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October 20, 2014 / Week N° 43
October 20th, 2014
An Australian industry head says growers may end up leaving the sector as a result of the fenthion ban.
Revenue for Brazilian papaya exports has so far been 16% higher this year compared to 2013.
A Brazilian professor says farmers using his HLB-detection machine could control the disease ‘within three years’.
Following the U.S., Australia and Chile, Taiwan has set its sights on Colombia as a new fresh litchi export market.
October 17th, 2014
A new U.S. rule proposes to scrap methyl bromide treatment from Chile’s existing kiwifruit export requirements.
A weekly service between Port Manatee and Veracruz in Mexico will ‘enhance delivery of fresher products’.
With a 12-month phaseout, Australia has banned almost all horticultural uses for the chemical fenthion.
Russian authorities believe Ukraine may be re-exporting agricultural products from prohibited countries.
October 16th, 2014
Marketing expert Lisa Cork draws on a recent trip to Thailand to explain the importance of culture in packaging.
A Chilean grower says frosts in southern production regions have destroyed 30-100% of several fruit crops.
A small clinical study has concluded a chemical found in broccoli sprouts could open up new autism research avenues.
A Freshfel rep says the EU must relax its ‘extremely limiting’ marketing rules to boost fresh produce consumption.
October 15th, 2014
Peruvian blueberries have been hitting the Chinese market recently, with Australia just having entered in week 41.
New Zealand’s Plant and Food Research is hoping to double 1,200 Kenyan avocado growers’ returns in a decade.
Subsole’s new marketing plan involves letting customers know exactly how much longer the avocados need to mature.
Two million banana trees are due to be planted in Haiti as part of a plan to strengthen the organic export sector.
October 14th, 2014
Freshfel’s André Feldhof outlines how European trade policy needs to change amid Russia’s produce embargo.
Brazil’s 2014-15 melon export season is already off to a positive start with strong prices as well.
Belgian pear growers are now on an equal footing with their neighbors after a Canadian market opening.
After a troublesome 2013-14 deal, the world’s leading blueberry exporter is looking much stronger this year.
October 13th, 2014
The Australian government is due to continue with its US$23 million Banana Freckle eradication project.
Sales have doubled for the British blackberry sector, which is in revival with sweeter varieties.
Travel and e-commerce put a dint in the Zhejiang Wenhui wholesale fruit market for a key national holiday.
Greater investment from abroad could shift Australian cherry growers away from their domestic market focus.
October 10th, 2014
CSO’s Elisa Macchi says the Italian kiwifruit industry cannot afford to rest on its laurels.
With a Chinese market opening on the cards, good weather has fared very well for Uruguay’s blueberry producers.
Despite reduced Latin American mango production, Kingston Fresh will import more Ecuadorian fruit this season.
Naturipe Farms says its innovative and recyclable packing aligns with organic consumers’ values.
October 9th, 2014
Vietnam has just two strikes left before risking an EU ban on its produce shipments.
Fear and stigmatization over Ebola threaten agricultural activities in West Africa, according to the FAO.
A berry from northern Australia has destroyed cancerous tumours in 75% of clinical tests.
A favorable exchange rate will likely help the Chilean produce industry in the summer season.
October 8th, 2014
The low availability of avocados from several countries helped balance supply and demand in Europe in week 40.
The U.S. looks set to lose its position as the second biggest grape supplier to the Chinese market this season.
The Watercress Alliance in the U.K. is launching an aggressive PR pitch in a bid to raise consumption.
Education programs have been key for helping Ghanaian farmers train up for exporting to Europe once more.
October 7th, 2014
Due to new avocado plantings and a recent focus on certification, Colombia is expecting 600% export growth by 2018.
Peru will offer Cape gooseberry growers a wealth of support to help raise export possibilities.
In a bid to help fight childhood obesity, Sunkist will sell its citrus with packaging from a popular kids’ TV show.
Mushroom company To-Jo has boosted a range of its facilities as new industry marketing concepts help increase sales.
October 6th, 2014
The U.S. plans to bolster specialty crop competitiveness by funding 838 agricultural projects across the country.
A produce shipper says the Moroccan industry’s constant ‘evolution’ is putting it in good stead for the future.
Italian kiwifruit companies are finding it difficult to get the volumes requested by large Chinese importers.
Canadian produce companies are no longer protected by the U.S. payment protection system PACA.
October 3rd, 2014
Westfalia and Subsole are hoping to take the Chilean avocado sector by storm with the Gem™ variety.
Freshmax and Crasborn Bros plan to merge to become New Zealand’s third largest apple exporter.
Citing a lack of transparency, New Zealand kiwifruit industry leaders have criticized a claim against the government.
While production challenges abound, China’s macadamia industry now has as many trees in the ground as Australia.
October 2nd, 2014
A UN working group has called attention to allegations over forced labor at two Thai fruit processors.
Despite some port delays in Argentina last month due to strikes, the blueberry industry says damages weren’t severe.
Viva Tierra Organic has embarked on its second Italian kiwifruit import season.
A new Tasmanian horticultural reform scheme aims to make progress where previous plans fell flat.
October 1st, 2014
The variable condition of Californian Hass avocados contributed to lower U.S. West Coast prices in week 39.
Despite seed availability challenges, kale growers are confident the vegetable’s popularity is here to stay.
South Africa expects to increase its macadamia nut hectarage by around 5% annually over the next five years.
Toshiba says the crops grown in its near-sterile factory in Japan will have extended shelf-life and superior freshness.
September 30th, 2014
APRATUC Guillermo Olivera says blueberry growing conditions have been “benign” compared to last year.
Peru’s mango grower body has emphasized a lower crop will not compromise export quality next season.
The IPPC will establish an expert committee to try and resolve South Africa’s CBS dispute with the EU once and for all.
As if Israeli farmers didn’t have enough pressure from overseas, now the country’s military won’t buy their crops.
September 29th, 2014
Three large table grape growers in South Africa lost some of their crops in last week’s poor weather.
The Brazilian companies trying to buy Chiquita are not impressed with its recent announcement regarding Fyffes.
A South African fruit industry representative believes it is possible the Chinese market will be open for next season.
Polish and Greek fruit exporters discuss the risks and regulations surrounding the gray market to Russia.
September 26th, 2014
Ready Pac’s Jay Ellis discusses the evolution of snacking and the segment’s ‘unlimited’ growth opportunities.
The North American cranberry harvest is underway, with leading cooperative Ocean Spray expanding internationally.
Recent hailstorms have put a €52.5 million dent in eastern Spanish citrus, grape and persimmon farms.
Argentina’s San Miguel aims to position itself as a “global citrus expert” under a new branding scheme.
September 25th, 2014
The Chilean Citrus Committee is upbeat about new export prospects in nearby Brazil.
Turners & Growers looks ahead to the next 100 years with a simplified name and new logo.
If Canadian authorities don’t act fast, exporters could soon be at risk of going bankrupt if they continue trade with the U.S.
Produce multinational Camposol is set to raise blueberry exports by 150% this year.
September 24th, 2014
A large Portuguese pear company says despite the Russian ban’s effects on EU supply, it will not change tack.
An initiative in Chile to use geothermal energy in a greenhouse could increase crop yield by 40% annually.
While Argentina is renowned for its citrus exports, only recently has it been able to send oranges next door to Chile.
Russia has returned tomato and potato consignments to Belarus as no countries of origin were given.
September 23rd, 2014
A Mexico-specific distribution center will be built in Canada as part of plans to bolster the countries’ trade relationship.
Colombian authorities have introduced a phone number for people to report ‘the worst pest in agriculture’.
Tesco has turned back time with its unique introduction of purple carrots originally popularized in 17th century Britain.
Canary Islands tomato exports could grow 60% if a series of new measures are introduced.
September 22nd, 2014
Pakistani exporters are hopeful a Russian deal could open up new avenues now closed to European produce shippers.
European buyers give their take on a recent visit to see Peru’s produce logistics, farms, packhouses and markets.
We take a visit to Peru with a buyer mission organized by SIPPO, which is also looking to find new partners in Colombia.
IFPRI director general Dr. Shenggen Fan says subsidies that distort food markets need to change for healthier outcomes.
September 18th, 2014
Frieda’s Specialty Produce CEO Karen Caplan discusses “Fruits & Veggies – More Matters” month.
With increasing volumes of unique varieties and a new mesh packaging, one Washington producer eases into the season.
Many years’ hard work finally pay off as 4Earth Farms sees phenomenal growth from its various organic programs.
A Scotiabank report claims greater Mexican and U.S. competition has led to lower export values for Peruvian asparagus.
September 17th, 2014
Californian and Mexican avocados outperformed Peruvian fruit on the U.S. West Coast in week 37.
The California Citrus Mutual says state groundwater management plans ‘will create more problems than they solve.’
Tesco has launched another funky apple with colorful flesh, two years after the last one.
Chile saw a 11.4% reduction in fruit exports for the 2013-14 season, largely due to port strikes and frosts.
September 16th, 2014
A few days after suspending aid to farmers affected by Russia’s ban, the EU is set to announce its new measures.
The finalization of Australia’s FTA with Korea may take the pressure off other Asian citrus markets next season.
Dutch revelers have pelted tomatoes at each other in a party to raise awareness about the effects of Russia’s food ban.
Spain’s lemon season will be one of ‘normality and stability’ but there may be heavy Turkish competition in EU markets.
September 15th, 2014
A South African citrus industry representative gives insights from a recent visit to Hong Kong, India and Indonesia.
Maersk says that like avocados and bananas, mangoes also stand to benefit from controlled atmosphere containers.
Although it doesn’t reduce weight, a study shows mango consumption could lower blood sugar levels in obese adults.
Peru’s citrus industry has notched a more sober export result after a blistering start to harvests raised expectations.
© Copyright 2008 - 2010.


