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Fifty Shades of Grey has sold more than 28 million physical copies around the world, though general print sales continue to suffer, according to figures released by Nielsen.
In a talk yesterday (11th October) at Frankfurt Book Fair, Ann Betts, Nielsen Book’s commercial director, explained the impact E L James’ books had had on the industry. In the UK, the romance market, which includes the Fifty Shades trilogy, has risen by 384% by volume in the first 36 weeks of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Erotica sales, following in the wake of Fifty Shades, has leapt up 192%.
However, despite the impact of erotica, print book sales in the nine markets monitored by Nielsen have fallen in 2012 over the same period a year ago.
New Zealand could claim to be weathering the storm best, with a 2.7% decline in print volume sales, while the USA saw the greatest decline (-13%). Children’s books fared slightly better than fiction and non-fiction across all markets. Betts said: “People still want to buy books for the children. The other issue is that there are fewer children’s books available digitally.”
E-book sales have been rising, with Betts estimating they now account for around 15% of all book sales, with a 366% rise in sales in the UK making them the greatest books growth product.
Nielsen began monitoring India in 2011, and witnessed the sale of 12.6 million units throughout the year, with all areas in growth. Betts pointed out how successful locally published titles were, with 66 of the top 100 published in India, 33 from the UK and 3 from the USA.
One of the quirks of the Indian market is its entrepreneurial spirit, with 16% of all non-fiction titles being business books. In the USA, only 7% are business titles, while the UK lags behind with 3%.


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Wall Street is getting a look at another batch of quarterly earnings reports on Wednesday, with General Motors, CVS Health and Wendy’s all offering updates ahead of the market open. Disney reported a rough second quarter for parks and cruises when it provided results after the bell on Tuesday, recording a 58% drop in operating income for that division. Health experts are weighing research on a potentially more contagious strain of the virus, as states and local governments continue to ease closures.
This is CNBC’s live blog covering all the latest news on the coronavirus outbreak. All times below are in Eastern time. This blog will be updated throughout the day as the news breaks.
- Global cases: More than 3.6 million
- Global deaths: At least 257,818
- US cases: More than 1.2 million
- US deaths: At least 71,078
The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
7:53 am: Wendy’s sales show signs of rebound as customers return
Same-store sales at Wendy’s restaurants showed signs of rebounding, after tanking in March and the first half of April, as American consumers began to return to the burger chain in recent weeks.
The company is still taking measures to ensure its liquidity through the crisis. It slashed its quarterly dividend from 12 cents to 5 cents and found $30 million in potential cost savings. It said it has $365 million cash on hand as of May 3.
Read more on Wendy’s first-quarter results from CNBC’s Amelia Lucas. —Will Feuer
7:46 am: US Foods CEO says food service industry will recover
7:03 am: German government and states agree on path to easing restrictions
MUNICH, GERMANY – Germany has launched a nationwide policy that people should wear protective face masks in stores and public transportation after easing lockdown measures.
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
The German government and its 16 states have agreed on a path to reopening large parts of the economy, according to a document viewed by Reuters.
Shops can reopen and some sports can resume with certain conditions, schools will gradually reopen and states will decide on their own about the reopening of restaurants, hotels and gyms, according to the document, which is dated May 5. Reuters reported the document was prepared by federal chancellery chief Helge Braun and heads of regional chancelleries for a conference call Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to hold with state premiers on Wednesday.
States will decide whether to reopen universities, bars, trade fairs, cosmetic studious, brothels, theaters, cinemas and discos based on infection levels, Reuters reported. —Will Feuer
Read CNBC’s coverage from CNBC’s Asia-Pacific and Europe teams overnight here: Spain’s daily death toll rises again; EU to see sharp economic decline

domain: news


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Americans are increasingly using their computers not to work or browse the internet, but to watch streaming TV and movies — and that trend is about grow. Netflix has changed its pricing scheme to encourage more customers to watch movies online, and Microsoft is reportedly making a deal for XBox Live customers to stream TV programs over the internet to their televisions. But all that streaming video comes at a price: Bandwidth. Can the internet's infrastructure handle the new data demands, or will too much traffic overwhelm it?
Everything should be fine, but it might cost you: "Keeping the internet ahead of the video curve is surely manageable," say Robert Hahn and Peter Passell at Forbes, but we'll likely see "growing pains" in the form of extra charges for bandwidth usage and premium programming.
"Will the next internet revolution be televised?"
It's already costing more: Just this week, cable provider Comcast demanded that one of Netflix's key online delivery partners pay more money for its streaming video service, says David Dayen at Firedoglake. Unless we reform our net neutrality rules, big cable companies will be able to hold our Netflix subscriptions hostage.
"Comcast shaking down Netflix for streaming fees, violating principle of net neutrality"
Most price-hikes, though, will be on the local, not national level: The "backbone of the internet" is unlikely to reach gridlock anytime soon, says Scott Canon at the Kansas City Star. But if all your neighbors sign up for Netflix, the "last mile of the internet" — that is, the local lines that cater to "far narrower lanes of traffic" — could easily become clogged. Expect higher rates from your internet service provider to "pay for improvements on that last mile."
"Will more streaming video overwhelm internet?"
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Why the US inflation shifted from “transitory” to “sticky”
Inflation has lasted way longer than expected in the US. After the country witnessed a record high inflation of 9.1% in June 2022 — the most significant yearly increase since 1981 — January’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed signs of cooling off, coming in at 6.4%. But this is far from the country’s 2–4% inflation target. Simply put, inflation has become a hard target to hit.
In its initial statements, the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) had emphasised that inflation was “transitory” — meaning the price rise was a temporary outcome of supply chain disruptions. But soon, the Fed changed its stand, terming it “sticky”.
But how did inflation become sticky? The answer can be drawn by looking at the inflation timeline from the beginning of the pandemic.
Impact of the pandemic on the US economy
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak being declared a pandemic and a national emergency, the country implemented stringent lockdown orders, with most non-essential businesses ordered to shut down temporarily. Consequently, 43% of businesses were temporarily closed by early April 2020.
The service sector — retail, entertainment, restaurants, bars and personal services such as hair stylists — felt the worst impact. As a result, in April 2020, the unemployment rate in the US went up to 14.7% — the highest since the Great Depression.
The Dow lost 37% between 12 February and 23 March, as investors were worried about the prospect of economic destruction owing to the pandemic. Lower stock prices meant companies could not get enough funding for operations and expansion. In addition, firms that had their cash invested in stocks were left unable to pay their employees or to fund pension plans.
Furthermore, the lockdown orders, massive layoffs and the temporary shutting down of businesses pushed GDP down by as much as 25% — which sent the stock market tumbling.
Stimulus packages and their impact on the US economy
The pandemic-led lockdown restrictions made it difficult for many Americans to generate income. Nearly 31% of US renters did not pay their rent in April 2020. Families were running up credit card debts to pay rent and manage daily groceries.
To combat the dire situation and provide relief to the people and to businesses, the Fed and the government stepped in with a comprehensive action plan. The government rolled out stimulus packages of a total of USD5tn, including direct cheques to households. The Fed also eased its interest rates — first by 0.50% to a range of 1% to 1.25%, then by 1.00% to a range of 0% to 0.25%.
The stimulus packages and lower interest rates were meant to infuse money into the economy and in turn increase spending and enhance households’ and businesses’ demand for goods and services.
However, people were locked in their homes. While there was demand, supply-side problems such as a dearth of goods caused by labour shortages and supply chain disruptions led to lower spending and increased personal savings.
The US Department of Commerce recorded a 26.4% increase in personal savings as a percentage of disposable personal income in 2Q20.
Eased lockdown restrictions and the labour market
As the lockdown restrictions eased, people began to return to their everyday lives, and demand for goods shifted to demand for services such as dining out, travelling and going to the movies. Seeing this growth, companies started hiring for various positions. However, the positions were not filling in as quickly as they had expected. The pandemic had caused a significant disruption in the US labour market — in 2021, more than 47 million workers quit their jobs in pursuit of an improved work-life balance and flexibility, strong work culture and increased compensation.
It took much work for the companies to fill those vacant positions and encourage workers to stay. Companies also had to raise wages; total civilian compensation grew 5% in 2022 from 2021.
As households had saved up much of their income during the lockdown, they could afford to spend higher on services. Companies took advantage of this increased demand and shifted their high cost of labour onto the customer in the form of increased prices — creating inflation.
In theory, when prices rise, the cost of living also increases. In turn, people demand higher wages to fill the gap between their income and expenses. This cycle of higher prices — higher wages started to feed on itself.
Aside from the rise in prices due to increased spending power and higher wages, global geopolitical factors also contributed to inflation. Over 2021 and 2022, the reasons for the rise in prices kept shifting, making it difficult for the Fed to target inflation.
Vaccines were introduced for adults in the first half of 2021, and the lockdown was eased. Energy prices went back to their pre-pandemic levels as people returned to their everyday lives. As a result, while outdoor activities saw a rise, the shortage of new vehicles caused by a lack of semiconductors worldwide increased used car sales.
In the second half of 2021, the cost of groceries spiked owing to high demand and supply shortages of beef and pork, caused by labour shortages and higher transportation costs. The labour shortage was the result of people leaving their jobs in pursuit of jobs that offered higher pay scales and better flexibility. On the other hand, transportation costs soared owing to a rise in oil prices.
In September, demand dwindled because of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
In early-2022, the Russia-Ukraine war led to a surge in oil prices, driving up the cost of transportation further, including airline fares.
Demand for houses with larger spaces grew during the lockdown, leading to a surge in housing rents, and this trend has continued thereon. The limited number of vacant spaces and high demand led landlords to capitalise on the strong demand by charging higher prices.
In essence, many forces that drove inflation — including supply disruptions due to COVID-19, higher food prices following severe storms, and soaring oil prices — did not discourage demand.
Instead, the increased employment and savings from the stimulus made people demand more.
Interest rate hikes
In March 2022, the Fed decided to increase interest rates to combat the soaring inflation. Since then, it has increased the target range eight times, from 0.5% in March 2022 to 4.5% in February 2023.
In theory, consumers spend less if it becomes more expensive to borrow money or to carry a balance on a credit card. When spending becomes expensive, demand falls and eventually, the price of everyday goods also decreases. However, despite the rate hikes implemented to curb inflation, demand for goods and services has remained higher than expected.
The stimulus cheques were intended to cushion US households against rising prices, but the rising cost of living did not affect all sections of society equally. According to research conducted by Harvard, the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on lower-income Americans, with their spending remaining largely unchanged from levels seen before the pandemic — this despite the personal savings rate hitting a record high in April 2020.
Instead, the middle- and upper-income Americans accounted for much of the drop in consumer spending and increase in savings, which led to high demand following recovery from the pandemic.
As prices rose, inflation expectation also grew; the Fed’s slow response in tackling rising prices and the persistent high demand made it difficult for the Fed to bring down prices, leading inflation to stick around.
In the current scenario, although the savings accumulated during the first year of the pandemic have been on a decline, consumer spending is still supported by solid wage gains. This would mean that inflation is likely to remain “sticky” over the near future.
How Acuity Knowledge Partners can help
Global organisations and research houses leverage Acuity’s industry- and country-specific expertise to make sound strategic decisions. We set up dedicated teams of analysts and macro-level associates to support our clients in areas including macroeconomic research, industry profiling, financial analysis, econometric modelling, thematic research, building databases and providing regular sector coverage. Each output is customised, based on the client’s requirement, and made available for their exclusive use. This ensures our clients a unique, sustainable edge.
About the Author
Nitish has 5+ years of experience in Economic Analysis. He has previously worked with Mckinsey and Company. His expertise spans across data science and macroeconomic forecast, focusing on impact of micro and macro-economic activities on countries, globally. At Acuity Knowledge Partners he is part of the private equity team and specializes in Economic Research and Insights. Nitish has a M.Sc. in Healthcare Economics and Econometrics from Erasmus University, Rotterdam.
Originally published at https://www.acuitykp.com


