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“The best part is poking around a little bit, seeing all of the comments and responses from people saying ‘I thought they already were part of Sony!’” Sucker Punch’s co-founder Chris Zimmerman joked during a phone interview about Sony’s acquisition of the studio. “For us, it felt like we went from having a long-term girlfriend to a wife.”
Zimmerman believes that Sucker Punch will remain the same company we know and love, playing down any supposed “changes” that might be made as a result of the corporate acquisition. “There certainly has been a lot of quirkiness to our games. That’s something we really treasure, it’s something Sony really treasures, and it’s something our fans really treasure about Sucker Punch. Our games have a unique character to them, and that’s not going to change.” He references at examples of Sony’s success in the past, pointing out “how good a job Sony has done integrating studios like Naughty Dog, Guerrilla Games, and Media Molecule without losing what makes them special.” He believes that those companies genuinely enjoy being a part of Sony—something that was of great importance to Sucker Punch as they approached the acquisition.
“In terms of day-to-day operations we’re not anticipating a lot of change,” Zimmerman continued. “We decided to make our relationship with Sony permanent because we’ve been happy with how it has worked. We’ve been happy with the results, and Sony has as well.” He said that he feels a connection between the two companies, mostly due to their long history, and how, while they’ve always been supportive, Sony pushed Sucker Punch when they needed to be pushed, making them a better studio in the process. “We were an independent studio, so every time we finished a game there was a possibility that our next project was going to be with another publisher. And yet, after every project, we’d go back to Sony.”
But if nothing is going to change, why stick with Sony? The answer, it seems, is so that they can make sure things don’t have to change. As games get more expensive to make, Sucker Punch’s method of putting all of their eggs in one basket was starting to become too risky, and they weren’t interested in splitting up their efforts and tackling multiple games at once. “As a one-game-at-a-time company, there’s always been the pressure that we’re betting our company on that one game, right? If one doesn’t do well then that’s going to cause a problem for us.” Working with Sony, Zimmerman said, will let them “spread that risk around” so they can continue putting their hearts into one game at a time without needing to play it safe. With Sony’s backing they can continue to strive towards innovation—one of the qualities that has made Sucker Punch so successful over the years.
Above: In this Infamous 2 screenshot, Lucy Kuo represents Sony and Cole MacGrath represents Sucker Punch Productions
Zimmerman is optimistic for the future of the company, though he does admit that he “would rather that we were back in the PlayStation 2 days, when Sony market share of the platform, but we’re not. Hopefully as things move forward we’ll get things back where they ought to be.”
Even so, he promises that Sucker Punch is hard at work on their next project, though he wasn’t willing to discuss what that project might be.
No matter how much poking and prodding we did, he wasn’t willing to drop any hints, or reveal if they were planning on making any announcements at the upcoming PAX or Gamescom. He also wouldn’t talk much about the PlayStation Vita, besides confirming that it’s a technical possibility that they could develop for Sony’s new handheld.
“We’re hard at work on stuff, but we’re not to the point of talking about it yet,” he said, adding “Stay tuned on PAX and Gamescom. If there were anything to announce that would be a good place to do it!”
Aug 2, 2011


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Although market demand for IT products and services is expected to dip in October, a major industry analyst firm still is predicting ‘vigor’ in the IT sector.
Framingham, Mass.-based International Data Corp. (IDC) reports that a new study shows that CIOs and IT administrators are rather cool in their spending expectations for this month. But IDC maintains that the high-tech market continues to show signs of improvement.
”Both line of business executives and CIOs are more conservative in their current spending expectations than we have seen over the past few months,” says Carol Glasheen, vice president of IDC’s Quantitative Research Group. ”The summer, optimism has faded slightly and with budgeting season in full swing for many companies, we are seeing more convergence in their views of the next 12 months.”
IDC’s study focuses on Buyer Intent, which reflects market demand for IT products and services. Buyer Intent for October is 1,041, down from 1,085 in September. The Market Indicators number, which combines input from economic and IT industry supply-side indicators, increased to 1,073, up from 1,032 in September.
”One factor driving market indicators upward this month is that the stock market has recovered from its spike in March,” says Stephen Minton, vice president of Global IT Markets and Strategies with IDC. ”With worries over oil prices, Iraq, and tech sector profit warnings persistently present, the stock market has been comparatively flat over the past several months.”
FutureScan is a set of market metrics that measure supply and demand in the IT industry based on leading indicators and customer surveys. Values reflect expectations of future growth, with an index value of 1,000 indicating zero growth and each 10 points representing roughly 1 percent of expected growth or contraction.

domain: news


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We recently reported on the changes to WhatsApp’s privacy rules, making it easier for Facebook to use WhatsApp metadata for marketing purposes.
A Bloomberg article explains it very clearly by saying
Facebook says it needs it to help operate and improve its offerings. More broadly, almost all of the $21.5 billion in revenue Facebook generated in the third quarter of 2020 came from ads, and there are none in WhatsApp. The company wants to be able to serve more targeted ads to people on Facebook and Instagram by also knowing their usage habits on WhatsApp, and let businesses take payments in WhatsApp for items that, for instance, were clicked on in Instagram ads.
The main beneficiary of this will be businesses, mainly. WhatsApp says companies will be able to use new tools to communicate with, and sell to, customers on Facebook’s platform. It also said that specifically for the messages exchanged between a user and a company, that business “can see what you’re saying and may use that information for its own marketing purposes, which may include advertising on Facebook.
WhatsApp have created a FAQ on the changes which you can see here. The key message they want to give us is that WhatsApp cannot see your personal messages or hear your calls and neither can Facebook.
Remember, that this does not affect users whose terms are governed by Facebook Ireland, which include the EU and the UK. Our data protection laws prevent this, for now.


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Saturday is the last day you can donate perishable goods to needy families as part of Fill the Fridge.
The city-wide food drive for perishables helps countless families, which is why 41 Action News has partnered with Harvesters again this year for Fill the Fridge.
It started on Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 6 is the last day to donate perishable items.
The majority of those served by Harvesters are families with children.
Donations can be bought at the Price Chopper at 1030 West 103rd Street in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday to ensure the food was never mishandled or allowed to reach an unsafe temperature. There is a refrigerated truck to help keep donations at the proper temperature.
If you can't make out you can donate through the Harvesters virtual food drive.


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Examining the Possible Effects of Trump's Steel and Aluminum Tariff's on McLean County
The Main Point: A blanket tariff on imported steel and aluminum shook the international markets earlier this month, but the local effects on Bloomington-Normal have yet to be fully revealed.
Rewind: On March 8, 2018, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all imported steel and a 10% tariff on all imported aluminum. The move from the Trump Administration is in line with a campaign promise to enact measures that would boost steel production in the U.S. The tariffs are intended to be a counterweight against foreign producers of aluminum and steel, which Trump says flood the U.S. market. The tariffs mainly target China’s low-cost exports to the U.S.
The Trump administration believes the tariffs will result in the reopening and expansion of steel manufacturing in the U.S., offering more American jobs and selling more American-made steel.
Zach Dietmeier, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (EDC), said it was too early to tell what the major impacts of the tariffs could be for McLean County. The EDC has been working with the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association to analyze the full impact for the State of Illinois.
“The biggest expected impact would be carmakers,” Dietmeier said. “As far as steel and aluminum are concerned, that could factor in for Rivan Automotive when they begin production. Since they haven’t begun production yet, it may just be a projected cost for them.”
Rivian Automotive, an electric vehicle startup, bought the former Mitsubishi Motors North America plant in Normal. Rivian plans to produce its first vehicle this year. With a local plant producing vehicles, its suppliers are likely to flock to the area, brining in more products and jobs. If Rivan Automotive follows the path of other Midwest automakers, the price increases could be negligible, Dietmeier said.
According to an IHS Global Trade Atlas study, the leading importers of steel in the U.S. are Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico and Russia. China accounts for 2.9% of all imported steel. President Trump granted exemptions from the tariffs to Canada and Mexico as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The Data: Illinois is the second largest importer of steel in the U.S. Illinois purchases 41% of total steel imports from Brazil and 29% of total aluminum imports from China, according to a Brookings Institution report. The state average for percent total of steel imports is 2%; Illinois accounts for 2.7%, according to the Brookings report. A shift for Illinois steel importers to countries such as Canada and Mexico could mitigate the effect of prices increases, Dietmeir said.
One main concern for local residents is whether the increased costs will be passed to consumers in the form of higher prices. For example, customers of businesses such as Destihl Brewery, a company that cans its own beer, may begin to see higher prices at the tap.
“As far as impact, we are not a heavy manufacturing county,” Dietmeier said. “The manufacturers we brought in recently, Brandt and Rivian, may have a cost impact down the road especially as they are gearing up, but we do not have a timeline on that.”
McLean County has a labor force of roughly 93,200 with 3,500 total manufacturing jobs. The top employers in Bloomington-Normal are State Farm Insurance, Illinois State University and Country Financial. If the tariffs had an affect on insurance policies, this measure would have a major impact on the local community, Dietmeier said.
The EDC does not expect to see a decrease in construction or expansion in Bloomington-Normal resulting from the tariff. If a company wishes to build in McLean County, they are going to do it, said Dietmeier.
The tariffs have sparked concerns over retaliatory tariffs from countries including China, Canada and the European Union. Although they have yet to be enacted, such tariffs could have a definite impact on McLean County.
“With agriculture being our number one export in the county, tariffs on agricultural products could affect us. Those countries need [our product]. Whether [there is] a tariff or not, people are going to need that,” Dietmeier said.
Key Takeaway: Based on the current status of the tariffs, the local impact for McLean County could be negligible in terms of production, but resulting price increases for goods and services remains to be completely understood.


text: Nike's breast cancer awareness movement continues on, as this year the Swoosh has decked out its new Hyperdunk 2013 with the "Think Pink" treatment. The pretty pink pair notes the bright shade throughout the upper, which rests atop a lighter midsole. Black Nike branding tags the set alongside, coinciding with the tongue tagging and lining accordingly. Multicolored laces accompany the hoops option to round out the release, as you can go ahead and pick up your size now from select Nike Basketball providers such as Oneness. Retail is $140.