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Fed’s Sanguine Inflation View Tested in New Data: Eco Week Ahead
“U.S. consumer prices probably rose in July at the slowest pace in five months, marking a deceleration that stops short of full relief from cost increases weighing on sentiment and driving political debate. The government’s index is seen climbing 0.5%, according to the median projection in a Bloomberg survey of economists ahead of data this week. Stripping out volatile food and energy components, the core measure of prices is forecast to rise 0.4% after a 0.9% advance in June that matched the largest month-over-month gain since 1982.”
German Factories See Economic Recovery Picking Up as Orders Rise
“German factory orders rose in June, bolstering the recovery in Europe’s largest economy as an easing of pandemic restrictions supported business activity across sectors. Demand increased 4.1%, beating the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey. The gain was driven by domestic orders, with investment goods up 14.8%.”
Goldman Slashes China Growth Forecast on Delta Virus Outbreak
“Goldman Sachs Group Inc. downgraded its economic growth forecast for China as measures to contain the fast-expanding Covid-19 resurgence curb spending. The economists cut their projection for quarter-on-quarter growth of gross domestic product in the third quarter and also lowered their full-year GDP growth forecast to 8.3% from 8.6%, according to a report released late Sunday. The prediction assumes the government will bring the outbreak under control in about a month, and follows the downgrade by Nomura Holdings Inc. earlier this month.”
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Company Disclosure -The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however, its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may affect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.

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FlatFrog has been having a good time since we first reported on them from ISE in 2015, when we highlighted the company as one of the most interesting companies at that year’s event, although we first reported on them in 2010. The latest big win is the Samsung Flip display.
The company has been racking up wins for its touch technology, which started as just a system that used ‘frustrated TIR’. However, to make the system more accessible (the TIR system needs special glass, which can be a limit), the company used the algorithms it had developed to do a better job using a more conventional infrared approach. The technology means that the firm can better detect the shape of objects blocking the infrared. That allows support of different sizes of stylus and palms.
At the show, the company was showing how its technology works on panels that have been optically bonded and that reduces the parallax between the stylus and the display and makes pen-based touch much better. (It has long been an understanding in the interactive display business that the reason that the Microsoft Surface Hub was delayed so long was the difficulty in achieving a very small parallax error, which meant that optical bonding was essential).
In developing its touch, it needed a whiteboard app to better demonstrate its touch sensitivity. For example, when you use an erase palm on a line drawn with the Microsoft Whiteboard app, the whole line is erased, rather than just the the part where the hand is. By luck, the company showed the app, developed just for internal use, to Intel, which was looking for an app for its Unite platform and has adopted the software. The app is in the Unite App Store, we heard.


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Photovoltaic solar energy solutions provider First Solar's (FSLR) shares rose 13% to $34.27 Wednesday after the company suggested it may be moving closer to settling a legal case and it upped its outlook for sales and margins.
The legal matter involves a lawsuit in which Suniva, a First Solar rival, has petitioned the International trade commission to hike a tariff on solar panels imported to the U.S, which is what First Solar does.
Axiom analyst Gordon Johnson II told clients in a Wednesday research note that, "Assuming Suniva's petition for a minimum price on US solar module imports is compromised at 56 cents per watt, the valuation on FSLR applied by the market, we believe, could approach $76 a share." Working through the math, Johnson concluded that, "Thus, risk-adjusted, it seems, near-term, FSLR's stock could be headed toward $43/shr (or, 30% upside from where it's trading at pre-market on May 3."
Late Tuesday the firm said that it earned $891 million, or 9 cents a share, compare to an expected loss of $693 million, or 13 cents a share.


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Both Google and Apple have refused to take down a mobile game from their stores, which Ubisoft claims is a rip-off of Rainbow Six Siege.
Over the weekend, Ubisoft filed a lawsuit against both Google and Apple, as it believes that the two companies are selling a knock-off copy of its popular Rainbow Six Siege game.
According to Bloomberg, the supposed copy in question is a mobile title called Area F2, developed by Ejoy.com, a subsidiary of Chinese giant Alibaba.
Described as ‘the first Close-Quarters Battle (AKA CQB) shooting game on mobile,’ players are placed into ‘realistic-looking environments’ and play as one of ‘20+ elite agents, each based on real-life special forces.’
Other promised features include destructible environments, unique gadgets for every character, and drones.
The game is available on both the Google Play and Apple App stores and was released last month.
Reportedly, Area F2 has directly lifted practically everything from Rainbow Si: Siege.
Calling it a ‘carbon copy,’ Ubisoft says, ‘Virtually every aspect of AF2 is copied from R6S, from the operator selection screen to the final scoring screen, and everything in between.’
‘Ubisoft’s competitors are constantly looking for ways to piggyback on R6S’s popularity and to capture the attention, and money, of R6S players.’
Google, Apple, and Alibaba have yet to comment on the lawsuit and accusations.
In the meantime Google and Apple have refused to remove the game from their respective stores, despite Ubisoft notifying them of the alleged copyright infringement.
Rainbow Six Siege is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Area F2 is available on iOS and Android devices.
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.


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Like for so much of the market, it’s been a volatile couple of months for Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:DG) stock. Dollar General stock dropped 20% between late January and early March as the market turned south. But solid earnings last month moved DG stock higher, and the rally has continued over the past few weeks.
I think that rally still has some legs. I pounded the table for DG after earnings, and even with the price about 5% higher, the stock continues to look attractive.
A Wall Street analyst raised a competitive concern this week, which is worth keeping in mind. But even with some level of appropriate caution, the rewards here clearly outweigh the risks.
The Street Weighs in on Dollar General Stock
Two different analyst notes came out on DG stock this week. On Monday, Raymond James expressed caution toward the discounter group. The firm downgraded not only Dollar General stock, but rivals Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:DLTR) and Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE:BIG).
The driver behind the change was pricing at Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT). While Dollar General has invested some of its tax-reform savings in its workforce, Walmart instead has doubled down on its already-aggressive pricing. That could put Dollar General in a tough spot: either lower prices, which hurts margins, or potentially seeing some traffic head to its larger rival.
It’s a fair concern. When both DG and DLTR stumbled in 2016, Walmart was the culprit. With Dollar General itself guiding for “mid-two percent” comps this year, even modest share losses could lead to opex deleverage and pressure earnings.
Of course, the dollar stores have had some success competing against Walmart, one reason WMT stock has largely stalled out as it’s become a mature, same-store sales story. And another analyst sees Dollar General stock a bit differently.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) analyst Matthew Boss upgraded DG to “Overweight” on Tuesday, with a price target of $116. And Boss’s case for Dollar General stock echoes the one I laid out last month. Dollar General has room to improve margins, thanks to sourcing efforts and private-label sales. Dollar General’s customers are benefiting themselves for tax reform.
Most notably, Dollar General has an enormous white-space opportunity. DG, per Boss, could develop as many as 13,000 new stores. As the analyst pointed out, that suggests eight to nine years’ worth of 6%+ square footage growth.
Add to that 2-4% comp growth, and there’s a path for Dollar General stock, with any sort of margin expansion, to grow double-digit earnings annually for the next decade. That growth simply isn’t priced in to Dollar General stock right now.
DG Stock Remains a Long-Term Buy
It’s worth pointing out that even Raymond James, in downgrading DG stock, kept an “Outperform” rating and a $105 price target. Indeed, the average Street analyst sees ~8% upside, to roughly $108.
I think that’s too conservative. At its current price around $100, DG stock trades at just 15x FY19 consensus EPS estimates. Assuming double-digit EPS growth for the next decade, that multiple is far too low.
Assuming DG can fend off Walmart, and that it continues to thrive amid increasing competition from Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and other online retailers, there’s a case for an 18-20x multiple more befitting its growth profile. That in turn suggests a path toward $125-$130.
If Walmart does take share, that fair value likely comes down. But at $100, it’s not as if investors are pricing in the best-case scenario here. And competition, aside, as I argued just this week, there’s downside protection as well. Dollar General should stay strong in a recession; indeed, same-store sales grew sharply during the financial crisis.
There simply aren’t a lot of “set it and forget it” type of stocks left in the market. But Dollar General stock is on that list. As long as it can fend off Walmart — as it’s done for most of its history — there’s a lot of growth ahead. And at 15x earnings, DG stock simply isn’t pricing in that growth yet.
As of this writing, Vince Martin has no positions in any securities mentioned.


