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Euromonitor International, in its report, revealed that inflationary pressures in the emerging economies are expected to persist in 2023 as the high exchange rate of the US dollar, lower foreign exchange reserves and delayed pass-through of the higher energy and commodity prices add to the price pressures.
It, however, added that, “Inflationary pressures in the emerging economies are expected to persist in 2023 as the high exchange rate of the US dollar, lower foreign exchange reserves and delayed pass-through of the higher energy and commodity prices add to the price pressures. “
The reports stated that potential energy price hikes, ongoing de-globalisation, structural labour market problems and faster-than-anticipated economic recovery in China remained among the key risks that could accelerate price growth in 2023.
In addition, consumer purchasing power in 2023 is forecast to be further eroded by stubbornly high prices of essential goods and rising interest rates.
While Global inflationary pressures are forecast to continue to ease in Q1 2023, under the baseline scenario, global inflation is forecast to reach 6.5% in 2023 and then fall to 4.5% in 2024.
The notable and credible research platform also said that slower global economic growth and consequently weaker demand in large part help to cap the inflation growth.
The economic monitor in its futuristic analysis opined that faster economic growth in China could accelerate commodity price growth in 2023. It explained that China’s economy slowed down as the country handled a disruptive reopening of the economy after the U-turn on its zero-COVID policy that it announced in December 2022.
“Faster economic growth in China could increase inflationary pressures through higher commodity prices, as China is among the largest consumers of metals and energy. It could also in turn, spark commodity price increases in the second half of 2023, with the biggest effects expected on the metals, energy and agricultural commodities.
“For example, China’s construction sector accounted for 12 per cent of global spending on metal products while China’s electronic components industry consumed nine per cent of the global hi-tech goods in 2021,” the report stated.
Euromonitor reaffirmed that higher prices are likely to erode consumer income gains and hurt consumption.
The international business research body averred that the cost-of-living crisis largely affects the low-income consumers in the emerging markets, which indicated that low-income consumers in emerging markets experienced faster living costs growth over the period 2018-2023 as they spend a higher proportion of their income on essential goods and are thus more impacted by food price or housing cost increases.
Moreso, it stipulated that high savings accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic helped temporarily to cushion inflationary effects and support spending growth, an effect it presumes will continue to wane as consumers face rising costs of essential goods.
This, it maintained, will become a multiplier effect as higher interest increases housing costs and limits consumer willingness to finance purchases of big-ticket items through debt.
“Inflation in the U.S. is predicted to reach 4.0 per cent in 2023 and 2.5 per cent in 2024. Lower prices of energy and manufactured goods, as well as the effect of the higher interest rates help to cap the inflation.
In another projection, it predicted that inflation in China is forecast to increase slightly to 2.5 per cent in 2023 and 2.3 per cent in 2024 while the reopening of the economy and relaxation of pent-up demand is expected to drive up inflation slightly.
“Inflation risks in the Eurozone have eased slightly although high energy prices continue to add to the inflationary pressures. The largest Eurozone economies with high dependence on energy imports, i.e. Germany, Italy and Spain, are forecast to see inflation rates of 6.7 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively.
“In 2023 the Cascading effects of the higher energy prices to other sectors and potential removal of energy subsidies to households are among the highest inflationary risks in the Eurozone. Elimination of Russia from Europe’s gas market and growing demand for gas in China are also the potential risk factors to consider that could accelerate inflationary pressures in 2023.”

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Oscar de la Renta: ‘Companies should aspire to become heritage brands’
Although many brands have an overarching urge to bend over backwards for the millennial consumer, Oscar de la Renta has different priorities.
“We are your grandmother’s fashion brand,” said CEO Alex Bolen during the FACC Luxury Symposium panel Strong Heritage Brands. “We are very happy to have your grandmothers as our customers. They have a lot of money, so our mission is to keep them happy.”
But while keeping that older customer happy, Oscar de la Renta has still secured a position as a digitally savvy heritage luxury brand. “It’s equally important to engage mothers and granddaughters,” Bolen added. “We’re figuring out the balance of all the ways that our customer wants to shop.”
For the company, that means operating a full e-commerce store that ships to hundreds of countries to reach customers who cannot visits its nine retail stores. First launched in 2006, OscardelaRenta.com has gone through several site overhauls to update the online customer experience, including broadening shipping and integrating a live chat with a stylist, and incorporating its social media feeds. In 2015, the brand did about $5.5 million in revenue through its website, an almost 100 percent year-over-year growth.
As such, Oscar de la Renta is the exception to the rule when it comes to luxury and digital. According to Luca Solca, managing director of global luxury goods at Exane BNP Paribas, digital is the biggest growth opportunity for luxury brands, as it right now only accounts for 13 percent of luxury purchases.
“The existing luxury formula isn’t working anymore and needs to be addressed,” said Solca. “The biggest value is connecting the physical and the digital — digital should serve as a traffic feed into stores, and increase conversions in store. This creates an entirely new challenge for brands that have excelled only in making the physical store impeccable.”
Solca added that the cross-channel consumer is 60 percent more valuable than the in-store only consumer.
Bolen believes that Oscar de la Renta’s e-commerce store will eventually become the brand’s biggest store in terms of sales. He said that the company will never have a physical store in every major shopping market. According to Exane BNP Paribas data, physical retail growth has dried up for luxury brands. Prada and Swatch, the two brands that expanded the most in 2015, saw the biggest drop in profit.
As the luxury customer evolves, Bolen identified the fashion house’s challenge as balancing a changing environment with an existing set of luxury standards. In order to bring in new customers and keep existing ones happy, Oscar de la Renta brand’s principles should remain unchanged, but how they’re expressed should. Bolen pointed to the brand’s early jump on live streaming fashion shows in 2010, and to @OscarPRGirl, its former longtime Twitter persona (its operator, Erika Bearman, left the company in August, changing the handle to @OscardelaRenta) as examples of this balance.
“People think of innovation and heritage as opposed ideas but I disagree,” he said. “If we are heritage brands, we stood the test of time because we have to tradition of successfully innovating. Innovative companies should aspire to become heritage brands.”
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The venerable David Jones menswear store in Market Street, which has been in the group since 1938, has been sold for $360 million and will see apartments built on top of a revamped retail centre.
The long-anticipated sale comes only three days after the owners of the department chain, the South African Woolworths, revealed it was severing its corporate ties with Sydney by relocating head office operations to Melbourne.
David Jones’ iconic Market Street store will be sold to the Scentre group for $360 million.
Scentre Group, the owner of the Westfield Sydney mall and the Melbourne-based super fund Cbus were the buyers. Scentre will redevelop the retail floors to adjoin its mall, while Cbus will develop the air rights into apartments.
In a statement late Monday evening, Scentre’s chief executive Peter Allen said the group’s share of the purchase price is $182.5 million with Cbus Property paying the balance of $177.5 million.
David Jones will continue to occupy the site until late 2019 under a lease agreement providing a 4.5 per cent per annum rental return on the acquisition price.
During the leaseback period, the co-owners will obtain the necessary approvals to redevelop the site when David Jones vacates the building.
On completion, the redeveloped 77 Market Street site will comprise 10,000 square metres of luxury retail space integrated with Westfield Sydney.
In addition Cbus Property will convert the balance of the existing building to provide office space and develop a luxury residential tower above, overlooking Hyde Park.
Scentre Group will own, develop, design and build the retail elements of the site.
“This transaction is a rare opportunity to significantly expand our flagship Westfield Sydney centre'” Mr Allen said.
The 77 Market Street site will provide the opportunity for further luxury retail and high-quality food, which combined with our existing Westfield Sydney and David Jones’ planned $200 million investment into the adjacent Elizabeth Street store, will reinforce the precinct as Sydney’s pre-eminent luxury retail destination.”
Adrian Pozzo, Cbus Property CEO said: “77 Market Street provides another excellent opportunity for Cbus Property to demonstrate its core capabilities in residential and commercial development in what will be a vibrant mixed use building in an exciting location with unrivalled amenity.
This mixed use project will complement, our soon to commence $1.25 billion development at 447 Collins Street, Melbourne.”
Woolworths put the store on the market last year saying it was part of the review of the department store’s $620 million property, which includes the Elizabeth and Market Street stores in Sydney and two in Melbourne.The Elizabeth Street store will be the flagship site and will undergo a significant upgrade, including a new and expanded food court.It’s expected a sale of a Melbourne store will ensure. The rest of the David Jones stores around the country are leased.The sale agents were Scott Gray-Spencer from CBRE and Simon Fenn from Savills.
Long known to Sydneysiders as David Jones’ “men’s store”, the building houses the famous David Jones food hall as well as menswear, manchester and electrical.
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Highlights – UK – US trade negotiations
- Both nations have agreed to continue the negotiations apace in the forthcoming months
- Britain had left the European Union earlier this year
- Advanced talks will be held in the negotiation round which is likely to take place in early September
The latest negotiation round between the United Kingdom and the United states continues to make progressive growth. The third negotiation rounds took place from 27th July to 7th August 2020.
What is a free trade deal?
Generally, a free trade agreement aims to address concerns of trading goods and services between the nations, mostly by reducing or eliminating the tax charges to import and export these goods. Trade agreements also aim to lift the limits on the amount of goods that can be traded. Moreover, if the countries have similar trade rules, trading becomes much easier.
The UK- US Free Trade Deal
The UK- US trade negotiations aim to address tax and non-tax barriers to trade in goods, services, and agriculture, investment, and government procurement as well as trade related rules. The first round of these negotiations was conducted in May and June 2020.
After the UK’s exit from the European Union, a free trade agreement has always been on the list . The UK has formally left the EU membership, and the transition period as of now is due December 31st 2020. The free deal is a major priority for the UK and the nation look forward to establishing an independent trade policy.
The latest round had 33 sessions, covering 21 different workstreams. Most of the chapter areas are moving towards an advanced stage of talks. The countries conducted their first text-based discussion on Rules of Origin.
Addition to these negotiations, the International trade minister, Liz Truss, supported the UK’s priorities in the FT. Truss had held a series of meetings with the United States trade representative, Ambassador Robert Lightizer. asserted that the retaliatory tariffs imposed on EU goods were unacceptable and must be removed.
A good negotiation
The UK is a major US trade and economic partner. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lightizer has dedicated to following an extensive agreement that would be subject to congressional approval and not a limited” skinny deal.” The negotiations will however take time due to the Covid crisis.
Several businessmen of the UK and US and other trade groups see the Free Trade Agreement as an opportunity to enhance market access and align UK regulations more closely with that of the United States .


