in 2022 — meaning streaming investment peaked ahead of plan. Looking ahead, we remain on the path to achieving significant total company earnings growth in 2024,” he continued.
Paramount shares surged about 10% in after-hours trading following the results.
Paramount posted revenue of $7.13 billion — a 3% year-over-year increase, but a slight miss compared to Bloomberg consensus estimates of $7.15 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share, however, beat expectations of $0.10 to come in at $0.30 — a 23% increase from the year-ago period.
Paramount+ added 2.7 million subscribers in the quarter, beating expectations of a 1.8 million increase. In total, Paramount+ has reached more than 63 million subscribers.
Subscription revenue also grew 46% in the quarter to reach $1.3 billion, driven by subscriber growth and pricing increases for Paramount+, coupled with revenue from pay-per-view events. Overall direct-to-consumer revenue totaled $1.69 billion in the quarter, compared to the expected $1.64 billion.
The difficult TV ad market, however, continued to be a headwind with linear ad revenue slumping 14% year-over-year, worse than the 12% drop expected and also worse than the 10% year-over-year slump seen in the second quarter.
The company said the drop reflects “continued softness in the global advertising market and lower political advertising.”
Licensing and other revenue decreased 12%, driven by lower revenue from original content produced for third parties. Content available for licensing was impacted by temporary production shutdowns as a result of labor strikes.
Paramount recently delayed the theatrical release of “Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two” to May 2025 from June 2024 amid the ongoing actors strike.
Still, filmed entertainment revenue beat estimates in the quarter to hit $891 million, representing a 14% year-over-year increase. The segment was aided by the extensions of multiple franchises like “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” and “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.”
Looking ahead, the company has consistently reiterated a return to positive free cash flow and earnings growth in 2024, aided by recent price hikes of its streaming tiers following the Paramount+ with Showtime integration, layoffs, business restructurings, and a dividend cut announced in May.
Paramount has committed to divesting non-core assets as it works to pare down debt and improve its balance sheet.
Last quarter, the company announced it sold Simon & Schuster to investment firm KKR after the publishing giant’s sale to Penguin Random House collapsed late last year. The $1.62 billion, all-cash deal was completed on Monday.
Its strong slate of assets suggests more M&A activity to come. Showtime and BET Media Group have been two assets recently entangled in sales rumors.
Paramount has long been viewed as a potential acquisition target due to its small size relative to competitors. The company boasts a current market cap of just under $8 billion, compared to Disney’s (DIS) $152 billion and Netflix’s (NFLX) $186 billion.
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish hinted more media M&A was on the horizon while speaking at a UBS media conference late last year.
“Consolidation has been the rule in business for a long time, certainly been the rule in media,” he said at the time. “So, it’s hard for me to bet on anything other than consolidation will happen in the future.”
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Toyota brings back a familiar name that’s lite on the pocket
Written by: Alvin Uy
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has always been spot on when it comes to the selection of its model lineups. They continue to expand their lineup with class-leading vehicles that cater to the specific needs of its customers. They would also re-introduce nameplates back to the market, not just riding on name recognition but on purposeful intent.
This could be the case why TMP decided to re-introduce the lovable family-oriented compact van, the Toyota Lite Ace, back but as a light commercial vehicle (LCV). From the late 80s to the mid-90s, the ubiquitous Lite Ace can be seen in schools, malls, and highways, carrying families in their daily commutes or road trips. This nameplate is a name that evokes a lot of happy memories for those who grew up during that time. My son grew up in one, and our trusty Lite Ace took a second life as reliable manpower and small goods transport for our family business in its later years.
So why is TMP re-introducing this nameplate to be a more functional and practical workhorse? At the introduction of the Toyota Lite Ace last July, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said that “With the introduction of the All-New Lite Ace, we are responding to the long-time request of our customers for Toyota to introduce a light commercial vehicle,” he told spectators during the unveiling event, “We are confident that the All-New Lite Ace is a game-changer, not just in uplifting the auto industry, but more importantly, in improving the way homegrown businesses move people and goods.”
TMP’s AVP for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano explained that TMP recognizes that the LCV market segment is the best platform since the country is now back to its road to recovery and the addition of the All-New Lite Ace in its current form will be a boon to local entrepreneurs and business owners. By bringing back one of the most iconic nameplates, it plays up with Toyota’s advocacy of boosting its vision for true “Mobility for All.” Owning the Lite Ace is also made easier with its new and various financing schemes that the brand has to offer. This is Toyota’s way of expanding mobility and wealth creation opportunities. Luciano reckons the Lite Ace as a true commercial “peoples’ car.”
The price is “Lite”
Who else can come up with a payment scheme like the one Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSPH) and TMP is offering? Under unique financing packages, customers may acquire units under a weekly payment scheme with rates that go as low as PHP 2,937 per week (Pickup variant). Owners are not buying a vehicle in this case. They are investing on a reliable and value-holding Toyota commercial vehicle, which is now easier and more accessible, especially for those who are looking to start or expand their own local businesses.
Toyota’s flexible payment plans allow business owners to manage their cashflow while their businesses are growing, especially in the agriculture and e-commerce sectors.
There are four variants of the Toyota Lite Ace. The Pickup retails at PHP 570,000, the Panel Van at PHP 655,000, the Cargo at PHP 699,000, and the FX at PHP 727,000. All come in white color. Lite Ace customers will enjoy a fixed payment of PHP 1,999 for each Basic Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) from 1,000 km up to 40,000 km.
Again, TMP seems to be on the right track, and this foresight couldn’t come in timelier. The Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP) posted a growth of 7.4% in the second quarter of 2022 and its main contributors were wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicles and motorcycle repair, construction and transportation, and storage sectors mostly posting double digit growth. Major economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing, industry and services all posted positive growths according to Undersecretary Dennis Mapa of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said “global headwinds,” particularly inflation, had contributed to the slowdown from 8.2% of this year’s first quarter, but the country’s economic performance continues to outpace some other countries in the region such as China and Indonesia and says it remains on track to hit the government’s 2022 GDP growth targets.