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MILAN — Hashtag and widget chatter was paramount at the Decoded Forum Milan, a summit dedicated to the intersection between digital technologies and the fashion industry. The event, held Wednesday, united Italy’s top fashion decision-makers and focused on online content and the future of mobile device purchases, while also bringing to the fore burgeoning startup companies.
E-Pitti, the Florence-based trade-show organizer’s portal, teamed with Decoded Fashion to organize the event, which was held at La Pelota show space in Milan’s Brera District.“Now you have to face the fact that the Web is the first window [to products],” said Costume National chief executive officer Carlo Capasa. “We think now how it will look on the Web.”Since the dawn of the Internet and smartphones, mobile devices like iPhones and tablets have become crucial shopping tools for savvy shoppers, and the fashion industry is a testament to this phenomenon.
At Diesel, products are being developed directly on iPads and 3-D avatars to develop realistic prototypes and increase efficiency. So real, “the garment takes the body’s form and you can see the folds,” Diesel and OTB president Renzo Rosso said.
About one-third of Italians perform research online with their mobile phones and 13 percent of European buyers prefer using phone credit for online purchases on their mobile account, said Marina Salamon, shareholder and chairman of luxury children’s wear company Altana, digital marketing agency Connexia and Italian market research company Doxa.
Nearly one-third of Yoox’s online traffic comes from mobile or smartphones, said Yoox founder and ceo Federico Marchetti. “We hope this will grow,” he said.
Despite Italy’s economic challenges, the country is among the fastest-growing e-commerce regions in Europe, said Sayduck cofounder Matt Drew. Sayduck is an app that allows consumers to visualize and conceptualize in an actual space before purchasing.
Leaders here said there is no doubt that there are future synergies between the fashion and technology industries. It was no coincidence that Apple Inc. this week poached Burberry’s ceo Angela Ahrendts to become its new senior vice president of retail and online stores, they added.
“Technology cannot be disconnected from fashion,” said Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani, a keynote speaker introducing the digital content portion of the forum.
Sozzani noted that in terms of fashion publishing, Web sites, blogs and social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have made the industry more democratic or “much more open to everybody” on a global level.
In an age where bloggers are a growing presence during fashion week and are often sitting in the front row, it is undeniable that they are important, Sozzani explained.
“We have all the tools to communicate with everyone, but we need to add content and quality,” Sozzani said, adding that some bloggers lack added-value background both on their social-media profiles and on their blogs.
Other speakers included Katie Stanton, vice president of international market development at Twitter, Net-a-porter Group mobile manager Sarah Watson and executives from Farfetch.com and Wired Italia.
Lingerie and lifestyle brand Fleur du Mal founder Jennifer Zuccarini and Lucas Carne, cofounder of Privalia, an online private club that organizes exclusive designer sales, were among the start-up leaders asked to speak on the future of retail and e-commerce.
Innovations like the Apple iWatch, the Samsung Galaxy Gear Watch and the wearable computer, Google Glass, may change the retail industry forever, speakers said.
“We might be able one day to measure how excited a customer is while he is browsing your catalogue,” said Carne.
In an effort to bolster young entrepreneurs, Decoded Fashion hosts the Fashion Pitch competition, which was won by London-based Viewsy, an analytics startup that aids retailers in understanding consumer behavior in order to better manage their business.
My character, Dinah Madani, is just the coolest, [most] badass woman imaginable," says @amberroserevah. The actress stars in @marvel's newest series on @netflix, @thepunisher. To prepare for her role, Revah sat down with Homeland agents to get a real sense of with Dinah's day-to-day life is really like. Read our full interview on WWD.com. #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
A scene from the 91st annual @macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, which boasts 50 million TV viewers and 3.5 million on-site spectators, is considered one of the largest and most watched parades in the world. (📷: Jason Szenes/EPA-REX)
The circus came to @bloomingdales 59th Street on Tuesday night and lit up Lexington Avenue with acrobatic dancers, death-defying knife throwing, sword swallowing and aerial acts with no net. The 45 minutes of theatrics built up to unveiling the holiday windows depicting @swarovski crystal-encrusted circus pieces and scenes from “The Greatest Showman” – songs from the soundtrack included. See the rest of the photos on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: Joshua Scott)
The psychedelic fashion that pervaded the ’60s is back with an exhibit at the @museumofcityny. “Mode New York: Fashion Takes a Trip” chronicles the changing styles from 1960 through 1973 and features designers such as @ysl, @oscardelarenta and more. The exhibition, which is on display through April 1, is organized into four periods: First Lady Fasion, Youthquake, New Bohemia and New Nonchalance. Pictured here is model Pat Bardonella during the Garvey Day Parade in 1968. (📷: @kwamebphoto) #wwdeye #wwdfashion
“People should be a lot more honest in expressing both the dark and light of themselves. We need to give each other the space to do that because it’s the only way we can grow and evolve,” says @noelwells of her new film “Mr. Roosevelt,” which is largely based on her own struggles. Unexpectedly leaving @nbcsnl in 2014 after just one season, Wells felt set back in her self-esteem and career trajectory. She quickly refocused her energy to more personal projects, which led to the completion of “Mr. Roosevelt.” Read the rest of WWD’s interview with the “Master of None” actress on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
@barbrastreisand is giving fans a chance to see her perform up close in a new concert series, which makes its debut on @Netflix today. From behind-the-scenes takes to her concert performance in Miami last December, the two-hour streaming special captures Streisand in her element. Pictured here is the singer/actress photographed for WWD in 1963. (📷: Palmieri Tony) #wwdeye #wwdarchive
@chanel and @pharrell dropped what’s being dubbed as the world’s most exclusive sneakers yesterday. The Adidas Originals NMD Hu, which Williams designed in collaboration with Chanel and @adidasoriginals, has a waiting list of over 120K people who pre-registered online at chanelatcolette.fr –– and only 500 pairs are on sale. The singer predicted the resale value of the shoes could reach $40K. Read the full interview on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdfashion (📷: Dominique Maître)
@imanshumpert is diving deeper into his creative endeavors and relaunching his clothing line, Post 90s, and is helping to raise money for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten with a jersey he’s designed with his brother. The Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to WWD about kneeling during the national anthem, working with fashion brands and how he wants to be more than an @nba player. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: George Chinese)


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Parcel delivery company Hermes has appointed Nancy Hobhouse to drive the business’s environmental, social, governance (ESG) agenda. Hobhouse takes up the newly created role of head of ESG, with a brief to develop a strong ESG strategy at the company and spearhead a number of key ESG initiatives. Her remit covers every aspect of the business from product development to operational changes, including alternative fuel usage, industry knowledge sharing and people-centric initiatives. She will also lead the company’s reporting on […]
Hermes has developed a new talent programme called Rise, which is intended to maximise the current performance and future potential of junior managers.
Parcel delivery firm Hermes is continuing its expansion strategy with plans to open a new mega hub in Barnsley with space for almost 600 HGVs.
Stuart Jackson has been appointed as business development director for northern Europe at Bridgestone.


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Why Ford Could Be On Track for a Record Profit in 2015
A jump in sales for the refreshed 2016 Ford Explorer helped second-quarter profits beat expectations. Ford's profits in the second half of 2015 could get a bigger boost as F-150 sales ramp up. Source: Ford Motor Company
Ford had a solid first half of 2015. The Blue Oval generated $4.27 billion in pre-tax profit, up 7.3% from a year ago.
Normally, we'd say that was a fine incremental increase. But that obscures the real story. Ford told us to expect a jump in profit starting in the third quarter, after a subdued first half -- but second-quarter profits were up big. Is Ford's "breakthrough" profit boom shaping up to be even bigger than expected?
A surprise "outstanding" quarter -- with more to come?"The headline is that we had an outstanding second quarter."
That's how CEO Mark Fields opened the company's second-quarter earnings call, after Ford reported earnings that blew away Wall Street's expectations. He went on:
Back in January, Fields and CFO Bob Shanks said repeatedly that 2015 would be a "breakthrough" year for Ford in terms of pre-tax profit. Both reiterated that again during the second-quarter call.
But, they warned at the beginning of the year, the pattern of Ford's quarterly earnings would be different from the usual in 2015.
Ford has used this slide to show how the "calendarization" of its quarterly earnings would differ from its typical pattern in 2015. Source: Ford Motor Company
In a typical year, Ford earns the majority of its profits in the first half of the year. It normally spends more money in the third and fourth quarters as it gears up to launch the next year's new products, and then reaps profits from those new products in the first half of the following year.
In 2015, they warned, things would be different. The massive, ongoing launch of the all-new F-150 would limit truck sales and boost expenses until both of Ford's truck factories were ramped up, while the added expenses (and associated dealer shortages) of launching the all-new Edge and refreshed Explorer would also crimp earnings in the first half. But sales and profits would jump in the second half once Ford's dealers had full inventories of the new products, they said.
Is Ford ahead of schedule, or beating its own expectations?So far, things have turned out mostly as Fields and Shanks led us to expect. Ford's first-quarter pre-tax profit of $1.38 billion was up $24 million from the first quarter of 2014, but it was a big drop from the $2.15 billion Ford earned in the first quarter of 2013, a more typical year for the Blue Oval.
But I say "mostly" because Ford's second quarter result was well ahead of what most analysts (including your humble Fool) expected. Strong pricing on the new F-150 and big initial sales of the new Edge and Explorer gave Ford's North America unit a boost, while an uptick in sales in Europe helped offset a slowdown in China.
Here's what Ford's pre-tax profits looked like in 2013, a fairly typical year, and so far in 2015. If you compare it with Ford's "calendarization" slide above, you'll see that 2013's pattern follows the "historical" example from Ford pretty closely. But 2015 looks to be ramping up a little earlier than expected.
Data source: Ford Motor Company
Since last fall, Ford has been guiding to a pre-tax profit between $8.5 billion-$9.5 billion for the full year in 2015. While the outlook for North America is particularly strong now that the new F-150 is hitting its sales stride, and Europe looks to be improving after several weak years, Shanks has noted that events in Russia, China, or Latin America could end up trimming Ford's bottom line a bit in the second half.
But given the way things shaped up in the second quarter, a full-year result at the high end of Ford's guidance -- or maybe even beyond -- wouldn't be a big surprise. But it would make 2015 one of the most profitable years in Ford's long history.
The article Why Ford Could Be On Track for a Record Profit in 2015 originally appeared on Fool.com.
John Rosevear owns shares of -- and The Motley Fool recommends -- Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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CHICAGO (Reuters) - Deere & Co DE.N on Tuesday announced indefinite layoffs for 163 U.S. manufacturing workers at plants in Illinois and Iowa that make agricultural, forestry and construction equipment, citing decreased customer demand.
The layoffs come weeks after the company said it would reduce production by 20% at its facilities in Illinois and Iowa in the second of half of the year to keep inventory in line with retail demand.
The world’s largest farm equipment maker is reeling from the fallout of the U.S.-China trade war that has slowed purchases from farmers.
Meanwhile, lingering trade tensions have inhibited manufacturing activity and investment in nonresidential construction.
Weaker demand in the latest quarter dented its earnings, forcing Deere to trim its full-year earnings forecast and initiate a review of costs.
In August, the Moline, Illinois-based company said it was assessing its manufacturing footprint as part of the cost structure review.
In an emailed response, Deere said 50 production employees at Harvester Works, which makes large agriculture equipment, in East Moline, Illinois, would be put on indefinite layoff. Separately, 113 workers would be laid off for an indefinite period at its construction and forestry plant in Davenport, Iowa.
Deere’s shares closed on Tuesday down 1.9% at $165.50.
The year-long tariff war between the United States and China has slashed the export earnings of American farmers. China imported $9.1 billion of U.S. farm produce in 2018, down from $19.5 billion in 2017, according to the American Farm Bureau.
U.S. shipments to China of soybeans, the country’s most valuable farm export, sank to a 16-year low last year as Beijing shifted purchases mostly to Brazil, leaving American farmers with a surplus.
Deere has said it expects industry sales of agricultural equipment to be about the same as last year in the United States and Canada, which account for 60% of its overall business. Sales in the region were earlier projected to be flat to up 5% earlier.
(This story has been refiled to add dropped letter in paragraph two.)
Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago; Editing by David Gregorio and Matthew Lewis
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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Emirates, the ‘defending champion’ of the Best Airline Based in the Middle East/ Indian Sub-Continent from the Official Airline Guide (OAG) won the award again this year, staving off competition from other airlines based in the region. Les Higgins, OAG Chief Executive, presented the award to Vic Sheppard, Emirates’ Vice President UK and Ireland, at the glittering 22nd OAG Airline of the Year 2004 awards held last week at The Park Lane Hotel, London.
Maurice Flanagan, Emirates’ Vice Chairman and Group President said: “I’m delighted with this accolade from world travellers polled by OAG. We know we have a great airline and it’s gratifying to see it recognised in this manner. It is also a wonderful reward for our investments in innovative products, services and facilities.”
Since Emirates was launched in 1985 it has received more than 250 international awards from customers recognising the quality of its services.
It now serves 76 cities in 54 countries in Europe, North America (cargo only to 1st June), Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. This year it has launched seven new routes, including Lagos, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; Glasgow, Scotland; Shanghai, China; and Vienna, Austria.
Dubai-New York services start from 1st June, while Christchurch, New Zealand joins the network from 1st July.
Senior figures from the aviation and travel industries attended the event. Votes were polled from a worldwide audience of mostly business travellers who subscribe to OAG print and electronic products. The votes were collected, processed and analysed by an independent research company.