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- Hyper casual gaming platform GAMEE will launch a reward and governance token.
- It will launch by the end of 2020 following a private pre-sale and giveaways.
- Parent company Animoca Brands is a major player in the crypto gaming space.
Crypto is coming for the casual mobile gaming market.
GAMEE, which claims to have over 20 million registered users, is a platform for “hyper casual” games—that is, very simple games designed for quick pick-up-and-play sessions, rather than those that require extensive time or feature significant complexity. And soon, GAMEE will have its own Ethereum-based token for users to earn while they play.
Parent company Animoca Brands, which acquired GAMEE this summer and is very active in the crypto gaming space, announced today that it will launch the GAMEE Token by the end of the year. The GAMEE Token will be used to reward engagement and online competition, and will also reward creators who publish games on the HTML5-based web and app gaming platform.
Hyper casual games have dominated the mobile download charts of late, with mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower reporting that 77.6% of the 2.1 billion total game downloads across 2019’s 20 most popular new mobile games belonged to such hyper casual experiences. Simple-looking, straightforward games like Fun Race 3D and Sand Balls are commanding hundreds of millions of downloads on mobile, and are loaded up with ads and optional in-game purchases.
They’re the sort of


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Today's New York Times highlights the upcoming sale of the recently discovered set of William Blake watercolors originally produced for the poem, "The Grave," by Robert Blair.
I'm not going to recount the entire NYT article. Needless to say it is a tale of a marvelous discovery and intrigue laced with copious amounts of plain old greed on the parts of the sellers and their agents.
What is distressing is that Sotheby's, in an effort to realize the highest possible commission on the sale, is auctioning the 19 drawings individually in separate lots. It seems that twice the Tate has uneventfully tried to purchase the drawings in order to keep the group together.
It is of note that the one missing drawing from the original set of 20, is in the collection of the Yale Center for British Art. This simple fact gave Sotheby's what it needed to excuse its decision to break up the remaining set of drawings.
"It's not complete, so in a sense it's already been broken up," said George Wachter, director of old-master paintings for Sotheby's worldwide.
"Since one of them is at Yale, it makes the most sense to do it this way," he said of his decision to auction them one by one. (NYT)
Martin Butlin, a prominent Blake scholar involved in the authentication process, said that selling them individually at auction was "absolutely philistine."
"The seller has no regard for the integrity of works of art, only for money," he said. "As a group they tell a story."(NYT)
It turns out that Libby Howie, described as a "London art dealer" managed to out maneuver the Tate and with a group of "investors" purchased the drawings in 2002 for a reported $7.7 million. After shopping the set of drawings around unsuccessfully (apparently no one could come up with the price being asked) they are being put on the block.
I suppose the question I might ask is "does Sotheby's believe they have any responsibility to try and keep the drawings together?" Alas , it's rhetorical and the answer is no. I suspect they think the only people they have to answer to are their shareholders (NYSE:BID) Management just wants to keep those commissions rolling in regardless of any other opinions on the matter.
Art as investment or...? In the early eighties, speculative investors would buy well run companies at distressed stock prices, chop them up and sell the assets destroying the companies in the process. They were called Corporate Raiders.


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A while back, Google started rolling out its new Chrome 79 update for desktops and mobile phones. The update came with several bug fixes and phishing protections but along the line a bug was noticed. This bug caused users data to be deleted from their devices and made their mobile apps reset.
So far it seems that the major cause for this bug was the fact that Google’s developers switched the location of the Chrome directory in the Chrome 79 update. The report about the bug came from mobile app developers who stated that it leads to the deletion of user data and resetting of their mobile apps.
The company claims to be working on a fix that would minimize the data loss so that the update can be rolled out to everyone else.


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TSM’s parent organization, Swift, declared it got $37 million in Series A financing. Ethan Kurzweil of Bessemer Venture Partners drives a gathering of speculators that incorporate three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and AME Cloud Ventures, a reserve began by Yahoo prime supporter and extremely rich person Jerry Yang.
The speculation likewise covers Swift’s different business portions, including its influencer content system and its diagnostic web administrations like FortniteMaster and ProBuilds.
Andy Dinh, remains the majority owner and head of the company, started TSM when he was 17 years old using the cash he earned from offering online guides for League of Legends.
The venture is a move since quite a while ago postponed yet fundamental given the fast development of esports.
“TSM has always run a very lean operation, so we haven’t set ourselves up to take advantage of the fast growth that this market is experiencing, so that’s what we’re trying to prepare ourselves to do,” Dinh told Forbes. “We’ve got a really good group of investors … it’s going to help us accomplish what we want for TSM.”
Other investors in the Series A include:
- Telstra, Australian telecommunications
- Steve Simon, owner of Simon Property and son of Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon
- Andre Iguodala, three-time NBA champion for the Golden State Warriors
- Steve Young, Hall of Fame NFL player
- Yifang Ventures, led by Eric Xu, cofounder of Baidu
- Colin Carrier, former chief strategy officer of Twitch
- Walter Wang, CEO of JM Eagle
It’s an particularly critical part of esports. Economic scientist Newzoo predicts industry revenue will hit $905 million this year, with 40% of it originating from supports. With murky ROI measurements, brands look to social reach, and TSM is adroit at building identities and networks, with 1.8 million fans following on Twitter, nearly a million on Instagram and 1.4 million on YouTube.
Its early offer this year into the billion-dollar game Fortnite about multiplied fan engagement. Sponsors incorporate non-endemic organizations like Geico, Gillette, Dr. Pepper and Chipotle.


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Gangstar New York for Laptop: The Most Exciting Open World Game of 2023
The Gangstar new york mobile download for android mobile is currently available here including android and ios devices. This game requires at least 6GB of Ram and 4GB storage to run this Gangstar New York Apk Download for Android game smoothly.
The release date for the Gangstar New York apk obb download for android is not announced yet since the game is in the alpha test made the fans excited to play this game. But according to the rumors and leaks, the gangstar new york apk obb is set to launch on June 2023, therefore till now, you guys can enjoy the Gangstar New York apk obb for android & IOS.


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Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, has finally given a timeline about the company’s upcoming Tesla Roadster. According to a tweet by the CEO on Wednesday, he is very confident and thinks with all things being equal; the Tesla Roadster should finally ship by 2023. His official Twitter account says the long wait should be entirely blamed on the current supply chain shortages. According to Elon Musk, even if the company had 17 new products, it would not matter a lot, after all, seeing as 2021 has been ‘super crazy’ with regards to supply chain shortages.
But from his projections and hoping that 2022 comes with no major dramas of its own, he firmly believes that the new Tesla Roadster should ship in 2023.
Recall that the 2nd generation Roadster valued at $200,000, was first announced by Elon Musk back in November 2017 during a splashy event. During that announcement, he revealed how the base model could amazingly go from 0 to 60 in less than two seconds (1.9 seconds to be precise). He also made mention of the fact that the Roadster would come with a 200kWh battery pack and per every charge, would have a 620-mile range.
Production was initially slated to begin in 2020 but was later postponed to 2022 during an announcement made by Musk in January 2020. The change in schedule would be particularly sad for those who may have deposited some amount of cash for the beast of a car.
According to sources, Tesla takes a $50,000 deposit for the base model and a staggering $250,000 for the Founders Series model.
Although according to what Musk said during an earnings call in July, Tesla has made some amazing changes like substituting new chips into its cars and rewriting software to support them due to the global chip shortage, there remain some hurdles to scale before the release of the new Roadster. And somehow, it’s not only the Roadster that is being delayed, the Tesla Cybertruck’s production has also been delayed till next year.