The country’s logistical requirement is not just limited to mobility for the online commercial e-platforms or small to medium businesses that require urban transport. It goes beyond and reaches out to the countryside, thanks to its 72 branches nationwide that can service the entire PH market.
The All-New Lite Ace is powered by a reliable 1.5L gasoline engine and 5-speed manual transmission. It also comes with practical convenience features such as electric power steering and a front air-conditioning system. Safety features include the SRS Airbags for driver and front passenger for all four variants. The Panel Van and Pickup variants also have Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), while Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is exclusive to the Panel Van variant.
The Panel Van has dual sliding doors for easy loading and unloading of goods from both sides of the vehicle, while the Pickup has a dropside bed with three-gate access ideal for irregular-sized items. Meanwhile, the FX has a utility body best for transporting passengers, and the Cargo has an aluminum body for hauling cargo such as furniture, appliances, and more. All four variants are now available in Toyota dealership nationwide.
For more information, check out https://toyota.com.ph/asenso or visit the nearest Toyota dealership near you. Download the myTOYOTA APP for Android or iOS, or follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, or Toyota PH on Viber to get the latest updates.
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Batesville Wins Patent Case Against Mexican Imports
Hillenbrand Inc., the largest U.S. maker of coffins, won an order to ban imports of knockoff caskets from Mexico.
The U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington said Dec. 13 that Ataudes Aguilares will be barred from bringing in caskets with attached memorabilia compartments and mechanisms for letting funeral-home directors swap out ornamental corner pieces. The Guadalajara, Mexico-based company failed to respond to patent-infringement claims from Hillenbrand?s Batesville unit, the ITC said in a notice on its website.
Batesville filed the complaint in June, seeking to protect sales of its coffins with memorabilia compartments that it expected to exceed $130 million this year.
The company said it builds the caskets at four plants in Panola, Mississippi; Manchester, Tennessee; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and its hometown of Batesville, Indiana.
The case is In the Matter of Certain Caskets, 337-725, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington).
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Adriasang reports that Square Enix has launched a free streaming music service that you can access with PC and Android devices. Though the site is intended for those who reside in Japan, you can get at it directly from your PC by visiting the streaming music website. Most of the site is in Japanese but there is a small bit of English as well - enough for just about anyone to figure out how to navigate around the site.
London based dub-step duo Nero have launched a "Live Rig" on their official website, which gives fans a chance to listen to their music while playing an 8-bit game aptly titled "NERO." The game, an 8-bit homage to Final Fight or Streets of Rage, lets players beat up various street thugs while listening to one of the groups many tunes.
Here's the intro text from the game:
Video Games Live has typically been a "big city" event that fine folks in smaller cities and towns rarely ever get to experience. But the organizers of the video game music event want to change that by going "off the grid" to bring the show to some smaller venues.
A Manhattan judge has cleared the way for a video game maker to continue a $100 million lawsuit against singer Beyonce.
The suit, originally filed in April, had been on hold pending whether the case should be thrown out, but without explanation, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Charles Ramos ruled the case for breach of contract by Gate Five LLC could move forward.
The New York Times Media Decoder blog has an interesting story about Michael O’Leary the senior executive vice president for global policy and external affairs of the Motion Picture Association of America. While the story is about toning down SOPA to address "legitimate concerns," the real story is something that opponents knew all along: the MPAA and friends are basically the authors of the bill.
Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Sony Network Entertainment International announced that they will "fully restore" all Qriocity by day's end on June 9 in "all serviced territories, excluding Japan." That means that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services which were shut down on April 20 due to a massive security breach are available and working as they were prior to the incident.
SCE says that Video On Demand and Music Unlimited services powered by Qriocity are now "fully functional" on all compatible devices. PlayStation Network has been up for a few weeks in most territories, and last week SCE relaunched the PlayStation Store and gave users access to free games as a "thank you" for their patience.
An announcement related to the restoration of the remaining services on Qriocity in Japan will be made at a later date, said SCE.
The Associated Press is reporting that Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill that makes it a crime to login into to another person's account to listen to songs or movies from services such as Netflix and Rhapsody. The law doesn't make a distinction between logging in with or without the account holder's permission either.
The bill only needs the governor's signature to become law. The AP reports that Gov. Bill Haslam is expected to sign the bill. As you can probably guess, the law was heavily pushed by the music industry in the state, looking for a new way to fight against illegal music sharing.
While the bill was supposedly meant to target hackers and those that sell passwords of such services online, the bill's sponsor admits that it could be used to target those who use a friend's or relative's subscription.
Lady Gaga and Zynga have inked a deal to transform the popular Facebook game FarmVille with various Gaga-isms. The deal is meant to promote the launch of Lady Gaga's latest album "Born this Way." Launching May 17, the promotion gives players the opportunity to unlock and listen to "little monsters" by playing GagaVille, a neighboring farm in FarmVille filled with unicorns, crystals and sheep on motorcycles. The full album also comes bundled as a free download with the purchase of a special Zynga $25 game card, available exclusively at Best Buy.
"I want to celebrate and share ‘Born This Way’ with my little monsters in a special way that’s never been done before," said Lady Gaga. "Zynga has created a magical place in FarmVille where my fans can come play, and be the first to listen to the album."
While the organizers of the Grammys might have eliminated well over 30 categories to streamline its awards this year, one category that remains is video games. Speaking to IndustryGamers, Bill Freimuth of The Recording Academy said that this is a first step in getting video games their own special category.
"I think this could be viewed as a first step in the direction of video games getting their own category," said Bill Freimuth of The Recording Academy to IndustryGamers. "Many people from the game community have been asking us to create a special category for games over the years, but the main reason we haven't is because we have received very few entries from game publishers."
Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka is auctioning off the guitar he used to write all the music for the game on in a bid to raise money for Play for Japan. According to eBay auction information, "the soul of Silent Hill" resides in the guitar, and there is a good chance that the "guitar is haunted." As silly as that sounds, the guitar is certainly an item worth owning because it is a piece of gaming history.
The complete lot consists of a Yamaha APX-15FM acoustic electric guitar, a Line 6 FB4, and a Line 6 POD. Yamaoka supposedly bought the guitar right before he started working on the first Silent Hill game and has used it for every game in the series since then. He also supposedly used it in a live performance of the Silent Hill music at the Video Games Live concerts.
Red Dead Redemption was the big winner at the Game Audio Network Guild (GANG) Awards at GDC in San Francisco last week, scooping up four awards in various categories including audio of the year, music of the year, best interactive score, and best dialogue. The game was nominated in ten different categories. The game also managed to sweep the GDC Awards last week.
Battlefield Bad Company 2 won Sound Design Of The Year and Best Use Of Multi-Channel Surround, while Bizarre Creations' last game, James Bond 007: Blood Stone, won Best Original Instrumental and Best Original Vocal.
A full list of all this year's winners are below:
The Los Angeles Times reports that Activision has lost its bid to get a lawsuit filed by ska-rockers No Doubt thrown out. A three-judge panel rejected the company's motion to throw out the 2009 lawsuit that alleged breach of contract.
The group contends that the breach occurred when Activision allowed players of Band Hero to use band members' avatars to "perform songs they did not write." The band said in its lawsuit that this "transformed No Doubt band members into a virtual karaoke circus act."
In its appeal of the suit, Activision said that it was simply a matter of "creative expression." The three-judge panel apparently disagreed.
No Doubt can now proceed with its lawsuit.
You can't make this kind of stuff up.. George "Geohot" Hotz has apparently created a rap about Sony trying to sue him for jailbreaking the PS3.
The sometimes explicit rap video appeared on his YouTube account explaining the lawsuit and challenging Sony (though I think that's all bluster for the sake of the rap, son).
Some of the lyrics are NSFW, but you can find them below, slightly edited for the sake of work and school safety :
You are probably aware of the fact that Activision said it plans to discontinue the Guitar Hero series of music games (and the latest True Crime game), and that it plans to cut 500 employees from its workforce as a result. The company also plans to close at least one studio, but won't publicly say which one is shutting down..
However, what you may not have known is that DLC for games such as DJ Hero and Guitar Hero will soon end as well.
According to a ShackNews report - citing an update to the "Guitar Hero Franchise Update FAQ" - the future of music game DLC is grim. In answer to the question "Are you still going to make new DLC for Guitar/DJ Hero?," the FAQ reads:
While details are paper thin at the moment, multiple media outlets (thanks ShackNews) are reporting that Harmonix has laid off 12 - 15 percent of its 250 strong staff. The company says that the downsizing is meant to bring the Rock Band maker in line with its current development plans.
Apparently those development plans don't involve a decent share of its full-time employees. The company is rumored to be working on a 3DS game, but other games being developed at the studio are unknown at this time.
Sources close to the company claim that these layoffs will not affect future projects or current downloadable content plans for Rock Band 3 or Dance Central.
This is troubling news, but not completely unexpected. Earlier this year the company regained its independence after being sold to a holding company for a mere $50.
More on this story as it becomes available.
Motley Crue co-founder and bassist Nikki Sixx is playing a not-so-secret Santa to children in North Carolina being treated for cancer. On December 10 a 45-year old man robbed the hospice of its console systems and games. When Sixx heard about it he decided that he needed to find a way to help. A radio host now, Sixx reached out to Sony, EA, Disney, Nintendo, and Microsoft to help the children. He also talked about it on his radio program.
Showing that they have souls, all of the companies donated games for the children and replacement consoles. While this might seem like a small thing to you or I, it's a big deal to children who need a distraction when going through the agonies of cancer treatment and recovery.
On a related note, Providence Division Police Department have captured the man that stole the items. The 45-year-old Charles Hinton was taken into custody for the crime on December 18th.
On the heels of a lawsuit by ex-Harmonix shareholders against Viacom, the media giant has unloaded the company on Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC, an affiliate of investment firm Columbus Nova, LLC. The company had said in November that it planned to sell Harmonix. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed at press time.
Obviously, Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC is a holding company of some sort, but details on who has an interest in the company besides the investment firm is unknown at this point. Some have reported that Harmonix holds the controlling interest, but that has not been confirmed beyond a vague statement below. A post by Harmonix's John Drake on Rockband.com would lead one to believe that the company has a controlling interest (emphasis ours, not theirs, in the statement below):
Norwegian author Anne B. Ragde is a staunch advocate of intellectual property rights. As an author, that stance is not very surprising, considering that she makes her living off people paying for the things she writes. She has made her share of strong statements about the subject of piracy too, as highlighted in this excellent story from The Escapist:
"Piracy scares the hell out of me. I do not know what to say. I lose sleep at night over it," she said in an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Dagens Næringsliv. "I have figured out that I've lost half a million kroner ($72,500) on piracy of my books, maybe more."
Trade groups including the Recording Industry Association of America, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Motion Picture Association of America say that currently copyright law gives too many excuses to service providers to do nothing about copyright protection. The statement is part of a response to a Notice of Information on copyright policy issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. A Notice of Information is a request for information from interested parties and anyone else that wants to make comments about a particular issue. That request garnered responses from nine trade groups.
Indie musician Dan Bull isn’t afraid to take on politicians, fellow musicians or difficult subjects (such as file sharing and copyright). His latest music video, set the to the strains of Jay-Z’s Death of Auto-Tune, is entitled Death of ACTA, referring, of course, to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
Full lyrics to the song, featuring lines such as “I'm just a citizen that's teaching you a lesson,
for restricting my freedom of expression, Yes, and deep packet inspection? squeeze that up your rectum, If your postman did that to you you'd be having him sectioned,” can be viewed on TechDirt.