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More Jobs in China's Digital Economy (Photo : Getty Images)
At least 122 million out of the total 415 million jobs, or nearly 30 percent of jobs available in China's digital economy in 2035, will be produced by Alibaba, according to a new report from management advisory firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
An article published by alizila.com cited a recent study, "Year 2035: 400 Million Job Opportunities in the Digital Age," which said that Alibaba economy will generate jobs as it further expands into cloud computing, media and entertainment, and financial technology.
"If Alibaba-generated employment has the same share of China's digital economy in 2035 as in 2015, the platform will create 112 million jobs," BCG said in its report. "If Alibaba's emerging businesses, such as cloud computing and digital entertainment, play a strong future role as well, we can expect another 10 million jobs by 2035-for a total of 122 million jobs."
In 2016 alone, Alibaba's e-commerce platform has generated about 31 million jobs, which includes not only the company staff, BCG said. Most of the jobs created were from new online businesses that used Alibaba's platform and other additional businesses that grew around it, including logistics services.
In addition to Alibaba's focus on consumers, the report also noted specific areas where Alibaba had created jobs. In the rural areas, more than 1,300 Taobao Villages became the centers of e-commerce while about 15,000 "Tao Factories" gave merchants access to small manufacturers. About 1.2 million jobs were created by Alibaba Cloud's IT infrastructure, BCG said.
According to the study, digital economy will make up 48 percent of China's total economy by 2035, which will account for about $16 trillion in spending, compared to only 13 percent and $1.4 trillion in 2015.
Changes in retail, finance and manufacturing industries, which Alibaba had foreseen, will set new trends and drive growth.
The merger of online and offline commerce into a single channel, dubbed by Alibaba as "New Retail," will provide new growth opportunities. This will involve the use of the Internet, technology and data to attract consumers. This new way of doing business would be "the most important opportunity on the horizon," Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang told shareholders last year.
Another change would be the use of "New Finance," which is the integration of the Internet, cloud and data technology to deliver financial services. BCG said that Alipay has expanded its services from being an online payments hub to a platform that provides "routine tasks, social life and services for 450 million users."
"New Manufacturing" is also expected to make the production process more efficient by making use of real-time consumer data to help manufacturers to become more responsive to purchasing trends as well as the flow of products from business to consumer (B2C) and from consumer to business (C2B).
BCG further said that entertainment would also become a growth area in the digital economy. Tao Piao Piao, Alibaba Pictures' ticketing app, is already gathering information from Alibaba's businesses to make movie sales forecast and personalize the apps for moviegoers.


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Amid New York controversies, Stamford’s Charter keeps growing
STAMFORD — A nine-figure expenditure will cap a year of major growth — and ongoing controversy — for the city’s sole Fortune 100 company.
Charter Communications has settled a $174 million lawsuit alleging it misled internet subscribers in New York, an agreement that includes a record eight-figure customer refund. While the Stamford company still faces regulatory and organized-labor pressure, the settlement will likely not lead to a massive loss of customers or derail the ongoing growth of the telecommunications giant.
“Anytime you see nine digits, it’s a big deal,” said Lawrence J. White, a professor of economics at New York University. “Hopefully, this is a shot across the bow to say to Charter, ‘You, guys, can’t defraud the customers.’ They’ll have to do better.”
In a statement, Charter said it was “pleased to have reached a settlement with the (New York) attorney general on the issue of certain Time Warner Cable advertising practices in New York prior to our merger, and to have put this litigation behind us.”
Under pressure in the Empire State
Controversy in New York surrounding Charter’s “Spectrum” brand of services has dogged the company since its $55 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable in 2016.
The lawsuit was filed last year by the state attorney general’s office alleging Charter and predecessor Time Warner Cable denied customers reliable and fast internet service that it had promised.
“This settlement should serve as a wake-up call to any company serving New York consumers: fulfill your promises, or pay the price,” New York state Attorney General Barbara Underwood said in a statement. “It also sets a new standard for how internet providers should fairly market their services.”
The settlement includes direct restitution of $62.5 million for more than 700,000 active subscribers, who will each receive between $75 and $150. It represents the largest such payment by an American ISP, according to Underwood’s office.
In addition, the agreement also stipulates that Charter enact several reforms, including the requirement to describe internet speeds as “wired” and prove them through regular testing.
Other New York public agencies have also accused the company of failing to deliver on promises to customers and comply with state regulations. In July, the state’s Public Service Commission announced it would revoke its approval of the merger and fined Charter another $1 million.
The commission has accused Charter of consistently failing to meet deadlines, trying to avoid commitments to rural communities, carrying out unsafe field practices and making misleading statements about its performance and compliance requirements.
Charter has disputed those allegations. The settlement does not affect the company’s negotiations with the commission, according to a Charter spokesman.
At the same time, the company is grappling with a strike of several hundred New York-based technicians that started in March 2017.
Despite the clashes with regulators and union officials, the firm does not appear to want to give up its New York business.
“Charter has made, and continues to make, substantial investments enhancing internet service across the state of New York since our 2016 merger,” Charter said in its statement. “We look forward to continue providing the best TV, internet, voice and mobile products to our customers, and to bringing broadband to more homes and businesses across the state.”
The settlement is not a devastating financial hit for Charter.
It equates to less than 1 percent of the company’s approximately $27 billion in 2017 expenditures.
“As the settlement announcement makes clear, $174 million is a lot of money,” said David Souder, associate dean of graduate programs in the University of Connecticut’s business school. “However, it should not have any negative impact on Charter’s long-term growth plans. If anything, reaching a settlement allows management to put a past issue behind them and refocus on future growth.”
At the same time, more than $100 million worth of discounts included in the settlement could help stave off large-scale customer defections.
In addition to the refunds, Charter will provide a range of free streaming and video services to its approximately 2.2 million active internet subscribers in New York. Customers who have internet and cable packages would receive three free months of HBO or six free months of Showtime.
“Charter is being asked to give away services, but customers may decide it’s worthwhile to then stay and pay when those services are no longer,” White said. “The penalty for the company is then somewhat diminished.”
Meanwhile, Charter continues to grow across its 41-state footprint.
Charter now serves about 26 million residences and 1.8 million small- and medium-sized businesses. In the third quarter, its total customer base grew 3 percent from a year ago.
While growth has declined for its voice and video businesses, internet services continue to attract more customers. The latter business increased about 5 percent, to 23 million customers in the past quarter.
Through Wi-Fi access, Charter already serves more than 200 million wireless devices in U.S. homes and offices, according to company data.
Aiming to build that customer base, Charter rolled out this year its Spectrum Mobile service. It aims to deliver wireless service similar to the coverage offered by the dominant wireless carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint.
“More people are interested in looking at their cellphones, and fewer are interested in subscribing to cable TV,” Ramesh Subramanian, a professor of information systems at Quinnipiac University, said in a recent interview. “With unlimited data, whatever content customers need and want is available through cellphones. And if they can get all their internet, voice and wireless services in one bill, then that makes their lives very easy.”
A “mobile virtual network operator” agreement with Verizon allows Charter to buy access to the latter’s cellular network at wholesale pricing and resell that service to customers. As Charter continues to add hotspots and as its wireless technology advances, its dependence on the Verizon network would decrease.
In addition to the partnership with Verizon, Charter has formed other mobile-focused alliances. In April, it joined with Comcast, the country’s largest cable company, to create an operating platform to support Spectrum Mobile and Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile platform.
“They have their own territories, so they don’t compete directly,” Souder said. “In this case, they can come together and do things to work out the technology and apply it in different locations.”
email@example.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott