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OAKLAND, Calif. — Uber and Lyft threatened to suspend journey-hailing providers throughout California on Thursday night time, a defiant response to a decide who requested the firms to reclassify their motorists as workers.
But several hours before the journey-hailing blackout was set to start, an appeals court docket granted Uber and Lyft a short-term reprieve, making it possible for them to continue on functioning although the courtroom weighs their enchantment. Oral arguments in the case are set for mid-Oct.
“We are glad that the court docket of appeal identified the vital questions elevated in this situation, and that obtain to these significant companies won’t be cut off when we go on to advocate for drivers’ potential to do the job with the freedom they want,” said Matt Kallman, a spokesman for Uber.
The battle could drag on for months, as Uber and Lyft fight a state labor legislation meant to give work added benefits to gig employees. An appeals court is weighing the companies’ requests to overturn a judge’s buy to utilize motorists, but it is not very clear when the courtroom will concern a ruling. The courtroom has purchased Uber and Lyft to post ideas for selecting personnel by early September, in situation the courtroom does not come to a decision in their favor.
“These corporations could have bought on their own a minimal a lot more time, but the value is that they have to demonstrate — underneath oath — that they have an implementation prepare that complies with the law,” mentioned John Cote, a spokesman for the San Francisco town attorney, one particular of the officers suing Uber and Lyft. “The court docket of attractiveness is contacting Uber and Lyft’s bluff.”
If Uber and Lyft are forced to reclassify drivers, they are taking into consideration strategies to set up franchise-like functions in California, inviting 3rd parties to employ their motorists somewhat than starting to be employers them selves.
State officers stated the companies will have to comply with the a new legislation, identified as Assembly Bill 5, so that personnel have obtain to unwell leave, overtime and other gains — a want that has come to be much more dire through the coronavirus pandemic.
But Uber and Lyft have argued that using motorists would have a catastrophic effects on their organizations, forcing them to increase fares and employ only a little fraction of the motorists who currently get the job done for them. They would briefly shutter the corporations rather than comply, they said.
“While we will not have to suspend operations tonight, we do want to continue battling for independence plus positive aspects for drivers,” stated Julie Wood, a Lyft spokeswoman.
Uber and Lyft have very long categorized motorists as impartial contractors, an arrangement that the firms say enables motorists to have a lot more manage over where by and when they drive. But this product imposes a fiscal load on motorists, who are accountable for their very own automobile maintenance, health insurance plan and other charges that employers typically go over.
Last 12 months, the California Legislature handed A.B. 5 in an attempt to established clearer work specifications for the point out and rein in gig-economic system giants like Uber. Legislators argued that Uber shortchanged its motorists and exploited an unfair advantage about regulation-abiding companies in the condition.
Though the legislation went into influence in January, Uber and Lyft did not adjust their tactics. They argued that A.B. 5 did not use to them and invested tens of hundreds of thousands of pounds on a ballot initiative that, if handed in November, would exempt them from the regulation.
In Could, California’s lawyer typical sued Uber and Lyft to power them to comply with A.B. 5. The standoff came to a head very last week when a San Francisco Top-quality Court docket decide, Ethan Schulman, sided with the state, purchasing Uber and Lyft to reclassify their drivers by Thursday.
Uber and Lyft have argued that they are engineering firms and that drivers are not a main component of their organization. But that “flies in the confront of economic actuality and prevalent sense,” Decide Schulman wrote in his ruling. “Were this reasoning to be recognized, the quickly increasing the vast majority of industries that count seriously on technologies could with impunity deprive legions of employees of the standard protections afforded to staff by state labor and employment rules.”
“Our condition and workers shouldn’t have to foot the bill when big organizations consider to skip out on their obligations,” said the California attorney standard, Xavier Becerra.
Fairly than employ the service of drivers, Uber and Lyft threatened to shut down. The determination could have caused the enterprises, which have already struggled fiscally due to the fact of vacation limits during the pandemic, to reduce even additional funds.
San Francisco and Los Angeles are among Uber’s premier marketplaces, and Lyft has explained it draws about 16 percent of its business enterprise from California. Uber prepared to keep on working Uber Eats, its meals shipping provider, which has bolstered its earnings during the pandemic, a spokesman reported.
Though the prospective shutdown felt drastic to motorists and riders who count on Uber and Lyft, the go was not without the need of precedent. The businesses have terminated their companies in other areas fairly than complying with area guidelines they oppose. The shutdowns have normally pressured nearby governments to go legal guidelines that are much more helpful to Uber and Lyft.
In 2016, Uber and Lyft shut down in Austin, Texas, to protest an ordinance that expected track record checks that made use of fingerprints for motorists. They returned the up coming calendar year right after Texas passed a statewide law that excludes fingerprinting from the background verify specifications.
That strategy could function once again for Uber and Lyft if California voters approve the ballot measure in November. If the providers get rid of that vote, they would be essential to make use of drivers and may place in area plans to establish franchise-like functions in California.


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Detpak GO Range
August 20, 2019
As countries like New Zealand and Australia work toward Toward 2025 legislation there is an increased focus on how single-use packaging products can be reused, recycled or composted.
Incoming legislation will require that 100% of packaging will fit in these sustainable categories before the year 2025.
Already leading the industry in sustainable packaging, Detpak as part of the Detmold Group was recognised in 2018 with the Excellence in Sustainable Packaging Award by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), and recognised again in 2019 with the Packaging Manufacturer Award.
APCO, in partnership with environmental organisation Planet Ark, has recently launched the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL), providing education to consumers to understand the environmental end of life options for packaging.
Detpak has recently developed the Go Range, a range of recyclable cartons and trays championing the ARL to make it easy for consumers to understand how to responsibly dispose of their packaging.
Incorporating innovative design, a high level of functionality, relevancy in today’s consumer convenience driven foodservice market, the Go Range also considers the best option for the environment.
View the Go Range.
Back to Latest News.


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A range of children’s merchandise featuring artwork by Beatles legend John Lennon will go on sale in the UK and Europe next spring.
Lennon’s estate is signing 11 licences with major high street retailers to put Lennon’s Real Love artwork on children’s clothes, bedding, furniture and gift sets. The names of the retailers and the financial details have not been disclosed.
The deal has been made by the marketing arm of Lennon’s estate, Bag One Arts, to try to attract a new generation to Lennon’s non-musical work.
The Real Love collection is part of a series of drawings, some of which have never been seen outside the estate, created by Lennon for his son Sean. The animal figures were created by Lennon when he bowed out of the spotlight to raise Sean.
Lynne Clifford, of director Bag One Arts, says: “In launching this programme in the UK and Europe we are delighted to introduce a new generation to Lennon’s genius. We have been careful to restrict the number of licences in order to remain true to the integrity of the art.”
The artwork will also be featured in a free exhibition in Chelsea Harbour, London, in September.


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The best of the fashion business related headlines from the weekend’s newpapers…
The Sunday Times reported that some high street chains, including Gap, House of Fraser and Selfridges, had failed to pass on the VAT cut to shoppers. It said that the stores were still selling stock at the same prices as before the VAT rate was cut from 17.5% to 15%.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that private equity firm Bridgepoint planned to inject more cash into lifestyle chain Fat Face to help prevent it breaching its banking covenants. Fat Face is expected to use a so-called equity cure, when it faces a covenant test this week, according to the newspaper. Bridgepoint last year bought back some of Fat Face’s loans to help reduce the burden of its borrowings.
The Sunday Express said that Baugur executive chairman Jon Asgeir Johannesson and chief executive Gunnar Sigurdsson, awarded themselves a combined £857,000 pay rise before the company collapsed earlier this month. The newspaper reported that Johannesson boosted his salary to £802,000 from £220,000, and claimed £110,000 in expenses, according to Baugur UK’s accounts for the year to December 31, 2007. Sigurdsson’s pay rose from £200,000 to £475,000.


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Vauxhall Motors has warned that a global shortage of computer chips which has had a large impact on the car industry is not likely to improve before the end of the year.
Paul Willcox, the managing director of Vauxhall, has said that the industry will be facing a problem for the next two to three months.
Why is there a shortage?
The UK has seen a shortage of semiconductors for the past year, which was created by the pandemic. Due to cuts in vehicle production at the beginning of the pandemic, followed by an increase in output after the first lockdown, this shortage has been created.
Uptake of supplies from other industries
Whilst the motor industry was making cuts, supplies of semiconductors had been taken by other industries. This has led to the difficulty for car factories to source semiconductors.
What are the chips used for?
The chips are used in engine controls, entertainment systems, safety mechanisms and more. In a modern vehicle there can be hundreds of chips. This is why manufactures across the globe have had to reduce production of their vehicles.
Effect on Vauxhall
The cut in manufacturing has affected Vauxhall, with the company seeing disruption to both of its UK factories.
How is the industry coping?
Willcox highlights the affect that the shortages are having on the industry. Despite a good year for commercial vehicle sales, being up by 59%, in the last month this has decreased by 20%. This drop can be largely attributed to the shortages.
Typical Industry Practice
The typical delivery systems for the industry manufacturers relies on a just-in-time approach. Meaning that parts are delivered as and when they are needed.
Usually this works well as it avoids stockpiling and the need for expensive warehouses. However, the shortage in chips means that factories have to stop in the middle of production if these aren’t available.
Changes to Industry
Willcox has stated that despite this he doesn’t believe there will be a “change in the short to medium term”. However, he has acknowledged that going forward there may be a need for “more stability in terms of our contractual agreements”.
Shifts are also being seen else where in the industry, specifically at Vauxhall the Cheshire factory is being used to build a new range of electric vans.
Prior to this new production the factory, which employs 1000 people, had been at risk of shutting down.
The importance of this investment has been emphasised by Willcox. He claims the investment “gives stability to the workforce and supply chain”.
As the industry is moving quickly towards electric vehicles, this new production will also protect the long-term future of the factory.


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'Better days will come to apparel industry' - Industry Analyst
The NPD Group, Inc., a leading market research company, takes a closer look at the U.S. apparel market and through ongoing economic challenges, is finding some pockets of growth in an otherwise fizzling fashion market.
One area of the apparel market that continues to hold on is the jeans business.
According to The NPD Group, Inc./Consumer Tracking Service, dollar volume sales for total jeans rose 2.3 percent for the 3 months ending with February 2009 (a key period of the economic downturn for the consumer), while total apparel sales declined 6.3 percent for that same time period.
Additionally, premium jeans* sales grew 17% during all of 2008, and the category is still growing. For the most recently reported three month time period, December 2008 thru February 2009, sales rose 2.3 percent. “That is the time period that was the most challenging in terms of consumer spending, so any growth during that time is significant. With the newfound focus on fit by some of the commodity brands coupled with women's never ending quest for the perfect pair of jeans, the passion for denim is alive and well” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.
For deatils click here.
Why? Cohen says it's all about pent-up demand. “Previously, outerwear was not an item that made it onto the consumer's priority shopping list. Outerwear purchases were delayed for a year or so, and that created a greater need this past year.” Cohen adds that technology, comfort and variety have also helped drive growth in a traditionally stubborn market.
The biggest surprise in the U.S. apparel market is in tights sales. Dollar volume sales of tights were up 11 percent for the 3 months ending with February '09. For Annual 2008 overall hosiery sales were up almost 3 percent.
“Here is an example of where the current economy has actually helped drive growth. For a long time the hosiery industry has been struggling to get consumers connected to the category and think of it as an important 'accessory' to their wardrobes. And now, consumers realize that legwear is an inexpensive wardrobe makeover or enhancement, which has helped the sales of tights flourish,” said Cohen.
Among all of the pockets of growth highlighted by NPD, the most impressive category for sustained growth is dresses. According to The NPD Group, Inc. /Consumer Tracking service, sales of women's dresses during the 3 months ending February 2009, were up 11 percent. For the year 2008, dresses posted a 12 percent growth rate.
“The dress offers the perfect opportunity to buy a complete outfit. The fact that the dress is trend right and has even been embraced by many high profile magazines, celebrities, and the entertainment industry helped drive its growth,” noted Cohen, “Spring is here, and the progressive retailers will recognize the consumer likes this trend. Trends that last and grow don't come around very often, particularly these days.”