According to Politico’s Morning Tech blog, The RIAA, SoundExchange, BMI, The Recording Academy and nine other music groups have sent a letter to Eric Schmidt (Google's CEO) asking for more clarification on what it considers "lawful and unlawful activity on the Web." The question relates to Google and Verizon's proposals to the government on Net Neutrality which was released last week.
In a letter sent to Google yesterday, the groups asked for a more in-depth definition of activity, especially as it relates to "content rights." Here's an excerpt:
The always interesting VICE has an interview up with Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) President Cary Sherman, in which the head of the oft-vilified organization attempts to put a spin on the RIAA’s ever-so-slightly more friendly public face, as it switches from harassing end users to focusing more on ISPs.
In a snappy introduction it was noted that Sherman “is often seen as the face man for an oppressive totalitarian behemoth that can potentially throw you in the slammer and/or fine you into a horrid existence for illegally downloading shining examples of popular culture like “California Gurls” by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg.”
In the piece, entitled Downloading Some Bullshit, Sherman answered a series of questions to the best of his ability.
A trade group representing the music industry in the United Kingdom wants internet service providers in the region to pay a fee to combat piracy. The group, PRS for Music, represents around 65,000 songwriters and publishers and is also comprised of another group - the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society.
The group proposes that ISPs either combat unlicensed media files on their networks or pay a fee to blanket license copyrighted material and offer it to its users. In other words, copyright enforcement becomes the job of ISPs. The organization also suggests an alternative where ISPs could be charged for "blanket licenses" so that they can "determine for themselves how best to capture the raw value of media on networks."
On July 31 Public Television Stations around the country will air Video Games Live, the popular concert series that combines classical music scores with tantalizing multimedia presentations. The 90-minute TV special to air on PBS stations will feature orchestrated performances of songs from a wide array of popular videogames such as Halo, Super Mario Bros. and more. Be sure to check your local TV listings for airtimes.
For more info on VGL, check out www.videogameslive.com
Source: Game | Life
Jason/Jace Hall has had a long and varied career centered in interactive entertainment, but he’s found yet another new career to try out—recording star.
Hall is putting out an EP entitled Video Games Aren’t Bad For Ya, which as you might imagine, will attempt to put games in a positive light. The EP’s first single is called I Play W.O.W., an unapologetic ode to playing the massively multiplayer online game.
Hall's take on game critics:
When you are told that you are being lazy, or wasting your time, or being anti social – when in fact you have just spent 22 hours working VERY hard with a GROUP of people accomplishing extremely difficult tasks – you want to tell the uninformed person accosting you to F** OFF!
While the song has a certain Weird Al quality to it, it’s all in fun, and Hall is a giant of a man, so we’ll reserve any further judgment. Just go listen to/download a clean version of the song here. Clean and explicit versions are available on iTunes for 99 cents each.
Hall was a co-founder and CEO of Monolith Productions before moving on to become Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Now he is an Executive Producer of the ABC television show V: The Series and star of the Jace Hall Show.
Video game blogs and message boards have been debating the appropriateness of Kurt Cobain’s posthumous inclusion as a playable character in the recently released Guitar Hero 5. Some think it’s a welcome tribute, others find it a bit creepy if not outright distasteful.
But what does Cobain’s widow Courtney Love think? Well, one needs look no further than her Twitter account:
For the record this Guitar Hero [expletive] is breach of contract on a Bullys part and there will be a proper addressing of this and retraction. WE are going to sue the [expletive] out of Activision we being the Trust the Estate the LLC the various LLCs Cobain Enterprises.
While Love’s main gripe seems to be the appearance of Cobain’s character model and a feature that allows it to perform other artist’s songs, Activision Vice President Tim Riley told The Guardian that she was very cooperative in the creation of the game:
Courtney supplied us with photos and videos. She picked the wardrobe and hairstyle, which turned out to be the 'Teen Spirit' look, then we went back and forth over changes – some subtle, some not so subtle.
Love, for her part, doesn’t seem to agree:
Activision is fulllo f sh*t... i never intended to APPROVE this sh*t, they are doing a recall you can be sure of that… wait til you see what my lovely lawyer has cooked up, i never ever signed off on this.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that surviving Nirvana members Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl are also unhappy with the use of Cobain’s likeness:
While we were aware of Kurt's image being used with two Nirvana songs, we didn't know players have the ability to unlock the character. This feature allows the character to be used with any kind of song the player wants. We urge Activision to do the right thing in 're-locking' Kurt's character so that this won't continue in the future.
Activision defended itself in a statement released Thursday, saying that it “secured the necessary licensing rights from the Cobain estate in a written agreement signed by Courtney Love to use Kurt Cobain’s likeness as a fully playable character in Guitar Hero 5.”
-Reporting from San Diego, GamePolitics Senior Correspondent Andrew Eisen…
With 84 bids down and seven days of auctioning left as I write this, a limited edition Xbox 360 which celebrates the release of The Beatles Rock Band is selling for $7,400 on Ebay.
The sale of the beautifully customized console will benefit Doctors Without Borders. From the auction listing:
Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.
Kotaku reports that the charitable auction is the first in a series.
If the console auction is too rich for your blood, purchasing the DLC bonus track All You Need is Love on Xbox Live (about $2) will help out Doctors Without Borders as well. All proceeds go to the charity an purchasers will be entered into a context to win one of the limited edition consoles as well as a
Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller.


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The Australian Tourism Export Council will roll out the first of its Welcoming Chinese Visitors workshops to Western Australian tourism operators in Perth and Margaret River next week.
The China-ready program is a collaboration between ATEC, learning and development specialist AVANA, mainland China-based China Ready & Accredited and the TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute.
It uses case studies to illustrate how businesses can successfully venture into the Chinese market, with the real-life experiences offering recommendations on which approaches work best. It also offers pre and post-training support with the opportunity to apply for individual certification and business accreditation.