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The Aprilia RS660 may just kick start the middleweight supersport segment.
Its patent filings have been leaked online.
The production-ready bike should debut at EICMA 2019.
The Aprilia RS660 may just kick start the dormant middleweight supersport segment. At least, that’s what the manufacturer hopes. But are they serious in putting the concept into production? Patent filings in Australia seems to indicate as so.
The CAD drawings show a bike which adheres to the concept’s silhouette, with some differences.
Firstly, the forks look to be Sachs instead of the Ohlins fitted to the concept at EICMA 2018. The front brake calipers look to be “regular” monoblocs instead of Brembo Stylemas. The main reason for these has to be about cost savings, making the bike more affordable to the masses.
But bear in mind that Aprilia usually offers different versions of their bikes i.e. standard and Factory variants. In the case of the RSV4 and Tuono V4, the Factory variants are fully kitted out in the chassis and electronics departments. It could also be true for the RS660.
Good news is, the fairings take on aerobody applications. Going further, there’s been talk that the bike features an Aprilia Active Aerodynamics (A3) system. But what it does and how it works still remains to be seen.
Anyhow, the production model is slated to be released at EICMA this year. Hope we get to test the bike for its media introduction.


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Co-op membership drive will see people win amazing rewards and further community investment
Central England Co-op is on the lookout for new members and encouraging people to ‘swipe and delight’ to win amazing rewards.
The retailer, which has over 260 stores across 16 counties, is launching a recruitment drive for new members following a spike in interest from customers during lockdown on the benefits of being a co-op member.
Now, shoppers will be able to enjoy a range of rewards and win prizes by signing up and, by continuing to shop with the retailer, allow it to continue to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds in local community initiatives.
Brad Tuckfield, Store Manager, said: “We have been so pleased to have been able to be there for our communities during lockdown and also to have been able to support a range of great local causes during these difficult times.
“Customers throughout the past few months have been telling us how much they like the co-op model and our values and principles and so, today, we are saying why not become a member and be part of our efforts to make a difference.
“All people have to do is pick up a temporary card in store and swipe it at the till to start earning rewards and the chance to win amazing prizes. On top of that members know that every time they shop with us it means we can continue to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds into their local community, something that is more important than ever in these difficult times.
Customers, by shopping at their local Central England Co-op store, have allowed the Society to invest in the local community and make a big difference during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Some great examples of this investment include:
- Shared out over £50,000 between 60 good causes as part of a special COVID-19 Community Dividend Fund
- Delivered over 1,000 care packages to hospices, care homes and hospitals to say ‘thank you’ to key workers as well as hundreds of smaller donations to local charities, community groups and good causes
- Created over 300,000 meals for people in need following a donation to FareShare Midlands and donated over 75,000 items to local food banks following an urgent appeal
- Worked with local councils and organisations to launch community food hubs, delivering vital food and essentials to vulnerable people
- Donated £40,000 to Refuge and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid to help support those impacted by a rise in domestic violence during lockdown and also financially supported its corporate charity partner Dementia UK
Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.
Notes to editors
About Central England Co-operative
Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK with interests in food, funeral, floral, travel and property investment.
Co-operatives have always been there for their communities; they were formed to protect them and help them flourish.
Our 7,900 colleagues who serve Members and customers work hard to ensure that co-operative values, principles and spirit flow through everything we do to help support and improve our local communities.
Owned by hundreds of thousands of Members, we have over 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
We are proud of our reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.
We invest a percentage of our trading profit into local communities through our Community Dividend Fund scheme, have donated over £1.3 million to our corporate charity partner Dementia UK and also operate a pioneering food redistribution partnership with FareShare Midlands so unsold food goes to those in need.
Visit www.centralengland.coop for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter using @mycoopfood
Press office contacts: Rob Smyth and James Brindle
Phone - 01543 421390
Email - email@example.com