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Andy Magistrale and Cindy Christen have joined the American Cruise Lines’ sales team as business development managers for the south-east and north-west regions, as well as California and Arizona. American Cruise Lines has had record sales over the past year and is increasing the size and depth of its outside sales department in response.
American Cruise Lines’ ship, American Constellation, is on its way to Puget Sound for the 2018 Pacific Northwest cruise season. The new ship left Florida last week, after concluding a successful 2017 inaugural season on the East Coast, and is now en route to the Panama Canal, and is expected to arrive in Puget Sound in late January.
American Cruise Lines has announced two new itineraries for 2018 in Puget Sound - five-day Highlights of Puget Sound and 11-day Grand Puget Sound. These spectacular cruises are round-trip from Seattle, Washington, and will triple the line’s capacity in the region.
American Cruise Lines has successfully launched American Constitution into the Wicomico River in Salisbury, Maryland. The new ship is being designed and built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, located in Salisbury.
American Cruise Lines has photos of its newest ship, American Constellation, as the vessel leaves Boston on the inaugural Grand New England cruise. The brand new ship accommodates 175 guests and is uniquely designed to navigate coastal waterways.
American Cruise Lines announced its new cruise ship American Constellation has left the shipyard with construction complete ahead of schedule for the inaugural season.
American Cruise Lines has announced the name of its latest vessel, American Constitution, now under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding of Salisbury, Maryland. The name was inspired by the USS Constitution, the United States Navy’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat and named by president George Washington.
American Cruise Lines has revealed details for the first of a new class of five modern riverboats destined for America’s rivers. These will be the first to combine the modern styling of a European riverboat with the premium comfort for which American Cruise Lines is known.
Susan Shultz, director of sales, American Cruise Lines talks to Breaking Travel News at World Travel Market 2016. On the agenda are the new ship the brand plans to launch in spring 2017, the vast range of itineraries offered by ACL, and the importance of the UK market to the brand.
American Cruise Lines has announced three new cruise ships are now under construction for its fleet. The new ships, which are being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD, will continue to raise the standard for cruising in the United States. American Cruise Lines has always chosen to build new ships, as it considers refurbished boats unable to meet guest expectations for comfort, spacious staterooms, and modern amenities.
American Cruise Lines has announced its plans for the construction of a new fleet of modern riverboats, which will add a new dimension to river cruising in the United States, and a wide selection of new river itineraries throughout the country. The concept for the new riverboats will differ from that of the line’s existing paddlewheelers and coastal ships by offering a more contemporary approach to their design. Modern exteriors and spacious, elegant interiors are planned.
American Cruise Lines has revealed it has a special celebration planned for American Eagle’s Maiden Voyage, which departs on April 11th from New Orleans. American Eagle will carry 150 guests in the most spacious staterooms available on any Mississippi riverboat. Of the 84 staterooms, 78 feature large private balconies, all of which have sliding glass doors for optimal views and enjoyment.


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PARIS — Opting for a behind-the-scenes talent, Hermès International said Thursday it has tapped Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski as artistic director for women’s ready-to-wear at Hermès. This confirms a report in WWD on Wednesday.The decision to name the 36-year-old French designer, who has a strong track record at brands including The Row and Céline, instead of a designer with his or her own label marks a change in strategy for the French luxury firm, which previously employed Christophe Lemaire, Jean Paul Gaultier and Martin Margiela in the post.It is understood that Hermès was keen to secure a talent fully dedicated to the job.Axel Dumas, chief executive officer of Hermès, said: “Her talent and her creative track record will be great assets in the continued development of women’s ready-to-wear. She will devote herself full-time to our house.”Vanhee-Cybulski succeeds Lemaire, who has left the brand after a four-year collaboration, citing his wish to dedicate efforts to his signature label.A graduate of the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Belgium, she started her career in 2003 at Belgian accessories firm Delvaux. Vanhee-Cybulski worked at Maison Martin Margiela in Paris from 2005 to 2008, before joining Phoebe Philo at Céline as a senior designer until 2011 and later The Row as women’s design director until March.Despite her low public profile, analysts reacted well to the news.“With the appointment of Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, Hermès chooses a highly qualified designer with top credentials. Sophistication and first-class expertise seem to be driving Hermès’ appointment, more than simple renown,” noted Luca Solca, managing director and head of the global luxury goods sector at Exane BNP Paribas.He added that taking on a designer with existing responsibilities has its limitations. “Hiring a designer and his line can often be a waste of time and resources, as well as an outright financial burden,” Solca said.David Da Maia, equity analyst at French investment company Aurel BGC, predicted that despite the strategy switch, there would be little change at the house.“Hermès has had famous designers at the helm of its women’s collections in the past, but I think the brand is much stronger than the designer, so this is not something that is a problem or an issue,” he said.“I think it’s more a question of positioning than the name behind it. In my opinion, they have found a successful positioning in terms of design and I am convinced they will ensure continuity. I don’t think there will be any change in positioning as a result of this nomination,” Da Maia added.Lemaire is slated to show his last collection for Hermès in Paris on Oct. 1, and Vanhee-Cybulski will make her catwalk debut with the fall 2015 collection in March of next year.Before Margiela, Hermès employed a team of designers under women’s fashion director Claude Brouet, previously a fashion and beauty director. In the Nineties, the team included Tan Giudicelli, Marc Audibet, Tomas Maier and Michèle and Olivier Chatenet.Hermès has regularly touted the strong progression of sales of rtw and fashion accessories under Lemaire’s tenure, though it doesn’t give any breakdown between sales of garments and other items such as H-logo belts and sandals.In the first half of 2014, the division’s revenues were up 11.4 percent in reported terms and 15.8 percent at constant exchange rates. This compared with an overall sales rise of 7.9 percent in reported terms and 12 percent at constant exchange rates.The segment, which includes belts, accessory jewelry, gloves, hats and shoes, accounted for 23 percent of sales at Hermès in the first six months of the year. Analysts estimate that women’s and men’s rtw accounts for roughly half the total.The company has been training the spotlight on its women’s offerings, holding an event in New York City in May that drew guests including Jodie Foster, Martha Stewart and Phillip Lim.Conceived by Bali Barret, artistic director of Hermès’ women’s universe, the “All About Women” event celebrated the fall rtw collection and luxury products such as fine jewelry, scarves, handbags, footwear, small leather goods and fragrances — all presented in imaginatively designed environments.Lemaire put his own label on hold between 2003 and 2007. He took advantage of the spotlight afforded by his nomination at Hermès to resume showing on the catwalk in July 2010 on the sidelines of couture week, and has since joined the rtw calendar.
“I design by visualization. I see things, and most of the time they’re not practical to actually make, and what I’ve found here, it’s like anything’s possible. This is the first time that I’ve made a sole unit in two months. That process usually would take six, so here’s a difference,” said @virgilabloh of the first sneaker sample he created for @louisvuitton, pictured here. Abloh spoke to WWD about his debut collection for Louis Vuitton, creating @kendalljenner’s #metgala outfit and redefining the heritage brand. Read the full story on WWD.com. #wwdfashion (📷: @alfredo_piola)
The world’s largest producer of denim @iskodenim is sharing the strategy behind its product development process. Read our full interview with ISKO’s product development manager Baris Ozden on the company’s extensive research practices, upcoming denim trends and the latest material innovations on WWD.com. #iskodenim
“I genuinely fell in love with water, I fell in love with Fiji, I fell in love with the whole life that we lived for those few months,” says @mrsamclaflin of filming for his new movie “Adrift” with @shailenewoodley. The 31-year-old actor spoke with WWD about his upcoming projects, meeting Jamie Dornan and working with co-star Woodley. #wwdeye (📷: @jamstoker)
3 years ago, fans of the late singer Aaliyah started calling for a collaboration with @maccosmetics. With the strength of social media — including mock ups of products — 25,000 people signed a Change.org petition for a limited-edition collection, and MAC couldn’t ignore the buzz. Tomorrow, MAC will unveil MAC x Aaliyah, a tribute to the singer who passed away nearly 17 years ago. Head to our stories to preview the new collection, which was worked on by Aaliyah’s family and inspired directly by her makeup bag. #wwdbeauty
Artistic director @clarewaightkeller will be dedicating @givenchyofficial’s fall 2018 couture show in Paris on July 1 to house founder Hubert de Givenchy, who passed away in March at age 91. Givenchy said the collection would be “an homage to his iconic creations, technique, and personal lexicon” and a “celebration of his timeless elegance and grace.” Head to WWD.com to read more. #wwdfashion (📷: Delphine Achard)
La Double J made a name for itself with its vintage-inspired prints, but for resort, designer JJ Martin has ventured into new territory: enter rich jewel toned solids and decadent embellishment, in the form of appliqués, crystals and sequins. #wwdfashion #resort19 #ladoublej
This Just In: J. Crew Group has named Johanna Uurasjarvi as its chief design officer.
Uurasjarvi succeeds Somsack Sikhounmuong, who left the company last September. Tap the link in bio for the full report. #wwdnews
“She came into my hotel room and she was like, ‘I have Chanel and Christian Dior.’ She was like, ‘Chanel likes you.’ And I was like, ‘I’m going to start crying,’” breakout star Maddie Hasson tells WWD of her styling sessions Molly Dickson. “I really like classic, elegant things. I love the way Anna Wintour dresses.” Read more about Hasson’s role in @impulseseries on wwd.com. (📸: @jgreenery ) #wwdeye
@virgilabloh revealed he's working with Australian stylist and
Vogue Australia fashion director @christinecentenera for his debut @louisvuitton men's collection, which will be presented in Paris on June 21. Centenera met Abloh while both working with Kanye West, where she consulted on his all his runway collections since his debut spring 2012 women's wear show. Read the full story on WWD.com. #wwdfashion #wwdnews (📷: @asussmanphoto)


