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Readers Report that eBooks, Credits Aren’t Transferring From Sony to Kobo
Sony announced in February that they were shutting down the NA branch of the Sony Reader Store and transferring their customers to Kobo, but that process really only started about a week ago – and it’s not going very well.
Numerous former Sony customers are reporting that store credits and some ebooks did not make it from one retailer to the other, while some are reporting an even more worrisome tale. What’s worse, several readers have shown up in the comment section of this blog with reports that they still have not received an email with instructions on how to transfer their account.
Many of those who have gotten the invite email report that most but not all of their ebooks have transferred:
- I checked my gmail account this morning at about 3 AM and there were my instructions. When I finished the click trail, 31 out of 37 books transferred to Kobo.
- 38 of my 41 books transferred. 3 didn’t. 2 of those that didn’t transfer automatically are available for purchase at Kobo.
- I finally got my transfer email. 621 out of 729 books transferred over in a matter of minutes. The list of ones that didn’t make it looked suspiciously large though, so I took a closer look. Over 40 of the books that didn’t transfer are available on Kobo.
- 92 out of 110 transferred successfully. It claimed the others didn’t transfer because they are not in the Kobo store.
On a related note, Kobo has also confirmed that not all of the existing store credits have transferred; they are working on fixing this issue.
Readers are getting mixed reports for why certain titles didn’t transfer even though Kobo sold the titles in question, with Kobo CS telling some that the titles would be added to their account manually while others have been told that it simply wasn’t possible for the ebooks to be added manually:
I just had a long talk with Kobo’s help desk. I was told that they CAN NOT add these two books to my Kobo account manually. When I told them that others (such as yourself) have reported that books are being added to their accounts manually, the customer service agent went off-line to talk to a supervisor, and then stated once again that if the automatic transfer failed to transfer some books, then the missing books CAN NOT be added manually to the Kobo account.
Furthermore, the service agent stated that they (Kobo) have a list of books; titles and authors; that they have determined are not eligible to transfer from Sony to Kobo, and that my two books are on this ineligible list. (Note: I made up the name ‘ineligible list’ Kobo’s service agent didn’t call it this.)
That last bit about a list of titles which Sony and Kobo have refused to transfer is new to me; Kobo has not shared that list publicly nor even mentioned it on their website. What they do say is:
Most of the Reader Store catalogue is available in the Kobo Store, so there are very few eBooks that won’t transfer to your Kobo library.
That is by no means the same thing. I have queried Kobo for an explanation, and I will report back with their response.
In spite of the bumps in the road, anyone whose books have transferred is in a much better position than some former Sony customers. Several people have left comments as recently as last night with reports that they not received an email notifying them of the option to transfer their account to Kobo.
Given that Kobo explicitly states that emails were sent out in late March, anyone who has not gotten an email should probably start panicking. I would suggest that you contact Kobo and ask them about it.
While the deadline for the transfer is still a couple months away, there is a concern that anyone who didn’t get an email from Kobo in late March might also miss later warning emails about the deadline. This is a matter which should not be left to the last minute.
Over the next couple months Sony and Kobo will be sending out other emails with new details, including news about firmware updates. The Sony Reader will be getting a couple firmware updates in April and May which will tie the device in with Kobo’s bookstore. The update is only going to be released for the T1, T2, and T3, but not any of Sony’s earlier models.
With the exception of the PRS-9xx models, Sony’s earlier models lacked wireless connectivity and thus will not be affected by the transfer. Kobo ebooks can be loaded on to those older models by transferring the ebooks over USB, just like with any other Epub ebook.


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How Long Can Chinese Sharing Economy Platforms Like Didi Still Benefit From “Disguised Unemployment”?
On October, 8th, four first-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen) released their draft regulations for online ride-sharing platforms in respective cities. Drivers with no local hukou will be restricted from working as part-time driver for Didi anymore. Besides the latest regulation, what other challenges are this group of people facing? What led them to join sharing economy platforms? What transformations are online ride-sharing and crowdsourcing delivery platforms undergoing? What will their future look like?
You might have been very accustomed to using online car-hailing platforms to get off work, sending roses to your girlfriend’s office within two hours through “crowdsourcing deliverymen”, having deliverymen sending your takeaway at midnight, etc. But have you ever wondered where did this rising group of people who work day and night streets to streets come from? Are they working part-time as deliverymen? Do they need to work from nine to five like most people do? Where did they come from, as if “out of thin air”? Where are they heading for?
It is this group of people who make it more convenient for people’s life, from clothing, food to transportation. It is this group of people who lay a solid foundation for the burgeoning Chinese sharing economy.
However, the reason why they can quickly form a team of tens of millions of drivers and deliverymen might be that they used to be in a state of disguised unemployment in the past.
This June, a report from London economics consulting firm Fathom Consulting suggest that the actual unemployment rate might be three times higher than the official estimates, and that there’s a certain degree of “disguised unemployment” in China. According to official data from Chinese government, the unemployment rate in China remains around 5 per cent in recent years, no matter how good or bad the economy is.
Although survey methods have improved a great deal, laid-off workers from SOEs and surplus labor from countryside, a typical group of people in China who are in the state of disguised unemployment, are still not included in the survey. (We shall not take into consideration of fresh college graduates temporarily.)
In the wave of “de-capacity” this year, many people who are in the stage of “disguised unemployment” surfaced. Surplus labor who constantly travel between cities and countryside and don’t have the city hukou yet, stay outside of the standard labor market, whether actively or passively. In the US, such group of people belongs to the gig economy.
Gig economy is like one type of sharing economy, but more accurately it’s about sharing labor. After the financial crisis in 2008, American economy suffered from a long period of malaise. While the number of stable job opportunities and the expected salary both went down, American freelance culture continued to thrive and lots of temporary job opportunities emerged, which ushered in an era of sharing economy and sharing economy players such as Uber seized the opportunity and rose rapidly.
The scale of the peolpe who are in the stage of “disguised unemployment” is much larger than that in the US, which laid a solid foundation for Chinese sharing economy players such as Didi, Dada Express, Renren Express, as well as many online takeaway food booking platforms.
While Didi has over 10 million registered drivers in China, Uber only has 3 million registered around the world. While the number of registered deliverymen has reached over 10 million in China and deliverymen can be seen in the streets almost every where in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, Silicon Valley new star Postmates, which just raised $100 million in the latest round of financing, only had 10,000 deliverymen, even FedEX and UPS only have 1 million deliverymen in total.
By the end of May, Didi has already created over 3.8 million job opportunities in the 17 “de-capacity” provinces and has already become the largest stablizer in this wave of labor transfer and upgrading. In 2015, while 52 per cent of drivers on Uber work part-time, 72.8 per cent of drivers on Didi work for less than 14 hours per week, which demonstrates Didi’s huge potential as a stablizer.
Didi once announced that these part-time drivers can leave the “stablizer” and go to accept other job opportunities once new job opportunities occur when the economic upgrading has completed. However, many American economists have pointed out that gig economy might have become the “new normal” in the US job market. This may also be true here in China.
Since there are few official surveys about the component of labor gig economy and the reason why most people turn to gig economy, I will have to reply on my personal experience and conversation with Didi drivers and all kinds of deliverymen.
For example, I have met two Didi drivers who chose to become a Didi driver in Beijing because their business (one real estate, the other restaurant) failed in their countryside or city. However, they still plan to go back and conduct their original business once the economy turns well again.
Sharing economy platforms such as Didi and Dada give people a sense of freedom and being their own boss, because they don’t need to work from nine to five, and they can still go back and conduct their original business once the economy turns well again. Many girls who have expected to open their own Taobao or WeChat Shop have to turn to door-to-door manicure O2O platforms. Even plumbers and decorators, who used to be seen everywhere on the streets in China, have already been integrated to online decoration O2O platforms.
However, they might gradually find that they have to work for longer period of time and enjoy less freedom. While their part-time odds job will gradually turn into full-time job, their salary standard is fluent, and they don’t have any social and labor security protection.
After Didi merged with UberChina, Didi gradually changed its charging standards, raised the threshold for subsidy, encouraged part-time drivers to work overtime. Since the percentage of part-time drivers on Didi is 20 per cent higher than that on Uber, there’s still huge room for Didi.
As Didi gives up paying drivers based on the number and distance of their orders, it has transformed from an information sharing platform between drivers and passengers into transportation and commuting service company. Drivers’ salary will no longer be affected by passengers and directly decided by Didi itself.
In Fast Company’s pretty sensational article The Gig Economy Won’t Last Because It’s Being Sued To Death, the author pointed out that workers’ community could pursue class actions against gig economy platforms such as Uber and Lyft, which would certainly undermine their development a great deal. To avoid labor conflict, Lyft and Uber have been actively developing unmanned driving technology. In China, however, Didi and Dada don’t need to worry much about such conflict, since the cost is too high for such class action and labor law is still not complete enough.
According to a report (The Story Behind 100,000 Always-Ready Deliverymen) released this September, less than 30 per cent of over 100,000 deliverymen in Shanghai could sign labor contracts with express company. Besides, most deliverymen who signed labor contracts with express companies work in large-scale transit centers, not in the more widespread express outlets. This is true for standardized Chinese express companies, let alone other small-scale express companies.
China went beyond the age of urbanization and professionalization and directly into the eve before the “automation revolution”, when internet platforms are solely determined by algorithm and labor force becomes standardized. Yet, these platforms fail to provide proper labor contract and social security for their “employees”.
However, nobody’s social security can be delayed permanently, and no driver will drive for Didi for a lifetime. There will be a time when stablizers will no longer be able to stablize the labor market. At that time, those who are already inside the stablizer will either be driven out of the stablizer or work from dawn to dusk, just like Xiangzi, the protagonist in Chinese contemporary writer Lao She’s novel Rickshaw Boy.
As to Didi, for sure, the percentage of full-time drivers will gradually grow, and the stablizer will become too crowded one day. As to crowdsourcing delivery platforms, they will have to give up maintaining tens of millions of part-time deliverymen if they really want to replace express companies. To improve efficiency and professionalism, they will also gradually nurture full-time deliverymen.
In this sense, unmanned driving and unmanned delivery will be more like The Sword of Damocles hanging over the sharing economy. After the sword swings at last, how will the 20 million people, who are in a state of “disguised unemployment”, with no social security and elevation of skills, find another job? Maybe only time can tell.
[The article is published and edited with authorization from the author @Zhang Yuan, please note source and hyperlink when reproduce.]
Translated by Levin Feng (Senior Translator at PAGE TO PAGE), working for TMTpost.
Originally published at www.tmtpost.com on October 9, 2016.