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With sharp declines in its financial performance, Gap is innovating.
The retail clothing chain has tapped a diverse group of actors and style makers to launch its fall collection.
It’s the first full collection designed by Gap head designer Patrick Robinson.
The campaign, launching this week, features a whole lot of prominent folk.
Liv Tyler, Ginnifer Goodwin, Hugh Dancy, Edgar Ramirez, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Melvil Poupaud, Clemence Poesy, Nate Parker, Joe Anderson, Georgina Chapman, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Scott Schuman, Leigh Lezark, Sean Avery, David Benioff, Max Lugavere & Jason Silva, Cecilia Dean and Ryan McGinley.
The campaign includes black and white images shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Mikael Jansson.
It features pieces from Gap’s fall collection worn in unique ways by each individual.
Liv Tyler relaxes in the boyfriend cardigan, Scott Schuman (photographer and blogger for The Sartorialist) accessorizes the oxford shirt, and actor Clemence Poesy tops off the new low rise bell jean with a tailored wool blazer.
Read on to see the full list of what’s on offer for Fall and the prices they’re going at.


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Chinese second-largest e-commerce platform JD.com (JD) Monday announced the acquisition of the remaining 54% stake in compatriot home appliance store 5STAR.
JD-1, a reusable liquid oxygen-methane engine independently developed by Chinese aerospace manufacturer iSpace, successfully passed a 200-second continuous variable thrust long-range test run on July 8, 2020.
This year’s 618 Mid-year Shopping Festival ended Thursday, with record sales of trillions of yuan from multiple online retail platforms.
Chinese online retailer JD.com (9618.HK) Thursday made its secondary listing in Hong Kong with shares jumping 5.7% at the open of its first day of trading.
MiraclePlus RMB Fund I, L.P., recently completed a new round of funding, with Sequoia and former JD.com CEO Richard Liu among its investors.
E-commerce platforms like JD.com made strategic moves to react to the gloom in the retail consumption market brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Chinese tech companies NetEase and JD.com are set for secondary listings in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in June.
It’s reported that JD has formed a strategic partnership with Kuaishou on e-commerce livestreaming.
JD.com, which plans to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on June 18, is reported to have scheduled a listing hearing on Thursday, May 28.
After the release of its Q1 financial report on May 15, JD.com accelerated its preparations for a secondary listing in Hong Kong.
Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo rose 5.26% to a record high of $57.83, putting its latest market capitalization at $69.26 billion.
JD.com has allegedly submitted its listing documents in secret and plans to conduct a secondary listing in Hong Kong.
Chinese e-commerce powerhouse JD.com has approached investment banks including UBS and Bank of America to discuss a second listing in Hong Kong.
Bejing-based e-commerce giant JD.com surpassed the high end of their guidance range posting quarterly revenue of 170.7 billion yuan.
The logistics unit of JD.com is eyeing a potential overseas IPO that could raise $8 – $10 billion, two insiders revealed to Reuters.


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The IT minister of Karnataka declared that Apple would start manufacturing iPhones in the country by April this year. IT minister Kharge told Bloomberg that the manufacturing will commence in Bengaluru by the end of April and Apple will be partnering with Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron for its Indian operations.
Kharge stated in a Tweet “Apple's intentions to make iPhones in Bengaluru will foster cutting-edge technology ecosystem and supply chain development in the state,”. He also added that all Indian-produced iPhones will be sold in the domestic market as they have negotiated with the Indian government for tax exemptions and incentives.
Earlier this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in an earnings call that he felt ‘really good’ how Apple was doing in India. He further stated. “We are in discussions with a number of things, including retail stores, and fully intend to invest significantly in the country and believe it's a great place to be.”
A recent report claimed that Apple is the leader in India for premium smartphones even though it has a small share of the market as compared to other smartphone manufacturers. With India being the second fastest economy for smartphones, Apple has key interests in India for even higher profits by offering cheaper iPhones manufactured here.


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It’s about to get easier to buy tickets to the Super Bowl.
The NFL has partnered with On Location Experiences to begin offering ticket packages to the Super Bowl, with sales beginning next month, ESPN reported. The 2017 Super Bowl, the first event to have ticket packages available through the new deal, will be held in Houston.
A meeting on Tuesday authorized the deal, which will see over 6,000 tickets to the Super Bowl available. ESPN reported that the deal cost $55 million and will continue for the next nine years.
Along with tickets, the company is expected to offer different types of Super Bowl experiences that haven’t been available to fans before, including on-field pregame visits and post game experiences.
“The Super Bowl has been a $100 million opportunity controlled by the brokers,” said John Collins, CEO of On Location Experiences, in an interview with ESPN. “We’re hoping, through this deal, to provide transparency and clarity to a marketplace that frankly has been difficult to navigate for the fan.”
“This deal allows us to offer a much better experience for fans,” Kevin LaForce, the NFL’s senior vice president of corporate development, said to ESPN. “For those fans who always had it on their bucket list to go to a Super Bowl, now you can go online in June, buy your tickets, hotel and airfare and be done with it.”
Also on Tuesday, the NFL announced that Super Bowl LIII would be held in Atlanta in 2019, Super Bowl LIV in South Florida in 2020, and Super Bowl LV in Los Angeles in 2021.


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Lady Bosses of the Cannabis Industry
Strong, powerful, amazing women — unite! The cannabis industry, appropriately nicknamed “Cannabusiness,” is attracting millions upon millions of empowered women of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages. According to many, females that have started their very own cannabis-related businesses, and who are proactive in the field of medical and recreational marijuana, deserve a shout-out.
Here are some of the most inspirational women in the business!
Paxhia, a graduate in Psychology, is not only the co-founder and Managing Partner of Poseidon but also a staunch supporter of various policy groups; she even served on the Board of Directors of the Marijuana Policy Project. She has successfully reviewed countless cannabis companies in the industry and worked with many founders in different capacities. In fact, Paxhia and her brother Morgan quit their previous jobs to launch a firm that focuses exclusively on investments in legal cannabis.
Dr. Macias, a Cellular Biologist who earned her MBA from Rutger’s University in Supply Chain Management, is currently the CEO for Women Grow, as well as the Chairwoman of the Board of Managers. Furthermore, Dr. Macias is the owner and CEO of the National Holistic Healing Center — a huge hemp healthcare and cannabis company. The medical cannabis dispensary located in Washington DC aims to provide ill patients with alternative and safe allopathic medicine.
Another influential lady in the cannabis business is Salarizadeh, the Founder of AxisWire.com, Chief Strategy Officer of Green Market Report, as well as the CEO of Industry Power Women. Now, apart from being an active writer for the Entrepreneur and Marijuana Venture, her work is also frequently published by Yahoo Finance, CNBC, and various other trade publications. Additionally, this power lady is a member of the advisory board of the innovative cannabis and sustainable hospitality firm MoonCloth Designs.
Chong is an incredibly active graphic designer, community activist, as well as the founder of Stock Pot Images and the AACE (Asian Americans for Cannabis Education). According to reports, Chong is highly motivated to eliminate the stigma surrounding cannabis and to be an advocate for the legalization of cannabis in the community. Chong claims that she started educating herself on the benefits of cannabis after her sister had begun using cannabis to help her cope with symptoms of autoimmune disease.
To conclude, even though the cannabis industry is still dominated by men, powerful women are stepping up and getting the job done. Cannabis and hemp present a great opportunity for women — of all colors and ethnicities — to become successful business owners.