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Rental giant Europcar is to launch its business-to-business car share subsidiary Ubeeqo in the UK in the second half of 2015.
Ubeeqo already operates in France and Belgium, is being set up in Germany and Ken McCall, managing director, Europcar UK Group, has confirmed that “it is expected that the first Ubeeqo operations in the UK will roll out during the course of the second half of 2015”.
The move towards what Ubeeqo calls “corporate car fleet pooling” is reflective of what the company says is a trend for employees and directors to book a car from a central stock rather than having exclusive use of one.
Car sharing demand is also reflective of changing trends from one of car ownership to car usage.
McCall said: “With Ubeeqo and other developments in the pipeline, our focus is on car usage. We think that fits with an overall change in behaviours, from car ownership to car usage, with ride-sharing particularly appealing for those living and working in cities.”
However, he disputes that the move by the world’s largest daily rental businesses into car sharing is a departure from their traditional business model.
Europcar introduces Chapter 8 fleet
Vehicle rental company Europcar has announced it has created a fleet of Chapter 8 compliant light commercial vehicles.
Chapter 8 specifies the colour of vehicles and the reflective markings needed for vehicles that carry out inspections or work on public highways. The guidelines apply to firms with large or small vehicles.
Although Chapter 8 is not yet legilised, many highway organisations – including the RAC, AA and Highways England – have adopted the guidelines as best practice. According to Europcar, some companies will only allow Chapter 8 compliant vehicles to work on sites.
“Understanding this requirement, we wanted to give our customers a cost-effective solution that means they can book Chapter 8 compliant vehicles whenever they need them – indeed we can deliver to anywhere in the UK with as little as four hours notice,” said Stuart Russell, van fleet specialist at Europcar UK.
“Unlike other rental providers, our customers don’t have to pre-order these vehicles or commit to specific volumes. We have also created a network of six Supersites across the UK, offering nationwide access to these vans,” said Russell.
Europcar branches offering Chapter 8 vans include the Europcar Mobility Centre at London ExCeL, London Park Royal, Newport, Gateshead, Nottingham and Birmingham East. Deliveries within 50 miles of these locations can be ordered nationwide within four working hours. Deliveries outside the 50-mile radius will be fulfilled within eight hours, Europcar claimed.
Thousands of motorists are having their cars towed away and are being charged fines after unwittingly falling foul of car tax rule changes introduced by the DVLA, The Guardian has reported.
Figures obtained by Guardian Money reveal that DVLA clampings have risen dramatically since October, when the agency did away with paper vehicle excise duty discs.
Before the changes DVLA was clamping about 5,000 vehicles a month, but this has surged to more than 8,000 – with motorists horrified to discover their cars being towed away without even a warning letter from the agency. In total, more than 100,000 vehicles are likely to be clamped this year compared with 60,000 the year before.
While most motorists know that tax discs are no longer required, what is catching out many is that vehicle excise duty is automatically cancelled if a car changes ownership – even if there is a valid disc in the window.
Previously, anyone selling a used car could post adverts saying ‘Taxed and MOTd’ until a certain date. But now when a car is sold the tax, even if it has many months to run, automatically expires and the new owner has to tax it again. It is this change that is exposing drivers to clamping by the DVLA and large fines.
The DVLA says it has worked with motor traders and written to new owners to make them aware of the change, but plenty of motorists have found their vehicles clamped or towed away after being given a taxed car by a relative, or even swapping cars within a family. Those who are caught out have no right of appeal to an independent body and say that the DVLA is acting unfairly.
The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants the nation’s automakers and more than 17,000 new car dealers to do more to ensure unsafe vehicles are repaired. In a speech Friday at the World Traffic Safety Symposium, NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind challenged auto dealers to do more. Under federal law, new-car dealers are only required to complete repairs for recalled new cars — but not for recalled used cars.
Source: The Detroit News
Mazda has launched a new programme to help attract and retain top staff in dealerships.
The new Talent@Mazda scheme gives dealers the services of a consultant and offers a ‘Talent Toolkit’, which provides advice to dealers in eBook format.
The Mazda Academy, run by learning and development agency RTS Group, is delivering the programme, which is being offered across the brand’s UK network.
“To help the dealerships find, appoint and retain those people, we’ve developed Talent@Mazda which gives them the tools they need,” said Stephen Casey, Mazda Network talent consultant.
“Talent@Mazda has only just been launched but feedback so far from the dealerships has been very positive.”
One dealer which has used Talent@Mazda techniques to help run an assessment day is Coventry Motor Company. Its group aftersales director, Adam Dodds, said: “This has changed the way Coventry Motor Company look at recruiting new staff, to give us more of a professional look to our business with any future employees.”
Alex Goddard, Field Programmes and Training Manager for Mazda Motors UK, said: “We are already seeing the impact that Talent@Mazda is having within the network from our dealers changing their whole recruitment processes. One of the biggest successes to date is through the growth of our apprenticeship programme.”
Fleets are keeping vans for 12 months longer having covered around 8,200 miles more than they were five years ago, figures from Manheim have shown.
Comparing Q1 2015 to the same quarter in 2010, these vans also sold for 9.5% or £384 more.
In the first quarter of 2010, the average van sold was 54 months old, with a mileage of 73,853. It achieved £4,048 at auction.
Fast-forward to Q1 2015, and Manheim’s five-year Market Analysis report shows a 9.5% increase in average value, to £4,432, and significantly increased age and mileage, 54 to 66 months and 73,853 to 82,102 miles.
James Davis, head of commercial vehicles at Manheim, said: “Our latest analysis reveals that over the past five years, despite being a year older with eight thousand more miles, vans have seen their average selling price increase by nearly 10%.
“We’ve also seen between 40% and 50% of all vans sold from the three major volume segments sporting an average age of between seven and eight years.
“We’ve never observed this profile shift previously.
“Small panel van is a revelation all of its own, this segment is now the new workhorse of the van world, stealing the crown from the 3.5t panel van sector. Clearly the influence of older vans in the UK parc will be felt for many more years to come.”
The 2016 model year Range Rover Evoque (pictured) will be priced from £30,200 on the road.
It features the Euro 6-compliant diesel Ingenium engine delivering up to 68mpg in the eD4 two-wheel drive model.
The range has a number of new features as standard including lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, heated eight-way adjustable front seats, powerfold door mirrors, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers and automatic climate control in addition to the previous 15MY specification.
Revisions to the exterior include a new front bumper, two new grille designs, all-LED headlamps (optional), tailgate spoiler and three new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, a new seat design is among a refreshed interior scheme available in a selection of new colours and materials.
Land Rover’s new infotainment system, InControl Touch, is also introduced from September, and features an eight-inch touchscreen, with a range of new applications and driver aids available.
With the imminent launch of the all-new XC90, Volvo Car UK is introducing two new initiatives to its dealerships, Volvo Personal Service (VPS) and Volvo Retail Experience (VRE).
The new concepts are designed to remove some of the perceived barriers between dealers and their customers and improve trust, customer service and overall impressions of the brand.
New to the Volvo network is Volvo Personal Service, which streamlines aftersales functions to improve workshop efficiency, job throughput and revenue opportunities for dealers, while delivering a much more personal service to Volvo customers via a dedicated service technician.
VPS, the new name for Volvo’s ‘One Hour Stop’ service, is shaped by trust, transparency and respect for a customer’s time. It works by utilising teams of Personal Service Technicians (PST) working on cars as groups rather than individually. This allows for work to be carried out twice as fast, nearly halving customer wait times.
Ernest R Shaw in conjunction with LV= has introduced a new insurance scheme for bodyshops and garages dealing with classic cars.
Ernest R Shaw and LV= Insurance have launched an exclusive motor trade insurance scheme for bodyshops, restoration/service, repair and car sales services to the classic car sector.
Some of the cover available includes; agreed values on own classic vehicles, road risks protected, no claims bonus, low claims rebate clause and track day cover.
Graham Meacher, sales and marketing director at Ernest R Shaw explained, ‘We identified the classic car sector had not seen any new insurance product offerings for several years, therefore in conjunction with LV= we have now launched a new classic car insurance scheme.
‘We have seen over 20 bodyshops and all of them have taken up the new policy, either on premium, cover, or on the fact we assess every risk.’
Ernest R Shaw, based on Birmingham, has been trading for over 100 years.
Autoparts UK has added two Renault Twizy models to its fleet as it aims to reduce its carbon footprint.
The cars will operate out of the firm’s branches in Glasgow and Dundee and will be used to deliver parts to its customers.
A spokesman said the company could take on many more Twizys but it depends on the take-up.
“The Renault Twizy has a 62-mile range on a full battery and it only needs £1 worth of electricity to complete a full charge. We have a large number of customers in central Glasgow and Dundee so using a vehicle like this to complete our rapid deliveries makes perfect sense,” said Craig McCracken, Autoparts UK group factor manager.
“By using electric power, we can deliver the high-quality service that our customers expect – and significantly reduce our carbon footprint at the same time. That gives us and our customers the best of both worlds,” said McCracken.
Talks between LeasePlan’s owners and an unnamed consortium over the sale of the leasing giant have been terminated.
The company confirmed that talks were ongoing with a group of investors interested in buying the leasing giant for more than £2 billion just a few weeks ago.
But now it says it’s been unable to reach an agreement on the change of ownership of LeasePlan and negotiations between parties have been ended.
LeasePlan’s owners Global Mobility Holding said it has no plans to pursue further options leading to a divestment of LeasePlan in the near future and confirmed that it will continue to support the company’s existing successful business approach.
“LeasePlan remains focused on its long-term strategy and growth plans, and on providing leading fleet management and driver mobility services to its clients worldwide,” it said, adding no further comment would be made at this stage.
The consortium is believed to have included private-equity firm TDR Capital LLP, Dutch pension fund PGGM, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and the Government Investment Corporation of Singapore (GIC).
During the past 50 years, LeasePlan has grown to become one of the world’s leading providers of fleet management services. It is active in 32 countries, operates a global fleet of 1.42 million vehicles and employs more than 6,800 staff.
Lytx has launched the DC Connect camera system, for fleets with fewer than 350 vehicles and limited safety resources.
The system uses simple, self-service tools that help smaller fleets efficiently and easily improve safety and protect drivers.
Using the Lytx Safety Score, which represents a driver’s probability of being involved in a future collision based on their driving patterns, DC Protect helps identify and manage the coaching of those drivers who would benefit most from performance improvement.
“Lytx believes that one size does not fit all, which is why we are delighted to now offer DC Protect in the UK to allow smaller fleets the opportunity to utilise our industry-leading driver safety technology,” said Damian Penney, Lytx general manager.
“The DC Protect Programme is a tailor-made solution for managers of smaller fleets who need to focus their efforts on the most risky drivers, yet still protect all their drivers. Similar to our flagship programme, DC Protect uses predictive analytics through a streamlined experience that focuses on those drivers most likely to benefit from coaching, which is extremely important to help protect against false claims,” added Penney.
“We’re proud to offer an easily managed programme that provides important safety benefits, while also delivering significant ROI for entire mid-sized fleets.”
Honda has retained its status as the most reliable used car manufacturer in the UK for the ninth consecutive year, according to research by What Car? and Warranty Direct.
The Japanese manufacturer topped the annual survey of 37 manufacturers, which analyses 50,000 live Warranty Direct policies on three to eight-year old vehicles.
Once again, Japanese and South Korean manufacturers dominated the annual study of the most reliablebrands, with Suzuki and Toyota claiming second and third place. Encouragingly for other manufacturers however, Chevrolet, Ford, Skoda, Peugeot and Fiat also fought their way into the top 10.
At the opposite end of the scale, luxury and prestige marques Bentley and Porsche are the most likely to break down.
What Car? editor Jim Holder said, ‘Honda’s success in the reliability index is chiefly down to low failure rates. However, when things do go wrong, the cars are also relatively cheap to fix.
‘Reliability is always one of the key attributes buyers look for when considering a used car purchase, so manufacturers that consistently demonstrate durability will always do well with the consumer.’
Automotive data experts KeeResources has developed a new online company car tax calculator for Peugeot’s UK website.
The tool helps customers compare the range of cars with a four-year breakdown for tax, while the personalized tax calculator enables the customer to see the impact of regular contributions for private use.
“The Peugeot Company Car Tax Calculator is a useful tool designed to help company car drivers and fleet managers make better informed decisions when considering buying a new Peugeot car,” said Cathryn Hancock, head of fleet marketing at Peugeot.
“Once again, we teamed up with KeeResources, the developers behind our online car comparator, Peugeot Compare, to deliver this added for website visitors,” said Hancock.