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On June 11th, 2019, The ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement took effect, bringing Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar and Singapore into Hong Kong’s new international free trade deal, with Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines set to follow afterwards. The AHKFTA was originally signed in 2017, and this year should see the agreement benefit Hong Kong businesses as the region pivots towards new markets and trade platforms. ASEAN is a much-needed alternative to the USA and European Union for Hong Kong companies due to the pressures of the trade war, which have become increasingly severe and unpredictable. Hong Kong’s exports fell 2.5% in the first four months of 2019, largely due to the drop in re-exports of Mainland China origin goods to the USA.
These new trade links, which open 10 new markets for exports, investments, services, technology co-operation and legal arbitration, come at a much-needed time, as the world economy goes through a significant transition that hits close to home for Hong Kong. In 2018, ASEAN was Hong Kong’s largest trading partner overall, second only to Mainland China. Hong Kong is now even better positioned to continue serving in its signature capacity as a re-export window between China and the rest of the world, in this case the rapidly growing Southeast Asian economies.
So far, 85% of duties in Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines will be removed over the next 10 years, while Cambodia and Laos will remove 65% of their customs duties in the next 15 years. Vietnam and Indonesia will no longer charge duties on 75% of imports in the next ten years, with more reductions to follow. Hong Kong companies will also be allowed to take 50% or 100% ownership of enterprises in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Beyond the benefits of reduced ASEAN tariffs and duties in China-ASEAN trade, the AHKFTA also opens new possibilities for Hong Kong businesses seeking to provide goods and services in emerging consumer markets like Vietnam.
Vietnam in particular presents opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises seeking to launch retail packaged products and e-commerce services, with the latter having grown by over 25% in 2017. Market research suggests that Vietnamese consumers respond well to a variety of products from Hong Kong, noting a preference for overseas branding that Hong Kong enterprises can cater to at a competitive price point.
While Hong Kong investment in Vietnam is increasingly common, other ASEAN countries are likely to follow in its footsteps in the next decade as youthful populations develop purchasing power and manufacturing infrastructure helps develop skilled labor and drives real estate values. In light of the growing market potential, as well as the thriving China-ASEAN re-export industry, the Hong Kong government has launched its Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales Enterprise support program for Small and Medium Enterprises seeking to enter ASEAN and mainland China markets.
The Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales – Enterprise Support Programme, also known as BUD Fund, provides successful applicants with up to HK$1 million in funding for ASEAN and mainland China projects. The program will help expand the Hong Kong economy over the next decade by supporting Hong Kong companies as they pursue new business opportunities in the ASEAN region. The application deadline is on September 30th, 2019, and the program is open to any private company registered in Hong Kong. Before applying, Hong Kong companies should evaluate the conditions on the ground in the individual country and city where they plan to set up, including infrastructure and labor costs, and local considerations such as language, culture, tax regime and the extent to which legal and commercial institutions are developed. Every country and city is unique in its benefits and challenges, incentives and risks. The Hong Kong government also plans to increase funding to HK$3 million per enterprise in the future, with HK $1 million to the Mainland program and $2 million to the ASEAN program. Depending on the scope of the enterprise and timing of the application, these programs could potentially help leverage the development of the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN at the same time, creating the most fertile ground for growth in decades.
So far there have been 177 applications to the ASEAN program, which have comprised 24% of all applications to date. The HK S.A.R government’s 2019-2020 budget allocated HK$1 billion to the fund for Hong Kong investments in addition to last year’s HK$1.5 billion.
As countries all over the world face an uncertain new beginning, Hong Kong investment opportunities still abound. Setting up a company in Hong Kong still positions you to ride the waves of China’s international trade, with the growing Southeast Asian re-export industry set to continue routing through Hong Kong thanks to the AHKFTA granting ASEAN countries duty free access to the mainland China market, with various reciprocal benefits for Hong Kong exports. The government’s extensive investment in Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises meanwhile creates some of the most intriguing possibilities ever seen for Hong Kong company setups.
When embarking on new business journey, it is always prudent to take a holistic approach to business plans. Our business advisory services have helped create international success stories in Hong Kong and China over the past 50 years by providing world class services with personalized attention to detail for every client’s circumstances. Whether you want to set up in Hong Kong or explore new possibilities for expansion, our team of experts in tax, corporate structuring, business advisory and commercial law can help you find the most exciting new opportunities this year. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any enquiries you may have regarding business setup, tax preparation and company registration in Hong Kong, China and beyond. At Fung, Yu & Co., we are proud to be your window to a brighter future.
10/F., Guangdong Investment Tower,
148 Connaught Road Central,
Tel: +852 2541-6632
Fax: +852 2541-9339
Suite 1206, Jing’an China Tower,
1701 Beijing Road West,
Jing’an District, Shanghai, PRC
Tel: +86 21 6289 8813
Fax: +86 21 6289 8816
Flat D, 11/F, Yueyun Building,
3 Zhongshan 2nd Road,
Tel: +86 20 8762 0508
Fax: +86 20 3762 1108
Suite1715, Building B,
Vantone Financial Center,
No.2 Fuwai Street, Xicheng District,
Beijing, PRC 100020
Tel: +86 10 6591 8087
Fax: +86 10 8599 9882
20 Rue Cambon
75001 Paris, France
Tel: (+33) 1 44 50 40 55


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Last year Square Enix announced Final Fantasy Agito, which was only released in Japan before a Western release was announced during E3 2014. Since then nothing has been announced as to when the game would be arriving in the West. We now know why the radio silence was happening, because Square Enix is cancelling Final Fantasy Agito. Have no fear though, it will be ‘reborn’ as something else instead.
Day: 17 September 2015
Sega today announced that they will be publishing a new game onto Android soon called Puzzle & Glory. This particular game was developed by Demiurge, the same folks who developed D3’s popular Marvel Puzzle Quest game. As you might be guessing, this will be a new Puzzle-RPG title.
Noodlecake Studios have released their newest game onto Android today called Astro Party. This is a retro-style space themed arcade shooter with a slightly different twist to it, and that is up to four players can play at the same time, on the same device. So it is literally a party game.
Nvidia likes to release a bunch of titles within a small period of time for their Shield line of Android devices, and the past couple of weeks are not exception to this either. Chariot arrived yesterday, a couple of new games like Hotline Miami 2 arrive today, and a few have landed in the past week or so.
EA’s next installment into their Need for Speed franchise has gone live on Google Play for pre-registration. For those of you not familiar with this game, Need for Speed: No Limits has been in development for some time now, originally being announced last year, then finding controversy over the fuel system, and finally going into soft launch in select regions in February 2015.
Activision has released a new game onto Android today called Downton Abbey: Mysteries of the Manor which is a hidden objects type of game, something a bit different than what you would expect from Activision. This is the first game, of possibly many, that is based off of the Downton Abbey series.
There isn’t a lot of good Zen-style games out there on mobile, but it looks like we will finally be able to get one more to play soon called Koi. Since its development, Koi has won a few awards including the Best Upcoming Game this year at 2015 San Francisco GDC IMGA.
The rush to see who can capture the mobile game streaming market is heating up even more. Currently Mobcrush is still only available on iOS, the company is still working on a beta for Android. This leaves Twitch and YouTube Gaming as the front runners to capture the Android market share for mobile game streaming. DeNA does have their app as well, called Mirrativ, but as it stands that application still needs a bunch of features.
Almost a week ago exactly, Amazon’s rumored new 4K Fire TV went through FCC filing, letting us take an early look at the company’s next set-top box. Today Amazon has officially announced their new 4K Fire TV unit, with two different packages being available at the beginning of October. One of those packages is being called Fire TV Gaming Edition.
If you’re over the legal drinking age in your region and happen to visit pubs/bar on occasion, then there is probably a good chance you’ve seen a Golden Tee arcade game sitting there calling your name. Golden Tee is an incredibly popular Golf game that also has networking and online tournaments (for cash prizes too), so you can compete against other folks who happen to be playing while drinking at their favorite pub. Well now the game is expanding its reach even more with an official mobile version called Golden Tee Mobile.


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Hot money a pressing issue for ChinaPUBLISHED: 27 Feb 2014 00:05:37 | UPDATED: 28 Feb 2014 04:26:34PUBLISHED: 27 Feb 2014 PRINT EDITION: 27 Feb 2014
Tao Wang, UBS head of China economic research, has warned commodity markets could be disrupted as a growing number of Chinese trust products default this year, and there have already been defaults.
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Malware Reaches a New High (Or Low)
A recent report has suggested that there may be as many as five times more variants of malware on the Internet in 2007 (and into 2008) than there was in 2006. Extremely worrying I’ve no doubt that you agree. Panda Software is reporting more than 3,000 unique i.d. negative impact software per day.
Another company, AV Test is reporting that there were 5.49 million samples of malicious software in 2007, which is way more than the figure for 2006. Of course, there’ll be some duplication in that figure just from how the virus is transmitted alone, but by all accounts that’s some serious virusing that’s out there.
Of course, most of the malicious software out there is created to damage or alter the Microsoft Windows platform – so you true geeks out there on Linux and Mac OS are probably going to be safe – at least for now. However, as viruses get ever more complicated, you’ll get targeted too no doubt.
Naturally, anti-virus software is getting cleverer over time, but the problem is that new viruses require reporting and unless they are found by the AV (anti-virus) company first then there’s a good chance someone’s PC is infected and thus helping to spread the virus.
As an Internet-savvy user it’s easy to point the finger at the inexperienced browser who opens all spam, goes on malware filled sites and generally does all they can (inadvertently) to have their PC infected. As such, us geeks need to help educate where we can and teach people the wonders of Ad-Aware and AVG amongst other things!