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JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) is disrupting the retail investing realm with its latest app, which will offer free trades.
The new digital investing service called You Invest will launch next week and will include access to the bank’s stock research and a portfolio-building tool. Users who download the banking app or use the website will get up to 100 free trades in the first year, CNBC reports.
Morgan has been working on the technology for two years. It’s the latest move to compete on price among brokerages, which are now vying against new comers like Robinhood, a free-trading app. Robinhood has drawn 5 million users since its launch a few years ago. (See also: Robinhood vs TD Ameritrade.)
JPM shares were up 1.24% in early market trade on Tuesday.
JPMorgan’s investing services have an established reputations with Americans. In fact, the bank has financial connections with more than half of Americans. So, more than 47 million current users of its products will have access to You Invest when it launches.
"There are customers out there who may not want to trust their credentials or their money to an app-of-the-month," said Jed Laskowitz, a JPMorgan veteran who runs You Invest. "We're thinking about what's right for our customers, helping them get invested and stay invested and diversified."
Kelli Keough, head of digital wealth management, said JPMorgan is targeting millennials who have never invested and current customers who are investing elsewhere.
"Folks that are new to investing, there's a perception that trading is expensive," Keough said. "We wanted to lower the hurdles. We wanted to help people invest without cost being an issue, and to reward people who are doing more business with us."
Shares of discount brokers were down in early trade Tuesday. TD Ameritrade Corp.’s (AMTD) stock was down 5%, E*Trade Financial Corp.’s (ETFC) stock was down 3.7%, Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW) was down 3.36%.


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Feed the Meters, Feed the Homeless
Brad Aaron files this report from Athens, Georgia.
Bounded by the 615-acre campus of the University of Georgia (student population: 25,000), downtown Athens is in the midst of a decades-long revival. When department stores and other businesses left the area for shopping malls in the 70s, budding entrepreneurs took advantage of resulting cheap rents on vacated commercial storefronts, rebuilding downtown as a lab for locally owned restaurants, bars and retail shops. Though the rents are considerably higher today, the unique character of Athens’ central business district remains.
With thousands of students, professors, business people and visitors streaming through downtown most every day, the block closest to campus, known as College Square, is a favorite spot for soliciting passersby for change. In an effort to discourage this particular brand of commerce, in 2003 the city followed the lead of other towns by retooling four defunct parking meters as coin receptacles for the Northeast Georgia Homeless Coalition (San Francisco recently took up a similar program as well).
The meters do raise money for the coalition, though panhandling is still a common activity. Fortunately for those who rely on loose change for income, Athens’ bargain basement on-street parking rates — 25 cents an hour, $3 for an expired meter — leave plenty of loot to go around.
We’ll have more on Athens later this week.
Photo: Brad Aaron


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Alcatel-Lucent Microsoft and Telefonica deal
March 27, 2009
From IPTV World Forum
Alcatel-Lucent has confirmed that its popular digital media suite of products now supports the recently announced multimedia application environment for the Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV platform, called the Microsoft Mediaroom Presentation Framework.
Combining the power of Alcatel-Lucent’s digital media suite of products – the Multimedia Content Manager and Interactive Media Manager – with Microsoft’s IPTV platform, IPTV service providers can increase ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) and generate new revenue streams by offering personalized multimedia, on-demand offerings, and deliver compelling interactive advertising services.
Alcatel-Lucent has also revealed its collaboration with Telefonica in an extensive interactive IPTV advertising proof of concept pilot for its Imagenio IPTV customers throughout Spain. Telefonica has relied on an innovative application enablement solution from Alcatel-Lucent, bringing increased interactivity and web 2.0 features to the TV experience of Imagenioâ€šs already robust IPTV platform. This service has enabled TV viewers to use their remote controls to access interactive content linked to a specific consumer brand product.


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Mr. Tapan Kapadia – Director HSW Embroidery Machines
New Delhi (India), July 5: HSW Embroidery Machines, a leading provider of computerized single-head embroidery machines, was honoured with the prestigious Emerging Brand of India title at the Business Awards for MSMEs 2023. The event, organized by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), recognized HSW’s outstanding growth, dedication to quality, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
During the award ceremony, Mr Tapan Kapadia, the managing director of HSW Embroidery Machines, expressed his gratitude and shared insights into the company’s vision, mission, and remarkable journey. He began by shedding light on the company’s origins and the driving force behind its establishment.
Founded in 2013, HSW Embroidery Machines set out to make embroidery a smooth and effortless experience, revolutionizing the world of detailed designs. Since its inception, the company has been closely associated with global suppliers and buyers, fostering strong collaborations while remaining deeply rooted in its Indian heritage.
With a solid vision to uplift small businesses and Mahila Gruh Udhyog, we embarked on this transformative journey,” shared Mr. Tapan Kapadia, the visionary entrepreneur. “Our unwavering commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction has driven our remarkable growth.”
HSW Embroidery Machines experienced a remarkable upswing in its performance post the challenging phase of the COVID pandemic. Despite the challenges businesses face worldwide, HSW witnessed a remarkable 8 times increase in revenue and unit sales. This exponential growth is a testament to the company’s resilience and commitment to excellence.
Moreover, HSW Embroidery Machines has expanded its physical presence significantly, transitioning from a regional player in South India to a national brand with a pan-India presence, now serving customers from Meghalaya to Manipur and from Rameshwaram to Kashmir. What started with 4 dealers before the pandemic has now grown to a network of 18 dealers, strengthening the company’s nationwide presence. Additionally, HSW has expanded its operations globally, establishing a strong presence in 8 countries, thus solidifying its position as an internationally recognized brand.
One of the most remarkable aspects of HSW Embroidery Machines’ growth story is its commitment to women’s empowerment. Mr Tapan Kapadia proudly shared, “Before the pandemic, we had 200 women utilizing our machines. Today, that number has exceeded 2000, with a goal to employ over 5,000 women by December 2024.” This commendable initiative showcases the company’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusivity.
Mr Tapan Kapadia stated, “Our goal has always been to create opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds. Witnessing the impact of our efforts inspires us to strive harder to make a difference in their lives.”
Listening to customer feedback and evolving with the changing times has been at the heart of HSW Embroidery Machines’ customer-oriented approach. Recognizing the importance of remote support during challenging times, the company introduced free video-call support and enhanced its customer care services, ensuring seamless interactions with clients nationwide.
As the company celebrates its 10th anniversary, HSW Embroidery Machines reflects on a decade of progress and the invaluable support it has received from its customers and partners. “HSW Embroidery Machines is indebted to its customers and partners for their trust, which has been instrumental in our growth,” expressed Mr Tapan Kapadia. “With their continued support, we aspire to reach new heights and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals across India, contributing to the growth and progress of our nation.”
Check how to use the machine
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Indie developer Area Effect has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise development funds for their 3D action-adventure RPG Izle, and released a new alpha trailer
Curve Digital has announced the release of their action platformer, Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones on the Xbox One today. The game will
Developer Remedy Entertainment and publisher Microsoft has announced today that Quantum Break, a Xbox One exclusive science-fiction, third-person shooter will be delayed until 2016. The
Crytek’s online free first person shooter Warface has received two new game modes. Domination Versus Mode and Marathon Survival Mode are both available to play today.
It is not every day that several things happen to one game at one time, yet that seems to be the case for Sunset Overdrive.
[April Fools] Rovio is taking a breather from pigs, as they have announced their newest game Agri Bird, a twist on previous titles within the
Many of us are eagerly awaiting Rocksteady Studios’ latest Batman: Arkham title, Batman: Arkham Knight. Sony teases us today with the unveiling of a Limited
Video game developer and publisher Slitherine Group Chairman JD McNeil has announced that they are opening a new company branch, Slitherine Weapons Systems, which will
Playstation Home on the Playstation 3 is no longer live. Sony closed the doors on the service yesterday. The closure was expected, as the company
Japanese Financial News website Nikkei is reporting that Bandai Namco Games will allow access to seventeen of their older video games titles to others that
The Creator and Director Edmund McMillen of Binding of Isaac: Rebirth posted on bindingofisaac.com early this morning, that the game will be released “in a
Earlier today, 2K has revealed that the are currently in development of the first simulation-based WWE video game for mobile platforms, using the same title


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Some 24, 000 Jaguar XF cars and about 30, 000 models from Range Rover have been affected by the latest safety campaign concerning the defective airbag inflators manufactured by Japanese company Takata.
Looking like a never-ending story, the Takata airbag debacle has written another chapter – with Jaguar Land Rover delivering yet another campaign in the United States where it will call back to dealers a total of 54,000 autos. This is the first episode in a four-iteration wave of recalls, and the total tally for the affected vehicles will go up to 108,000 units at the end. 20,000 Jaguar XF cars from the 2009-2011 mode years need to have the front passenger airbag inflators replaced while 34,000 Range Rovers from the 2007-2011 model years also get them replaced due to the increased hazard of the inflator’s malfunction. When the inflator housing ruptures, according to the worst case scenario the airbag will function abnormally in the event of an accident and the metal fragments could actually seriously threaten the health of the people inside.
The company has decided to break down the entire 108,000 run into waves because it lacks the necessary replacement parts, prioritizing cars based on their geographic zone and also on the vehicle’s age. Owners can visit www.safercar.gov to see if their vehicle is included in the affected lot. The Tata Motors-headed company said the current model range has not been affected by the recall.