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After resting on his laurels for twelve long years, General Motors has introduced the third-generation Chevrolet Colorado this year, responding to the desperate need for a new Colorado on the market. Consequently, after an eight-year wait, GMC launched the second-generation Canyon just two weeks after the 2023 Colorado was introduced.
Both Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are important names for GM, as both have done well in the market since their introduction. Both the pickups have come with a redesigned look, a new engine, a classy interior and a superior set of amenities.
The most important change this year, however, is the discontinuation of the previous engine, and now all Colorado and Canyon models get the 2.7-liter Turbo four-cylinder engine. The question remains: why did GM ax the previous engines and approve 2.7-liter turbo engines to be equipped on all Colorado and Canyon models? The answer is below.
One engine across the entire range simplifies the building process
Stricter emission standards and higher mileage requirements have forced car manufacturers to reevaluate their powertrains. There’s no denying the fact that the previous-generation Colorado offered three decent engine choices that let buyers choose a powertrain based on their needs, and all engines performed well in real life and offered excellent reliability.
GM has plans for electrification and intends to offer at least 20 electric cars by 2023. With the gradual transition to electrification, GM needs space in its factories for manufacturing and assembly processes. Therefore, GM intends to limit production in Colorado and Canyon to Wentzville Assembly in Missouri.
This decision will allow GM to keep the engine manufacturing process more efficient and simpler, helping GM build more engines and meet more customers’ demands. In addition, the decision to install the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Canyon, Colorado, Silverado and Sierra will also save a lot of time and money, as well as increase the reliability of these vehicles.
Nick Katcherian, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Chief Engineer, in a recent interview conducted by Muscle Cars & Trucks, said, “When you look at the underhood packaging and all the stuff we have around it. We can do a lot of the same configurations, so if you looking at our engine line at the factory builds that part of the harness and stuff before it’s dropped into the truck. That allows us to have a very similar build process for both engines.”
Above that, according to GM, the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine is a worthy successor to the previous gasoline and diesel engines. He added, “It really has to deal with the fact that this powertrain has all the torque you need.” You get it faster, and so when you look at the advantages that the diesel offered before, and you compare it to this engine, this engine does a much better job overall.
The simpler building process has given GM more room in the factory to set up manufacturing units to build interior components, which translates into better manufacturing efficiency. In addition to this, GM had to develop the 31XX-2 platform to equip the newer 2.7-liter engine to power the new Colorado and Canyon.
The 2.7-liter engine from GM has many advantages
Although standardization of the stock engine has helped GM with easier manufacturing, the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has many advantages, from better versatility and more power to better fuel efficiency and reliability.
In comparison, the previous 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder offered 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. The higher models had a hungry 3.6-liter V6 that produced 308 horses and 275 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel inline-four could offer 181 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
The newer 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4, on the other hand, is offered in three trims, with each trim serving a different purpose. The base 2.7-liter turbo engine offers a higher 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, providing a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds to keep customers happy. The higher models get a stronger 2.7-liter Turbo Plus engine that can offer 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque to meet all needs and allow up to 7,700 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
More impressively, the flagship Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and all models of the GMC Canyon feature a high-output 2.7-liter engine that offers up to 430 lb-ft of torque. That being said, the new engine in the Colorado and Canyon will offer better power and performance, be more fuel efficient and be more reliable due to easier access to parts.
New Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vs Rivals
Both GM brothers, Colorado and Canyon, are doing well in the competition. The current Ford Ranger only offers one engine choice; a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque powers all models. However, Ford has confirmed that the next-generation Ranger will get three new engines: a new 3.0-liter V6 that makes 288 horsepower and 362 lb-ft of torque; 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-four engine that makes 205 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, and the Ranger Raptor with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that offers 392 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of twist.
The Toyota Tacoma offers two powertrain choices. The lower models have a 2.7-liter inline-four that makes 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. However, the Nissan Frontier only has one engine choice, a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. That said, we expect the new Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon to do extremely well in the truck market.
Sources: General Motors, Chevrolet, Muscle Cars & Trucks


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The Sunday Mail
Senior Business Reporter
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is lobbying for suspension of import duty on all electric vehicles (EVs) as it seeks to promote local use.
Further, Zera wants a preferential licensing fee for EVs given their importance in reducing the fuel import bill.
They are also considered to be environmentally friendly.
This was said by Zera senior engineer (electricity) Samuel Zaranyika in his presentation on “The future of the energy industry” during the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (Emcoz) human resources indaba in Kariba recently.
Eng Zaranyika added that awareness campaigns are set to start next month, with a workshop set to be convened by Zera.
“What we are doing as Zera is that we want to promote this (EVs) technology; we are actually buying an electric vehicle, which would be used for demonstrations,” said Eng Zaranyika.
“What sort of expectations do we have for this car? From Zimra (the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority), we look at waiver of duty on the electric vehicle, (from) Zinara, we would be looking at issues like preferential licensing; for instance, if you are charging a Honda Fit, say RTGS$300 per term, for an electric vehicle, we are looking at a tenth of that.
“Zera would also be conducting a workshop on this particular technology, maybe some time in April.”
Zera is pushing for the popularisation of the EVs as they would not only displace fossil fuel and carbon emissions, but the technology is also more energy efficient than internal-combustion engines.
In the recent past, Zimbabwe gobbled about 7,6 million litres of both diesel and petrol, but the numbers have shrunk to about 5,5 million litres between January and February on the back of price adjustments.
Eng Zaranyika also said EVs are cheaper to run since a single charge for a 375km trip from Harare to Kariba requires RTGS$10 compared to about 40 litres of petrol that costs about RTGS$140.
EVs are also cheaper to maintain as they have less moving parts, environmentally friendly given that they have no gas emissions, while their engines are also quieter than petrol or diesel vehicles, implying less noise pollution.
Critically, the electricity that would have been charged into an EV can also be used as alternative power for the home.
Eng Zaranyika said to promote the EV technology, Zera is also calling on the local vehicle assembly firms and the public to play ball.
Government has cleared Zera’s proposal to purchase an EV for demonstration.
The vehicle is expected in the country by December.
The number of EVs is rising exponentially, with latest figures suggesting they are now over 3 million on the world’s roads.
Sales are also reportedly spiking at almost 75 percent per annum.
The International Energy Agency now forecasts that there would be 125 million EVs in use globally by 2030.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa also has ‘Vision 2030’ by which the country would have attained upper middle-income status, with a per capita income of US$3 500.


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A new report suggests that Twitter is taking a very serious look at a new e-commerce strategy. Users may soon be able to buy physical and digital products directly on the social network.
...of Microsoft's tough decisions, Xbox insights, and BlackBerry's Android beauty
Microsoft challenges you to a game of Bing Pong
Exclusive images of the new phone with a 10,000mAh battery
ISOs of Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10162 are now available
All the latest news on Windows 10
Trouble upgrading to new Windows 10 builds? Here are 5 possible fixes
Despite being a massive global retailer, Amazon has shocked with the announcement that they have recorded a loss for the quarter, due to increased spending on their own infrastructure.
After only a year, the UK branch of Best Buy is to close. The company cites 'unprofitable operation', and the British-based Carphone Warehouse intends to close all eleven branches.
After almost three years Microsoft has released the next version of Commerce Server. With full support for ASP.NET 2.0 (albeit a few older COM components still exist) this release brings Commerce Server into line...
The U.S. Department of Commerce extended its contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for a third time Friday, giving the much maligned agency another year to hold rule over the...
Thanks Nathan for this one. This is the Commerce Server 2000 Security Fix for KB article Q317615. It is a patch for the production version of Commerce Server 2000 SP2. To update, you must first...


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Movirtu offers a virtual SIM platform that lets you have both a business number and personal number on the same device.
Spanish carrier Telefonica agrees to license AT&T's Digital Life home automation and security platform.
Google's mobile OS remains firmly in first place in the US with a 51.5 percent market share, says ComScore, while Apple's iOS trails with 42.4 percent.
The game provides the same propulsion that gamers have come to expect from the franchise, but this time around, female protagonists star.
The palmtop has gone away, but some people could still use an integrated pocketable typing device.
A leaked document obtained by BlackBerry news site N4BB shows four smartphones targeting four categories of consumers for this year.
Even the ancient city of Jerusalem has been transformed by tech, as visitors to holy sites turn to mobile devices to reach out to God.
The struggling handset maker combines its 44,000 patents and several key software projects into a single unit as it tries to develop new revenue streams.
Between April and June, a whopping 255.3 million Android-based smartphones were shipped worldwide.
Chinese Internet giant Tencent Holdings reports strong second-quarter earnings as online advertising and smartphone gaming revenues grow.