ATEC managing director Felicia Mariani stressed it is "much more than cultural awareness training" and underlined the potential of the Chinese market for WA.
"There are over 30,000 visitors who spend some $170 million during their visits to the State," she said. "With direct service from Guangzhou to Perth with China Southern, the opportunities for WA tourism businesses are immense and the industry in WA needs to be prepared to service the needs of this important segment of the inbound market."
There are 20 sessions planned across Australia in the first half of the year.
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]


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NEW YORK — J. Crew, after years of holding back on the international front and watching competitors cross borders, is taking some big steps of its own.
The first J. Crew store in Canada is set to open Aug. 18 in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, and ultimately a fleet of 25 to 30 units is anticipated. The team is scouring upscale malls and street locations in Canada for additional sites, some of which are expected to be unveiled soon, but the company declined to specify any others besides Yorkdale. There are reports that Robson Street, Vancouver’s most famous shopping venue, Toronto’s Eaton Centre and the West Edmonton Mall are high priorities.
Currently, J. Crew does not operate stores outside the U.S., although it used to have licensed J. Crew stores in Japan, which were closed years ago. A return to Japan is likely, as is entry into China for the first time in the near future.
“We are exploring partnerships in China, and we are also exploring some Japanese relationships,” Millard “Mickey” Drexler, chairman and chief executive officer of J. Crew Group, told said in an exclusive interview.
J. Crew is also considering stores in the U.K., with up to nine units in the next several years, though Drexler said getting the desired real estate without paying through-the-roof rents is difficult. “If there is a landlord in the U.K. willing to give us an extremely attractive lease in a very desirable location, we are ready to chat,” Drexler said, half-joking.
J. Crew online will expand internationally faster than J. Crew stores, and will launch in late August in the U.K. Later this fall, J. Crew online will launch in France, Germany, Italy and Ireland, and down the road in Australia. J. Crew already ships to online customers in Canada and Japan.
“Are we late? I don’t know if we are late or not,” said Drexler, addressing the issue of J. Crew as a Johnny-come-lately to global growth. “It’s clear J. Crew is a worldwide demanded brand. Now it’s time to strategically manage the business that way and expand beyond America’s borders.”
When Drexler joined J. Crew in 2003, after heading up Gap Inc., he played down the international potential. Last week he explained why. “There was so much to do in America in terms of building our products, our quality, our culture, the right store designs. Then we had start-ups, Madewell, Crewcuts, online. We had to focus there before we had the time and the people to go beyond our borders. I didn’t want to compromise what we were doing in America. You can’t just be rushing out and distracting the team. We also knew from past experiences [referring to J. Crew in Japan] it’s not just a matter of going out and opening a store. You have to have the right real estate, the right partners and an organization to take on the work. We did not have the critical mass or the team to do that.”
In 2011, it’s a different story. “We are ready to leverage the organization,” Drexler said. “We are ready to leverage our products.…We know there is pent-up demand.” He said that’s evident from J. Crew’s “huge international clientele” in New York, south Florida and California, and from Canadians who shop J. Crew in Buffalo, N.Y. Results from the direct businesses already operating — and from J. Crew selling on Net-a-porter .com since June 2010 and more recently on Mr. Porter, the men’s version of Net-a-porter — are also fueling the optimism. There are no plans yet to take Madewell abroad.
Asked if the international rollout will be aggressive, Drexler replied: “We want to grow profitably and with the right integrity. We are not trying to do it fast or formulaically. We are still in the fashion business. We know we don’t have a logo that people will buy immediately. But now all indications are that customers want us.”
In March, TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners took J. Crew private in a $3 billion deal. Yet the decision to accelerate overseas growth was “independent” of the ownership change, Drexler said. “We were planning it before, whether we were private or public,” though he did say it’s better to make these kinds of investments as a private company “so you’re not being second-guessed by Wall Street every day.”
At one point years ago, there were 65 J. Crew stores operating in Japan. As the stores faltered, they were closed, and by spring of 2009, after the licensing agreement expired, the remaining stores were shuttered. “We had a licensed deal that was so poorly managed. The stores were embarrassing, and there was too much else to do in America,” Drexler said.
The Canadian move is more calculated, in a well-trafficked mall and a very affluent area. The 5,000-square-foot unit will sell women’s only since there’s not enough room for men’s. The Canada store, like the U.S. ones, will take the head-to-toe wardrobing approach for weekend, work, day and evening attire that the company has been honing while working to strengthen its key categories and items, such as cashmere, the work wear collection, capri pants and Italian ballet flats. The Collection, the retailer’s limited edition, high-fashion line designed with special details, will also be sold at Yorkdale, and there will be personal shoppers.
“We know the mall. We have friends who have stores there. From all the reports, it was a very easy decision,” Drexler said.