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Press release -
Discovery Vitality launches state-of-the-art HealthyFood Studio
Discovery launches state-of-the-art HealthyFood Studio
4 May 2016, Johannesburg
We live in a world where the discourse of nutrition has become so complex and even controversial, that making a nutritious meal for dinner can leave one confused and overwhelmed.
It is becoming increasingly uncommon to prepare meals from scratch using raw ingredients, while at the same time sales of convenient and fast foods are skyrocketing. In South Africa, there has been an increase in sales of packaged foods in almost every category, with that of ready-made meals, snack bars and instant noodles rising by over 40% between 2005 and 2010.
With 3 out of 10 men and 6 out of 10 women in South Africa reportedly overweight or obese, our population is in dire need for a nutrition overhaul.
Welcome to the HealthyFood Studio
Discovery Vitality understands that maintaining health and wellness requires a lifelong commitment to healthy lifestyle behaviours, including sustainable and enjoyable eating habits, cooking skills and daily physical activity.
The newly launched HealthyFood Studio is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art culinary studio based at the Discovery campus on West Street in Sandton. Any interested party can sign up for cooking classes, where various aspects of healthy cooking and eating are taught and demonstrated by a Prue Leith professional, using fresh ingredients from Woolworths. The HealthyFood Studio serves as an opportunity for South Africans to gain hands-on cooking experience and the confidence to try learned recipes at home and pass them on to others.
“The HealthyFood Studio aims to share and reinforce healthy eating habits, like ensuring there is variety in your diet; limiting your intake of refined starches, added sugar, processed foods and certain fats; making sure you’re getting a moderate amount of protein; and eating more whole plant foods,” says Shrey Viranna, CEO of Discovery Vitality.
Discovery Vitality and Woolworths, through the HealthyFood Studio, are adopting a strategy which embraces the balance between delicious and healthy foods. The goal is to empower people with the skills needed to transform whole, unprocessed ingredients into delicious and nutritious meals, every day.
With the help of the culinary excellence of Prue Leith Chefs Academy, the HealthyFood Studio recipes are focused on creating healthy meals that are exquisite taste experiences where both nutrition and flavour remain a priority.
“At the HealthyFood Studio we want our dishes to be helpful to the busy cook; not too time-consuming, but easy to do and fun,” says Prue Leith, internationally renowned chef and author. “Cooking shouldn’t be intimidating, and believe me, that with a desire to cook well everyone can do it!”
A 2011 Canadian study showed that a higher degree of involvement in food-related activity, such as preparing meals at home using unprocessed ingredients, may be instrumental in the development and maintenance of healthy eating behaviours in children. The study also showed that, “teaching children how to prepare simple, cost-effective and healthful meals could help in the development of a life skill that could be maintained through adulthood.”
The HealthyFood Studio aims to address the potential barriers to eating healthily at home, including a lack of skills or experience with cooking nutritious ingredients and the time constraints we are challenged with in our busy lives.
“Our decision to partner with Discovery on this project is part of a commitment from Woolworths to help educate and provide our customers with the tools needed to make better and more sustainable food choices. With great facilities at the HealthyFood Studio, and the best ingredients at your disposal, it makes it that much easier to learn how to create quick and easy meals for the whole family, everyday,” says Glenda Philp, Woolworths Head of Food Brand Communications.
Note to editors:
The HealthyFood Studio is situated at 155 West Street, Sandton. On 3 May 2016, the doors will be open to come and experience the culinary brainchild of Discovery Vitality, in association with Prue Leith Chefs Academy and Woolworths. To book a class email HFSbookings@discovery.co.za or call 0860 372 029.
For media related queries:
011 529 2204
About Discovery Limited
Discovery Limited is a South African-founded financial services organisation that operates in the healthcare, life assurance, short-term insurance, savings and investment products and wellness markets. Founded in 1992, Discovery was guided by a clear core purpose – to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. Underpinning this core purpose is the belief that through innovation, Discovery can be a powerful market disruptor.
The company, with headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, has expanded its operations globally and currently serves over 4.4 million clients across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Singapore and Australia. Discovery recently announced an intent to partner with Generali, a leading insurer in Europe, and has partnered John Hancock in the US. These new partnerships will bring Discovery’s shared-value business model to protection industries in Europe and the US.
Vitality, Discovery’s wellness programme, is the world’s largest scientific, incentive-based wellness solution for individuals and corporates. The global Vitality membership base now exceeds three million lives in five markets.
Discovery is an authorised financial services provider and trades under the code “DSY” on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange.
Follow us on Twitter @Discovery_SA


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Last night, Microsoft unveiled Update Rollup 1 for Microsoft
Windows XP, an integrated set of the critical security fixes and other
software updates that the company has released since XP Service Pack 1
(SP1). Microsoft also released the first set of security fixes--to be
released each month--for various Windows versions.
The rollup is a result of Microsoft's recent decision to switch to
more predictable product updates. Update Rollup 1 for XP is a
response, of sorts, to customer complaints that arose after Microsoft
quietly noted (on a Web page) XP SP2's delay from late 2003 to early
2004; customers had asked the company for an easier to way to install
the cavalcade of security patches that Microsoft had released since
last year's XP SP1 release.
"Microsoft has released Update Rollup 1 for Microsoft Windows XP,"
the company noted in a security posting this week. "An update rollup
is a cumulative set of hotfixes, security patches, critical updates,
and updates that are packaged together for easy deployment." The
package includes 22 previously released fixes; installing one update
rollup has the same result as installing the individual updates.
Update Rollup 1 for XP is available from Windows Update and by
direct download from the Microsoft Web site. Two download packages are
available: a full installer that weighs in at 9.2MB and an express
installation version that dribbles in only the fixes that your
particular system needs, saving bandwidth and time. More information
and the free downloads are available from the Microsoft Web site (see
the first URL below).
Microsoft also released its first planned set of security fixes
yesterday. The set consists of five critical security fixes--four for
Windows and one for Microsoft Exchange Server--and two noncritical
fixes. For more information and the patch downloads, visit Microsoft's
Security Web site (see the second URL below).
In related news, on Tuesday, a Microsoft executive reportedly told
Citrix iForum 2003 attendees that the company is fast-tracking XP SP2
for a December release, months earlier than the company had previously
promised. According to my sources, however, that news is incorrect.
I'll try to get a definitive answer to this question today.


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News : iiNet Call Centre Down, Customers Not Happy
Perth, West Australia, Australia, Dec 2, 2016 -- Customers trying to reach internet provider iiNet’s customer support line are being met with a dead tone, with the company revealing its own phone lines have been down for almost three hours this morning.
In the latest customer service problem to hit the former Perth company, iiNet released a network status update revealing customers are unable to call iiNet call centres with its engineers currently "investigating".
Sponsor message - content continues below this message
Employee Engagement Awards NOW OPEN!
Enter your center,and compete for this prestigious award to attract new staff and show investors and customers you are #1 in your nation!!
Content continues ….
It was met with frustrated responses online, with one user telling the company that her internet had been down for two days but was met with an automated message when trying to call the call centre for help.
The company, which was taken over by Sydney-based TPG last year, has been hit with a huge increase in customer complaints since the takeover.
Figures from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman revealed the number of complaints about iiNet’s internet business rocketed 48 per cent from 3844 in 2014-15 (when iiNet was an independent company) to 5698 under TPG’s reign.
Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Today's Tip of the Day - Promoting Your Brand
More Editorial From iiNet
iiNet is Australia's second largest DSL Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. We employ over 2000 inquisitive staff across four countries and support over 1.7 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.
Published: Monday, December 5, 2016
NICE (NASDAQ: NICE), is a worldwide provider of intent-based solutions that capture and analyze interactions and transactions, realize intent, and extract and leverage insights to deliver impact in re...
Genex, part of the IPE Group UK, is an outsourcing provider of customer experience management and trusted by world’s leading brands. We achieve results through transforming our clients' businesses and...
Aspect Software contact center and workforce optimization solutions engage consumers, empower agents, improve quality, and lower the cost of delivering remarkable experiences. Our cloud, private cloud...
|Amazon Web Services|
Amazon Web Services is a collection of remote computing services that together make up a cloud computing platform, offered over the Internet by Amazon.com. The most central and well-known of these ser...


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Wembley computer repair shop fined for selling ‘unsafe’ phone charger plugs
- Credit: Archant
A computer repair shop in Wembley has been fined for selling faulty USB phone charger plugs.
Brent Council sent in officers to Technospike in Wembley Park Drive following complaints from customers to crack down on the sale of faulty and counterfeit electronics.
When the £2 USB plugs were tested, they were found to be too unsafe to use and were seized from the shop.
A quarter of all plugs sold at the shop were returned by dissatisfied customers, but the shop still continued to sell the items.
The shop and senior technician, Tamim Fahim, 28, were fined a total of £2,960 by Willesden Magistrates’ Court this week for selling unsafe plugs and a small range of counterfeit goods.
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Cllr James Denselow, Brent’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “This is another great result. I hope this case acts as a deterrent to others out there who may be thinking of selling fake or unsafe goods.
“This shop thought it could get away with ripping people off and risking their safety selling shoddy sub-standard electrical equipment - they were wrong to the tune of just under £3,000.
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“The message to anyone else in that game is clear: rip off the people of Brent or risk their safety and we’ll have you in court and make you pay.”
David Thrale, head of regulatory services, which tested the plugs, added: “Businesses that undercut competitors buy selling unsafe or fake goods undermine the vast majority of traders that trade fairly and responsibly.
“Brent regulatory services will continue to protect responsible local businesses from unfair and irresponsible competitors.”
But Fahim, who pleaded guilty and was personally fined £595, told the Times that the sentence was “unreasonable” because he did not know the plugs were faulty and did not have the equipment to test them himself.
He said he bought them from another shop which was closing down, and that the purchase was due to his “inexperience”. Technospike opened in 2014.
Calling the fine “harsh”, Fahim, of The Circle, Neasden, said: “Every shop has a high return of certain items. We had just started selling them and we just thought a certain delivery had problems. We were going to investigate it ourselves.”
He added: “We’re not a big company, we are just a small start-up shop, and they have fined us like we are a million-pound company.
“I know the law is the law but we are a start-up that needs help and guidance. But instead they have slapped us with a fine that we are finding difficult to pay.”
Fahim and Technospike were fined £595 each, and hit with costs of £825. They were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60.