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PARIS — L’Artisan Parfumeur doesn’t believe in keeping a niche concept small.
The French beauty manufacturer and retailer known for its quirky scented items unveiled a new store format, called La Grande Boutique (The Big Boutique), here last weekend. The 1,615-square-foot store on the Right Bank is the brand’s fifth door in the French capital and its biggest. The others average 430 square feet each.
This is the first opening for L’Artisan Parfumeur since it was acquired by New York-based Cradle Holdings in January. The plan is to refurbish the L’Artisan Parfumeur doors in Paris and the one London-based store during the next two years so their interiors resemble the new format.
Conceived by architect Jeanne Dumont, La Grande Boutique is on two levels. The ground floor features two fragrance bars and central tables that display scented objects and glasses containing pieces of cloth. These are soaked in the base notes of the brand’s fragrances. The idea is to have customers smell the last phase of a fragrance’s dry-down, rather than make them take the time to experience its entire evolution. On the first floor also is a cash-and-wrap desk.
Up one flight of stairs, customers find a salon-style room replete with books and — ultimately — some scent-related art. It also contains a fragrance organ and a counter for choosing fabrics for made-to-order candles, scented cushions and cloth flowers.
"People want personalized things [such as scent and home fragrances]," said Marie Dumont, creative director for L’Artisan. "They want things that resemble them, that they participate in. They’ve had enough of standardized things."
So made-to-order fragrances will also be available at the store. These will take about three months each to create to the tune of about $4,170 at current exchange rates for a year’s supply.
Also on the second floor is a conference room available for staff and customer fragrance training. Numerous windows and metal chandeliers illuminate the space’s neutral color scheme.
"It’s very modern, but very classic and warm at the same time," Marie Dumont said of the boutique’s decor. "We wanted something that doesn’t resemble a new glacial and cold concept store."While rollout plans for additional L’Artisan Parfumeur doors have not been confirmed, Marie Dumont said the brand plans to increase its international presence.
"Today, we generate 30 percent of our volume through exports, so we have enormous [growth] potential," she said. While Marie Dumont wouldn’t discuss numbers, industry sources estimate L’Artisan Parfumeur generates $20 million globally.
The U.S. and U.K. will be key to this push, since Cradle, also owner of Penhaligon’s and Erno Lazlo, has a strong positions there.
The annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Pacific Palisades this weekend drew Kate Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laura Dern and more. See pictures of the star-studded event on WWD.com. (📷: @chelsealaurenla) #wwdeye
In his new book “Hollywood Royale,” Andy Warhol’s Protégé Matthew Rolston celebrates the Eighties revival of Hollywood glamour. Featuring more than 100 portraits taken by Rolston from 1977 to 1993, the book contains photos of icons like Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and @drewbarrymore, pictured here in 1991. “Hollywood Royale,” out today, will be accompanied by an exhibition opening at Los Angeles’ Fahey/Klein Gallery on March 1. #wwdeye
"Nowadays when life is not so happy with everything going on in the world, I think people come to me for a little bit of whimsy and color and fun." - Designer Rebecca De Ravenel on her cult-favorite jewelry line. (📸 : @vsteves) #wwd40
“Everyone is talking about how the retail industry is struggling, but I think it’s an incredible time because brands who are doing something different and innovative are setting themselves up for the future,” said @adamgoldston, who founded the luxury athletic brand @apl with his brother @ryangoldsten. The Goldston’s are part of WWD’s 40 under 40: a group of industry notables. See the rest of the list on WWD.com. (📷: @vsteves) #wwd40
@eyeswoon blogger Athena Calderone debuted her first-ever cookbook, “Cook Beautiful,” which is heavily centered on the presentation and visual expression of food. Pictured here are her miso glazed carrots from the book. Get the recipe on WWD.com. (📷: @johnny_miller_) #wwdeye
“It’s passion that helps get anybody to a certain point and it’s what’s propelled me,” said Kith founder @ronniefieg, one of WWD’s 40 under 40: a group of industry notables who are changing the face of retail, fashion and beauty. Fieg, who opened a Manhattan flagship on October 7, began his career at age 13 as a stock boy and salesman for footwear chain David Z. “I think staying true to [my] beliefs, hard work and passion have gotten me to where [Kith] is today.” See the rest of the 40 at WWD.com. (📷: @vsteves) #wwd40
25-year-old @samweaving is about to break out this fall, starring in Netflix’s horror film “The Babysitter,” fittingly out today on Friday the 13th. That’s not the only place you’ll be seeing her, though — Weaving’s got a role Showtime’s “SMILF” and another alongside Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Though she’s got a full plate at the moment, there’s one role she’s got her eye on: Marilyn Monroe. “I’m a little too young at the moment, but it’s on my bucket list,” the actress told WWD (📷: @dandoperalski) #wwdeye
BFF's Poppy Jamie and Suki Waterhouse celebrated the launch of their bag line Pop x Suki at Nordstrom last night. "The line is really about our friendship, and how we are so different but complement each other," said Waterhouse. 👯 (📷: Katie Jones) #wwdeye
After designing the new @louisvuitton and @bulgariofficial flagships and a @chanelofficial boutique opening in Japan, @petermarinoarchitect has another project on his plate: The Lobster Club. Located in the Seagram Building, it’s the famed architect’s first restaurant project in New York, serving up modern Japanese brasserie-style cuisine. Bronze hues, bespoke material detailing, blush and chartreuse tones and a heavy emphasis on Picasso can be seen throughout. Mark your calendars for Nov. 1 for the much-anticipated opening. (📷: @clint_spaulding) #wwdeye


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Cuttack, Apr 30: In view of rise in steep rise in Covid positive cases, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has imposed new restrictions to check the spreade of coronavirus in the millennium city.
The city will remain open from morning till 2 pm everyday for 15 days from Monday. Only medicine stores will continue remain and all other shops and malls will be closed after 2 pm.
In Malgodam, only loading and unloading activities will be allowed after 2 pm and all other activities will continue to be seized, according to the CMC decision.
Addressing a Press meet, CMC Commissioner Ananya Das said leaders of all Bazaar Committees have agreed upon the decision.


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Qassem: GITEX Computer Shopper will be a non-stop Extravaganza
Organizers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that GITEX Computer Shopper would prove to be a non-stop weeklong IT shopping extravaganza when it opens its doors to the public on October 18, 2003 at the Airport Expo in Dubai.
"The Computer Shopper this year will provide the ultimate shopping experience for all those planning to buy IT products with highly attractive bargains on offer from well known manufacturers," said General Manager Exhibitions, Leasing and Property of DWTC, Abdulla T Qassem.
Among GITEX Computer Shopper’s product profile are PCs, laptops, notebooks, printers, accessories, peripherals, office automation products, telecommunication and security products. The event promises to offer visitors a selection of discounted products.
Computer Shopper has recorded a growth of 120 percent over last year’s edition with significant growth in gaming, digital imaging and telecommunication technology. In 2002, more than 34 million Emirati dirhams ($9.2 million) in recorded retail sales were generated at the event — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)


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Past studies have suggested that caffeine could possibly offer protection from skin cancer. However until now there had not been a clear explanation on how caffeine could protect from skin cancer. Many consumers have bought into the suggestion without any real, concrete proof of any relevant benefits.
Dr. Paul Nghiem, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle, says, “We have found what we believe to be the mechanism by which caffeine is associated with decreased skin cancer”.
Dr. Nghiem’s team investigated the effects of caffeine on human skin cells in a laboratory that had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Dr. Nghiem’s team found that in cells damaged by UV rays, caffeine stopped a protein called ATR-Chk1. This than caused the damaged cells to self-destruct.
Dr. Nghiem said, “ATR is essential to damaged cells that are growing rapidly”, as caffeine explicitly targets damaged cells that can become cancerous. Dr. Nghiem continued on to say “Caffeine more than doubles the number of damaged cells that will die normally after a given dose of UV, this is a biological mechanism that explains what we have been seeing for many years from the oral intake of caffeine”.
Dr. Nghiem said “Caffeine is both a sunscreen and it deletes damaged cells, It may well make sense to put it into a sunscreen preparation.” With all the concerns related to the depletion of the ozone layer and the increased intensity of the sun, caffeine could be a great benefit in the future,.
However Dr. Robin Ashinoff, a dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University’s Langone Medical Center, believes that these findings need to be verified & tested before Caffeine is used as a cure against skin cancer.
Dr. Robin Ashinoff said “This study tells me that caffeine may be a useful ingredient topically to remove ultraviolet-genetically damaged cells from reproducing, this may help prevent the development of skin cancer”. Dr. Robin Ashinoff continued to say “It is interesting that caffeine, which is thought to have a negative connotation, has already been shown to be associated with lower incidences of non-melanoma skin cancers in several epidemiological studies”.
Dr. Albert Lefkovits, a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City also believes that further tests need to be undertaken to confirm whether caffeine does protect against cancer.


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BMW fuel cell vehicle on sale by 2020 – report
BMW will reportedly have a fuel cell vehicle on sale by around 2020.
Sources have told AutoExpress that the Bavarian automaker is planning to have a vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack on the market by 2020.
A senior person within BMW explained to the British magazine that the luxury car company is working behind the scenes on fuel cell technology, but "will pass on the chance" to equip a production vehicle with what he/she describes as first-generation technology.
Instead, the company is aiming to put a car powered by a "second-generation" hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain into production, with a launch targeted for 2020.
Above: The Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle.
Back in 2013, Toyota and BMW began working together on various alternative fuel projects, including fuel cell stacks and hydrogen tank technology. When the Japanese and German automakers made their co-operation agreement official, they estimated that the first fruits of their joint work would surface in 2020.
The two companies are also currently collaborating on battery storage, electric motors, and lightweight car components and vehicle structures, as well as sports car to sit above the Toyota 86 and replace the BMW Z4.
Above: The Toyota Mirai's hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain.
It's not clear whether BMW's fuel cell vehicle will be a dedicated model or a variant of another car. If it does come to fruition, the fuel cell vehicle will likely be a part of the company range of "i" vehicles.