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South Africa unveils ‘accelerated drive’ to attract more business events
At IBTM World South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elizabeth Thabethe, announced a ‘bold and ambitious’ delegate-boosting plan as part of a Bidding Support Programme to propel the country’s business events industry forward.
IBTM World, a leading global event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, events and business travel industry, is taking place in Barcelona from 28 to 30 November 2017.
The South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), a business unit of South African Tourism, was at IBTM to emphasise that South Africa – and Africa – is ‘open for business and on an accelerated drive to increase our share of the global business events pie,’ Thabethe told a press conference in Barcelona.
This drive entails bringing more high-value business events delegates to South Africa, aiding economic growth and sustaining much-needed jobs throughout the broader tourism economy, Thabethe explained. This is besides the contribution such events make to the local knowledge economy, she noted.
Announcing the results of a three-year study into South Africa’s business events industry, Thabethe said South Africa hosts about a million business delegates every year and that the local events industry sustains more than 250 000 jobs, directly and indirectly.
She revealed that the business events industry contributes about R115 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product every year.
‘This research proves what our industry has always suspected – that South Africa’s business events industry contributes significantly to our broader tourism economy,’ Thabethe told the assembled media.
Importantly, she added, the study shows that delegates have an appetite to experience South Africa’s leisure attractions and that most have the disposable income to enjoy an extended holiday add-on to their business trip.
‘Armed with this research, we want to entice business events delegates to come to South Africa, stay for longer and bring people with them,’ she said.
To help achieve this tourism growth, the South African government has allocated R90 million for a Bidding Support Programme to enable South Africa to bid more aggressively for international association conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions over the next three years. This grant will give South Africa ‘extra muscle’ to lobby for and attract big-ticket events, Thabethe said.
The country is already widely regarded as a ‘go-to’ destination for hosting international conferences, particularly in the medical and scientific field – last year’s International Aids Conference being a case in point.
‘Such high-profile events are putting South Africa on the map as an exciting and cost-effective option for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. We have all the infrastructure, technical capacity, expertise and experience that’s needed, not to mention extremely welcome, service-oriented and capable people.’ But more needs to be done for the country’s business events sector to reach its full potential, she said.
Hence the need for the Bidding Support Programme. As part of this, the SANCB is spearheading a global delegate-boosting campaign, targeting members of the association conferences that are already confirmed to take place in South Africa over the next five years.
‘We have already started reaping the rewards of this fund,’ Thabethe said, revealing that since April the SANCB had submitted 54 bids that could potentially contribute R1.6 billion to the economy, attract 57 660 delegates and generate more than 214 combined conference days.
She noted that each time a blue-chip international event was hosted in South Africa, it not only added to the country’s prestige – ‘it also delivers important socio-economic benefits to our people, which is why Africa is the best place to bring your next business event, meeting or conference’.
South Africa has about 40 exhibitors taking part in this year’s IBTM World, ranging from city and provincial convention bureaus and destination management companies to tour operators, hotels and guest lodges. This includes eight small tourism businesses that are being hosted by the National Department of Tourism as part of its Market Access Programme. This programme seeks to broaden the variety of tourism products on the market while helping small enterprises (especially black-owned businesses) get ‘market-ready’ for international tourists.
The South African SMMEs being showcased at IBTM 2017 are: MK Tours and Travel; Giltedge DMC; Aqua Tours and Transfers; The Conference Company, Nongoma Lodge & Inn, and La Teranga Bed & Breakfast; Casambo Exclusive Guest Lodge; and Drifters Raceway Theme Park.
Meetings Africa, Africa’s premier business events travel trade show, takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 to 28 February 2018. Visit www.meetingsafrica.co.za for more details.


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Christmas comes early this year as Country’s favourite female trio Runaway June have announced their When I Think About Christmas EP out October 16th. This five-track EP will feature three Christmas classics in addition to two Runaway June Christmas originals. Following their appearance on the ACM Awards last month where they presented the efforts of ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Relief Fund, Runaway June are ready to flaunt their country roots with versatility by showcasing on this EP their organic three-part harmonies paired with their genuine excitement to spread holiday cheer.Continue reading
Janson is celebrating the release of his first-ever Christmas single “It Is Christmas,” a timeless ode to the most wonderful (and his favorite) time of the year.
Country Music NI is back and we’re bringing you some great podcasts, country news and event info all based in Northern Ireland


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NEW DELHI, Aug. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — JuicyScore, a global leader in anti-fraud and risk management solutions, announced its global expansion plans to scale–up its operations to the Indian sub-continent. The company will offer anti-fraud solutions to NBFCs and Indian Micro financing businesses to reduce their online risk in the rapidly growing digital financing ecosystem in India. With headquarters in Moscow and Singapore, JuicyScore provides cutting-edge technology solutions for fraud prevention in online business and financial products for risk reduction to 80+ clients across 21 countries.
The influx of digital technologies has rapidly developed India’s digital lending ecosystem despite the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. New financial institutions such as neobanks and microfinance startups/companies have also mushroomed in the country to tap the demand of credit triggered by both businesses and consumers. However, with the rise of this sector, the risk ratio for online lending has rocketed too due to weak security legacy systems that put bank data and money at risk. To tackle this threat, JuicyScore provides an array of robust anti-fraud solutions and risk assessment tools that aid banks and businesses deal with application fraud, account takeover, multi-accounting, transaction fraud, etc.
On the expansion announcement, Mikhail Marchenko, Co-Founder at JuicyScore, said, “Projected growth of the digital lending ecosystem in India is $ 350 billion by the end of 2023. The sheer scale of this opportunity coupled with the Government of India’s push towards micro and medium online finance enterprises into the gambit of its financial inclusion vision puts India as one of our top 3 priority markets. Being the global leaders in anti-fraud and risk assessment, we are committed to bringing in best-in-class technology solutions to India
JuicyScore provides the access to the tools that help in preventing fraud, reducing risks, and increasing the availability of online financial products via device authentication technologies and user behavior analysis. The company’s unique selling proposition (USP) is to not use any personal identifiers and sensitive data that makes it compliant to GDPR, current and prospective regulating rules, browsers’ and other operational systems’ security policy.
Founded in 2016 JuicyScore is a forward-looking company that creates antifraud solutions for online business. Our mission is about making the process of obtaining financial services safer by reducing the turnover of direct user identifiers and sensitive data: our main feature is that we do not utilize personal or sensitive data and direct consumer identifiers. JuicyScore provides customized score and analytics, consult on score modeling and decision-making system. We work in 21 countries all over the world, have 80+ clients. Our data significantly improves score models: on average our clients get 10+ ROI. Our API is unified for both web and mobile channels. JuicyScore is compliant to GDPR, current and prospective regulating rules, browsers’ and operational systems’ security policy. Visit our website https://juicyscore.com/en/ for more information.
The content is by PR Newswire. Headlines of Today Media is not responsible for the content provided or any links related to this content. Headlines of Today Media is not responsible for the correctness, topicality or the quality of the content.


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|CHEVROLET AND GMC ANNOUNCE CNG PRICING OPTIONS|
|DETROIT – Bi-fuel options, allowing either compressed natural gas or gasoline to power the 2015Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD pickups, will start at $9,500. A dedicated CNG option on the 2015 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cargo and passenger short-wheelbase vans starts $10,825 for the three-tank system and $12,090 for the four-tank system.
'Based on current average fuel prices, CNG is more than a dollar cheaper than an equivalent gallon of gasoline, giving driv...[Read more...]|
|GM ENGINEERS GET FIRSTHAND DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE|
|• Goal is better products and happier customers|
DETROIT – Engineers behind the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac CTS, GMC Sierra and Buick Enclave are learning on dealership sales floors and in service bays what customers like and dislike about the cars and trucks they helped create.
So far, the General Motors' Professional Development Assignment has dispatched 90 engineers nationwide to meet with field service engineers, dealership sales managers and aftersales service technician...[Read more...]
|GM DELIVERS 187,195 VEHICLES IN SEPTEMBER|
| ||DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers delivered 187,195 vehicles in the United States in September, down 11 percent compared year over year. Retail sales were down 6 percent versus a year ago and fleet sales were down 27 percent. Retail sales were up 2 percent on a selling day-adjusted basis.
'We held our own when it comes to retail market share this month thanks to strong new products, including the Chevrolet Impala, Buick Encore, GMC Sierra and the Cadillac ATS and XTS,' sa...[Read more...]|
|2013 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY|
| ||• General Motors Receives Eight Model-Level Awards, including Five for Chevrolet; Porsche Ranks Highest Among Nameplates
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 19 June 2013 - The majority of problems owners experience with their new vehicle in the first 90 days of ownership are design-related rather than manufacturing defects. These design problems are far less likely to be successfully resolved at the dealership than are defects, according to the J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM...[Read more...]
|GMC TERRAIN SALES BEST EVER FOR MONTH OF NOVEMBER|
| ||Small SUV also on track for record sales year
DETROIT - The GMC Terrain's November sales were the best ever, with retail sales up 28 percent and total sales up 44 percent. The small SUV is also on track for its best year ever in retail and total sales.
GMC ended November with year-over-year retail sales down 3 percent for the month. Total sales in November were up 1 percent.
'Terrain has had a big impact on GMC showrooms since it launched two years ago,' said Brian Swee...[Read more...]|


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“Sugar-powered biobatteries could serve as next-generation green power sources, particularly for portable electronics.,” Zhiguang Zhu, Tsz Kin Tam, Fangfang Sun, Chun You & Y. -H. Percival Zhang. The aforementioned list of authors published the article, “A High-Energy-Density Sugar Biobattery Based on a Synthetic Enzymatic Pathway” in Nature Communications. Rechargeable batteries after time cannot hold a charge and end up as toxic waste. It’s not a far stretch to believe that billions of batteries are thrown out each year causing distress to the environment and human health. The sugar battery is a biodegradable alternative, which is non-explosive and non-flammable. Ideally the sugar battery will be refueled by adding more sugar, similar to the way ink cartridges are refilled with ink. In fact the sugar battery may last up to 10 times longer than current lithium-ion batteries. The Virginia Tech University team is extracting as much energy as possible out of sugar and converting it to electricity, making it more powerful than any previously made sugar battery. That’s all fine and dandy but is it practical? The sugar battery wouldn’t be a typical AA battery, rather a fuel cell, which means it would emit CO2 and water. These details are what the Virginia Tech research team will work on for the next three years as well as, increasing the lifetime and power of the battery.
The future is full of hope for the sugar battery. Hope that it can power our iPhones and Kindles. How sweet would that be?
"The World's" audio interview with Zhang about the sugar battery.