domain: news


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06/08/2021 – Technology / Automated Handling / Forklift Operator / UK / MHE / Toyota
UK forklift operator crisis is driving up sales of automated handling solutions
An ‘exceptional’ shortage of forklift drivers is prompting more and more UK companies to adopt automated materials handling equipment (MHE) to optimise the efficiency of their warehouse intra-logistics processes – that’s according to Toyota Material Handling UK.
A recent study by Logistics UK showed that in 2019, 79,000 EU nationals left the UK logistics industry – around 7,000 of whom were lift truck drivers.
The exodus is thought to have gathered pace over the past 18 months and, with the Covid-19 crisis adding high rates of staff absenteeism to the mix, the number of qualified lift truck operators in the UK is estimated to be down by some 25 per cent on the figure needed to run the nation’s forklift fleet.
Furthermore, with close to a third of Britain’s remaining forklift drivers said to be EU nationals, the decision to limit overseas workers’ access to the UK jobs market means that, in the longer term, the situation is only likely to become worse – which, Toyota Material Handling UK forecasts, will further hasten the take-up of automated technology.
Strengthening the switch to automation
In addition, the widening gap between supply and demand, means that forklift operator wages are rising. Given that human labour is already one of the most significant warehouse operation costs, any significant hike in lift truck drivers’ earnings is only likely to strengthen the argument for switching to automation, Toyota contend.
Toyota’s Paul Freeman explained: “At Toyota we increasingly find that companies across all industry sectors are seeking to mitigate the impact that the dearth of forklift drivers is having on their business by turning to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other forms of automation.
“AGVs – such as Toyota’s Autopilot series – offer several benefits in addition to delivering lower labour costs, including reductions in product and building infrastructure damage, and increased productivity,” Mr Freeman advised. “These notable advantages bring a rapid return on investment. Toyota’s AGV-enabled forklifts, for example, deliver a typical ROI period of between 12 and 36 months.”
Toyota has opened an automated handling technology demonstration centre in Leicester where customers can see and assess the company’s state-of-the-art AGVs and shuttle systems in operation within a realistic working warehouse setting.
“The profile of the typical automation user is evolving and small and medium sized warehouse operators and e-commerce retailers now see automated handling and storage technology as the optimum solution to their issues,” inlformed Mr Freeman. “The forklift operator crisis is clearly accelerating the trend.”
Latest issue – Vol 1/23
– Mining & Minerals focus
– IMARC post-event report
– Responsibly resourcing - Future Minerals Forum pre-event report
Mines and Money Connect London 2023
Petrochemical and Refining Congress: Europe 2023
Abu Dhabi, UAE