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KARACHI: BankIslami, the country’s leading Islamic bank, has bagged one of the most prestigious national accolades this year by becoming the Brand of the Year 2019. The bank won in the Islamic Banking category...
- Moringa Leaf Powder ₨550.00
- realme C17, most affordable 6 GB + 128 GB smartphone is launching online 23rd Sep followed by Telemart Flash Sale
- HUAWEI Y9a – Get a World of Apps at Your Fingertips with HUAWEI AppGallery & Petal Search
- Uber partners with Unilever to provide hygiene kits, in-car separators to drivers
- BankIslami Wins Brand of the Year Award 2019 for Islamic Banking
- Another successor to realme C-series phone with 90Hz Punch Hole Display; C17 Launching 23rd September


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Two Australian customer retention experts have developed the world’s first churn predictive software that combines data from across business with the powers of artificial intelligence (AI).
Libby Dale and Mike Crooks (pictured above), co-founders of Melbourne-based customer engagement consultancy The Working Octopus, are the brains behind SmartMeasures.
Their clever software enables businesses to accurately pinpoint if customers are on the verge of churn (or at the very least, are thinking about it) and to very quickly step in before an irritation or series of annoyances become a full-blown problem and the customer leaves.
The new solution is riding on the back of a global trend focused on retaining customers rather than accepting attrition as a normal but painful part of business.
Dale said the software has the potential to save businesses millions of dollars in lost business.
“Conservatively speaking, our software is capable of reducing churn by 10 per cent,” she said.
“By way of example, a company losing $500 million to customer attrition – which is commonplace in high-churn industries – can at the very least anticipate savings in the order of $50 million per annum.
“Naturally our expectation is that it will save them much, much more.”
SmartMeasures is now available to English-speaking businesses globally which have a churn problem costing them in excess of $10 million annually. However, those with churn problems well over $50 million are likely to benefit most.
Rather than relying on the ‘pre-cogs’ of the Minority Report to foresee pending attrition, the software relies on an exhaustive collection of customer risk markers or measures drawn from across business.
These markers measure changes in customer behaviour such as not paying bills on time, declining product usage, complaints, calling the call centre on multiple occasions, as well as the impacts a business has on customers such as operational problems, late delivery, variable product quality and billing errors.
They also measure external environmental events such as moving house.
When one or a mix of these markers is detected by SmartMeasures, alerts are triggered in real time, enabling the software to instantly initiate a series of automated treatments or for business to step in and remediate the problem.
The combination of artificial intelligence with the breadth of data analysed and the use of automated treatment plans is the true ‘magic sauce’.
According to Dale, it has taken the prediction and remediation of customer risk to a whole new level and provided the software with its real edge in the market.
“Basically, it has empowered our software to do what would not be humanly possible,” she said.
“It enables Smart Measures to scroll through vast amounts of customer interaction data and very accurately predict which customers are at risk of churning and determine what action or treatment plans should be applied to the problem.
“The best is that this happens in real time which means that businesses can react instantly to a customer’s changing circumstances, rather than some time after the event when remediation may be too late and the damage is already done.
“Also, rather than take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to managing risk, SmartMeasures gives businesses the smarts to intervene on a case by case basis and apply treatment plans to suit the level and type of risk detected.
“This cuts out the annoyance for customers of being placed in a mass retention campaign that has little or no relevance to them or may cause further irritation.”
The software falls into a rapidly emerging business practise area or discipline known as customer success management.
Unlike customer service, which takes a reactive approach to managing customers and their problems, customer success is about businesses being proactive and dealing with customer problems and issues before they become insurmountable and the customer leaves.
While so called ‘customer success software’ has been about for some time, it has largely been used by software as a service (SaaS) providers to measure the success of how customers use their software.
“SmartMeasures has significantly broadened this approach to include non-SaaS software usage and apply customer success management across industry more broadly,” Dale said.
MediaCom’s recent hunt for a new CEO went global, ultimately delivering the globetrotting Yaron Farizon to its North Sydney headquarters. And Farizon certainly comes with the right pedigree. Born in Kiev in the Ukraine, educated in Israel, he worked for P&G as a business director for eight years through the UK and Eastern Europe before […]
What? No Olympics in the headline? We’re as shocked as you are, but Tuesday night saw the end of Nine’s Beauty and the Geek reboot. The grand final itself peaked at 588,000 viewers according to OzTAM’s metro data, while the winner announcement fared better with 665,000 viewers. Nine will now be gearing up for The Block, which […]
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and media agency UM have launched one of the most complex media communications assignments in Australia, the 2021 Census. The campaign is designed to support the ABS achieve a 95 per cent participation rate across the country with the roll out across every household and all people aged 18 plus, monitored and […]
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and media agency UM have launched one of the most complex media communication assignments in Australia, the 2021 Census. The campaign is designed to support the ABS achieve a 95 per cent participation rate across the country with the roll out across every household and all people aged 18 plus, monitored and followed-up by about 20,000 ABS staff. The campaign’s […]
To mark Majella Pinnuck’s return, AWP spoke to her about why she has come back, the hybrid that skills that today’s large organisations need in their corporate affairs and communications professionals, and the challenge of finding candidates with the right skillset. Pinnuck (pictured) started at AWP after she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Law […]


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With Yemisis Suleiman
Top designer Adebayo Jones showcased an exclusive line from his latest collection when top business men, women and other dignitaries gathered in London recently to raise awareness on Down Syndrome amongst the populace, The event which was a fashion and fund-raising event in one, was aimed at reducing cases of down syndrome and raise funds for the activities for Down Syndrome Associations of Nigeria and UK.
On the occasion, Mrs. Rose Mordi, President, Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria, DSAN, said :’’Down syndrome is a condition in which extra-genetic material causes delay in the way a child develops, mentally and physically. It affects one in every 800 babies.
The physical features and medical problems associated with down syndrome vary from child to child. While some kids with DS need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives.” She noted that in spite of the challenges in Nigeria and the UK, the associations have made progress in recent years.
Highlight of the day was the stunning fashion showcase by Adebayo Jones Couture and Lyze Hats. At the end of the event, the designers were honoured with Paceworking Awards for their contribution to the Fashion industry.
The Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria was founded in 2001 by Mrs Rose Mordi to help children and adults with down syndrome in Nigeria and has since extended their activities to other West African countries.
Organiser of the event, Ms. Seye Aina of Paceworking and Prince Adesida of the Nigerian High Commission thanked Mrs Rose Mordi for her efforts in helping the down-trodden.


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Oscar Health CEO Mario Schlosser spoke on the company's expansion goals and the types of coverage it could explore next.
Chief Operating Officer Wayne Xu spoke about how the Chinese insurance company uses technology to add flexibility to its offerings.
Sheila Bair on how a Fed-issued cryptocurrency could impact consumers and banks.
Tala is leveraging mobile data and analytics technologies to establish identities and lend to the world's financially underserved population.
David Velez, founder and CEO of Nubank, sat down at Future of Fintech to discuss why Brazilian banks don't focus on consumer experience.
Kabbage co-founder and COO Kathryn Petralia on how the startup uses real-time data to compete with traditional banks.
Joshua Reeves, CEO of Gusto, spoke about the company's plans to reshape the entire payroll process and make the two-week paycheck cycle a thing of the past.
The founder of the real estate investment platform says today’s market is jurassic and opaque, and sees transparency and access as a way to open up the asset class.
Despite recent outrage surrounding the misuse of user data by Cambridge Analytica, Kenneth Lin emphasizes the importance of personal data, especially when it comes to personal finance.
Ram Subramaniam says technology is key to offering more personalized products.
At CB Insights' Future of Fintech conference, AvidXchange Michael Praeger discussed the fintech company's plans following its latest $300M mega-round.
Souheil Badran, President of Alipay Americas, says Alipay will grow in North America by focusing on Chinese tourists.
Brad Garlinghouse dives into cross-border payments solutions and how its product, XRP, can be leveraged by banks.
Cathy Bessant explains how Bank of America remains aggressively innovative in a consumer-centric landscape.
David Gurle, CEO of Symphony, spoke about the company's potential to move beyond financial services into other highly regulated markets.
Clover is focusing on its members with the most complex needs, providing more home care and genetic testing to prevent adverse medication reactions.
At Future of Fintech 2018, Vlad Tenev talked about legacy brokerages, cryptocurrency trading, and new products, as the commission-free trading platform focuses on building its customer base.
Sallie Krawcheck, founder and CEO of Ellevest, sat down at Future of Fintech to discuss her experiences on Wall Street and why she made it her mission to close the gender investing gap.
Wealthfront's Andy Rachleff discusses the robo-advisor's unique role in the fintech industry with both its current and future financial planning products.
Joseph Lubin describes the next era of the internet, and how ConsenSys is using blockchain technology as the structural foundation for its ambitious vision.
Disruption in financial services markets happens "gradually, then suddenly." Here's how incumbents can stay relevant and keep innovating.
Head of Marcus by Goldman Sachs Harit Talwar talks about lessons on what not to do in the consumer financial services industry.