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Social media engagement insights, news, and tips.
Imagine customers calling your company hotline just to say “I love your product!” or copying your customer service agents into an email thread where they’re recommending your products to their best friends. On traditional channels like phone or email, these situations are highly unlikely. But this is exactly what is increasingly happening on social media.
Ever since Facebook launched with its mission of “connecting the world”, it has been the leading platform for people to engage with one another. When “Fan Pages” launched in 2007, Facebook became the platform for brands to engage with their customers. Up till the early 2010s, every brand on social media was investing into organic marketing and hiring social media managers to drive up their engagement rates. Back then, engagement equaled reach, and more reach meant more eyeballs, which meant more awareness and ultimately, more revenue.
Then, in early 2014, things changed almost overnight following an announcement from Facebook in December 2013. Facebook explained that “competition for each News Feed story is increasing” and that “we’re seeing more people sharing more content”. As a result, many Pages would see “a decline in organic reach.” Eyeballs on Facebook were no longer free as long as you had good content. Even the most compelling brands were forced to pay for reach. This led to a massive shift of investment into paid social teams. In many cases, this came at the expense of community management teams.
In January 2018, organic brand engagement took another nosedive, as Facebook made more algorithm changes prioritizing posts from friends and family over posts from Pages. Organic brand engagement continued to dwindle, and for brands, the focus on performance marketing was stronger than ever. Over the last year, the platform has been subject to much public scrutiny from questions around the company’s use of personal data to accusations of the "addictive" nature of the endless scrolling News Feed. We may be now facing a new shift when it comes to how engagement in perceived.
The controversy that hit Facebook, combined with the increasing popularity of image-based apps like Instagram and Snapchat, prompted Facebook to rethink engagement further. This year, Mark Zuckerberg started talking about the importance of moving from “town hall” to “living room” conversations, saying:
There is an opportunity to build a platform that focuses on all of the ways people want to interact privately.
Facebook has been increasingly focusing on these “living room”, intimate, 1-to-1 or 1-to-few interactions. Groups have been given more prominence in the user experience. More and more brands are testing ads that click to Messenger. New metrics have been rolled out designed to help brands “reduce content that is broadly disliked” and “show comments that add the most value”. Facebook is once again placing emphasis on engagement - but this time, not only the quantity but quality of engagement - and marketers are being compelled to do the same too.
Suddenly, things are starting to come full circle. Social media marketing is not just about CPA and ROAS and conversion rates. It’s also about having quality interactions with your customers and demonstrating your brand voice. People want to talk to brands and they want brands to pay attention to the feedback they’re getting. And brands are now starting to pay attention.
For a long time, performance marketing, community management, and customer service operated mostly independent of each other. These three disciplines have started to converge once again, with performance marketers realizing that negative engagement hurts results, community managers realizing that all their investments into organic presence can be hurt by unmonitored ad engagement, and customer service increasingly being tasked with not only keeping up with sheer volumes of inquiries but also moderating damaging and spam comments.
Zuckerberg recently stated: “Facebook’s goal isn’t total time spent, but time well spent with meaningful content you feel good about.”
More than ever, that push has been about demoting and penalizing unsafe, low-quality content. TechCrunch editor Josh Constine summed this shift up well:
While many assume Facebook just juices News Feed to be as addictive in the short-term as possible to keep us glued to the screen and viewing ads, that would actually be ruinous for its long-term business. If users leave the feed feeling exhausted, confused and unfulfilled, they won’t come back.
It seems that Facebook is trading its short-term goals of getting users to spend more time on the platform for longer-term goals of getting them to enjoy the time they are spending there. If that is the case, it certainly makes sense for marketers to reconsider their short term-goals of driving clicks while ignoring customer feedback, and think longer-term about how to sustain and nurture relationships through meaningful engagement with customers.
How are the world’s leading brands managing engagement on social media, what are the various alternatives available, and how do you know which approach to choose? We explore these questions in more detail in our next blog post!
BrandBastion found a 43.10% increase in spam and scams on brands' social accounts from 2019 to 2020, showing just how bi...Read full article
Shifting taste preferences from beer to hard liquor, growing health concerns leading to the rise of low-calorie and alco...Read full article


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What happened now? The developers of the well-known YouTube app Vanced have announced that they are ending work on the project for “legal reasons”. This decision follows a cease and desist letter from Google, which forced the platform to shut down as well as stop further development and distribution. For now, existing Vanced users can continue to use the app as normal, that is, until YouTube releases an update that causes the app to stop working properly.
YouTube Vanced has been around for a few years now, gaining popularity as an alternative to Google’s official YouTube app as soon as the latter started adding bigger, longer ads and sponsored sections to videos. As with web browser extensions, Vanced has even revived the dislike counter on mobile devices, a feature that YouTube removed from the platform last November.
The modified client also gave users free access to YouTube Premium features, including background playback and picture-in-picture mode, and added customization and a dark theme. Ultimately, it should have disappeared from the Google radar it now has.
The Vanced has been discontinued. In the coming days, download links on the site will be removed. We know this is not what you wanted to hear, but this is what we need to do. Thank you all for your support over the years.
— Vanced official (@YTVanced) March 13, 2022
There was also news of the termination published on Reddit, with The Verge making report that the owners of the Vanced project were sent a letter from Google asking them to change the app logo and remove all mentions and links related to YouTube products.
The creators of Vanced note that the current version of the application will continue to work, although an official YouTube update may someday break it. For now, Vanced is expected to function normally for two years, after which it will become obsolete as YouTube and its in-house technologies continue to evolve.


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4,000 sqm cosmetics factory to open in Bchamoun, Lebanon
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Beesline, Lebanese manufacturer of cosmetics, will open a 4,000 sqm factory in the industrial zone of Bchamoun in 2016. The company is owned by the pharmacists Mohamad and Maha Arayssi.
Investment in the factory amounts to $10 million.
The factory will produce soaps, deodorants, lip care, and creams. It is expected to create around 100 job opportunities.
Beesline expects to export around 90% of its production to Gulf and European countries.
Qatar is considered as a very important commercial and investment partner and a potential supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Ukraine, said Yevhen ...
Construction companies in the private sector have implemented projects worth EGP 39.8bn in 2015, an increase of 27.1% compared to the previous year, according to ...
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Sasol, the international integrated chemicals and energy company, announced its support, as ...
Advanced Conferences & Meetings (ACM) proudly launched the Dubai Green Hotel Innovation on Monday, 28 November at Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, UAE. This event ...


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Well, that didn’t last long. In the last quarter, Samsung Electronics bypassed Apple to become the world’s top smartphone vendor, Bloomberg reports. Apple held the top spot for only one quarter after displacing Nokia earlier this year. Samsung shipped 27.8 million smartphones in the last quarter -- or 23.8% of the market -- according to Milton Keynes, U.K.- based Strategy Analytics. Meanwhile, Apple’s 17.1 million shipments represented 14.6% of the market.
What’s Samsung’s secret? “Samsung’s rise has been driven by a blend of elegant hardware designs, popular Android services, memorable sub-brands and extensive global distribution,” Strategy Analytics wrote. Additionally, “Samsung has come out with products that appeal to all the different form factors and specifications out there,” T.Z. Wong, a Beijing-based analyst at researcher IDC, tells Bloomberg. “That is a strategy they have executed very well.” Samsung’s success also bodes well for Google as its Android mobile operating system powers the manufacturers Galaxy smartphones and tablet computers.


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Victoria Beckham showed her latest fashion collection at New York fashion week this afternoon.
How can I watch the show?
Watch the show as it happened via the video below...
What are the main style notes to know from the collection?
Naturally, Beckham stuck to her signature streamlined silhouettes and minimalist look but she peppered plenty of surprising details into the collection too- there were ruffled collars, sugary pastels, a sprinkling of sparkle. Plus, plenty of grown-up ways to wear pink. Sweet.
'You can tell I've got a little girl': Victoria Beckham on her new collection
Victoria Beckham told The Telegraph that the collection was a reaction to her own newfound penchant for wearing brighter hues. “Recently I’ve been wearing much more colour myself" she said. "It’s finding a new take on colour, and that’s why I love these, whether you call them Play-doh, sherbet, ice cream colours - but they’re not too sugary, not too sweet.”
Were David and the children there?
David and Brooklyn Beckham were front row, this time sitting beside British Vogue's new editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful whose first issue will come out in November. Romeo, Cruz and Harper stayed back in London as they are already back at school.
Brooklyn Beckham has recently moved to New York to study photography at Parsons School of Design so he didn't have to travel far to support his mum. He has already been out and about at fashion week, attending the Harper's Bazaar Icons party on Thursday night.
What else has Victoria Beckham been up to lately?
The designer has already had a busy week, flying between London and New York as she juggled overseeing the final touches to her latest show with attending the launch of her latest Estee Lauder make-up collection at Selfridges on Tuesday.
But all that multi-tasking comes naturally to the former Spice Girl who has ticked several big achievements off her to-do list since her last show in February. In April, Victoria collected her OBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace- shunning a hat in favour of a relaxed but elegant look for the big day. Earlier in the spring, she collaborated with affordable American retail behemoth Target on a collection inspired by her Victoria, Victoria Beckham diffusion line which included designs for children (created with a little help from Harper) and which came in plus-sizes.
“Yeah, I’m proud of my past, and this collection is about fun and empowering women and being positive, and the Spice Girls fully embraced girl power," Beckham told The Telegraph of her Target collection and how her time in the Spice Girls inspired many aspects of it. "We were all misfits in our own way, and if you look at those lyrics they’re all about being inclusive, no matter what colour or size you are or where you’re from.”
The Victoria Beckham SS18 show as it happened...


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Apple has finally started making the 44mm Apple Watch watch available in the US.
The company announced this morning that the new device will be available in April, though the watch will be sold only through select Apple Stores in the country.
The new watch is the third in a series of watches that will be offered by the company starting with the Apple Watch 3.
Apple will sell the Watch in 40mm and 45mm versions for $300 and $390, respectively.
The first four watches in the series will be announced in the coming weeks.
Apple will also start offering new accessories for the Watch as well.
The first accessory is the new Apple Watch Sport.
It’s a stainless steel watch band that’s available in silver and stainless steel.
The watch band comes with a stainless buckle that slides onto the strap to attach to the watch.
It also has a buckle that attaches to the top of the watch case.
It’s a limited edition of 25, so you won’t be able to get one.
The Sport band will be $100 when it goes on sale in April.