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Is this a temporary or permanent position? generic cialis 5 mg for daily use Hospital officials say that medical records for 14 patients were “inappropriately accessed” between June 18 and June 24, days after Kardashian gave birth to her daughter by rapper Kanye West.
order viagra online canada Last month, experts told Reuters that Telefonica was likely to try to win over antitrust regulators by offering to give up some spectrum and by giving greater access to its networks to new “virtual” operators.
buy viagra cialis or levitra Using your eyes to determine if your meat is “cooked through” doesn’t guarantee that pathogenic microorganisms have been destroyed. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 out of 4 burgers will turn brown in the center before they reach the proper cooking temperature required to destroy harmful bacteria. This is especially worrisome if the burger is being consumed by young children, pregnant women, older adults or anyone with a compromised immune system. To be safe, always use a thermometer to make sure your meat is properly cooked.
generic viagra yahoo answers “It really depends on what they need and how much of their capital expense and their strategic plan they’re willing to share,” said Michelle Gloeckler, senior vice president of Walmart U.S.’s home business and a leading executive on the retailer’s Made-in-America commitment.
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Lenovo held its annual Tech World conference in Beijing last week, with the Chinese firm showcasing a number of new devices, revealing its plans on the enterprise front and how the company aims to increase its global footprint.
While new hardware and software is always a keen interest of ours, equally intriguing is the company’s approach to its global marketing, with the message of “technology for all” being espoused.
It’s also the first global marketing push that Lenovo has carried out in quite some time, explains chief communications officer, Torod Neptune.
As the executive points out the objective for Lenovo is not simply about putting great products into the market (although that is a crucial part of the equation), but also think about the, “reason we exist in the world,” he notes.
Added to this is an understanding of not just who Lenovo’s customers currently are, but also who they will be in the next five to 10 years.
Focusing on tech optimists
As the firm terms them, they are referred to as “tech optimists” and are not solely concerned with the utility that a device or service offers, but also aspects such as sustainability, responsibility and using technology to do more good in the world.
While that may sound touchy-feely to some, it’s a thought process that informs much of what Lenovo does, and how it aims to bring technology for all to fruition. It’s also intrinsically linked to the experience principles by which the firm lives by when creating a product or service – namely that it is purposeful, unexpected and brave.
Again, one may think that it’s time to start singing kumbaya, but looking deeper at those principles, it’s clear to see them in some of the recent products that Lenovo has worked on.
Take foldable devices for example, and namely the latest Motorla razr. With foldable phones failing to have the impact many (including ourselves) were hoping it would in 2019, Lenovo could have very easily decided against releasing the device and instead focusing on the mid-range segment which has brought it joy up until now.
Instead the company has opted to run the risk of releasing another foldable smartphone into the market, and the early consensus is that it was a rather smart move on its part.
This is the type of bravery that Lenovo is talking about when it comes to technology for all.
More meaningful experiences
So moving forward what are the kinds of experiences we can expect to see from Lenovo? As the Motorola brand does not operate in South Africa, we likely won’t see more on that front, but the company’s thriving PC business will be front and centre.
Here Neptune says the story telling from the Chinese firm will look at, “how do we (Lenovo) tell stories that are more meaningful and emotive.” Paired with this, he continues, is a push to find smarter solutions which address growing gaps in the market, as well as having a positive impact.
It’s still too early to tell if Lenovo’s technology for all branding will hit home, but it seems like the firm has all the pieces in place to ensure that it does.


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Global Hemp Group, Inc. (CSE: GHG) (FRANKFURT: GHG) (OTC: GBHPF) is employing a “Soil-to-Shelf” strategy for development of hemp in Canada and the United States. An article discussing the company reads: “Global Hemp plans to apply for a license to extract cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids from the upcoming industrial hemp crop in New Brunswick. Discussions are also underway with potential processing partners for the extraction of cannabinoids and straw processing for building materials from this harvest in the fall of 2018, with a longer-term plan to establish permanent processing facilities by the end of 2019. Global Hemp also continues to evaluate industrial hemp opportunities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, with the goal of replicating its New Brunswick hemp project in the United States.”
To view the full article, visit http://nnw.fm/MwIu3
About Global Hemp Group Inc.
Global Hemp Group (“GHG”) is a publicly traded company founded in 2012, headquartered in British Columbia, Canada with base operations in Montreal and Southern California. The company is focused on the production and processing of hemp and cannabis, and collaboration with companies that will enable GHG to develop and implement the Hemp Agro-Industrial Zone concept. Through partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions, the company will capture cash flow, revenues, and value, and establish a greater collective valuation. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.GlobalHempGroup.com.
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Just when you may have thought we were past the story of Michael Jackson’s hair and how it caught on fire, etc. etc…. The media manages to bring us more and more.
According to newsday.com, Michael Jackson’s burnt hair strands are to be turned into diamonds.
That’s right! Charred strands of Michael Jackson’s hair that were salvaged from the shoot of a tragic Pepsi commercial have been sold and will be turned into diamonds.
Who would have ever thought?
Apparently after Jackson’s Pepsi accident, the executive producer kept a lock of his hair, which remained in his possession until he sold it to collector John Reznikoff, who has assembled a collection of hair from famous figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe.
Reznikoff, in turn, is working with a Chicago-based company, LifeGem, to create a small number of laboratory diamonds that will eventually be sold. Dean VandenBiesen, founder of LifeGem, said in a statement that the company was evaluating the hair sample to determine how many diamonds can be created.[mashshare]


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VESTAL, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – With the start of the summer, a variety of fruits and vegetables are in season.
Local vendors at the Vestal Farmer’s Market were out selling their produce to the community this morning.
Fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods and more are being sold weekly on the Parkway in front of the Vestal Library.
Around 28 local business owners have stands set up to market their goods.
Manager of the Vestal Farmers Market Lisa Bloodnick says that most of the produce sold at the market is picked just hours before.
“People have lost touch with what real food tastes like, and your best bet is to get to know your local farmers,” said Bloodnick. “Plus getting to know me or any of us, we can help you really start enjoying cooking again stop relying on fast food and takeout and get back to the basics.”
The market is still located at the Vestal Library in the upper parking lot.
Bloodnick says, We have lost some visibility from the road, but the market is still there and open for business.
The market is being held every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
For more information, visit their Facebook page at Vestal Farmers’ Market


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iPad vs Android tablets: onto the next round
The IFA consumer electronics trade show is set to demonstrate that iPad alternatives do exist: new Android tablets have been announced by vendors such as Lenovo, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. The tablet announced by Medion is also likely to come with Google's open source mobile operating system, and HTC might present its first 10-inch tablet.
A survey by market researchers ABIresearch concluded that Android tablets have grabbed a market share of about 20 per cent from market leader Apple in a year. However, ABIresearch said that no individual manufacturer has managed to become a significant competitor – since its introduction in April 2010, 29 million iPad devices have been sold – "None are separating themselves from the pack", said ABIresearch expert Jeff Orr. Some vendors have even launched their tablets at a higher price than that of the iPad.
Source: Samsung Beneath Berlin's radio tower, various manufacturers are making a new attempt at an 'iPad-killer'. Korean vendor Samsung says that there will be tablet news at the IFA show, which starts on 2 September; insiders expect a further Android model in the Galaxy series, perhaps a particularly small and more mobile device.
Samsung last made the news when Apple managed to stop the sale of Galaxy Tab 10.1 devices in Germany with a temporary injunction. Apple is accusing Samsung of copying the iPad and infringing intellectual property rights; the accusations revolve around protected designs. A Samsung PR spokesperson in Cologne said that the decision won't affect Samsung's IFA presentation, and that devices that have already been delivered to retailers will continue to be sold.
Source: Sony At IFA, Sony will show its first Android tablets, due to be launched in the near future: one of the two Android models has a 9.4-inch screen and is mainly intended for reading online content and digital books. The smaller device flips open and has two 5.5-inch screens. The official device names will be introduced at the IFA show.
Chinese vendor Huawei also plans to present a tablet at IFA. The MediaPad with a 7-inch screen is scheduled to become available in November. Whether HTC will introduce a successor for its Flyer tablet computer remains unknown; the Taiwanese manufacturer has issued invitations for a new device presentation on the eve of the IFA show but hasn't provided any details. There are, however, rumours about a new 10-inch tablet by the name of "Puccini".
- Why Android will win the tablet wars, a feature from The H.
(Peter Zschunke / crve)