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LETTER: Europe should be focus of U.S. trade
On his recent trip to Asia, President Trump pursued his goal to protect U.S. workers and companies by demanding trade relations based on fairness and reciprocity. Reaching that goal soon in Asia will be difficult: having withdrawn from the 12-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, the administration faces a patchwork approach potentially involving protracted negotiations with multiple small states.
If the administration wants a “win” on trade that supports U.S. workers and companies, the better way forward is to look eastward, toward Europe.
Europe remains our strongest economic partner: the U.S.-European Union economic relationship accounts for one-third of world GDP and employs up to 15 million workers on both sides of the Atlantic. New Jersey’s economic relationship with Europe is strong. In 2015, New Jersey exported almost $9 billion to Europe, roughly six times more than it exported to China. New Jersey ranks fifth among U.S. states in terms of jobs directly supported by European investment (roughly 174,000 in 2014).
Trump has put on hold trade negotiations with the 28-member European Union, due to skepticism about big trade deals with multiple states. However, the administration must negotiate with the EU as a single market. New Jersey benefits from free trade deals: the U.S. International Trade Administration estimated that between 2005 and 2014, New Jersey exports to 20 countries with free trade agreements with the U.S. increased by 74 percent.
We should urge our leaders in Washington to act now to strike a deal with Europe. It’s good for New Jersey.
Scott Brandon Holmdel


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Information about Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has been coming out in dribs and drabs over the past year, and we’re still a long way from its May 2016 release. But the first trailer for the Zack Snyder–directed movie leaked on Thursday, via what seems to be a fan’s handheld recording of a version with Portuguese subtitles. We can’t recommend watching this version instead of seeing it on the big screen, but it’s still online for now via CNET.
Update, 8 p.m.: The official version is now online. You can watch it below.
To say the movie looks dark would be an understatement, and the trailer seems to go out of its way to make no one look like a hero. Superman looms in cloudy skies, while Batman—fully equipped in a high-tech armored suit that recalls Frank Miller’s graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns—threatens him with language that sounds more Bane-like than anything else. “Tell me, do you bleed?” he asks. “You will.” If all goes according to plan, the trailer will have its official debut in select theaters on April 20.


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The head of the White House National Economic Council said that the deal to sell the network has not been fully agreed upon.
The Chinese company ByteDance, which owns the TikTok service, has asked a US court to temporarily block the ban on downloading the application. This was announced on Wednesday, September 23rd, by Bloomberg.
It is noted that the company has filed a petition to hold court hearings in the case of the American segment before the corresponding ban comes into force.
Recall that the ban on downloading TikTok, which was supposed to come into force on September 20, will take effect on September 27. It was postponed for a week as US President Donald Trump approved the acquisition of the US segment of TikTok by Oracle and Walmart.
However, according to media reports in the United States, the head of the National Economic Council of the White House, Lawrence Kudlow, said that the deal with Oracle and Walmart was not fully agreed upon, its parameters were changing.
Thus, if the mentioned deal is not concluded by November 12, the authorities of the country will begin to restrict the work of TikTok.


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SimCity hasn’t had the best launch considering both its PC and Mac versions suffered from numerous bugs shortly after they were released. If you’re a SimCity player who has been able to bear all of the issues the game has had, then you’ll be happy to hear EA and Maxis are expected to launch the game’s first expansion pack, called “Cities of Tomorrow.”
SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow is expected to be made available on November 12 as it takes players 50 years in the future, allowing players to implement new technologies into their cities such as MagLev trains, vision reactors and even tidal wave generators. The expansion will also make it possible to build “multi-zone MegaTowers that extend high into the sky” by improving on the game’s small lot size issues.
Those looking to take part in SimCity’s upcoming Cities of Tomorrow expansion pack better start saving now as it’ll be available for $30. Considering how many issues the game has had in the past, we would have thought both EA and Maxis would have kept the price of SimCity’s first expansion pack low, but we guess we were wrong to think that.


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Business boom continues near Bass Pro Shops in Harlingen
Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:44:02 GMT —
A year ago Harlingen celebrating the opening of the Bass Pro Shops at the Cameron Crossing Shopping Center.
On Monday afternoon, it was the grand opening of the LongHorn Steakhouse.
But city officials say there will be much more to celebrate by this time next year.
Land is being cleared next to the steakhouse and construction has already started for several projects.
Harlingen Pct. 5 City Commissioner Joey Trevio said a hotel, retail stores and restaurants are all among the projects being discussed.
"The community has been waiting for something like this for a long time," Trevio said. "We've changed the atomosphere, the environment of doing business in Harlingen the last three and a half years. We're open for business."
An AT&T store is being built next to the LongHorn Steakhouse while land is being cleared and sewage lines are being installed on a large strip of land on the other side of the restaurant.
Trevio said a large-scale retail store is being built on a piece of land just north of the Bass Pro Shops.
The new projects should all be open for business by December 2013.


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During the day today, the well-known software house, nDreams, has officially announced the Christmas update for its Danger Goat . The English company founded by the former creative director of Eidos , Patrick O’Luanaigh, has in fact presented the update of its VR title, developed exclusively for Google Daydream which will be inspired by the holiday season, publishing two new photos and a video that you will find as always posted conveniently for you at the bottom of the article.If you do not know specifically the cute Danger Goat , you should know that the title will lead us to relive the story of a mysterious goat who survived the macabre and dark tunnels of theArea 51. The goat locked up and then escaped from the maximum security area is not a simple animal, given that it is an alien who does not want to go back to his home planet. The cute animal will therefore have to contend with a tenacious organization of special agents whose sole purpose in life is to stop you and send you back home. The game packaged by nDreams in a really competent way is tasty to see thanks to its graphics inspired by cartoons that adapt very well to the context of the story represented.
We just have to leave you to view the trailer and the two images published for the announcement of the recently released Christmas update for the cute Danger Goat . Good vision.


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Higher alcohol prices urged to cut abuse
About 26% of Canadians drink excessively, policy research finds
Alcohol prices in Canada should be raised to reduce the problems of excessive drinking, policy researchers recommend.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse released three reports Tuesday on alcohol use, sales and price policies with recommendations to deter risky, excessive drinking and its consequences.
The findings were for the drinking population aged 15 and older. They included:
- About 26 per cent, or five million people, drink excessively every month.
- The heaviest drinkers in the country, about 20 per cent of the drinking population, drank about 70 per cent of the alcohol sold in 2004.
- Risky drinking costs $14.6 billion each year, including for health care and policing violence.
Report author Gerald Thomas, senior research and policy analyst with the centre, suggested that governments base alcohol pricing policies on three principles:
- Index alcohol prices to inflation.
- Base prices, including minimum prices, on alcohol content to create incentives for lower strength products and discourage higher strength products.
- Focus on minimum prices to remove the inexpensive sources of alcohol favoured by young adults and other high risk drinkers.
Setting minimum prices per standard unit of drinks for bars and liquor stores could reduce consumption, Thomas said.
"We feel $1.50, given where things are priced now and how many products would be affected, that that's a reasonable number, at least to start with," Thomas said.
Targeting regular drinkers alone won't address all sources of alcohol-related harms since much of the harm comes from the relatively large number of drinkers showing risky drinking only occasionally, Thomas said.
Most jurisdictions in Canada incorporate some of the principles, such as increasing prices on fortified wines with higher alcohol content, but none applies all three, according to the pricing report.
When researchers in B.C. looked at changes to the province's minimum alcohol prices over 20 years, they estimated that a 10 per cent increase in minimum prices reduced consumption of all alcoholic drinks combined by 3.4 per cent.
After Saskatchewan introduced minimum prices in bars and liquor stores two years ago, consumption fell by eight million beers in one year, Thomas said.
Tim Stockwell, director of the Centre for Addictions Research of BC in Victoria, who studied changes in the Prairie province.
"In the case of Saskatchewan, the government made more money and the retailers made more money and I guess the poor consumers spent more money and drank less alcohol," Stockwell said.
Rob McAlister, a second-year philosophy student in Toronto, said he "hammers" eight to 12 pints on weekends of whatever is on special. McAlister doesn't think raising the price will reduce his drinking.
"I'll just start brewing my own," he said.
Elsewhere, the U.K. Home Office said it will introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol.
With files from CBC's Pauline Dakin and Kim Brunhuber


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Microsoft: Xbox One will not be our last console. Me: No duh
The demise of the console has been greatly exaggerated. Many thought Gen8 would be the generation that finally saw consoles give way to mobile gaming. And while that MGL (mobile gaming life, obviously) is popular, it hasn’t completely eroded us core dorkwads. So it doesn’t come as much surprise to me that Phil Spencer is already saying that there will be an Xbox Two to follow the Xbox One.
Microsoft has recently made a bid to consolidate PC gaming and console gaming; the Xbox One, for example, now runs Windows 10, allowing Xbox users and PC gamers to play together and to stream Xbox One games to PCs. And it’s left some worried that Microsoft will simply start putting out cheap gaming PCs for the living room, enough that Microsoft felt the need to put those concerns to rest.
Interestingly, though, Phil Spencer is not ruling out making the Xbox One more like a gaming PC and, conversely, forcing PC games to be more like consoles.
It’s obviously the core of what Xbox is about…We also know there are millions and millions of gamers who access Microsoft [in other ways,] whether it’s Windows, their phone, Skype — it could be many different things every day. As head of gaming inside of Microsoft, I think about how we make sure that all of those customers feel as supported and engaged as the Xbox fans do who own a game console.