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Dementia, Care and Nursing Home Expo has announced the launch of a new conference and exhibition for the home care sector.
The Home Care Expo will run alongside the dementia show at the NEC Birmingham on March 17-18, 2020.
Around 3,000 home care agency businesses owners, directors and managers are expected to attend, along with commissioning directors from local councils, NHS trusts and CCGs.
This year’s Dementia, Care and Nursing Home Expo featured a CPD accredited seminar programme dedicated to growing and creating a sustainable home care industry. Next year will see the launch of the Home Care Expo, an industry specific event featuring over 150 exclusively selected exhibitors and 50 CPD accredited seminars that will shape the future of home care.
Commenting on the event, organisers said: “The home care sector is a true embodiment of what hard work and passion from the workforce can achieve, it has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity and has continued to emanate positivity by pushing through tough times.
“However, it is time as a country we commit to helping this industry; it is time we give back. This event promises to address fundamental challenges in the industry and dedicates itself to not only enabling the industry to continue to strive to meet demand, but to thrive. This event will inspire a new era of domiciliary care, with the care of service users and the workforce at the heart of everything we do.”
The Home Care Expo will run as part of MediWeek, the UK’s largest healthcare exhibition.


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Current Affairs - Current Affairs
The Indian Space Research Organisation will launch which of the following earth observation satellites through the PSLV-54 mission in November 2022?
'Chin-Kuki-Mizo Ethnic Communities' are associated with which country?
Which bank has launched India's first sticker-based debit card?
Which bank continues to lead the debit card market for October 2022?
Which company has been named a recipient of the Salesforce Partner Innovation Award in the "Communications" category?
Who among the following has been appointed as the chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education?
Post Harvest Management Center and Rural Collection Center have been inaugurated in which state?
Who has been conferred with Dr. Abdul Kalam Seva Puraskar?
Wildlife Summit has adopted India's proposal for enhanced protection of which Turtle species?
Who has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC)?
When is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed?
Which country has launched the 'Orion spacecraft'?
Anwar Ibrahim has become the Prime Minister of which country?
UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon was held at _____ of Uttar Pradesh.
The European Parliament has designated which country as a state sponsor of terrorism?
Which company has been awarded "Partner of the Year 2022" by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in Cincinnati, USA, for their contribution in transforming their business processes?
Which is the first state to create the role of Director General of Audit?
Which footballer has become the first player to score in 5 World Cups?
Who has been honoured with Economic Times Inspiring Leaders Award 2022 in Delhi?
Operation Turtshield was launched by which country?
India's proposal for the induction of the freshwater turtle 'Batagur kachuga' earned the support of the parties in CoP 19 of CITES. CITES also lauded the result achieved by the country in operations initiated by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau namely Operation Turtshield, to eliminate poaching and illegal trade of freshwater turtles.


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Police are searching for a man who has been trying to con shop owners.
The man has been going into shops in Lewes before taking stock from displays, damaging it and trying to ask for a refund.
He visited Wickle on July 20 and Bunce & Co and InterSport on July 22. He was not successful in getting a refund on any of the occasions.
The man is described as between 40 and 60, 5' 10" to 6' 2" with short grey hair and yellow stained teeth.
PC Claire Underwood said: “We would like to alert independent shop keepers to this scam and ask anyone who has information or who has been a victim to call on 101 quoting serial 938 of 20/7."


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Industry collaborates to bring a million items of PPE to NHS heroes22.04.20
Laing O’Rourke has contributed more than 20,000 items of personal protective equipment in response to an industry-wide campaign to collate a million items of PPE for NHS staff urgently needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign, coordinated by Arcadis was initially tasked by NHS London with finding 250,000 PPE items over four days. Arcadis collaborated with over 40 organisations across industry including Laing O’Rourke, Network Rail, CBRE, Kelly’s, and Mace who all donated substantial volumes of equipment.
Together, the organisations quadrupled NHS London’s request, locating over a million items ready for collection or drop off including 150,000 gowns/coveralls, 650,000 masks and 420,000 gloves. A large amount of the PPE went to North London hospitals.
John O’Connor, Laing O’Rourke’s Group Commercial Director, said:
“We owe an incredible amount to all those working in the NHS to keep us safe. Our project teams across the UK feel humbled that they have been able to support the national effort by sourcing more than 20,000 items of personal protective equipment from the stores on our sites for use by health workers across the country.”
Edel Christie, Managing Director - Buildings, Arcadis said:
“There has been an exceptional response from across the industry which we are proud to be part of. We’re now in the process of identifying potential new industrial supply chains capable of supplying thousands more items of PPE for our NHS heroes.”


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One of the easiest and most affordable family holiday options is a cruise. Cruise vacations are easy to plan compared to land holidays, they’re kid-friendly (with the right cruise line) and the […]
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed details about its 2021 World Cruise from Miami to Barcelona, visiting 56 UNESCO-designated world heritage sites across the globe in 61 ports in 30 countries, including […]
Norwegian Cruise Line is stepping up its Dubai cruise departures in 2019, with plans to do a one-time cruise from Dubai aboard Norwegian Jade as she repositions between Europe and Asia.
Luxury cruise line Seabourn is offering four Dubai cruise departures in 2019, aboard two of its cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.
The German line AIDA Cruises is offering a seven-day roundtrip cruise from Dubai on November 23rd, 2018 aboard its new flagship AIDAprima that will coincide with the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand […]
MSC Cruises new vessel MSC Bellissima, which will be homeporting in the Middle East during next year’s cruise season, will debut a new Alexa-like digital assistant in every cabin that passengers can […]
Horizon is Pullmantur’s smallest cruise ship, at just 46,811-gross tons, and carrying 1,875-passengers, but she has an impressive array of amenities and features designed to make her as dynamic as possible. She […]
The largest ocean liner in the world, Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2, will cruise from Dubai twice in 2019, with one of those being a 55-night roundtrip cruise to the Far East, the longest ever […]
Royal Caribbean International are homeporting Jewel of the Seas in the Middle East for the 2019/2020 cruise season, offering roundtrip Dubai cruises in the Arabian Gulf. This 90,090-ton, 2,100-guest ship offers the […]
The German cruise line Phoenix Reisen will cruise twice from Dubai in 2019 after purchasing Prinsendam from Holland America Line in July.


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Yup, there’s some word on the rumorvine on what the future holds for these two.
Let’s break these down sets of rumors individually boys and girls:
We’ve already seen all the launch items for these at Warhammer Fest back in May. Industry insiders say to note that not only were the miniatures complete, but GW showed off packaging as well. Thet report smart money says to look for a Q3 launch for the game (August-September most probably). There is also a good chance of Titanicus being the “big game” being shown off at GENCON in Indianapolis in august, just as Shadespire got the spotlight last year. It is certainly visually impressive and would make a big publicity splash. BoLS will be on the floor of the event and we you can bet if there is a Titanicus demo to be had, we’ll get it filmed for you all!
Shadepire is getting some new cards and a third game board tile this week. We already have a decent set of warbands but insiders say to look for a refresh of the game in late Q3-early Q4. It’s a but fuzzy if this is a Shadespire 2, a new 2018 starter box, or just a new release wave of warbands. GW is said to be adding a new 4-6 warbands to the blighted city. These names have been bandied about:
- Stormcast Eternals (the new ones)
- Nurgle Mortals
- Kharadron Overlords
- Disciples of Tzeentch
- Aelves (unknown sub-faction)
I really like Shadespire and am happy to see these set of rumors. The game has rock-solid rules, plays lightning fast, and is expanding GW’s game design in a new more casual – mass market direction. It’s a perfectly designed gateway drug into the Age of Sigmar universe for the skirmish-boardgamers out there. I hope to see it grow into a big thing in the years ahead.
~As for Titanicus – just take the paycheck and leave the minis. I’m ready!