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A number of auto insurers rolled out discounts to customers this week as Nevadans spend more time in their homes than on the road, leading to a drop in claims.
Travelers, Geico, State Farm and Progressive are some of the major insurance firms offering reduced premiums, flexible payment options and other programs.
Some firms, like State Farm, are automatically passing savings to customers, but others require consumers to contact their local agent.
State Farm said Thursday that policyholders will automatically receive an estimated 25 percent credit on premiums due from March 20 through May 31. The exact percentage customers should see on their statement will vary by state. It’s unclear what the discount will be for Nevadans.
The move is part of the company’s Good Neighbor Relief Program, which includes customer payment options and neighborhood philanthropic relief.
In total, the Bloomington, Ill.-based firm expects to return $2 billion to its auto insurance customers, making it the single largest dividend paid to customers in the company’s history.
“We see from our claims activity people are driving less,” State Farm Chairman, President and CEO Michael Tipsord said. “This dividend is one of the ways we’re working to help our customers during this unprecedented situation.”
Progressive is offering its customers a 20 percent credit for their April and May premiums, and those credits will be applied automatically in May and June. For those who have a balance on their policy, Progressive will return the money to the payment account on file, so customers should make sure payment details are up to date.
Also, from April 1 through May 15 the insurer will waive late fees, pause collections and hold off on canceling or not renewing active policies because of nonpayment.
Geico said Tuesday that it will give back an estimated $2.5 billion to its auto and motorcycle customers and issue a 15 percent credit for the entire six months of policies that are up for renewal between April 8 and October 7. It estimates that $150 per auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy will be returned to each customer. The credit will also apply to new policies purchased within that time frame.
Travelers introduced a Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program giving policyholders a 15 percent credit on their April and May premiums, which will be applied to their accounts automatically.
“Our customers are doing their part to stay at home and help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Alan Schnitzer, chairman and CEO of Travelers, said in a statement. “Our new program recognizes their contribution to the effort we all need to make to protect our health and safety and the resulting decrease in miles driven and auto claims.”
Farmers Insurance said it will automatically reduce car insurance premiums by 25 percent for April.
Mercury Insurance announced it will automatically give 15 percent of monthly auto insurance premiums back to clients in April and May.
Meanwhile, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, USAA and American Family Insurance said they also will return portions of customers’ premiums to their account.


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The Golden Cloak O Kamehameha
On display at the
In 2013 Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative commissioned the first collection of featherwork art reproductions; a cape, sash and helmet worn by King Kamehameha I.
The pieces were dedicated in a private ceremony and blessing at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii Island, where they will remain on display in a custom created koa wood case by award winning wood artisan Alan Wilkinson, along with a rare uhiuhi wood spear crafted by traditional Hawaiian weapon maker Manny Mattos.
The cape, which measure 60 inches in length, uses nearly a quarter million individual golden breast feathers from Chinese golden pheasants. The sash, which is nearly 12 feet long and six inches wide, is feathered on both sides featuring the reddish-orange feathers of the Lady Amherst pheasant in addition to those of the golden pheasant. The hand-woven helmet is made entirely of golden pheasant feathers.
“This three piece collection represents more than 4,500 hours of work, including the help of a master weaver and a small team of assistants in preparing the feathers,” said artist Rick San Nicolas.


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Microsoft's Mobile Game Store Expected to Arrive in 2024
- 20 Mar 2023
Microsoft's Xbox head, Phil Spencer, recently announced that the company is planning to launch its own mobile game store in 2024. This news follows the company's recent focus on expanding into the mobile gaming industry. The new store is expected to bring a wide range of games to both iOS and Android devices, giving gamers more options to choose from.
The store will offer a variety of titles, including popular Xbox exclusives and third-party games. It will also provide a number of features, such as cloud saves and cross-play support. In addition, it will feature a unified payment system, allowing players to pay for their purchases in a single location. Furthermore, the store promises to provide a secure and reliable platform for gamers to purchase and download games.
In addition to the store, Microsoft is also working on a cloud-based gaming platform, which will enable players to access their games from any device with an internet connection. The platform is expected to be available in 2024, making it possible for gamers to play their favorite titles without having to purchase expensive hardware.
Microsoft is also planning to introduce a subscription service to the store, allowing gamers to access a large library of games for a monthly fee. The service will include popular titles such as "Halo Infinite" and "Gears of War 5." It is expected to be the first of its kind in the mobile gaming industry.
Microsoft has made it clear that they are committed to expanding its presence in the mobile gaming industry. With the introduction of their own mobile game store, gamers can look forward to a wider selection of titles and features. Additionally, the cloud-based gaming platform and subscription service will make gaming on the go more accessible than ever before.


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- FHRAI has mentioned that nearly 25% of businesses will permanently shut down before the end of the current financial year
- “The hospitality industry is denied a benefit offered by the Government simply because it doesn’t fit the pre-defined conditions for loan restructuring”, G S Virk, MD, Park Plaza, Chandigarh
THoD Newsdesk, New Delhi: The hospitality sector in India is now gradually waking up after a sabbatical of eight long months, induced by the coronavirus pandemic. Although many hotels and restaurants opened up their shutters, welcoming patrons again, quite a few could not afford to do so and may not be able to at all. Eateries and other hospitality businesses are facing a hard time due to uncertain business conditions and restrictions on Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs), shortage of labour, low domestic footfall and no access to working capital.
The apex body of hotels and restaurants in the country, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), has mentioned that nearly 25% of businesses will permanently shut down before the end of the current financial year.
Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, FHRAI, was quoted saying, “The pandemic enforced lockdown has broken the back of the hospitality industry. Reopening for business has brought us minor relief today but even this could be short lived. It’s festival time and things may look optimistic now but the threat of Covid-19 still looms large over us all. As we speak, the UK is under complete lockdown once again. So, to assume that things have gone back to normal wouldn’t be prudent at this time. The hospitality industry anticipates poor business for at least another year and until then, to keep it afloat, it needs working capital. Today, sustaining is extremely crucial because if the industry is allowed to wind up, rebuilding it will prove to be an even bigger challenge.”
This industry is a labour and capital intensive sector, with high gestation periods, which will further make it a challenge to start from scratch, especially during such times of financial loss. The FHRAI has specified that banks fail to realize the underlying difference between hospitality businesses and businesses from other sectors.
G S Virk, MD, Park Plaza, Chandigarh, stated “The hospitality industry is denied a benefit offered by the Government simply because it doesn’t fit the pre-defined conditions for loan restructuring. The biggest hurdle that the industry faces under such terms is the RBI directive which expects an account to be regularized as of March 2020 without which the establishment cannot avail loan restructuring. The hospitality sector’s predicament here is that March is the off-season for business and during this period most accounts are almost never in the SMA-0 class. Most hospitality players are able to regularise the book of accounts only during or after the holiday season. This has become a barrier for Hospitality players to even qualify for loan restructuring. The nature of our business is unique and unfortunately, because of this, we are deprived of a benefit specifically offered to rescue us.”


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In a move that flew under the radar with this week's iPad launch and education announcements, Apple began the quiet promotion of a new web-based business management platform to deploy and manage iOS, macOS, and tvOS devices.
A web-based portal that lets administrators configure device settings, create accounts, and buy and distribute apps and books, Business Manager is currently in beta, but Apple says the new platform will launch in earnest in late spring.
Seemingly built on existing mass device deployment (MDM) frameworks, the new service integrates features already seen in the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and the Volume Purchase Program (VPP). The ability to create accounts and manage devices is very similar to Apple School Manager, which first saw light of day in 2016.
Over the past few years Apple has slowly expanded the availability of its existing DEP and VPP business management programs to additional countries. A web-based portal should bring those tools up to speed with offerings from third-party firms.
Apple has been concentrating on a buildout of its business and education verticals recently, with additional education management features announced just last week. Apple started offering MDM for iOS devices back with iOS 7.1.
Another recent move to increase Apple's enterprise foothold has been their growing partnership with IBM and the MobileFirst initiative. Apple just recently added new machine learning integrations to the project through Apple's coreML and IBM's Watson.
Apple's in-house MDM solution for enterprise has needed improvements for some time, leading third-party solutions like JAMF to flourish. JAMF, which now manages more than 9 million Apple devices, saw record growth last year as Apple pushed further into the enterprise market.
Business admins can learn more about Apple's new Business Management platform in a support document published this week (PDF link). Existing users of Apple's DEP and VPP programs looking to try out Business Manager can contact the company to request an account upgrade.