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Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Game's New Trailer Streamed
posted on by Crystalyn Hodgkins
Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe began streaming new trailer on Friday for its Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown game. The company first revealed the trailer at the Golden Joystick Awards 2018 ceremony in London on Friday.
Bandai Namco Entertainment will release the game on January 18, 2019 (January 17 in Japan) for PlayStation 4 (with PlayStation VR support) and Xbox One, and on February 1, 2019 for PC via Steam. The game was originally slated for 2017, but was delayed to 2018 before this latest delay to 2019. The game will have a season pass that will include three missions, three aircraft, and a music player mode.
Namco released the first Ace Combat game in 1992. The last numbered title, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, shipped for the Xbox 360 in 2007. Bandai Namco Games released Ace Combat Infinity as the first free-to-play Ace Combat game for the PlayStation 3 in May 2014. The most recent game in the series, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus, shipped for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan in January 2015 and in February 2015 in North America and Europe.
Disclosure: Bandai Namco Rights Marketing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc., is a non-controlling, minority shareholder in Anime News Network Inc.


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ITC and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce form strategic alliance (en)
(Geneva/Washington, D.C) – The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation and International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, are launching a partnership to generate opportunities for revenue, mentorship and expansion for women business owners in the United States and across the globe.
By joining forces, the USHCC Foundation and ITC will develop initiatives for women business owners, leveraging their individual programs to support female entrepreneurs in becoming more competitive in a dynamic global market.
‘The USHCC Foundation is delighted to partner with ITC to empower women business leaders,’ said Chairman Nina Vaca. ‘Latina-owned business owners have a start-up rate six times the national average, making this demographic the fastest growing business segment in the United States. We are proud to continue supporting entrepreneurship among women and look forward to working closely with ITC.’
ITC Executive Director Arancha González said: ‘Women account for one-third of ownership of companies across the world, but fewer of these take part in global trade than those owned by men. Connecting women business enterprises (WBEs) with each other allow them strengthen their capacities and increase their trading networks, and grab a greater share of exports and procurement opportunities. Our partnership with the USHCC will enable more of these WBEs to join forces and trade more and better.’
Strengthened by ITC’s goal to help small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries trade and internationalize, together with the USHCC and USHCC Foundation’s mission to promote economic growth for over 4.1 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, this collaboration will link women business enterprises (WBEs) with corporations and organizations that actively procure from WBEs.
The partnership will provide women entrepreneurs with training, technical assistance, market development, and exposure to global trade and business opportunities through ITC’s pivotal Women Vendors Exhibition and Forum (WVEF) – an annual convention that promotes networking and mentorship between successful women entrepreneurs and leaders from top multinational and regional companies – as well as through the USHCC’s powerful network of local chambers of commerce and businesses that promotes the growth of American small businesses.
This agreement between ITC and the USHCC comes on the heels of the unveiling of ITC’s Call to Action launched in September 2015, an ambitious program that will connect one million women entrepreneurs to markets by 2020.
By formulating this unique, groundbreaking agreement, the USHCC and ITC will influence, mentor and develop women-owned companies, leveling the playing field to provide equal market opportunities for women and paving the way for revenue generation through technical assistance and access to funding and key procurement bodies in the public and private sectors.
ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the UN Global Goals. For more information, visit www.intracen.org. Follow ITC on Twitter: @ITCnews
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of our nation's entrepreneurs. The USHCC advocates on behalf of nearly 4.1 million Hispanic-owned businesses that together contribute in excess of $661 billion to the American economy, each year. As the leading organization of its kind, the USHCC serves as an umbrella to more than 200 local chambers and business associations across the nation, and partners with more than 259 major corporations.
About the USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is the philanthropic and educational arm of the USHCC. The mission of the USHCC Foundation is to enrich experiences of current and future leaders in the world of business through life-long learning and support. The Foundation's initiatives awaken and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit, support business growth, strengthen local chambers and foster leaders. For more information, visit www.ushccfoundation.org. Follow the USHCC on Twitter: @USHCCFoundation.


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IRVINE, Calif. - HelmetCheck.org, developed by the Motorcycle Industry Council's (MIC) Helmet Task Force for riders to verify that a helmet they own, or are considering for purchase, complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation's safety standard (FMVSS 218) is now live. This new website allows consumers to find information on DOT-compliant helmets from any helmet manufacturer voluntarily participating in the database.
Major helmet companies and distributors AFX, AGV, Arai, AXO, HJC, Icon, Scorpion, and Shoei have thus far provided the information on their full line of helmets to the site.
"The most important piece of safety equipment a rider can wear is a DOT-compliant helmet," said Eric Anderson, chairman of the MIC Helmet Task Force. "We hope to call attention to the DOT standard and let riders know that they can reliably identify and verify that the helmet they own, or are considering for purchase, is DOT-compliant."
DOT-compliant helmets are marked with an identifying sticker on the back. A DOT-labeled helmet denotes that the manufacturer confirms it meets or exceeds the government standards for protection. To display a DOT certification symbol on helmets, manufacturers must adhere to standards that include impact absorbing capability and penetration resistance, and a retention system standard that ensures a helmet stays fastened in the event of a crash.
"With hundreds of models available to choose from, and especially given the prevalence of counterfeit stickers, there is unfortunately a lot of confusion among consumers," Anderson said. "We are deeply appreciative of the cooperation of the manufacturers and distributors for providing their product information to the site for the benefit of all the riders. Given their participation, HelmetCheck.org will be a reliable way for riders and law enforcement agencies to verify that a specific helmet meets the DOT standard."
HelmetCheck.org also will be a repository of helmet-related information, research and public service announcements for the benefit of consumers, policy-makers and law enforcement.
Located in Irvine, Calif., the Motorcycle Industry Council is a not-for-profit national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles and scooters, parts and accessories for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles, as well as members of allied trades. The MIC's Helmet Task Force was formed to address the need for public awareness and understanding of motorcycle helmet issues including identification of DOT compliant helmets, the advantages of helmet use, and evaluation of helmet-related liability issues.


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By AMY WILSON AND DAVID SEDGWICK
On May 17, Ford Motor Co. summoned powertrain component suppliers to discuss the automaker’s quality woes.
After a three-hour session devoted largely to the vendors’ shortcomings, one participant asked for a show of hands: How many suppliers in the room also sold parts to Toyota and General Motors? Nearly everyone raised a hand.
“It sent a very loud message,” said one supplier who attended the meeting.
Do Toyota’s vendors suffer a sudden quality collapse when they ship parts to Ford? If Ford’s suppliers are delivering faulty components, it is partly because of Ford’s own purchasing practices.
This year, Ford Motor significantly toughened its requirements for suppliers to retain their Q1 quality rating. The automaker has put 393 supplier factories on its watch list, and 79 of those must improve or risk the loss of future contracts.
Some suppliers say they can live with Ford’s new rules. But a number of suppliers say Ford’s last-minute design changes have caused much of the automaker’s quality problems. Suppliers don’t have enough time to test these parts or discover how the changes affect other components.
“Ford leaves everything until the last minute — then they change everything,” said the supplier who attended the meeting. “Does Toyota change things? Yes. But they are fine-tuning their designs. They make tiny changes.”
When it comes to late design changes, Ford is one of the worst offenders, according to a survey by Planning Perspectives Inc., a management consulting firm in Birmingham, Mich.
According to the survey, Ford generated the highest volume of late engineering changes among six major North American automakers.
The survey suggests that Ford places more emphasis on cost-cutting — as opposed to quality — than GM, Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Only DaimlerChrysler focuses more heavily on cost. Vendors also say they receive conflicting demands from Ford’s various departments.
“The suppliers obviously must accept some blame for quality, but it’s not unquestionably just their fault,” said Planning Perspectives President John Henke. “In fact, a good portion of the blame should fall on Ford’s shoulders.”
Henke based his initial conclusions on questionnaires completed by more than 150 suppliers. A more complete survey of about 225 suppliers will be published in June, Henke said.
Ford officials would not comment specifically for this article. But in response to the Planning Perspectives survey, they did acknowledge that despite some progress with suppliers on quality and cost objectives, much work remains.
In its defense, the company already is taking steps to improve its vehicle design procedures. In January, Chairman Bill Ford vowed to stop the rash of late engineering changes. The automaker also has started a “back to the basics” program to detect manufacturing glitches in its assembly plants.
Thus, Ford executives have stressed that they are not blaming vendors for all of the automaker’s quality woes. But some suppliers say Ford Motor delivered a tough mandate during an April 16 meeting with its largest vendors: Improve quality or lose contracts.
An internal Ford document used in the April meeting presents a snapshot of some of Ford’s supplier-related quality problems. Among them:
Suppliers are forecast to deliver 174 defective parts per million to Ford this year, well above that of rival automakers. By contrast, GM says its suppliers will deliver fewer than 30 defective parts per million in 2002. Ford has asked its suppliers to cut defects this year to 131 per million.
Ford Motor predicts supplier-related quality problems will force it to halt the shipment of vehicles from its assembly plants 268 times this year. The automaker has suffered a steady rise in “stop shipments” since 1998, and it wants to reduce their frequency to 200 incidents this year.
New parts are eight times as likely as carryover parts to cause a stop shipment. Meanwhile, manufacturing problems caused 83 percent of these incidents, while design problems caused 17 percent.
Ford Motor’s campaign to improve quality may gain added urgency in the wake of a new quality survey by J.D. Power and Associates. Last week, J.D. Power released its annual Initial Quality Study, which measures vehicle quality in the first 90 days of ownership.
The survey for the 2002 model year recorded 143 problems per 100 vehicles for Ford’s various brands — an improvement over the previous year. But competitors such as Toyota, Honda, GM and DaimlerChrysler did even better, leaving Ford worse than the industry average of 133 problems.
While some suppliers are skeptical about Ford’s quality shakeup, others see an opportunity to win business. One supplier who attended the April meeting is looking for ways to capitalize.
David Westgate, CEO of Rieter Automotive Systems in Farmington Hills, Mich., said: “It’s an opportunity for the supplier that wants to aggressively go after the quality and engineering issues. There’s new business out there.”