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Grocery retailer Aldi has raised pay for store assistants to £11.40 per hour nationally, and £12.85 per hour within the M25.
The change in pay will take effect from 1 July 2023, and will benefit more than 28,000 employees, out of a total of 40,000 in the UK.
Aldi has made an investment of over £100 million into employee pay over the past 12 months, and the £11.40 pay rate brings store assistant pay up 13% compared with the previous year.
The rates were introduced at a higher level than the real living wage, which is set by the Living Wage Foundation and stands at £10.90 nationally and £11.95 within the M25.
This followed a series of recent pay increases made by the organisation, including a raise for warehouse staff in January, distribution centre staff in August 2022, and a previous raise for store assistants announced in October last year.
Aldi also pays store employees for their breaks, which amounts to an additional £927 annually.
Giles Hurley, chief executive officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We believe our colleagues are the best in the sector and we are committed to ensuring they are also the best paid.
“We are incredibly proud of every single member of Team Aldi and are pleased to become the first UK supermarket to pay a minimum of £11.40 per hour to all store assistants.”


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Guest contributor Rachel Arthur recaps the highlights of this year’s SXSW Interactive conference and identifies key takeaways for the fashion industry.
How much deference does a newly installed designer need to pay to the heritage of a house? Today, Jessica Michault, editor-in-chief of Nowfashion.com, shares her reflections on a Paris Fashion Week that saw a number of new designer debuts at venerable French houses.
As materials, transportation and labour costs rise, putting pressure on margins, producers of fast fashion face growing challenges that only some will survive.
In the next instalment of her on-going series, Finding Your M.O., Áslaug Magnúsdóttir, co-founder and CEO of fashion-tech start-up Moda Operandi, examines the advantages and disadvantages of bringing in strategic investors.
Finding Your M.O. is an on-going series on The Business of Fashion penned by Áslaug Magnúsdóttir, co-founder and CEO of Moda Operandi, on her experience at the helm of a fashion-technology start-up. Last time, in Part 14, we examined the challenges of going corporate. Today, we delve into customer loyalty. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — I’m writing this instalment of Finding Your M.O. from our largest market outside the US: the Middle


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There's a new fund-raising event this year among the several happenings scheduled as part of Lawrence Earth Day festivities, which continue through Saturday.
Lada Salon and Spa is sponsoring the inaugural Earth Day Fashion Show and Silent Auction at 7 p.m. today at the Granada, 1020 Mass. Tickets cost $10. Organizers say proceeds will got to a foundation that aims to preserve American Indian lands and waters.
"Out primary goal for doing this is to help preserve the wetlands around Lawrence," said Laura Coiner, a stylist with Lada Salon, 4931 W. Sixth St. "But we're hoping to bring the community together at this event, have fun and show some great fashion and hair while helping a good cause."
Money from the show will go to the Honor the Earth Foundation, which has projects earmarked in each state.
The fashion show will feature clothing from local designers and stores, including Hobbs, 700 Mass., The Casbah, 803 Mass., Backwoods Equipment Co., 916 Mass., and Spectator's, 710 Mass. About 70 models will participate.
"The makeup and hair for the fashion show is pretty elaborate, from what I've seen," said Emily Cope, of Lada Salon and Spa. "It's going to take a better part of the day to prepare the models for the show."
The event also includes a silent auction with about 100 items up for bid, Coiner said.
Tickets are available at the spa and at the door.
|Today¢ Lada Salon and Spa is partnering with other businesses to host a silent auction and fashion show at the Granada, 1020 Mass., to benefit the Haskell-Baker Wetlands. The silent auction begins at 7 p.m., and the fashion show starts at 8 p.m.Friday¢ From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., an Earth Day event for schools will be at the Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St. Reservations are required by calling 832-7980.¢ From 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Seed Savers Exchange executive director Kent Whealy will give a gardeners' workshop in Building 21 at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 21st and Harper streets. The cost is $10.¢ At 6 p.m., there will be a ceremony for the Imagination & Place Environmental Award, honoring a local business for making a positive impact on the environment. The ceremony will be at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.¢ At 7 p.m. there will be a free presentation called "Rescuing Heirloom Food Crops" at the Courtside Room at Kansas University's Burge Union.Saturday¢ From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Lawrence Transit System will offer free rides.¢ From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Prairie Park Nature Center will hold Earth Day activities.¢ The fifth annual Earth Day Parade begins at 10:45 a.m. and will travel from Watson Park, Sixth and Kentucky streets, to Massachusetts Street and south to South Park.¢ From noon to 4 p.m., Celebration in the Park will happen in South Park. The event features live music, games and food.|


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In comments and private e-mails, I've received a surprising number of questions about Windows XP Mode, a new feature in Windows 7 that I demoed in today's screencast. How much does it cost? How do you install it? Does it require antivirus software? Get the answers to these questions and more.
Windows Xp Mode
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For any sort of upgrade, software or hardware, compatibility issues can be true deal-breakers. If a mission-critical program originally written for Windows XP won't run under Windows 7, you're stuck. And the economics can get ugly if an expensive or hard-to-replace peripheral doesn't have Windows 7 drivers. In this week's screencast, I demonstrate a new feature called Windows XP Mode, which is Microsoft's way of handling compatibility problems.
Windows XP Mode is very much like an East London hooker: sure, they work really hard but they aren't very good to look at. Windows XP Mode does indeed work extremely well, but doesn't always look very pretty.
Microsoft is publicly acknowledging a new XP virtualization technology it is readying for Windows 7 that two Windows experts first revealed late on April 24.
Back in April, Microsoft introduced XP Mode beta for Windows 7. I covered the beta pretty extensively, and some might say rather harshly, and gave the product a disappointing F grade. However, one of the great things about this job is that you get to make a difference, and it seems that Microsoft took on board a lot of my complaints and worked on improving the product.
Over the past few days -- since word of Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC went public -- Microsoft has provided so far only the barest of details about its planned Virtual XP Mode functionality for Windows 7. Slowly but surely the company has started releasing additional details.
How much positive Windows 7 buzz is in danger of being wiped out in the next few weeks and months when consumers and business buyers discover that a heavily hyped new Windows 7 feature, Windows XP Mode, won’t work on some current dual- and quad-core CPUs from Intel? Also, check your desktop or mobile CPU against my list to see whether your PC passes or fails.
Over the past few days a huge number of electrons have been inconvenienced to bring you news about a new Windows 7 feature called XP Mode. In this post I'm going to take a closer look at this technology and what you need to make it work for you.
According to security firm Sophos, Microsoft risks undoing much of the work it has done on the security front over the past few years by shipping XP Mode with Windows 7.
On August 4, Microsoft is making available to any and all interested testers the Release Candidate (RC) test build of Windows 7's XP Mode add-on. The bits are available for download now from Microsoft's Web site.
Friday, Microsoft announced that it plans to release a free add-on for business editions of Windows 7. Windows XP Mode will use a customized version of Virtual PC to run a fully licensed, preconfigured copy of Windows XP in a virtual machine. So what's the big deal? It's not the technology, it's the licensing. I've got more details.
Microsoft is making a slew of virtualization-related announcements on March 18 -- including one that will be welcome by customers who've been stymied by the chip-level virtualization requirements for running Windows 7 in XP Mode.
Last year, when I looked at Intel CPUs, I identified a potential sticking point for Windows 7 upgraders: many then-current CPU models didn't support hardware-assisted virtualization. A year later, has the situation improved? Yes, but with one noteworthy exception you'll have a hard time getting information from big PC makers.
Summary: Kicking off a series of bulletins from ZDNet UK's Labs, Charles McLellan looks at the virtual copy of Windows XP that's available as an option in Windows 7
I've been using Windows 7's XP Mode feature for a few days and I'm now ready to give you my verdict ... and it gets an F.Don't get me wrong. The idea behind XP Mode is a valid one, and the fact that Microsoft is finally ready to accept that users should be able to run older versions of Windows as part of the license for the newer OS.
Along with the Release Candidate for Windows 7, Microsoft has made available XP Mode virtualization technology for download.
Microsoft has announces that XP Mode, the add-on that will allow users with the proper hardware to run a virtual version of Windows XP within Windows 7, has entered RC
Greg Shultz shows you how to use Disk2vhd to move your Windows XP installation into Windows 7 and then run it with Windows Virtual PC.
Are you a the brand new owner of a $2,000 Sony Vaio laptop?Were you planning to run Microsoft's XP virtualization technology in Windows 7?
Microsoft has released Windows XP Mode to manufacturing on October 1, company officials said, and it will be generally available on Microsoft.com on October 22, the launch day for Windows 7.


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Derby Market Hall, Derby
Clancy are appointed MEP consultants on this exciting scheme to transform the beautiful Grade II Listed building into a modern, vibrant and bustling market.
The plans to transform the historic market are part of the City Centre Masterplan, and the improved market will be a key retail and community hub in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Funding for the scheme has come from the Government’s Future High Street Fund.
Clancy are working with Wates on phase one to provide natural ventilation on the market hall. Phase two will include MEP design for the ancillary rooms and restaurant.
Once complete, the market hall will become home to new food and drink-themed markets, a “make-and-trade” zone for new entrepreneurs and space for events and activitiess.
Councillor Mick Barker, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Markets said: “The Market Hall project is of huge importance to us in Derby and we’re delighted to have Wates looking after the refurbishment. The work to the roof marks another step to reaching our goal of this landmark, historic building becoming a key destination for residents, businesses and visitors to the city and providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for customers.”