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ORLANDO -- It will be 2005 before the office market sees a surge of demand, according to a panel of industry experts at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Commercial Real Estate Finance/Multifamily Housing Convention & Expo 2004, taking place in Orlando Feb. 1-4.
An overhang of sublease and shadow space will have the market struggling to absorb the overcapacity this year. “2004 will see some slack taken from the rope,” says Stewart Calhoun, an investment broker in Cushman & Wakefield’s financial services group But 2005 will be the surge ahead.” Calhoun favors value-add office properties “that have some leasing to be done.”
Likewise, Susan Hudson-Wilson, founder and CEO of Property & Portfolio Research, advises investors to “buy vacancy,” especially in the office market. “If you don’t get your mitts on it, it will be gone,” she says.
On the retail side, malls face the biggest challenge, the panel concluded. Malls in the Southeast especially are experiencing tremendous retailer turnover, according to Calhoun.
“They need to re-anchor themselves,” Hudson-Wilson explains. “Federated-type anchors, including Lord & Taylor, aren’t coming back.”
According to Hudson-Wilson, landlords should replace these anchors with one of the 50 or more value retailers, such as Target. Despite the potential costs of floor plate renovations, the inline stores will gain revenue once the switch is made. “America has voted – it won’t pay too much for anything,” Hudson-Wilson says.


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Select a topic or year
Sydney, Australia - 10 Jul 2012: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the inaugural SmartCamp has opened for submissions. Facilitated by IBM, the exclusive event will create a local IT ecosystem for innovative early stage start-ups, connecting entrepreneurs with IBM technology, mentors, venture capitalists and industry experts to help build a Smarter Planet.
SmartCamp is part of a larger IBM initiative to help entrepreneurs build their business by providing support and resources.
“Innovation from the start-up community is critical to building a Smarter Planet. SmartCamp Sydney offers local innovative start-ups the opportunity to present their business to some of the most visible IT experts in our industry, and to also provide access to IBM technology in order to grow,” said David Mast, regional manager, ISV and Developer Relations, IBM Australia. “As an example, we help talented start-ups like the recent Boston SmartCamp winner Skyfoundry to help build a network of valuable contacts that can enable them to grow and take their technology business to the next level. Despite having only three and half employees, IBM sees big potential in its technology to help solve some of society’s most pressing challenges.”
SmartCamp forms part of IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Program and aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs that hope to capture emerging business opportunities in fast-growing industries such as healthcare, public sector, natural resources, utilities and telecommunications. The contest culminates into an exclusive event for the top start-ups to present their business idea to a panel of experts.
“There is a real opportunity for the ICT industry to create a positive environment for home grown IT start-ups to thrive,” said Suzanne Campbell, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) CEO. “We welcome and support initiatives like SmartCamp that builds an ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts, ensuring the future of these IT start-ups.”
Applications for SmartCamp Sydney are now open and will close on 15 August 2012. Finalists will be announced on 22 August 2012 and will be asked to present their business idea in front of a panel of IT experts at the SmartCamp event in Sydney on 6 September 2012. The A/NZ winner will receive three month mentorship from IBM, as well as the chance to progress to the regional SmartCamp event in Beijing.
In 2012, there are 13 IBM SmartCamp events including, Miami, New York City, Munich, Bangalore, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Moscow, Paris, Istanbul, London, Cape Town, Mexico City and Dublin. Winning companies from these events will have the opportunity to participate in one of the four regional SmartCamp events in Boston, Beijing, Berlin and Sao Paolo. The winners of the SmartCamp events will further move on to participate in the 2012 Global Finals and be named IBM Entrepreneur of the Year.
For more information on the Global Entrepreneur Program visit: https://www-304.ibm.com/partnerworld/wps/servlet/ContentHandler/isv_com_smp_startup
For registration and full details on the SmartCamp, start-ups may visit: bit.ly/smartcampsydney
For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com
News releases related to IBM's Smarter Planet initiative


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Bombed-out property auctions edge higher
The prices of properties sold at auction versus the rest of the market narrowed last month, according to a study to be published tomorrow.
The slight improvement in the Auction Price Index, produced by economic forecaster Fathom Consulting, may give some comfort to property owners following fears that the market may stall ahead of May's General Election.
The reading on the Fathom-Zoopla Auction Price Index (API) in March was 82, suggesting homes under the hammer were sold at an 18% discount to the wider market.
The auction price index appears, in recent years, to give some forward indication of market direction. (See the second chart below).
Andrew Brigden, senior economist at Fathom Financial Consulting, said that while the discount narrowed during March, it remained wide by historic levels and pointed to further falls for the the market 'through 2010'.
He said: 'Futures contracts suggest that financial market participants expect prices to be broadly flat over the next two years or so. We think price falls are more likely. The API supports that view. Other survey evidence also suggests that the balance of power between buyers and sellers in the conventional market is shifting - new instructions to sell have outstripped new buyer enquiries for three months now.'
A monthly study from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors earlier today suggested homeowners were rushing to sell their properties before the election.
It showed the number of homeowners putting up 'For Sale' signs had shot to the highest level for nearly three years.
An increase in sellers could help put a cap on rapid house price inflation in popular areas where property prices have been rising back towards their 2007 boom levels.
The Fathom-Zoopla Auction Price Index
The Auction Price Index plotted against an average of the Nationwide/Halifax price indices
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MARSHALL, Texas – Patterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Marshall has committed to making February 14, 2020, a great day for pet adoptions in Marshall, Texas.
The City of Marshall Police Department’s Animal Control and Shelter and Friends of Marshall Animals will offer Valentine’s Day adoption fees of just $14.
According to a Facebook post, the remainder of each adoption fee will be sponsored by Patterson.
Each adoption includes a $50 voucher toward the total cost of spay or neuter, a $4 voucher toward the rabies shot and the first round of shots.
Animals will be available for adoption at the MPD Animal Control and Shelter at 607 East End Blvd South all day on Friday and at the Friends of Marshall Animals foster event inside of Patterson car dealership from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.


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Sunday, October 28th 2007
A significant number of Mac owners upgrading to Leopard on Friday reported that after installing the new operating system, their machines locked up, showing only an interminable - and very Windows-like - "blue screen of death."
I'm upgrading my 20" iMac (Core Duo) at the moment and the installation 'completed', then the computer rebooted and it has been sitting on a plain blue screen for the past 30 minutes.explains thread posted on Apple forums. Many other Apple users complain from the same issue. Some reports speculate that the glitch might be related to a third-party program that installs a base-level framework that modifies OS X. Unfortunately, Apple was not available to comment on the story. Continue reading the full thread - Installation appears stuck on a plain blue screen.Source: ComputerWorld
There is no progress indicator of any sort but I can occasionally hear the hard drive seeking.


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SCRANTON, Pa. — You know the holidays are around the corner when shoppers begin to fill the aisles of grocery stores.
Newswatch 16 stopped by Schiff's on North Main Avenue in Scranton on Sunday.
There were lines at the register with people gathering all the ingredients needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Managers say they expect to remain just as busy every day leading up to Thanksgiving on Thursday.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube page.