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Below is a summary of some of the significant legal and regulatory actions that occurred over the past week. This alert is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all such developments, but rather a selection of publicly-reported news that may be of particular interest.
New York. On June 24th, New York became the first US state to formally adopt a custom-made regulatory approach to bitcoin and virtual currencies following the publication of the BitLicense framework in the New York State Register.
The publication marks the start of a 45-day application period during which time companies and individuals that offer digital currency services to New York residents must apply for a BitLicense. The 45-day grace period will end on the 8th of August.
Obtaining a BitLicense requires paying a non-refundable $5,000 application fee (along with any subsequent fees to be determined by the New York State Department of Financial Services), and disclosing details about the company’s operational plans, as well as its legal and financial history. Once an application is submitted, the applicant is considered to be compliant with the licensing requirement until an eventual determination on their application is made. If an application is eventually denied, that applicant must immediately stop doing business in New York. Alternatively, any entity that fails to apply for a license “shall be deemed to be conducting unlicensed virtual currency business activity” and could face possible of sanctions. Although the scope and severity of these sanctions are uncertain, the NYDFS is expected to update their official website clarifying the details of the 45-day application grace period.
The controversial regulatory framework’s licensing requirements have already led to the exodus of several cryptocurrency service operators: prompting some to terminate their services in New York altogether, while others indicated they would simply deny their services to New York IP addresses.
Connecticut. On June 19, the Connecticut Governor, Dannel P Malloy, approved and signed into law, Substitute House Bill No. 6800, which would require a company seeking a money transmission license from the Connecticut Banking Department to specify that it plans to offer digital currency services. State regulators would then be empowered to assess whether or not to reject that applicant’s request based on the potential risks to consumers. The bill defines virtual currency using many of the same concepts as the Guidance on Virtual Currency released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, including “centralized repository,” “administrator,” “decentralized,” and the concept of creating virtual currency through “computing or manufacturing effort.” The definition of virtual currency specifically carves out those virtual currencies used within “online gaming platforms with no market or application outside such gaming platforms” and those virtual currencies used “exclusively as part of a consumer affinity or rewards program” that “can be applied solely as payment for purchases with the issuer or other designated merchants but cannot be converted into or redeemed for fiat currency.
FTC. The FTC’s Office of Technology Research and Investigation recently published guidelines for consumers making online payments with bitcoin.
Although the guidelines referenced some of the risks commonly associated with bitcoin payments (including price volatility, irreversibility, and a lack of standard legal protections), the post emphasized the importance of purchasing from a reputable seller and understanding the seller’s refund and return policies before completing the transaction.
The post also noted that “the FTC has received hundreds of complaints involving bitcoins and other virtual currencies”, but failed to mention that these hundreds of complaints occurred in the midst of over two and half million other complaints received by the FTC in 2014, according to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Data Book, a national ranking of consumer complaints. Of the hundreds of complaints involving virtual currencies, it is not clear how many actually refer to reports of fraudulent payment via bitcoin (as opposed to other virtual currencies), or to complaints related to delayed delivery of bitcoin mining hardware devices, such as those at the core of the FTC action against Butterfly Labs.
- The UK’s Home Office, the government department responsible for immigration, counter-terrorism, police and drug policy, responded to the Treasury’s recent call for information on digital currencies by proposing that the government consider creating its own, alternative, digital currency in order to limit the anonymity and irreversibility of transactions.
The Home Office’s submission indicated that the best way to maximize the benefits of digital currencies while mitigating the associated downsides might be for “any digital currency for the UK being created and owned by the central government.”
The proposal would limit a digital currency’s potential use for criminal and terrorist purposes through enhanced monitoring and traceability mechanisms. The proposal also suggested that a government-created cryptocurrency be designed with a mechanism to reverse fraudulent transactions. Finally, the proposal called for the licensing of exchanges, whose licenses would be withdrawn if they failed to meet reporting requirements, essentially subjecting the exchanges to the same requirements as other traditional financial institutions.
Overall, the Home Office proposal echoes many of the same themes presented by financial institutions like Master Card (whose report emphasized the risks of digital currencies), Citi (who previously suggested that the Treasury should consider creating its own digital currency), and Accenture (who urged the UK government to consider regulating bitcoin wallets in the way it regulates banks).
For an updated summary of the status of virtual currency regulations across jurisdictions, please see our chart.


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Thank you to all of our event sponsors, supports, vendors, tasting judges and event participants for making this event a great success. Despite the rain, wind, and cold everyone stuck it out and made it happen. The tamales were cooking and the public was cheering and eating. We also would like to congratulate this year Tamale Making Champion, Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales.
Also, thanks to Anne Kallas of the Ventura County Star for writing a great article on the Oxnard Tamale Festival and Oxnard Christmas Parade. You may view it only if you a VC Star subscriber. We will be posting the article soon. Thanks again and Happy Holidays!
The morning rain might have kept a few of the 114 Oxnard Christmas parade entries from participating Saturday, but an organizer said that's probably a good thing.
This year's event is offering a unique variety of tamales including tamales from the Philippines, tamale burgers from Tomas Cafe, grilled oyster from The Jolly Oyster with Alcaraz Catering, bread pudding banana topped with amaretto pasrty cream sauce from Sugarbeets Restaurant & Bar, to Indian from Taj Mahal Taco & Burrito.
It's all taking place Saturday, December 7, 2013 9:00am to 6:30pm in Plaza Park downtown Oxnard.
This is a nice article by Macaroni Kid Newsletter.
Weekly local newsletter of kid-friendly events and activities.
This is page two of the Ventura County Star Article.
Thank you to Alicia Doyle of the Ventura County Star for writing the following article on this year's event.


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Tom Clancy’s The Division may be associated with UbiSoft because they’re publishing the game, and the fact that they also acquired developer Massive, but any PC gamer worth their salt will know that Massive has released a long line of PC games in the past including one of my favourites Ground Control.
Keeping that in mind, if you were at all concerned that The Division would be some two-bit console port, you would be wrong. Massive already commented on the PC port back in August but they’re once again reassuring PC gamers that PC power is being catered for in a new Q&A.
“As you know, Massive has its roots in PC development. We are working hard and we want to make sure that we have a very high quality experience on PC. You can be sure that our PC version won’t be a port, but a full-fledged, optimized version! We want to create the best game possible regardless of what platform you play on.”
Hoorah! Always good to know that when you buy the PC version of a title that’s on multiple platforms you’re going to get the best possible experience. Now let’s hope that UbiSoft actually get the game out on time for the PC and don’t have us hanging around for a few weeks after the console release.
If you missed the Snowdrop Engine video that was recently released you can check that out in our previous post.


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A spate of burglaries in a Buckinghamshire village had already put residents on the alert for any suspicious vehicles. So when the Google Street View car trundled towards Broughton with a 360-degree camera on its roof, villagers sprang into action. Forming a human chain to stop it, they harangued the driver about the “invasion of privacy”, adding that the images that Google planned to put online could be used by burglars, reports Times Online.
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Tag: job losses
TNT Express is set to cut 130 jobs in its UK fashion logistics business, it announced last week.Read More
Polish Post is planning a major restructuring process to start January 1, seeking to simplify the operations and improve efficiency and service quality.Read More
Royal Mail is set to close three mail processing plants in the Midlands region of England, with the loss of 393 jobs.Read More
PostNL has teamed up with the top two recruitment firms in the Netherlands to set up a new company to provide temporary work for laid-off postal workers while seeking new permanent jobs.Read More
The Mail & Express Review (MER) Magazine is our quarterly print publication. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, MER is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.


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PAUSE, a Swedish Home Entertainment Store, selling innovative products with the latest audio/video technology in, has thought of a very crazy way to generate buzz on the internet. Tonight Fredrik Hjelmquist, CEO of the company, will simply turn into a Human Juxebox!
How? He is going to swallow a little wireless receiver/speaker pill. Of course the whole stunt will be livestreamed and there’s a handy countdown timer on the official Human Juxebox website. Website visitors can pick a song and it’ll start playing in the belly of the guy.
Bizarre? Well, but definitely noticeable. Check out the video below:
And a video about the technology behind this pill:
Launched: November, 2010


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It can’t all be for nothing.
FIFA and Star Wars round out last week’s top three.
The Outer Worlds is no slouch, either.
Borderlands 3 and Ghost Recon also maintain places in the top 10.
In addition, Borderlands 3 and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled continue to thrive.
This is the first time a Sonic game has topped the charts since 2008.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has dethroned Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 on the UK sales chart!
They claimed first and second positions, respectively.
But the numbers aren’t great for Far Cry.
But the chart is big enough for the both of them.
Resident Evil 2 Was UK Retail’s Best-Selling Game in January 2019 Despite Being on Shelves for 2 Days
Capcom recently revealed that it shipped 3 million units in its first week.
The best thing for Capcom since RE7.
Soaring past some.
2019 is still getting ready for big releases.
Sony also increased market share as a publisher.
It’s about time, right?
Only the calendar has changed.
Hard copies still have their place.
Like FIFA, GTA V isn’t going anywhere.
Don’t call it a comeback.
Smash Bros. smashes all the competition away.


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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Visy Industries Holdings, the world's largest privately held paper and packaging manufacturer, was fined a record 36 million Australian dollars (US$32 million; euro23 million) Friday for its part in the worst price-fixing deal ever exposed in Australia.
Australia's third-richest man, Richard Pratt, admitted in the Federal Court last month that his company had formed an illegal cartel with rival Amcor to inflate prices in Australia's A$2 billion (US$1.8 billion; euro1.3 billion) a year cardboard packaging market from 2000 until 2004.
Judge Peter Heerey accepted the regulator Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's submission that Visy be fined a A$36 million (US$32 million; euro23 million) for breaking competition laws.
''The penalties ordered today are more than twice the highest penalty previously ordered for cartel conduct,'' Heerey told the court. ''This was the worst cartel to come before the courts in the 30-plus years in which such conduct has been illegal in Australia.''
Former Visy executives Harry Debney and Rod Carroll were fined A$1.5 million (US$1.4 million; euro953,000) and A$500,000 (US$458,000; euro318,000) respectively for their part.
Pratt, 73, who built a A$5 billion (US$3.5 billion; euro3.2 billion) fortune on cardboard, did not attend court.
The judge said Pratt was not personally fined because he was indirectly effected by his company's fine.
Amcor has won immunity from charges because it blew the whistle on the secret deal.