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As we get closer and closer to learning SOPA’s fate — with Lamar Smith’s amendments salve the wounds? — the lines of support and discontent concerning the bill have been clearly drawn. On the opposition side, we have a consortium led by Google, Facebook, Yahoo and Twitter, among others, and they have been vocal in their lack of approval for SOPA, and how goes about its business.
While there have been some companies that have come out in support of SOPA — NBC and Viacom, for instance — there hasn’t been a definitive list of SOPA supporters. Until now. Thanks to The Domino Project, which is powered by Amazon, another company against SOPA, we know have a clearer idea concerning the
face of our enemy those who support the bill in its current state.
The list goes by the “Who wants to break the Internet?” title, and considering the issues many tech companies have with SOPA, it should come as no surprise the supporting companies are presented in such an unflattering light. The list in question:
AFTRA – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
AFM – American Federation of Musicians
AAP – Association of American Publishers
DGA – Directors Guild of America
Disney Publishing Worldwide, Inc.
EMI Music Publishing
Graphic Artists Guild
Hachette Book Group
HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C.
IATSE – International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Kaufman Astoria Studios
Major League Baseball
Marvel Entertainment, LLC
MPA – The Association of Magazine Media
NFL – National Football League
National Music Publishers’ Association
New York Production Alliance
New York State AFL-CIO
Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
The Perseus Books Group
Producers Guild of America East
SAG – Screen Actors Guild
Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Sony Music Entertainment
Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Time Warner Inc.
United States Tennis Association
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Publishing Group
Warner Music Group
W.W. Norton & Company
It should come as no surprise to see a large portion of companies with ties to the entertainment industry showing up in the list. Companies like ESPN, ABC, Viacom and the Warner Music Group. Clearly, this is because these are the ones with the most to lose, at least, if you ask them. Members of this group don’t care if SOPA breaks and/or censors the Internet in the process, they just want their intellectual property protected.
Oddly enough, those that oppose SOPA/PIPA also want IP protected, but not with the methods described by the acts in question. Does knowing the identity of these SOPA supporters make you reconsider whether or not you’ll do business with them? Let us know what you think.


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First 3G in Central Africa
MOBILEBy BiztechAfrica - Oct. 25, 2011, 8:43 p.m.
Airtel and the Republic of Congo have taken a significant step towards building the largest 3G network across Africa by announcing the launch of a 3,75G platform in the country.
The launch follows the successful application and issuing of a 3G license by the Republic of Congo.
Airtel described the license as “a significant move by the Congolese Government and a milestone in a region that is set to embrace first world mobile platforms.”
It reports that this is the first 3G license issued in Central Africa and the second amongst the French-speaking African nations, after Senegal.
Airtel says the launch of the 3G platform promises profound changes to how subscribers in the region experience the web on internet-enabled devices.
“The improved technology will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access; allowing users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from the devices. This is the latest global HSPSA plus technology with 21 mbps, also being rolled out in Europe and the USA. It is the fastest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, which include large corporates, small or medium businesses and the youth.”
“3G technology will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained Tiemoko Coulibaly, CEO Airtel Africa, Francophone. “This is why Airtel doesn’t see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.”
According to Coulibaly, Airtel will be rolling out its data network across all its markets with the objective of building the largest 3G network across the continent, and will continue to provide useful and innovative services to make use of this new technology.
Beston Tshinsele, Managing Director of Airtel in Congo, stated: “We are grateful to the Republic of Congo, represented by The Honorable Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and New Technology of Communications Mr. Thierry Moungalla today, for issuing the license through the country’s regulator - Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Electroniques – and sharing our vision of enhancing the country’s telecommunication platform. This has the capability to enhance social, cultural and commercial participation amongst the citizens of Congo and also the global community.”
He added; “Our 3G platform will allow subscribers to combine the enormous potential of the internet with the convenience of cellular phones and other devices. It will liberate the potential of our youth through enabling fast access to the Internet for learning, sharing, social networking, creating and accessing content like music. For the small and medium business, it will enable the entrepreneur to embrace a highly mobile way of working with high speed access to email and internet and it will allow large companies to increase productivity through vastly enhanced mobile internet speeds and access to record and allow for communication via video calls on handsets.”
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5. OnePlus 6
Table of Contents
The successor to the OnePlus 5 will hit the market in 2018. The upcoming smartphone, OnePlus 6 will be more powerful than the OnePlus 5. The rumoured specs details are, the upcoming gadget will have QHD display with the resolution of 1440×2560, because the previous handset supports the resolution of 1920×1080 only. It will be powered by Snapdragon 845 process with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of inbuilt storage. OnePlus 5 is well known its camera performance, hence, the upcoming gadget will support 21-megapixel dual cameras. The upcoming handset is also expected to have IPS waterproof certification. It stands at number five position in the list of top 10 best upcoming mobile phones in 2020.
4. Samsung Galaxy X (Foldable Phone)
The Samsung Company is tirelessly working on making the foldable smartphone, Galaxy X (Foldable Phone). It is expected that the gadget will be powered either by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 Processor or Exynos Processor with 6GB of RAM.
Coming to the front display of Galaxy X, it will have the 5.5 to 5.7- inch display with 4K Super AMOLED display and throwing the resolution of 2160×3840. The foldable handset will support the dual rear-facing camera set up.
3. iPhone X and X Plus (2020)
Apple has launched the most-anticipated Apple iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X (iPhone 10). In the upcoming year 2020, Apple is going to launch two iPhones namely iPhone X 2020 Edition and iPhone X Plus 2020. It is also said that the upcoming device will have more powerful processor than the processor in the iPhone X’s 2019 edition. The upcoming gadgets will come with 12 chipsets with an upgraded iOS. Display wise, the upcoming iPhones will have the big screen, it will come with the display of 6.4-inch. It stands at new best android phones list.
2. LG G7
Well, LG G6 was launched in Mobile World Congress 2019, obtained a grand success. Now the company concentrates on creating the successor for it. The upcoming G7 handset will launch at the MWC 2020.
The upcoming device is rumored to feature more bezel-less design than the current bezel-less design on the G6 handset. It will come with the upgraded Snapdragon 845 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 6GB of inbuilt storage. It will feature a 5.1-inch or 5.5-inch display with 4K resolution. It will be packed with 3600mAh battery, to keep the specs active. The handset will support dual camera setup on both the front and back camera. It is expected to feature 21MP+12MP sensors on the rear camera and can capture the 4K videos. It will support 13MP sensors for taking selfies and video chat.
1. Samsung Galaxy S9: Tops in best upcoming smartphones:
The Galaxy S9 will be the successor of Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus is on the way to hit the market in 2020. After receiving the grand success of the Galaxy S8 series, now the manufacturer concentrates more on the Galaxy S9. The Galaxy S9 is expected to be launched in January next year. It stands at number one position in the list of world’s best upcoming smartphones in 2020.
The rumors which surround the Galaxy S9 are, it will come with dual front camera setup along with the LED flash for taking selfies. It will feature a bezel-less display of 6.4-inch and throw the resolution of 4K. It will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 840 or 845 processor coupled with 8GB or 6GB of RAM. It is expected to be run on the latest Android version, Android 8.0 (O). In the recent time, the Company started the production of 512-Gigabyte Universal Flash Storage Chip, so it is expected that the upcoming gadget will support the internal storage of 512GB. These are the expected specs details of the Galaxy S9, however, they is no any official information about the upcoming device.
Conclusion: Top 10 best upcoming smartphones In 2019 – 2020 | Upcoming Mobile Phones:
We have reached the end of the year and waiting to welcome the New Year. The aforementioned are the Top 10 Best Upcoming Smartphones which are going to launch in 2020. The technology used in this Upcoming Mobile Phones differs from each other. Let’s wait for some more time to get the official information on each Upcoming Smartphones.


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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to clarify details about the store’s final sale and hours of operation.
One of downtown San Luis Obispo’s best-known local retailers is closing its doors after 45 years of doing business.
Kevin Main Jewelry Design & Studio, a high-end custom jewelry manufacturer and dealer, has sat prominently at 720 Higuera St., currently next to Novo Restaurant and Lounge, for more than 20 years.
But on Friday, co-owners Kevin and Kathi Main said they are retiring and will sell the building, which they bought in 2004. There is no word yet on who might be interested in the property.
The business was closed Friday, its windows shuttered, as staff busied about inside preparing for a major sale next week ahead of its eventual closure, which owners say will likely be final by the end of the year.
Following an invitation-only private sale to preferred customers Wednesday, the store will hold a four-day sale Thursday through Sunday. Kathi Main said the business will be open select hours in the following weeks until inventory is gone.
“There’s a lot of trust in this business,” Kevin Main said, noting restoration work they do on people’s priceless family heirlooms. “I’m grateful for them allowing me that trust.”
After getting his start cutting turquoise stones in Nipomo, Kevin Main said he opened a small, one-man sterling silver shop in Morro Bay in 1973 with the help of a $200 loan from his father. After decades of honing his skills as a designer and craftsman, Kevin and Kathi Main moved to the downtown San Luis Obispo location, which at the time was roughly half the current store space.
In 2004, the Mains purchased the building from its previous owner in the face of necessary seismic retrofitting following the San Simeon earthquake. The Mains remodeled the building in 2008, weathered the economic recession, and remained a downtown landmark for another decade.
“In 45 years, from only $200, we built it to this — only in America,” Main said. “I think we’ve always kept our eye on the ball, kept our focus. We’ve done our own ride.”
Kevin Main said he’s also been fortunate to do business next to Novo, which he called the city’s busiest restaurant.
Kevin Main said he currently has five full-time employees, a few of whom have already lined up new jobs outside the area, and he said he “will do everything we possibly can to find (the others) a spot.”
Ideally, Kevin Main said they would like to sell the building and infrastructure to another jeweler, “hopefully someone with imagination and horsepower.”
The business declined to share its annual sales figures.
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Interim CEO Sandi Sigurdson said when alerted of the store’s impending closure Friday that the business has been a “fixture” of downtown SLO, and the Mains have generously donated to support local nonprofit events and fundraisers.
Sigurdson said the business has also contributed to downtown’s cultural vibrancy during events such as Art After Dark, when it would open for special viewings of work by local and visiting artists and designers.
“They’ve been a vital part of creating a strong downtown,” she said.
Kevin Main said the couple, who live in Cayucos, plan to travel and open a private studio inside their home. An ultra-distance bicycist, Kevin Main said he plans to ride in France and Australia in the coming years.
“Life is good,” Kevin Main said.