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Cannabis and accessories distributor Humble & Fume Inc. (CNSX: HMBL) (OTCMKTS: HUMBF) and private investment fund Green Acre Capital Distribution Corp. have formed a joint venture that will focus on cannabis distribution throughout the United States.
The joint venture, called HC Solutions Holdings Inc., will initially expand Humble’s cannabis distribution operations into California.
“Humble is excited to launch in the California market, delivering something new to the cannabis brands in that area,” Joel Toguri, Humble CEO, said in a statement.
Humble invested US$8 million into the joint venture, with Green Acre making a US$2 million investment for a 20 per cent interest.
Green Acre funded its investment through an option agreement with Johnson Brothers, a U.S.-based wine, spirits and beer distributor.
Read more: 48North and Humble & Fume launch cannabis 2.0 lab
Read more: Supreme Cannabis debuts Hiway value brand
In November, Green Acre made a US$8 million private placement to acquire 15.23 per cent of Humble through an option agreement with Johnson Brothers, with a letter of intent earmarking an additional US$2 million for the formation of the joint venture.
“This investment by Johnson Brothers, through their Green Acre option agreement, is a pivotal milestone for our expansion into the United States,” Toguri said at the time. “We are actively executing on our growth strategy, which includes the previously announced agreement to acquire licensed California cannabis distributor, Cabo Connection.”
Green Acre can increase its ownership in the joint venture to 50 per cent by investing up to an additional US$8 million over the next two years.
“The additional $2 million investment by Johnson Brothers, funded through their Green Acre option agreement, demonstrates continued support for our U.S. expansion strategy,” Toguri said.
California is currently one of the largest adult-use markets globally, worth approximately US$4.4 billion and expected to double over the next 10 years.
“We are actively executing on our growth strategy,” Toguri said. “As our business evolves and expands, we continue to be hyper focused on sustainable profit generation and positive cash flow to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Humble & Fume stock was down approximately 13 per cent Tuesday to $0.23 on the Canadian Securities Exchange.


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Foxtel have just released an iPad-friendly version of their TV Guide iPhone app. It lets you browse the PayTV network's 14-day EPG, and iQ and iQ2 subscribers can set reminders and schedule recordings remotely. Sadly, the app doesn't include Foxtel streaming to the iPad's screen. Sad face. [iTunes]
Foxtel's TV Guide App Now iPad Friendly
Trending Stories Right Now
Last week, Apple announced an updated MacBook Pro, packing in fresh processors that were announced just three months ago, and tweaking the keyboard. A new keyboard! Let’s talk about that.
GIF. Rad Garage (YouTube) Man, it has been a long week, and it's only Tuesday. We all deserve the kind of mental break only a video of a Audi being comprehensively detailed can provide. Automotive detailing is an expensive treat, whether it's for a Toyota Camry or a Bugatti Chiron. That's because it involves cleaning every crevice and every speck out of and off of a vehicle, along with other stuff like fancy coatings and washes to make that vehicle look better than it did even in the showroom.


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Steve Jobs passed away last week, leaving his wisdom and intellect that would help its creation Apple Inc to deliver more unique products and appliances. Apple Inc is confident of continuing its streak of achievement, proving the old saying of “empire does not crumble with the demise of the king” as true.
The date for the formal tribute to Steve Jobs by Apple Inc has been decided. CEO Tim Cook has sent an internal e-mail to the Apple team, informing them that the life of Steve Jobs would be celebrated in the amphitheater of Apple’s Loop campus in Cupertino on 19 October 2011.
The death certificate of Steve Jobs reads “respiratory arrest and a pancreatic tumor” as the cause of death.
Do you think this world would ever see an insightful person like Steve Jobs again? Tell us in the comments section below.
SOURCE: 9TO5 Mac


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Yoga studios have been among the hardest hit part of the fitness community as many around the world have shuttered for good in recent months due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the yoga-inspired athleisure behemoth Lululemon has remained more than just resilient ahead of its second quarter earnings report due out on Sept. 8. Lululemon used its $1.5 billion of liquidity to purchase interactive home fitness startup Mirror for $500 million in June as its $100 yoga pants remained popular as much of the workforce shifted to working remotely.
“Everything they do is centered around how they are going to communicate and keep in touch with their community,” said Sam Poser, an equity research analyst at Susquehanna International Group. “I think that’s the reason to [purchase Mirror]. Could the timing have been better given the crisis? Probably not given that a lot of their consumers’ way of shopping is going to change or has already changed. I mean, everything is being done from home.”
Lululemon’s stock has surged more than 60% since the middle of March to $361.41 on Sept. 4 – and that included a 4.3% dip as a Citigroup analyst questioned its valuation on the last day of trading before the three-day holiday weekend.
Wall Street analysts expect 56 cents per share on revenues of $847.38 million, per Nasdaq.com contributor Richard Saintvilus. That’d be about a 4% drop in revenue over the same quarter in 2019, but not nearly as precipitous as the 17% year-over-year drop Lululemon had last quarter.
All of Lululemon’s stores in North America, Europe and several Asian markets were closed for much of its first quarter due to the coronavirus.
Poser said that while many of the company’s stores were shuttered for a time this year, Lululemon’s brand allowed the Vancouver-based company to persevere as consumers shifted to online purchases.
“If you use their website, it has a similar kind of feel to the store message,” Poser said. “There are some brands and you go to their websites and it looks and feels nothing like their stores. Lulu does the best job at that. It’s probably the best out there. It’s product, engagement and process, and if you take any one of those out, the whole thing collapses.”
Lululemon saw a 50.5% increase in web traffic from March through July compared to the same span in 2019, according to SimilarWeb.
About 300 fitness professionals are expected to attend the first Facebook Fitness Summit, a two-day virtual event. Fitness streamers have flocked to Facebook during the pandemic.
The top 10 athleisure sites — a group that also includes Nike, Alo Yoga and Gymshark — saw 1.5 times more traffic than the same three-month span a year prior.
Subscription-based Mirror isn’t expected to be a driver of revenue for Lululemon in the near term as the company integrates the home gym into its “sweatlife” community.
At first, that’ll be done by having the Mirror trainers become brand ambassadors, but Poser thinks there could be a virtual dressing room in the offing.
Calvin McDonald was tapped as CEO of Lululemon in 2018 after serving as the top exec at Sephora, the beauty supply chain that allows consumers to try on makeup virtually via smartphone apps.
“The Mirror comes with a camera, so they could do that,” Poser said. “Do you really want to get into a fitting room and trust everything is cleaned or try on something somebody else has tried on [during a pandemic]?
“It’s not going to happen immediately, but they’re going to take the Mirror where all the trainers will already be wearing Lulu and you’ll be able to say, ‘I like what they’re wearing.’ You’d be able to click on it on the screen and look to see how you’d look in that outfit. Then you could buy it.”