As one of the most recognizable models in the world, Christy Turlington Burns has an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the allegations of sexual harassment swirling around it. “I can say that harassment and mistreatment have always been widely known and tolerated in the industry. The industry is surrounded by predators who thrive on the constant rejection and loneliness so many of us have experiences at some point in our careers,” Turlington told WWD, along with her suggestions for how the modeling world should protect younger women and men. Read more on WWD.com. Link in bio. (📷: Tony Palmieri) #wwdnews
@asics America has tapped a new brand ambassador: famed DJ/record producer @steveaoki. This initiative is intended to set the tone for the new brand identity and philosophy and will include partnerships with influencers and in-store and off-line activations that will continue into next year. This is Asics’ most significant marketing effort in two decades, and is expected to attract younger consumers to the brand. #wwdfashion
24-year-old Jean Prounis is redefining the rules of jewelry. Formerly a studio assistant to Jemima Kirke and a design apprentice at Ghuran, she focuses on handcrafted subtleties and ancient goldsmithing techniques. “There was a really sterile feel in the environment and I wanted to have jewelry with character that shapes how you wear it everyday,” Prounis said. Each piece is hand made in New York, either by Prounis or three other jewelers in the district. #wwdfashion
“These collections continue to build on that vision, empowering differently abled adults to express themselves through fashion,” said @tommyhilfiger of his line of adaptive apparel, which launches today. The line consists of 37 men’s and 34 women’s styles based upon the pieces from the spring Tommy Hilfiger sportswear collection. #wwdnews
“Stranger Things” is getting a new cast member for season 2. Meet @sadiesink_, the 15-year-old who will be joining the Netflix series for its new season. You may recognize her from “The Glass Castle” with Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson, but the Texas native’s next role goes in an entirely different direction. She describes her character, Max, as “a rough and tumble skater girl [who] becomes friends with the boys at school.” The second season debuts on October 27. (📷: @jgreenery) #wwdeye
Amid the Harvey Weinstein controversy, there’s another sector that’s being put under the spotlight for sexual abuse: the modeling industry. While rumors about abuse and sexual harassment of female and male models — and the photographers, agents and others who perpetrated it — have circulated within the fashion world for years, model @cameronrussell started posting stories from models on Instagram last week about abusive situations they’ve encountered — from sexual harassment and molestation to attempted rape. Over 75 have weighed in so far. Read more on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdnews
To celebrate its 16th anniversary, @dylanscandybar tapped designers and celebrities to create mosaics out of candy. The mosaics will be auctioned off to support the philanthropic cause of each participant’s choice. Pictured here is the mural created by @aliceandolivia's Stacey Bendet. For a first look at some of the other artwork being unveiled tonight, go to WWD.com. #wwdeye
The annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Pacific Palisades this weekend drew Kate Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laura Dern and more. See pictures of the star-studded event on WWD.com. (📷: @chelsealaurenla) #wwdeye
In his new book “Hollywood Royale,” Andy Warhol’s Protégé Matthew Rolston celebrates the Eighties revival of Hollywood glamour. Featuring more than 100 portraits taken by Rolston from 1977 to 1993, the book contains photos of icons like Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and @drewbarrymore, pictured here in 1991. “Hollywood Royale,” out today, will be accompanied by an exhibition opening at Los Angeles’ Fahey/Klein Gallery on March 1. #wwdeye


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An ex-Hooters waitress named Selena Silveira has detailed the strange interview process at the restaurant in a video that went viral and got people sharing their opinions on it.
Here is what Selena Silveira got to reveal via the NYP;
Selena Silveira, a nursing student and YouTuber, posted a video detailing her time with the chain restaurant.
According to Silveria, the interview process took around “10 minutes” and started with standard interview questions — but there was one part that she admitted was “weird.“
“[They asked me] Why do you want to work here? What do you think you can contribute to the job? How would you handle an unhappy customer in a situation?” she recalled.
“[Then] they brought me outside and took a full-body picture of me,” she revealed. “Which at first I thought was kind of weird.”
However, the ex-waitress clarified why they did that.
“But I later found out that it was so when they wanted to decide who they were going to hire they could remember what you look like,” she added.
Silveria, who is now studying to be a nurse, said the the chain doesn’t hire “waitresses” — but hires “Hooters girls.”
“That is kind of like a model casting,” she explained. “So it is at their discretion to pick and choose what kind of people they want to hire.”
Silveria elaborated that a Hooters girl is “basically a model” who has been cast “to play a role.”
“Just like any other model casting,” she said. “Hooters aka the directors would be able to choose what kind of models they want based on the look they want because that’s their business and that’s their brand.”
The nursing student said she would usually make between $100 to $500 a night in tips, but detailed some of the strict rules she had to follow.
“There’s a lot that goes into getting ready for work and that’s because of the strict image policy,” she explained, adding that you cannot have any artificially colored hair, no brightly-colored nails, must wear makeup and have your hair down.
Flip to the next page to watch the video…


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4th agri-startup incubator program coming this September
This September, the NAK TechLab incubation program connecting agricultural startups and large companies will be launched for the fourth time. Startups participating in the program, launched by the National Chamber of Agriculture, will be able to develop their solutions with the help of large companies to meet the needs of the sector, according to a press release sent to the Budapest Business Journal.
Since 2019, the National Chamber of Agriculture's agricultural startup program has been supporting new types of developments through several program elements to increase the digitalization level of agriculture and to encourage more farmers to adopt efficiency-enhancing and sustainable solutions. Launched for the fourth time this year, the main objective of the large business startup incubation program is to find solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
The incubation program's professional partner is Design Terminal. As a technology partner, Vodafone Business has been supporting the startups participating in the incubation program since its inception.
"The digitalization of the domestic agribusiness is essential. In the NAK TechLab program, we support developments that can facilitate the everyday work of our members. With the chamber's agri-startup program, we are working to increase efficiency indicators and are promoting or participating in the professional support of several technological developments that can generate significant profit increases for farmers," said Balázs Győrffy, president of the National Chamber of Agriculture.
In cooperation with large companies, the problems affecting Hungarian agriculture that need to be solved have been identified, and start-ups can provide solutions. Possible cooperation with large companies can mean market validation, joint product development, test environment, investment, or a concrete agreement between startup and large company.
In addition to up-to-date agri-market information, startups can further develop their digital solutions by working with business training, product development, and big business mentors. In addition to intensive mentoring, participants will also receive legal and fundraising advice to help them get to market as quickly as possible.
This year, market-leading large companies such as Claas Hungária Kft., Corteva Agriscience, Pápai Hús Kft., Axiál Kft., Bonafarm Group, and Hungrana Kft. will join the program.
The three-month program is open to all technological developments that respond to the challenges of large enterprises.
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BrandStorm Inc. is unveiling a new umbrella brand for its lines of superfoods, gourmet salts and on-the-go snacks. Inspired by CEO Thierry Olliver’s decade of world travels, Natierra not only harmonizes Himalania and Nature’s All Foods product lines, it fuses the spirit of adventure and the celebration of health and community to bring conscious consumers “Superfoods with Soul,” according to the brand.