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Tech Mahindra announced that it has been selected as the technology and digital transformation partner for Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH). Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH) is part of the Otto Group, one of the world’s largest home shopping organisations, and the home of familiar names such as Freemans, and its boutique brand Kaleidoscope.
Through the partnership, Tech Mahindra will support FGH in executing their 4D strategy of Distinct Retail Offer, Dynamic Financial Services, Digital First and Driven by Operational efficiency. This five-year engagement will help FGH reduce their technical debt and migrate their entire infrastructure and application portfolio to modern cloud-based platforms. Tech Mahindra will work with FGH to optimise, simplify, and standardise business processes to streamline front and back-office platforms for automated operations and improved customer experience.
Jinender Jain, Senior Vice President & Sales Head, UK&I at Tech Mahindra, said, “Retailers are focusing on improving their customer experience through digital transformation as technology is fuelling a massive shift in the industry. Shopping experience is an increasing point of focus within the retail sector since the pandemic. Tech Mahindra will support FGH in its journey to build the next generation retail platform by delivering emerging technologies and solutions that enable an improved experience for all its customers through our NXT.NOWTM framework. Our partnership with FGH is a huge step in our continued journey towards bringing NexGen digital transformation solutions and service offerings across UK.”
Gary Ellwood, CIO at Freemans Grattan Holdings, said, “Over the last two years we have been on quite a journey to re-imagine our offer and how this is executed – all with the ambition of becoming the digital department store of choice. From a customer perspective, they have seen a brand-new look and feel across our trading brands and a revitalised and strengthen product offering. We’ve also introduced several exclusive partnerships such as Henry Holland, Julien Macdonald, and Abigail Ahern. This strategy is already paying dividends as we continue to grow ahead of the market. Digital transformation is the next complimentary steppingstone in our growth strategy and will allow us to be both reactive and resilient. We believe in partnering with Tech Mahindra we have mitigated significant risk associated with technology debt, but most importantly, set ourselves up for future success by including wholesale technology and business transformation into to scope of the contract.”
FGH and Tech Mahindra will collaborate to improve overall customer experience, delivering customer insight, hyper-personalisation, seamless credit services, and simplified operations, all within a MACH (Microservices, API, Cloud, Headless) architecture. FGH and Tech Mahindra will be implementing retail solutions supporting entire retail lifecycle of plan, buy, move, and sell, covering business areas such as assortment planning, demand forecasting, merchandising and digital supply chain.
Over the past 2-3 years, Tech Mahindra has significantly expanded its presence within the UK&I retail & CPG space by acquiring a total of five partnerships. This is largely attributed to its capabilities in implementing digital cloud native applications, front office transformation, digital CRM solutions specific for retail, direct to consumer, personalisation and much more.


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Hacking seems to be the theme this week, with a couple of local organizations becoming the unfortunate targets.
CHI St. Joseph’s Children, which provides free services for pregnant women and families with young children, was identified as “Department of Homeland Security-ICE” on Caller IDs this month.
The hack affected 50 land-lines the organization uses from its Albuquerque office to contact families that have been referred for services, said president Allen Sánchez.
Because CHI St. Joseph’s “supports immigrant children and their families regardless of status,” an unknown number of people likely did not answer their phones when Homeland Security flashed on their caller IDs, Sánchez said.
Staffers clued into the problem when they noticed a drop in people registering for the home-visiting program, he said.
The nonprofit is owned by the national Catholic Health Initiatives, but only the New Mexico phone lines were affected by the hack, Sánchez said. The FBI is investigating and the problem is now fixed, Sánchez said, but the nonprofit is concerned about families waiting for its help with home visits, medical needs, food and other kinds of help.
It is trying again to reach families now that the phones are fixed, but it wants you to know this: “If you were expecting a phone call from CHI St. Joseph’s Children, you can reach them at 505-924-8000.”
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The other hack happened to Leadership New Mexico, which is warning that its email account – firstname.lastname@example.org – was compromised.
Bogus emails have been sent out regarding a fake invoice, warns the group, which provides programs to train future leaders in the state.
The bad emails start out with “Dear Client” and say, “I have attached our invoice which requires payment prior to starting work.” It then provides a link so the recipient can view the supposed invoice.
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The Better Business Bureau is warning about a change-of-address scam in which fake companies have created websites mimicking the U.S. Postal Service.
Consumers have ended up on these sites after doing an online search for how to change an address. The process, really, is easy with a minimal charge and can be done online at the official Postal Service site at www.usps.com.
The fake sites are deceptively similar to the real one, the BBB says, but those who make a payment with their credit or debit card will find themselves with extra charges they didn’t agree to.
“In most cases, these fake companies get away with your money and your address is left unchanged,” the BBB said.
Here’s how to avoid being duped by an imitation website, according to the BBB:
• Double check the URL before you enter any personal or payment information. “It can be easy to click on a sponsored ad or imposter website without noticing.” Make sure the link is secure – if it is, it will start with “https://” and will include a lock icon on the purchase page.
• Be cautious about third-party websites, no matter how much they look like the real thing. Those that have no working customer service number and no physical address should sound an alarm. Also, typos and grammatical errors are a very bad sign.
• Make online purchases with a credit card. Fraudulent charges on a credit card can usually be disputed, which is not always the case with other payment methods.
Ellen Marks is assistant business editor at the Albuquerque Journal. Contact her at email@example.com or 505-823-3842 if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the New Mexico Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-844-255-9210.


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Daily Camera (Boulder)
Recycling is still an option
Recent letter writer Melanie Bliss encourages readers to vote “yes” on Ballot
Issue 2A, tacking on a 25cent plastic bag fee in Louisville. Whether or not the measure passes, keep in mind one important fact: Plastic can be recycled.
A recent environmental report finds that 87 percent of Americans have access to municipal recycling that accepts PET and HDPE, two common types of plastic that take the form of bottles, detergent containers, and some bags. Many grocery stores have even set up ways to return bags to ensure they are reused or recycled. Recycled plastic has a variety of uses as carpeting, clothing, and even playground equipment. Yet, the plastic recycling rate is low, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
In the long run, we’ll have the most success fighting waste by increasing our recycling rates.


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The Jaguar F-Pace is ready for its first update. Ever since the Jaguar F-Pace arrived back in 2016, it has quickly become the brand’s best-selling model . Now in its fourth model year, the F-Pace The brand-new 2021 Jaguar F-Pace will have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrain as the default system for all designs, other than the S and SVR. The 2.0-liter engine can produce 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The EPA city/highway fuel economy for this system is 22/27 mpg. The 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE is a true luxury sports car. Experience the latest in the distinguished bloodline with superior performance and innovative car technology. 2021 Jaguar F-Pace Engine The main changes, however, will be found in the powertrain department; the F-Pace will continue being provided with a series of turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol units, in addition to a couple of diesel alternatives for consumers in Europe. The Jaguar F-Pace is in for its first mid-cycle refresh, four years after production began, and with it, the range-topping F-Pace SVR will be updated as well. Spied testing on the Nurburgring in 2021 Jaguar F-Pace Price and Release Date. The new and facelifted version of the upcoming 2021 Jaguar F-Pace will go on sale next year. Jaguar F Pace 2021 Model Pictures – Jaguar F Pace 2021 Model Jaguar’s F-Pace is one of the added attractive, added activating offerings in its class, and the automaker is set to accomplish things added adorable with a mid-cycle amend accepted on auction for the 2021 archetypal year. .
2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Spied Exercising Its Sporty SUV Bones Christopher Smith. 3/17/2020. As virus toll rises, May brings reopenings around globe. Farmworkers sue Washington state over protections. Jaguar’s F-Pace is one of the more attractive, more dynamic offerings in its class, and the automaker is set to make things more enticing with a mid-cycle update expected on sale for the 2021 New 2021 Jaguar F-Pace is set for a facelift and further interior changes. On top of that, this SUV will get a new diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace incorporates versatile Brought front lights that include Jaguar J-Blade Brought daytime working lights. They are identified to generate almost a similar power as daytime. Aside from lowering low power, these lights help your vision to recognize various products. .