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Leading tourism personalities in Nigeria as listed by Travellers magazine will be inducted at the 6th Abuja Jabamah Travel Expo at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on November 16.
Travellers magazine recently unveiled a list of 100 tourism personalities in Nigeria across sectors including government, hospitality, tour operators and the media.
Abuja Jabamah is a Travel Expo put together by the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market in its efforts to drive domestic tourism. It seeks to play host to a huge travelling population, hotels, tour operators and travel agents for B2B sessions and exhibitions, while specifically showcasing the tourism attractions of northern Nigeria.
This year’s event will have Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa attending.
Travellers magazine, as one of the prominent voices in the travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation industry in Nigeria and Africa will use the opportunity of the event to honour industry players who have made a mark through their contributions to the development of tourism in Nigeria.
According to the magazine’s publisher, Ikechi Uko, “In 1998, the Travellers magazine published its first compilation of the Nigerian Top 100 Tourism Club and the compilation served the industry well as it provided a database of ‘who is who’ in tourism business in Nigeria.
“Twenty years after, an update is needed and we came up with the list of Top 100 tourism personalities who have made tourism in Nigeria what it is.”
The list has categories for tourism elders, pioneers, association heads, young tourism promoters and Nigerian Winners of Africa Travel 100 Women Award among others.
Among the names listed include, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; DG National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe and DG, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Folorunsho Folarin Coker.
Also on the list are the Commissioners for Tourism in Lagos and Plateau States, Steve Ayorinde and Mrs. Tamwakat Weli respectively.
Chairman Carnival Calabar, Gabe Onah; Female Band Leader Carnival Calabar, Senator Florence Ita Giwa; BOT Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, Nkereuwem Onung and President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA). Bankole Bernard were also listed.
Others include MD Transcorp Hilton, Valentine Ozigbo; MD Wakanow, Obinna Ekezie and Director (Africa) at Dubai Tourism, Stella Fubara-Obinwa. THISDAY’s Demola Ojo was one of the media personalities on the list.


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Nordic fashion is a true smörgåsbord (yes, that’s how it’s spelled!) of upscale designers, minimalism, and androgynous style mixed with more wallet-friendly fashion pieces. The Nordic countries are home to an unprecedented number of accomplished designers such as Acne, Dagmar, Filippa K, Won Hundred, Carin Wester, Wood Wood and the more affordable fashion houses H&M, COS, Samsø & Samsø and Cheap Monday.
However, with the consumption rates steadily rising, each Nordic citizen buys textiles every year that emits carbon dioxide equivalent to a drive from the far north of Norway to Denmark – which, according to Google Maps, is quite far. The fashion industry has a tremendous impact on the environment with its large need for water, energy, chemicals and pesticides. Now, the Nordic Ministers for the Environment have teamed up in order to make the Nordic fashion and textile industry the most sustainable one in the world. A few weeks ago, the ministers presented their action plan which includes a goal to extend the products’ lifetime and to reuse textile fibres.
“We want to develop a Nordic academy for sustainable fashion and design to educate designers throughout the Region in sustainability. There’s also a range of new business opportunities within green fashion – the Region can contribute to solving global environmental problems while creating growth and jobs,” says Denmark’s Minister for the Environment Kirsten Brosbøl.
Brosbøl also said that there is a plan to start a Nordic academy for sustainable fashion and design that will educate designers in the region in sustainability.
With Denmark being the world’s largest producer of mink fur, an industry which has devastating impact on the environment, it will be interesting to see how this initiative tackles the use of fur and leather (another enemy to the environment) in the Nordic fashion industry of the future. Hopefully, we will see more green, truly sustainable quality materials from the Nordic designers.
Top photo by Jesper Yu/Flickr Creative Commons


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Linglestown Giant opens beer garden, eateryJim T. Ryan
The Giant at 2300 Linglestown Road was recently remodeled to include the beer garden and eatery after the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board granted a restaurant liquor license to the store in May.
The grocery chain said the beer garden will offer its largest selection of domestic and import beers, including craft and specialty items. Customers will also be able to “mix-a-six” or create their own six packs, Giant said.
The eatery also will include a variety of foods, including sandwiches, pizza, Chinese food, sushi, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. The beer garden and eatery will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Giant Food Stores are a chain of Middlesex Township-based Ahold USA, a division of Netherlands-based grocer Royal Ahold.


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NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) — PerkinElmer today said Rob Friel, president of the company’s Life and Analytical Sciences business, will succeed Gregory Summe as CEO in February.
Initially, Friel will become president and chief operating officer of PerkinElmer on Aug. 1, and the firm expects him to be elected CEO six months later. At that time, Summe will become executive chairman of the board, a title he will retain through the annual shareholders meeting in April 2009, PerkinElmer said.
Friel joined the company in 1999 as chief financial officer and was appointed vice chairman, director, and president of the LAS business in 2006. In his new role, Friel will be responsible for both LAS and the Optoelectronics business.
John Roush will continue to lead the Optoelectronics business as president. The company does not intend to fill the LAS president position.
The company made the announcement as it reported that second-quarter revenues increased 16 percent, while R&D spending was up 9 percent and profit jumped 38 percent.
Total receipts for the three months ended July 1 increased to $437.3 million from $377 million year over year, PerkinElmer said.
Revenue for the company’s Life and Analytical Sciences business was up 17 percent to $326.3 million and Optoelectronics revenue grew 13 percent to $111 million year over year.
R&D spending in the quarter increased to $27.3 million from $25 million year over year.
PerkinElmer said profit rose to $33.7 million from $24.5 million in the year-ago period.
PerkinElmer had around $150 million in cash and cash equivalents as of July 1.


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The Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has named some of Australia's most energy-efficient TVs.
The average TV will account for around 7 per cent of a yearly household energy bill. This might not seem like a lot, but it's a significant chunk, when you consider everything else that gets plugged in around the home.
Enter the Super-Efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative, part of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), an international partnership of 23 countries that is working to advance clean energy technology. Back in January, SEAD announced a Global Efficiency Medal program for flat-panel TVs, and these medals were recently awarded. In Australia, one LG and two Samsung models were named.
Samsung's UA26EH4000M was awarded in the Small (less than 29 inches) category, while its UA40EH5306M was named in the Medium (29 to less than 42 inches) category. For Large (42 inches and above), it was LG's LG 47LM6700.
All of the TV's are backlit LED TVs, and, in the LG model's case, was actually seen to be 44 per cent more energy efficient than a comparable model.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus presented LG with its award at a Good Guys store in Alexandria, NSW, last night. He said that the department commends companies like LG for their "commitment to producing innovative energy-efficient products, and designing products which help Australian families save money and decrease impact on the environment".


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Blog sells for $12.4 million after 1 year and 3 months
Paidcontent and ProBlogger reported this morning that the Bankaholic blog, which launched in July of 2007, was bought today by Bankrate for a cool $12.4 million, and the option to earn another $2.5 million over the next 12 months.
That’s an astounding payout for the amount of time that John Wu (who is the one person behind Bankaholic) has put into the site.
If you look at the Google trends chart, you can see a very convincing argument for building a blog to flip it:
Having been in the blog space for a long time, I sometimes forget that there is an actual market for blogs, but there definitely is.
Some people like Yaro Starek have occasionally suggested that you can make a business out of buying blogs, building them up a little bit, and then reselling them for a profit.
Blogging ain’t dead yet.