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YouTube finally has its new rival. Vessel, the subscription-based streaming service from former Hulu CEO Jason Kilar is available to the public starting today. Even better, it’s free for the first year if you signup now.
Head to the site and set up your account within 72 hours of launch, and you won’t have to pay a cent for the first 12 months. Vessel won’t even ask for your credit card info. If you do end up having to pay, it only costs $2.99 per month and promises early access to a wide selection of popular online video channels.
Signing up for Vessel doesn’t take long, though you’ll have to fill out some preferences before getting started. First, the site wants to know what types of videos you’re into, with categories ranging from sports and fashion to vloggers and “geek.” You’ll also need to subscribe to at least a few channels, including mainstream options like The Tonight Show and YouTube classics like Epic Meal Time.
Once you’re done, all that’s left to do is start watching. There’s already a pretty big library of content available, with more coming soon. You can also check out Vessel on any device running iOS 7 and up. There’s no support for Android yet, though hopefully that’s not too far behind.


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Master developer Nakheel is adding another stunning, landmark attraction to Dubai’s recreation and leisure scene with The View on The Palm. It is a public observation deck towering 240 metres above the Palm Jumeirah.
Accessible from Nakheel Mall, the observatory will offer spectacular, uninterrupted views of The Palm, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, and reveal the incredible story behind the making of the island that put Dubai on the global map.
The View at The Palm, for which a fit-out contract was signed last month, is perched on the top level on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, at the heart of the island. The observation deck, which includes a VIP lounge and areas for private events, is nearing completion.
Commenting on The View, Omar Khoory, managing director of Nakheel Malls – which will operate the attraction – said, “The View at The Palm will combine awe-inspiring, breath-taking views with an interactive, educational experience about the creation of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. This stunning new attraction – the only location in Dubai offering this unique experience – will be a magnet for residents and tourists.”
Visitors to The View will start their journey at the roof plaza of Nakheel Mall, where they will find an interactive museum and gallery dedicated to the creation of Palm Jumeirah. From there, an elevator, complete with a floor-to-ceiling digital sea, sand and sky experience, will take them on the three-minute ascent to the observatory at the top of The Palm Tower, where they can marvel at the island beneath them and enjoy 360-degree views of Dubai. In addition, there will be The View café as well as a gift shop at the Nakheel Mall roof plaza.
The Palm Tower, Nakheel’s stunning new landmark for Dubai, comprises a St. Regis hotel and luxury residences, with a rooftop infinity pool and restaurant underneath the viewing deck. The tower is directly connected to Nakheel Mall, which is due to open this year. Nakheel Mall has 350 shops, restaurants and attractions and its own Palm Monorail station.
A report from Bain & Company has revealed that the emergence of some positive shopping trendsMay 9, 2021 | By RetailME Bureau
UAE-based RAW recently announced that it would be extending its GCC operations,May 4, 2021 | By Bilal Syed
UAE-based Carrefour announced its theme and plans for Ramadan 2021. The brand
Locally owned supermarket Spinneys celebrates 60 years of doing business in the
UAE-based Carrefour will become the first retailer in the region to offer new levels
The Organic Farmers’ Market is back in Bay Avenue for its 12th
UAE-based Lulu Group recently inaugurated its first-ever all-female staff store in Jeddah,
Jones the Grocer, the gourmet grocer and cheese retailer launches the Jones
UAE-based Al Maya Supermarkets is hosting a two-week food festival at select
Locally-owned supermarket Spinneys has launched its ‘Power of Plants’ initiative in the
Carrefour UAE has launched “Cookit Yourself” — a curated recipe box created
UAE-based Al Islami Foods, one of the largest frozen food companies in
Marks & Spencer’s plant-based range now offers over 25 vegan products including meat-free
World’s largest fully integrated online brand in fresh fish and meat e-commerce
UAE-based Carrefour has opened a new store at the world’s busiest international
The once powerful department stores that anchored malls and streets around the
FILA has opened its new futuristic flagship store in Dubai Mall. The 158m²
Who isn’t a sucker for discounts? Customers today are spoiled for choice
The various e-commerce and virtual retail stores that cater to different product
UAE-based Times Square Center is getting ready to reveal its newly refurbished,
A private helicopter carrying the chairman and managing director of Lulu Group,
UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has officially opened its newest lifestyle and retail
Carrefour has announced that it is expanding its robotic fleet, adding 11
Marking the 200th hypermarket opening in Cairo, Egypt, LuLu is celebrating the
Emerging technologies and IT integration in businesses have been taking place for
Tighter restrictions on hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment venues on account of


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If you’ve been missing Alber Elbaz’s whimsical take on fashion, you’re in for a treat.
The Moroccan-born creative is teaming up with Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont to create an “innovative and dynamic start up” named AZfashion.
The 58-year-old who left French fashion house Lanvin four years ago and has largely stayed away from the fashion industry up until now, had been at the helm there for 14 years, and described his departure as a personal “tragedy”.
However, it seems he has firmly put the past behind him and has described his new venture as a place where he will be “developing focus on developing solutions for women of our times.”
“His talent and inventiveness, with his sensitivity toward women and their wellbeing, will be of great value to our group and its maisons,” Johann Rupert, chairman of Richemont, said of the partnership with Elbaz.
We’re watching this space.


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When Apple announced the new Apple TV, the company did not highlight Airplay, which was one of the most popular features of the old model. Apple is, however, planning a major overhaul of Airplay to make it faster and easier to use, according to 9to5mac.
Airplay improvements coming
Apple has not forgotten about Airplay, its wireless system to push video, music and photos to the Apple TV and Airplay-enabled speakers. In fact, the company has made “wide-sweeping change to underlying protocols that power Airplay”, explains a developer and CEO at Squirrels, the company behind the Reflector app. Apple has not detailed the changes in its developer documentation.
Today, every time you Airplay copyrighted content to an Apple TV or Airplay-speaker the devices need to go through a key exchange procedure that usually takes 2-3 seconds. The developer explains that Apple is now using a pair-once approach, which means that an iPhone or iPad would not have to go through the “full key exchange” every time you use Airplay. The changes will make Airplay a faster and smoother experience.
- “We discovered AirPlay has improved security, it’s faster and it improves overall performance. Using some of the new security features Apple implemented, the whole stack moves a lot faster. It allows for more interesting things like one-time pairing. That means less battery drainage and faster encryption and connection… This protocol is designed from the ground up for existing wifi, wifi direct, AWDL (Apple’s own wifi direct used for AirDrop and other features), Bluetooth, and even USB CarPlay and QuickTime. It is clear Apple sees a future of pairing all of your devices together in one easy to use network,” Dave Stanfill, CEO of Squirrels explained to 9to5mac.
All apps using Airplay will continue to work – just faster. However, the changes may break some apps that are using Airplay Mirroring, which allows you to mirror your entire iPhone, iPad or Mac screen on the TV. App developers using mirroring will have to implement changes before iOS 9 is released.
Why Apple has made changes to Airplay is not clear but it is speculated that it has something to do with HomeKit and game controllers. Airplay has been available for years but has not been expanded for some time. There is still no support for multiroom speaker setups.


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NIS America's peg-legged penguin mascot Prinny gets all dressed up for an upcoming announcement. Ready your best guesses in the comments, then watch this space later this week for an interesting game reveal.
The secret behind NIS America's success? It's a company that knows nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a tortured soul trapped in the body of a legless penguin.
Next February, tactical role-playing game Disgaea 4 will be released on the PlayStation 3. There will be a limited edition bundle. It will be cute. Very cute.
After a seriously disastrous year, Nippon Ichi Software falls back on a proven breadwinner to help heal its wounds, readying Disgaea 4 for release on the Japanese PlayStation 3 in February.
Nippon Ichi Software is suspending new game development and halting work on three games currently in production due to a "severe marketplace". That isn't stopping it from releasing a game in which players spank bad little girls.
MomoCon has filled the campus of Georgia Tech in downtown Atlanta with cosplayers, and video game fans are there in force. Check out characters from Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Miles Edgeworth, BioShock, Brutal Legend, and more!
Last Friday, Nippon Ichi Software, the developer behind the Disgaea series, announced its financial earnings. They were not good.
The developer behind the Disgaea series, announced its financial earnings. You may want to sit down.
Hey Doods, Prinny is coming back to the PSP. After those penguin-characters known as Prinny got a starring role in Prinny: Ore ga Shujinko de Iinsuka? - or Prinny: Is It OK If I'm The Protagonist? Time for a sequel.
To commemorate the sale of the new Prinny PSP game, developer Nippon Ichi has just released a slew of goodies Priced at ¥1,890 (US$19.80), the Prinny plush toys look like their counterparts in Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?. Nippon Ichi has also released a Prinny PSP case as well. Click through the link to see what…
As Disgaea fans are likely well aware, the peg-legged penguin-likes known as Prinny are getting a starring role in their own video game. Prinny: Ore ga Shujinko de Iinsuka? — or Prinny: Is It OK If I'm The Protagonist? if you prefer — is slated to appear on NIS America's publishing list, meaning a PSP import isn't…
Witz! You there? Course you're not there. You're unconscious, lying dangerously face-down amidst a pool of your own fluids. As no doubt thousands of other Prinny fans are at the news that Disgaea's iconic penguin doods are set to star in their own game. Called Prinny: Ore ga Shujinko de Iinsuka?, it'll see you take…