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01 June 2021 | News
New conditioning options are currently available at worldwide locations for single-use temperature-controlled shippers
Temperature-controlled packaging solutions provider Pelican BioThermal, has announced new service offerings that support customers who use single-use products, such as CoolPall Flex single-use bulk shippers and CoolGuard Advance single-use parcel shippers. The company now offers the option to condition BRIC coolants for single-use products at locations worldwide.
“Over the past several years, we’ve worked to expand our presence across the globe to make our services more accessible to our customers,” said David Williams, President, Pelican BioThermal. “Yet not all of our customers could benefit from our global network. We’re excited to extend services to our single-use packaging customers, allowing them to focus on their core business--developing pharmaceutical products.”
Pelican BioThermal is known for its ability to condition and deliver ready-to-use reusable products worldwide. This service helps customers who do not have the facilities, equipment or staff to condition their temperature-controlled packaging. Some customers of single-use packaging have the same needs, which is why the company is expanding its offerings to support this segment.
Strategically placed in pharma hubs and high-traffic shipping lanes across the globe, Pelican BioThermal’s network includes more than 80 locations. The company’s service centres and network stations refurbish, repair and condition a variety of reusable temperature-controlled packaging.


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So, you've got the new iPhone. You've been downloading apps all weekend. It's a joy to use. But... we're hearing some reports that suggest the latest iPhone picks up scratches faster than data flows through its new Lightning connector.
Some folks are saying that their phones have picked up plenty of scratches on the back and sides after just a weekend's use. Others are even claiming that there are scratches on the handset straight out of the box, lurking beneath the protective film wrapper.
Was your new phone already scratched out of the box? Is it picking up damage more easily than your previous phone? Let us know! [Forbes]


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Tesco CEO unveils a new value smartphone and second Hudl tablet, set to launch later this year.
Following on from last year’s bargainous Hudl tablet, Tesco is now working on a value smartphone as well as a follow-up to the Hudl, creatively titled the Hudl 2. A Tesco phone is an enticing prospect and should pack some decent specs but come in at an affordable price, when it hits UK stores in 2014.
Check out our guide to Tesco’s value smartphone, including likely specs, UK price and launch date.
Tesco’s Chief Executive Philip Clarke revealed the smartphone plans in a BBC interview, but was sparing with details. However, expectation points to an affordable device, most likely priced between £100 and £150, that will pack strong mid-range specs. The Tesco phone is likely to be hot competition for the Motorola Moto G, which is still a truly excellent class leader that can be picked up for around £99.
The Tesco phone should be officially launched towards the end of the year, and we should also see the Tesco Hudl 2 emerge around September, just in time for the Christmas sales. The original 7-inch Hudl is one of our favourite low-cost tablets, coming in chaper than the likes of Google’s Nexus 7, while still packing a crisp screen and decent performance.
Would you be tempted by a Tesco value phone? Let us know in the comments below, and check out our tips on what to expect from the Tesco mobile.


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Microsoft has admitted that its employees can listen to the recording of users, writes Vice.
“The processing of personal data <…> includes both automated and manual (human) processing methods”, — stated in the update.
Previously Vice reported that Microsoft hired contractors for the wiretapping of personal conversations of users.
The company partially confirmed this information.
“We decided that we should be able to clarify that sometimes people are studying the content,” — said the representative of Microsoft in comments to the portal. The company is hopeful that this clarification will make the user experience “more clarity”.


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As a legendary race engineer and the designer of the iconic McLaren F1 super car, Gordon Murray shouldn’t need an introduction. When he set out to design the most efficient EV in the world back in 2011, the world met the T.27 city car. It was a concept that was later bought by Yamaha, who re-packaged the T.27 as the MOTIV.e and, now, is set to begin full-scale production of Murray’s electric vision.
The new-for 2015 MOTIV.e Yamaha electric car will be among the first 4-wheeled vehicles to carry the Yamaha badge, though the company has a long history of building automotive engines for Ford, Volvo, and others. It’s a sharp-looking little city car, with size and style on-par with Aston Martin’s Cygnet. Late last year, the company released photos that showed what their new Yamaha electric car would look like …
… and what kind of performance the car will deliver when it launches …
… but, until now, we didn’t know any specifics regarding the car’s actual power train.
It’s been announced that EV specialists Zytek will supply the new Yamaha electric car with a 25 kW motor that spins to 15,000 rpm, which will be equipped with advanced cooling systems to keep everything operating at optimal temperatures. The Zytek-sourced power unit has been designed to be inexpensive, lightweight and compact- and the end result shows just how good those guys are. The motor weighs less than 30 lbs., with the car’s gearbox and power inverter weighing about 40 additional lbs., combined.
You can get a better look at the new Zytek motor, below- but, before you do, check this out:
That- you eagle-eyed reader, you- is what a full line-up of electric Yamaha cars might (will?) look like, if the MOTIV.e does well enough to warrant Yamaha taking further steps to compete with Tesla, Fisker, and its cross-town rivals at Honda in the automotive segment. Notice how there’s a logical progression at work, here, just like Yamaha mapped out when they introduced their electric motorcycle line-up.
Here’s hoping Yamaha cars become a thing, then. While you wait, here’s that Zytek engine I promised you. Enjoy!
Source | More photos: Yamaha, via Gizmag.


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DEWITT, N.Y., Feb. 25 -- Verizon said it will open a new customer support center for advanced fiber optic services in Dewitt, N.Y., near Syracuse, and will create up to 50 new jobs this year. Over the next two years, it said, the center will employ up to 150 people.
Employees in the new Fiber Solutions Center (FSC) will support consumers and business customers who purchase new broadband products and video services over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. The new center will take calls from customers across several states served by Verizon.
Verizon has begun building FTTP in parts of 12 states, including central New York. The new technology uses a fiber optic link to directly connect a home or business to the Verizon network, replacing the copper wire technology used today.
"The Fiber Solutions Center and its employees will offer the highest-quality broadband service possible for our customers," said Jeff Bell, director of the new center for Verizon. "These new employees will learn how this technology works so that they can help our customers get the most out of the best broadband available today."
Verizon is selling services under the FiOS brand that include high-speed Internet access services to consumers served by the company's new FTTP network in parts of California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.
The new center will be located at 6360 Thompson Road, using existing space in a building already owned by Verizon. Employees in the center will handle calls from customers who buy the new FiOS products, answering technical questions, assisting customers in trouble-shooting problems and diagnosing and correcting them remotely. Verizon will begin hiring and training employees next month. The company has already opened similar customer service centers in Dallas; Hampton, Va.; Providence, R.I.; and Thousand Oaks, Calif. Verizon began building its FTTP network in Keller, Texas, in May 2004. The company said it expects to hire some 3000 to 5000 new employees by the end of this year to help build the network.
For more information, visit: www.verizon.com


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Despite the Odisha Government’s efforts to promote and push for digital transactions, citizens seem more comfortable making payments through cash.
According to Worldline India’s ‘Digital Payments Report’ for the second quarter (Apr-May-June) this year, Odisha is still to figure among the big states in the adoption rate for the digital mode of payment.
According to the report released this week, Maharashtra topped the list, followed by Karnataka at the second place and Tamil Nadu at the third. Neighbouring state West Bengal was placed at the 10th spot.
Among the cities, Bengaluru led the pack in embracing digital transactions, followed by Chennai and Mumbai.
Digital transactions became a key policy initiative of the Narendra Modi government following demonetisation of high-value currency notes in 2016. Incentivising customers, discounts and freebies were rolled out subsequently by the Finance Ministry. The Odisha government also did its bit to encourage digital transactions. But Odisha along with several states has been rather slow in embracing digital payments. Southern states, on the other hand, have posted an impressive show on its march towards ushering in a cashless economy.
This Worldline report is an in-depth analysis of payment trends across traditional channels like debit and credit cards and new payment methods like mobile-based payments, e-wallets etc.
Some of the interesting findings:
# It said that digital transactions peaked during festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr( June 5) and Ram Navami-Baisakhi (April 13).
# UPI transactions through platforms such as Phonepay continued to soar as the total volume of UPI transactions in Q2 2019 was Rs 2.2 billion, a 263 per cent increase from Q2 of the previous year.
# Significantly, between June 2018 and June 2019, there was an addition of about 1 crore credit cards and reduction in 1.07 crore debit cards.
# While the rise in credit cards may be attributed to growing digital payments and the expansion of retail borrowers in the market, the fall in debit cards could be due to the mass closure of zero balance accounts, the report said.
# Number of transactions done on mobile wallets such as Paytm in Q2 2019 was 1.08 billion, an increase of 18.4 per cent over Q2 of the previous year. During this period Rs 474 billion worth of transactions took place through e-wallets, an increase of 17.5 per cent over Q2 of the previous year.


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- Around 140 of the garage legend's early works are being re-released by Defected.
Todd Edwards' entire back catalogue will be digitally available for the first time from May 7th.
Coming out via Defected, the release includes classics like "Saved My Life," "Dancing For Heaven" and "Can't You Believe?," as well as some previously unreleased material. All the tracks will be remastered and available for streaming and digital download from May 7th.
"Finally! It's been almost a decade since I got back the music catalog that helped define my career," said Edwards. "Now it's ready for re-release, and I am very happy it will all be on Defected Records, the perfect label to share my music with old fans and a new audience."
Defected also plan vinyl reissues, remixes of Edwards' classics and a House Masters compilation due to land in the summer.
Listen to "Saved My Life."
Defected Records will release The Todd Edwards Catalogue on May 7th, 2021.