Natierra says its tagline, “Superfoods with Soul,” symbolizes its commitment to forge responsible business decisions that foster social progress and sustainable harvesting. Natierra seeks out the finest ingredients produced in accordance with organic and non-GMO standards, as well as fair trade standards when possible. This responsible sourcing promotes empowerment for small-scale farmers and their families through fair wages, working environments and better access to proper healthcare and education. Natierra says it strives to develop and provide opportunity by promoting ethical partnerships in all stages of production, from farmers to employees to consumers.
“I first realized I had the power to do something meaningful in my career on one of my first sourcing trips,” said Ollivier. “I traveled to countries and communities where I met farmers face to face. I learned about the way they earned their living, their relationship with the land and how assistance can impact their livelihood in a big way.”
As a company, Natierra is Fair for Life certified, which elevates the commitment to creating a healthy work environment for its employees. Natierra says it strives to employ a proper balance of transparency, social benefits and labor practices that encourage personal growth and development. Natierra says it values each team member’s efforts and motivates them to flourish in a work culture where they feel they’re contributing to the success of the organization and the global community as a whole.
“The launch of Natierra comes at a time when consumers hold higher expectations of companies and their products,” said Ollivier. “We’ve been active in making responsible decisions since the inception of BrandStorm and, today, plan to further our legacy through Natierra, its products and its mission.”
In 2002, Ollivier drew from his experience in the organic and natural foods industry to create a new snacking experience for everyday consumers. For the last 12 years, his company has been importing unique food products from around the world. Ollivier says he firmly believes in a generation of leadership that marries corporate culture with creating a better future for consumers and the earth as a whole.
To initiate this transition, Natierra is rolling out updated packaging through the end of the year by featuring its logo on the front of Himalania and Nature’s All Foods labels. The Natierra line is available in pouch sizes ranging from 2-12 oz., with suggested retail prices ranging from $3.99-$16.99. The Natierra line is available at all natural and organic specialty food stores, including Whole Foods Market.


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The year 2016 ended on a high note for the Singapore tourism sector as visitor arrivals and tourism receipts exceeded forecasts and hit record highs, according to Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Year-in-Review 2016.
Visitor arrivals increased 7.7 per cent to 16.4 million, while tourism receipts jumped even higher by 13.9 per cent and is expected to reach S$24.8 billion (US$17.4 billion), based on preliminary estimates.
China (up 36 per cent), Indonesia (up six per cent) and India (up eight per cent) topped the visitor arrival growth charts on the back of STB intensifying its marketing efforts in tier one and two cities in the three countries. Notably, India overtook Australia to emerge as the lion city’s fourth largest source market for visitor arrivals.
The surge in tourism receipts was largely due to the historical high of visitor arrivals, as well as increased spending on per-capita basis on F&B, shopping and accommodation.
On the other hand, the largest declines in visitor arrivals were posted by Hong Kong (down 12 per cent), Malaysia (down two per cent), Australia (down two per cent), South Korea (down two per cent) and Japan (down one per cent), a result of weaker economic performance in the first three source markets and Zika concerns for the latter two.
Business tourism was also in the spotlight in 2016 with STB supporting over 410 business events resulting in a 15 per cent year-on-year climb. These events recorded 343,000 visitor arrivals, bringing in approximately S$611 million in tourism receipts, a 20 per cent and 28 per cent year-on-year growth respectively.
The cruise industry was also another highlight, recording a 16 per cent year-on-year rise in passenger throughput to about 1.2 million and 10 maiden calls.
STB’s chief executive Lionel Yeo said: “We are heartened by the strong tourism sector performance in 2016. Despite challenges such as weaker economic performance in some of Singapore’s top source markets and a Zika virus outbreak, Singapore has managed to attract more quality visitors to contribute to economic growth.”
Looking ahead in 2017, STB noted the challenges of global economic and political uncertaincies as well as a rising regional competition for tourism dollars, but forecasts tourism receipts to be in the range of S$25.1-S$25.8 billion (one to four per cent growth) and international visitor arrivals to be in the range of 16.4-16.7 million (up to two per cent growth).


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The world’s biggest automaker is buying software while ramping up sustainability.
The step is part of an inquiry into whether producers sell them in Europe below cost.
Drivers would save about £4,500 through rebates and discounts.
The weedkiller brand has been blamed for ailments including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The company provides radio-frequency chips that let iPhones, iPads connect to cellular data.
Govt will forgo revenue from spectrum auctions, will allocate airwaves to carriers via a tender.
Regulators relax listings rules on stock markets as private sector struggles with access to credit.
Siam Commercial’s analysts’ rating tumbled to 3.4 out of a maximum 5 points, the worst after Malaysia’s Public Bank Bhd.
'We need to keep in mind that in Iraq, IS is not yet defeated', says defence minister.
An emergency declaration could cripple economic activity, crimp oil demand.
Purchases in the Long Island beach towns jumped 11% in Q4 from a year earlier.
Being suspended from sponsoring equity sales in Hong Kong last year caused UBS to underperform.
The group has been selling assets from hotels to a container unit to help pare borrowings.
It’s notoriously difficult to make money in the Indian market as fares often sell below cost.
The bill will now go to Queen Elizabeth II who will sign it into law.
Much cross-border business depends on keeping close alignment with EU rules.
Travel site's shares slumped more than 20% in a day last year after dismal Q3 results.
Investors expect government policy changes to start bearing results.
Over the past decade, the Ferreros have approved dividends totaling more than €2 bil.
Elon Musk will net over US$346 mil if firm's market value stays above US$100 bil.
Aikaterini Sakellaropoulou, 63, is also president of the council of state, Greece’s highest court.
Apple’s more affordable iPhones have proven popular with consumers.
Yokohama-based company is suffering from declining car sales in China, Europe.