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Gō Ikeyamada Launches New Dō·Kyū·Sei Romance Manga in February
posted on by Rafael Antonio Pineda
The official website of Shogakukan's Sho-Comi magazine revealed on Thursday that manga creator Gō Ikeyamada is launching a new manga serialization in this year's fifth issue on February 5. The new romance manga is titled Dō·Kyū·Sei ~Zutto Kimi ga Suki Datta~ (Classmates ~I've Liked You For a While~).
Ikeyamada ended her So Cute It Hurts!! (Kobayashi ga Kawai Sugite Tsurai!!) manga in Sho-Comi in November 2015. Viz Media is released the manga in North America under the title So Cute It Hurts!!, and the company published the 15th and final volume last October. The manga received two original anime DVDs.
Ikeyamada also recently ended her Seka-Chu!! sequel manga Satō, Watashi o Sukitte Barechau yo!? in late 2017.
Ikeyamada's Suki Desu Suzuki-kun!! manga previously inspired a 2010 original anime DVD.


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A shake up in KC, as comics strip giant Andrews McMeel has consolidated its syndications and online divisions, merging syndicate Universal Press Syndicate with digital entertainment company Uclick .
The resulting company, called Universal Uclick, will encompass print and digital syndication and licensing services.
Universal Press Syndicate President Lee Salem will take over as interim CEO of Universal Uclick. Douglas Edwards, who had been CEO of Uclick, resigned effective Tuesday.
Universal Uclick Marketing Director Paul Richardson said that Edwards left the company to seek other opportunities but described the split as amicable.
The article goes on to say that the reconfiguration will combine processes for a more efficient company.
Universal is the syndicate behind such comic strip giants as Doonesbury and Garfield, and Andrews McMeel has long published collections of these strips. In recent months Uclick had gotten into digital distribution of the same; merging the two arms is yet another tacit acknowledgment that digital distribution is now as important as print.


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SimCity confirmed for Mac release at the same time as on PC
EA has revealed that the upcoming return of SimCity will grace the Mac at the same time as the PC.
The Mac version will be identical to the PC version and will be available to download from Origin as well. It will offer players the chance to build, maintain and grow the most detailed a rich cities yet in the style trademark style and humour that Maxis has stamped on the series since it began in 1989.
Maxis GM, Lucy Bradshaw said, "Whether you owned a Macintosh or a DOS PC, we all have memories of laying down zones and reticulating splines from our youth. To the millions of SimCity fans out there, we've been listening and can proudly say that your calls have been answered. SimCity has a long legacy on the Mac and the team at Maxis is ensuring that it will be the deepest, richest and most accessible SimCity game yet."
SimCity will be released on PC and Mac in February of next year and given their it will probably come in a dual-format version at retail just like Sims 3.
- Harmonix announces A City Sleeps, their new music-driven shooter
- Shadow Of Mordor trailer introduces the unique orc character, Ratbag
- Saints Row IV coming to next-gen consoles
- Saints Row: Gat Out Of Hell is a new standalone expansion
- First details of Telltale's Game Of Thrones series arrive
- SEGA unveils the new definitive Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition
- Prison Architect alpha build 24 arrives
- Bayonetta 2 gets a final release date
- Deep Down now delayed until 2015


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Xiaomi shares plunged in Hong Kong trade Friday after the Department of Defense said the mobile-phone maker is part of China's 'military-civil fusion'.
The Chinese currency has long been a point of complaint for the U.S., and its continued strength removes a distraction for incoming President Biden.
GS, JPM and MS are removing products from the Hong Kong exchange derived from companies deemed to have ties to the Chinese military.
These names are displaying technical deterioration.
China's highest-profile entrepreneur has vanished from sight for more than two months, and is said to have been told by the authorities not to leave town.
An executive order says U.S. purchases of military-linked Chinese companies must stop by January 11, including three of the world's top-20 telecoms.
The New York Stock Exchange will delist China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom - all top 20 telecoms globally - by January 11.
The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong was blocked from completing a September deal to sell its residential quarters to Hang Lung Properties.
Wynn has been severely crippled by the pandemic, but the company could be in a position to grow significantly with some great leverage and properties.
It doesn't look like a good idea at present based on the Chinese e-commerce giant's technical signals.
The risk is that all the gains since March could be wiped out.
My feeling is that if one is into speculation, one can trade names like BABA.
Chinese regulators, rumored to be directed by President Xi Jinping, are ratcheting up pressure on the empire of China's richest man.
There are power cuts across numerous Chinese cities where local authorities can't keep the street lights on and are forcing factories to close.
Here are five picks in a sector whose private- and public-sector support is sure to continue as Asia ages.
We've entered a time of reckless abandon with trades - and it's dangerous.
Look beyond the flagging Big Six tech companies with these Asia-based plays for next year.
Watch these five companies to play the enormous growth in Asian economies, as the world powers back on in 2021.
Things move in cycles and Commodities in general have been long forgotten.
I see upside in the common stocks of oil tanker shippers as we move into 2021.
Let's take a look at the charts and the indicators.
For now, China's infrastructure-led stimulus efforts are helping drive demand for iron ore at a time when production is under pressure.
It has been a bad start to the month for stocks in China, with the roaring Seoul stock market now outperforming Chinese shares.
The State Department and White House are set to sanction more than a dozen Chinese and Hong Kong officials for violating citizen rights.
An act to improve the accounting compliance of foreign U.S.-listed companies doesn't mention China, and doesn't need to.
Yes, the president's policy was too public and at times messy, but it began to muscle through real change before Covid-19 hit. Biden should take note.
For this EV manufacturer, take profits and avoid the long side.
China has rendered Australian wine impossible to sell with punishing import duties, leaving wine stranded in Chinese ports.
China's second-largest e-commerce operator is spinning off its online pharmacy and health clinic JD Health in a $3.4 billion IPO.
Expensive mutual travel was set to start Sunday, and will be a deal watched by the travel industry worldwide if it does indeed begin.


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State police at Rockview are investigating a report of a Potter Township identity theft.
According to a news release, an unknown person gained access to a resident’s personal credentials, accessing her credit cards. The person then made purchases totaling $80,000.
The access was made at the beginning of September, the release said.
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The competition watchdog has cleared the way for Expedia to complete its $703 million takeover of online travel company Wotif.com despite concerns the enlarged company will charge hotels higher commissions.
Medibank Private policyholders are well placed to buy into the health insurer’s $4 billion-plus float, according to a survey that has found that the fund’s customers already own $50 billion worth of listed company stocks and have $94 billion in savings.
Investors in real estate investment trusts have been tapped for as much as $1 billion in the past month by a series of new vehicles, in defiance of the recent volatility in the sharemarket.
Owned by mums, dads and institutional investors alike, Telstra's 1.4 million shareholders have until Friday evening to apply for the company's $1 billion buyback.
Shares are poised to drop sharply at the open as investors in New York dumped stocks amid concerns about global growth.
Gerry Harvey has raised $34.5 million after a successful four-day liquidation sale of Nathan Tinkler’s horses.
Construction giant Lend Lease believes it set a new record for apartment sales in Brisbane after 160 apartments in the Ekka redevelopment precinct were snapped up in just four hours.
While Ambulance Victoria is currently seeking a court order to prevent data like this from being released to the media, The Age believes the public has a right to know how its taxpayer-funded emergency service is performing.
The Labor Party will side with big business to oppose a key recommendation in Professor Ian Harper’s review of Australia’s competition policy.
Wharfies at DP World’s container ports in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have gone on strike this week as disputes continue over a new pay deal.


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Twitter officially announces the renewal of its design. Appearance in the purest Facebook style. The new skin will reach all users this month.
The blue bird's social network was already testing the design with a limited group of users. As we can see, is very reminiscent of Facebook, missing the essence of Twitter.
To do this, it uses larger photos, background images, tweets in chronological order, although with varying sizes depending on the impact, and a lot of user information.
It will also be possible to anchor tweets at the top just as we can highlight content on Facebook. This tweet can be used to expand our presentation or to highlight recent content.
In relation to the profile of others, we can filter them to see only their tweets, also see the photos and even choose whether to see the answers.
The renewal of Twitter's design mainly affects profiles, the rest apparently does not suffer any changes for now.
As we say, for now we can only see the profiles that have been updated by Twitter while ours remains the same and we cannot configure it. Once it arrives, we will probably have to adapt our images that are now displayed in a larger size.
The new Twitter profile will reach everyone in the coming weeks. What do you think about the change?