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Naked Tchopstix owner David Lee is once again in expansion mode with a recently opened north-side Indianapolis restaurant and another soon to come in Carmel.
Each of the new spots will have a slightly different menu from Lee’s restaurant at 3855 E. 96th St., which offers sushi and other items, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine.
Lee said he’s already had a soft opening for Naked Tchopstix Express at 2902 W. 86th St., in the Willow Lake West plaza, with a grand opening planned later this month. The establishment will focus on sushi, including the Hawaiian style known as poke.
This location was formerly a Pita Pit restaurant, Lee said, but he bought out the owners of that restaurant and turned the space into Naked Tchopstix Express.
The Carmel location, which will operate under the Naked Tchopstix name, will be at 365 W. 116th St. It is taking the space formerly occupied by Coalition Pizza + Wine, which opened in 2014 and closed about a year ago.
Lee said the Carmel location should be open early next month. Its menu will include traditional Japanese cuisine, along with what Lee calls “Asian pizza” topped with items like seafood, chicken teriyaki and Korean barbecue. Lee said he was inspired to add the pizzas because the kitchen came equipped with a large oven from its days as a pizza place.
Lee also owns a Naked Tchopstix in Fort Wayne. The two new spots will give him a total of four Naked Tchopstix locations.
The Tchopstix concept dates back to 2003, when Lee and his then-wife Maggie opened a Bistro Tchopstix at 251 N. Illinois St. in downtown Indianapolis.
The first restaurant to carry the Naked Tchopstix name opened in 2004 at 6453 N. College St. in Broad Ripple.
After the Lees divorced, David took ownership of the 96th Street location and Maggie (now Maggie Kim) took the Broad Ripple site.
As IBJ reported earlier this week, Maggie Kim recently sold Broad Ripple restaurant to Hua Li of Avon. Li changed the name of the establishment to Captain Sushi about two weeks ago.
Li also owns Hirosaki, a Japanese restaurant in Avon that she opened in 2016.
At one time Naked Tchopstix had several other locations, including Indianapolis International Airport; the Fashion Mall at Keystone; Greenwood Park Mall; Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson; and in the Cincinnati suburb of Newport, Kentucky. Those have all since closed.


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2015 was a highly prolific year for Walt Disney, raking in an astounding $5.851B. However, the numbers for Disney have not stopped growing—after the release of Doctor Strange, the studio exceeded all expectations and crossed the $6B mark. Today, Walt’s worldwide box office has reached $6.07B.
The $6B threshold has only been crossed once in the history of film making, when Universal made $6.89B last September (2015). However, there is still time before the ledgers close for this year, which means Disney has a chance to top the 2015 record. Movie lovers have Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana to look forward to on November 23, and the long-awaited Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is expected on Dec. 16.
After its release on October 20th, Marvel’s Doctor Strange raked in $325.4M through Sunday. On a worldwide scale the movie made $240.4M so far, with hefty hauls in China, Korea, the UK and Russia so far.
A few other important Disney stars of 2016 are Captain America: Civil War ($1.15B); Zootopia ($1.023B); and The Jungle Book ($966M)...


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The economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on many industries. Automobile sales have been no exception.
“A couple of dealerships have closed their doors,” said Scott Lambert President of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association. “New car sales have been down around 30 percent statewide this year.”
He says while new car sales have struggled, used car sales have seen a slight increase over the past few months.


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ACI and Mastercard partner to provide Peruvian real-time payments
Peruvian clearing house the Cámara de Compensación Electrónica (CCE) has selected an ACI Worldwide payments platform to facilitate the deployment of instant payments.
CCE is installing ACI’s Enterprise Payments Platform to enable its partner banks access to Mastercard’s Instant Payment Service.
Mastercard’s new service will enter industry testing in Peru later this year. The issuer is working in tandem with ACI Worldwide to provide greater instant payments deployment in the South American country.
CCE launched its own real-time payments scheme, Immediate Interbank Transfers (IIT), in 2016. Now it is working with Mastercard to “fully modernise” Peru’s digital payments infrastructure.
“The volume of immediate transfers that we process each month has more than quadrupled,” says CCE CEO Martín Santa María.
“In January 2020, we processed 580,000, a number that increased to more than 2.8 million per month by January 2021.
“Thanks to the Mastercard and ACI Worldwide partnership, we can exceed this growth, as both consumer and business demand for real-time payments rapidly increases across the country.”
Clearing at pace
Prior to the foundation of the CCE, Peru’s central bank managed the clearing of cheques, transfers, debits, and bills.
Exchange at the central bank was manual, and it says it hindered the timely settlement of cheques, meaning the country failed to meet international standards.
Since that time, the country has embarked on the implementation of Swift’s ISO 20022 payment standard, with the aim of achieving real-time processing.
CCE has already worked with Mastercard subsidiary Vocalink, going live in 2020 with a multi-currency real-time, batch and cheque payment solution.
“Modernising a country’s payments infrastructure is a major undertaking,” says Mastercard executive vice president for new payment platforms, Carlos Pontes.
“We are excited to continue our work with CCE together with ACI to develop a powerful and flexible real-time payments solution.
“This infrastructure will provide a platform for innovation to support the country’s economy, transforming the payments landscape for both financial institutions and their customers.”


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“Regulation and compliance from one state to the next is still a huge challenge,” noted Taylor West, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association.
“There is very little in the way of consistency or reciprocity between states’ regulatory programs, so a company that wants to operate in more than one state really does have to approach each one almost from scratch,” she told the E-Commerce Times.
Twenty-five states have legalized marijuana either for full or medicinal use, West said.
Join the movement
NCIA is leading the cannabis industry's unified and coordinated campaign to ensure our business sector is treated fairly and has the opportunity to reach its full potential. Now - more than ever - is the time to invest in your business and the future of the industry by becoming a member.


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The Federal Government must negotiate for the removal of trade barriers so that farmers, and all Australians, can benefit from the increased trade of food and fibre products, the nation’s peak agricultural body said this morning.
National Farmers Federation president Brent Finlay said the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will help achieve increased trade, as it entails the complete removal of tariffs across all agricultural products and sectors to reach an agreement.
“Australian farmers export two-thirds of what they produce, earning the country around $38 billion, so it’s no wonder we view the expanding markets, including the TPP countries, as a significant opportunity for Australian farm exports,” Mr Finlay said.
“It’s clear our farming counterparts in New Zealand, Canada, and the US also recognise the need to remove costly barriers, and are collaborating to call for the complete removal of tariffs across all products, and sectors. Farmer groups have written to their respective officials calling for a more committed approach to completing this agreement.
“Export markets are vital for the future of Australian agriculture, and the continued difficulties faced by companies such as SPC Ardmona, means the growers need improved access to new markets.
“We need governments to work harder, and stronger, to finalise such deals as the TPP, ensuring Australian farmers can continue to export high quality food and fibre to the world,” Mr Finlay said.
Comprehensive tariff elimination remains a central objective of the TPP negotiations, and as the negotiations develop, the NFF demands for the complete elimination of tariffs across all products and sectors.
“Agriculture needs to be at the core of the TPP agreement, as it’s a sector that will deliver commercially meaningful trade gains,” Mr Finlay said.
“The Government needs to be careful, as allowing tariff exceptions for sensitive products – such as rice, beef, sugar and wheat – sets a dangerous precedent for other countries seeking to join the TPP agreement.
“On behalf of Australian farmers, we call on the Australian government to continue pursuing a deal that provides improved agricultural market access, and will result in all countries receiving the same reduction in tariffs on farm goods.
“Farmers will not support a TPP agreement that does not include comprehensive liberalisation of the agricultural sector by all participating countries,” Mr Finlay said.
The NFF Trade Committee will meet in Canberra next week to discuss the trade priorities and agenda for 2014, and reaffirm their commitment to working with Government to refine trade agreements.
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Safaricom has today announced a six-month partnership with Kenyan hip hop artist Nonini as one of their creative brand ambassadors. The partnership will have Nonini heavily involved in Safaricom brand campaigns which will include the use of his image, voice, and content. He will also represent the brand amongst musicians in the country, in his capacity as a champion of artistes’ rights and a director of the Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK).
“I appreciate this chance to work with Safaricom and also look forward to learning more about the work Safaricom Foundation does. I am very passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility, and as part of the partnership I hope to participate in as many activities as I can,” said Nonini. Nonini also runs the Colour Kwa Face Foundation which advocates for the rights of people living with albinism. The Foundation collects sunscreen lotion to supply to people living with the condition as many are unable to meet the cost.
“We settled on this partnership with Nonini because he is a pioneer of new-age Kenyan music popularly known as Genge, is passionate about artists’ rights through his involvement with PRISK and other organizations that fight for artists’ rights. His passion for helping those in need goes in line with our brand spirit of Twaweza and we look forward to working with him on various projects,” said Charles Kare, Acting Director- Consumer Business, Safaricom.
During the course of the partnership, Nonini will educate his fellow artists on monetizing their songs and creative endeavors by registering and joining SKIZA and how they should check on their income. Artistes on the SKIZA platform can keep track of their income by dialing *622# or by visiting www.skiza.com. The reporting is available on a real-time basis and enables them to view their own earnings, a shift from the previous situation which saw only CSPs access the portal.
SKIZA is one of the platforms created by Safaricom over the last sixteen years to provide a forum for Kenyan musicians to sell their music and offers them a chance to reach the company’s 29 million subscribers. There are currently 11 million users of the service, which houses over 132,000 tunes out of which 125,000 are by Kenyans.


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Kids at the Appoquinimink Boys & Girls Club were surprised and overjoyed on December 16th when Amazon stopped by to give everyone toys, games and brand new Kindles for Christmas. “I know, I know, I got one, too!” exclaimed one of the young girls to her friends as several Amazon elves distributed the Kindle Fire Tablets to every child.
The world’s largest distributor or “everything” pulled up to the facility in a huge 53′ truck and unloaded $15,000 worth of gifts, including sports equipment, technology, toys and board games. “Because we have a nearby fulfillment center that’s filled with gifts for so many people across the country this season, we wanted to make sure kids in our community had a very Merry Christmas,” said Amazon Fulfillment General Manager Brian Jones.
The Appoquinimink give-away was part of a nationwide holiday giving effort to help organizations in need near Amazon’s fulfillment centers. “A remarkable effort by Amazon and so special for our kids,” said BGCDE President John Wellons. “We feel so fortunate that Amazon selected the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware for this incredible opportunity.”