Company is expected to sell 2 to 3 mil cars per year after 2025 at industry-leading margins.


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There are some good vibes traveling from many different directions, straight into downtown Washougal.
Several years ago, a major local developer constructed new buildings and renovated others. Others began to take notice, and a popular Portland brewery moved its operation to downtown Washougal.
Other new businesses, including several restaurants, followed with owners who truly have had an enthusiasm for not only providing customers with unique and specialized products and services, but also specifically for the downtown Washougal community, and all it has the potential to become. They joined a handful of popular established businesses that over the years have collected a loyal following.
Couple those positive notes with elements including a renewed enthusiasm within the downtown to fund Reflection Plaza and now another potential new park, and it’s a recipe for a positive future in an area of the city that has seen its share of rough times.
And, even more good news appears to be on its way. Inside today’s Post-Record, an article details plans for renovations to the old Odd Fellows building on Main Street. Its owners were committed enough to downtown to sell their house, with plans to move into the historic building and also create space for additional apartments, a restaurant and shops.
This momentum in downtown Washougal, built slowly and steadily over many years, has reached a point not previously seen in at least the past two decades. Continued commitments from the city government, merchants and citizens will keep those good vibes coming.


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Forget Microsoft: Telcos May Be Next Stop on Antitrust Train
AT&T is cornering markets, not Microsoft, some say
P> The federal government, most notably the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, is known for investigating every move Microsoft makes for antitrust violations. However, Microsoft soon may happily see its place in the spotlight taken over by the burgeoning telecommunications corporations, especially the Queen, former Ma Bell AT&T.
The recent proposed mergers of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX as well as SBC Communications Group and Pacific Telesis Group narrow the competition among the Bells. Similarly, the pending acquisition of Internet service provider UUNET Technologies Inc. by telco MFS Communications signals a shrinking communications industry. Telcos are starting to offer everything but the kitchen sink in deals that include cellular, Internet, paging, computers and even home security. Those companies that aren't merging or in acquisition talks are furiously forming joint ventures. And Robert Pitofsky, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, has made it clear he sees the new era of intellectual innovation to be rife with monopoly possibilities.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt is even using the new telco environment as a reason to keep his agency alive. "As new communications conglomerates shape our thoughts, decide what we should know and define our consumption -- all on a global basis -- the people must have an agent of the public interest to represent them," Hundt said at a Washington, D.C., conference last week.
What may save the supercarriers from antitrust suits may be the tendency to partner with many companies, including competitors. "It's virtually impossible for one company to manage to do everything, so we'll have many partnerships," said Peter Thonis, vice president for communications at BBN Planet, Cambridge, Mass.
In such a volatile atmosphere, communications companies are hedging their bets. "The bad news is that these ventures are risky, but the good news is that means they will probably survive antitrust scrutiny," predicted Richard L. Bernacchi of the law firm Irell & Manella in Los Angeles. New, tougher companies will compete more fiercely.
Still, no one doubts that scrutiny will be stronger than ever. And some communications companies probably will feel the brunt of that attention first. Pitofsky has spent much of his first year as FTC chairman examining the Time Warner-Turner Broadcasting proposed merger. The FTC is now expected to block that $7.5 billion deal, or at least get the principals to make changes to the terms.
"Concern about concentrated economic power should be given added weight when the merger concerns companies involved in the communication of ideas.... In those industries, there is more at stake than high prices or low quality to consumers. There is a more fundamental issue of avoiding centralized control over access to the marketplace of ideas," said Pitofsky in a 1993 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
More recently in an interview, Pitofsky said those points still ring true. There's a big difference between a toothpaste company merger and a media deal, he said. Anne Bingaman, assistant attorney general for antitrust at the Justice Department, recently decided to add three lawyers to her division's Telecom Task Force, bumping the team up to 50.
AT&T, while it recently split into three companies, owns the best name recognition of any of the telcos. "The [AT&T] services business will clearly be one of the world-class providers of integrated, bundled, end-to-end, service solutions.... Brand equity will be very important in the upcoming fight between the Bells and the long distance companies," said Jack Grubman, an analyst with Salomon Bros., New York.
The AT&T name gave an enormous jump-start in its consumer Internet offering. And AT&T's movement into credit cards and the Internet has not gone unnoticed. It is the stuff monopolies are made of.
For that reason, many companies are scared of Microsoft CEO Bill Gates' reach. But those same companies -- whose lobbyists have the ears of regulators -- are starting to worry about AT&T's Robert Allen. "The company that brought everyone the phone now will bring the Internet to everyone," said Allen. That may be just the problem.


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What to Prepare Yourself For
Food Congress 2017
If you’ve been keeping up with the news involving the local food scene, you’d know that the annual World Street Food Congress has already begun. Organized by Makasutra and presented by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, this five-day gastronomic event that commenced on May 31, Wednesday has so far been treating its guests to the satisfying must-eat street food of various places across the globe.
WSFC is only running until June 4, Sunday so if you’re planning on heading to SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds to get a taste of different cultures, here’s what you should know:
There are 28 food stalls to visit
There will be pop-up stalls of restaurants from across the world, six of which are from the Philippines while the rest are from USA, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Mexico and more.
Well-known and Michelin-starred chefs are attending
WSFC 2017 has also invited a star-studded lineup of guest speakers including Anthony Bourdain, Chef Malcolm Lee of Candlenut in Singapore, and Chef Claude Tayag of Bale Datung in Pampanga. Although their talks during the Dialogues session of the congress are already over, there are chances that you might still run into them this weekend!
You can watch live cooking demonstrations by chefs
Speaking of well-known chefs, you can witness them and other participating chefs prepare their dishes in front of you at the outdoor food demo kitchen!
There’s a San Miguel Beer Park to quench your thirst
When there’s street food, there’s got to be ice cold beers. Say cheers to the gastronomic weekend at the San Miguel Beer Park!