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Starting with this weekend’s Singapore event and produced in conjunction with team sponsor OKX, McLaren has significantly upended its usual livery, with a mostly black design instead highlighted with the orange that usually makes up the majority of its car’s colours.
McLaren says it is also making the change to continue its celebration of 2023’s 60th anniversary of the team’s founding as Bruce McLaren Motor Racing in 1963.
Previously, McLaren ran a ‘Triple Crown’ colour scheme at the Monaco and Spanish races in tribute to the success of its cars in the 1974 Indianapolis 500, 1984 Monaco GP (a race the team has won on 14 other occasions after that first triumph) and 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours.
McLaren also ran a tweaked design to its usual livery at the British GP to highlight another one of its sponsors, Google Chrome.
“Our partnership with OKX goes from strength to strength, and it’s fantastic to celebrate it with this incredible livery,” said McLaren Racing CEO, Zak Brown. “Stealth Mode [McLaren’s name for its latest livery change] flips our race car’s colours, bringing something exciting and different to these two great races in Singapore and Japan.
We hope fans will love it as much as we do and get a chance to enjoy the fan zone to connect with our team.
“OKX are a dedicated supporter of McLaren’s journey, and in turn we’re proud to bring our partnership to life on track through the global platform of Formula 1.”
McLaren is not the only team making a major livery change for the next few races, with Williams also set to alter its design as part of a sponsorship arrangement with the Gulf oil company.
Williams will also keep its temporary design change – which was announced back in July following a fan vote on various choices using the famous Gulf colours for the idea McLaren itself ran with at the 2021 Monaco GP when it had the sponsor’s patronage – for Japan, then also use it for the following race in Qatar.
F1 car liveries and changes to them are covered by the championship’s sporting rules.
The relevant article in the FIA’s F1 sporting regulations, 9.1.b, states that “both cars entered by a competitor must be presented in substantially the same livery at every competition, any significant change to this livery during a championship may only be made with the agreement of the FIA and the Commercial Rights Holder”.
It has also been announced that another idea first used by McLaren is also soon set to officially debut on AlphaTauri’s cars.
This is the Digital-Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising technology from the Seamless Digital company that allows sponsor graphics placed in panels on F1 cars to change as the machines run on track.
This approach was first tested by McLaren in practice at the 2022 US GP before it committed to using them in competitive sessions this season.
AlphaTauri is set to do likewise from 2024, when the team will likely have a new name following Red Bull’s decision not to sell the Faenza-based squad but instead change its identity, as well as be more closely aligned with the main Red Bull team.
Ahead of the Singapore race, AlphaTauri said it has been discreetly testing the DOOH panels on its AT04 cars at 2023 events.
Source : Motorsport.com


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Some manufacturers are seeing an improvement in their fortunes as the Australian dollar comes down from its 2013 peak.
Australia’s first chocolate manufacturer, Ernest Hillier, has been snapped up by Re:Capital, which plans to take the Hillier’s and Newman’s brands overseas.
Coca-Cola Amatil and the Victorian government have announced a new $100 million investment plan to assist fruit processor SPC Ardmona and the Goulburn Valley.
Food manufacturer Sanitarium has announced the sale of its Christchurch factory, where popular Weet-Bix and Marmite products have been produced, with distribution now centralised to Auckland.
This morning 64 employees at the Warnervale Bluetongue Brewery site were told the site will be closed down by the end of the year.
Goodman Fielder has denied a formal bid has been made for its Hamilton meat business as 125 jobs at the facility remain in jeopardy.
3D Systems has announced a partnership with confectionery giant Hershey to bring 3D printed chocolate to the mainstream.
Beam, the manufacturer of Jim Beam and Marker’s Mark has been acquired by Japan’s Suntory Holdings for US$13.6 billion (A$15bn), with annual spirit sales for the combined company expected to top US$4.3bn.
Pasta manufacturer, Barilla, is looking to introduce 3D food printers in commercial kitchens, allowing diners to design and print their own pasta.
Trade minister Andrew Robb and others within the federal government are showing their opposition to industry assistance.
A husband and wife team has created a confectionery 3D printer that has debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Dairy giant Fonterra has today confirmed that Danone has launched legal proceedings following last year’s whey protein contamination scandal.
Food manufacturer Goodman Fielder has announced plans to sell off its meat and pizza businesses in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s manufacturing sector experienced a total increase of 0.5 per cent by sales volume in the most recent quarter.
A new report into manufacturing has found that the drop in the sector’s productivity has occurred mainly in three subsectors.
The Korea-Australia free trade agreement (KAFTA) has been confirmed today, with “winners and losers” to emerge in time among manufacturers.
Confectionery company, Yowie, is due to commence manufacturing production in Florida later this month.
A fire broke out last night at Olam International’s almond factory at Carwarp, near Mildura.
The Australian PMI has recorded a result of 53.2 for October, an improvement on September and the second straight month of growth.
A new Silver Fern Farms factory for sausage casings will create 40 jobs in Finegand, South Otago.


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The Ruling McDonald’s Extra Value Meal Eaters Everywhere Need to Know About
McDonald’s “Extra Value Meal” label may not signal savings like you think it does and that is totally OK, a judge decided last week.
The April 6 decision ended the fight in a class-action lawsuit filed against the fast-food chain in Chicago.
The plaintiff in the McDonald’s lawsuit, Kelly Killeen, said she paid $5.08 for a sausage burrito extra value meal at a restaurant in Chicago. Her meal came with two sausage burritos, one hash brown and a medium coffee. Later she realized that she could have ordered the same items individually, and her total would have been 11 cents less.
Killeen argued that using the word “value” to advertise the combination of items would make a reasonable customer believe the meal would be cheaper than buying the items a la carte. She accused McDonald’s of fraud and using deceptive business practices.
Judge Elaine Bucklo acknowledged that most McDonald’s customers might believe the value meals would be their cheapest option, but said there was no evidence suggesting McDonald’s misled its customers.
“Anyone familiar with fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s surely knows that prices are typically displayed on menus located near the registers,” Bucklo wrote in a five-page opinion dismissing the case. “Understandably, plaintiff may not have wished to take the time to compare prices, but there is no question that doing so would have dispelled the deception.”
What Is and Isn’t Deceptive Advertising
There is a thin but clear line between what Bucklo considers a deceptive business practice and what is just a normal and legal advertising tactic. She gave examples of both in her written opinion.
For example, a grocery store could advertise an item for one price in its print or online ads and for the same price on in-store signage. After you buy it, if you get home and realize you paid a different price, you can’t sue for false advertising.
As in the McDonald’s case, Bucklo points out, all the information is there for you. As long as the accurate price you paid is printed on your receipt, that’s enough for the grocery store to argue it didn’t mislead you into spending more.
But there are limits to what a company can do to advertise its products.
For example, if a juice company printed “fruit juice” on its label alongside pictures of specific fruits and the ingredients label shows there is little to none of those fruits in the juice, that could be grounds for a lawsuit.
Although the ingredients list is available to the customer, the requirement that the customer read the ingredients or any other form of fine print to know that claims that are prominent on the label are false could be seen as deceptive in court.
In the McDonald’s case, the judge pointed out, the individual prices are clearly visible. It’s your job to do your own math.
Desiree Stennett (@desi_stennett) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She writes about how government and court actions impact your wallet.


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Jammu: BJP on Sunday hailed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to grant a one-time amnesty to the power consumers, saying it would benefit around 15 lakh people in the state.
The scheme will bring relief to about 15 lakh consumers in the state. People had been demanding some relief in their power bills. The previous governments did not pay any heed, BJP MLA Rajesh Gupta said.
"A benefit to the tune of Rs 250 crores will reach the consumers, waving off 100 per cent interest on pending tariffs and brining down excise duty from 22 per cent to 10. The provision of depositing the principle amount in four instalments will be of great help to the consumers," he said.
BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi said reduction in excise duty, abolition of interest and the provision to deposit the principle amount in four instalments are people friendly steps.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar on Friday had approved "rationalisation of the electricity duty by reducing the existing rate of 22 per cent to 10 in respect of all consumers from the date of notification."
The Cabinet had also decided to waive off 100 per cent surcharge on outstanding power bills as on August 1, if the consumer makes the outstanding payment by or before March 31, 2016 in maximum of four equal instalments.


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Outgoing Harvard CFO Says ‘It’s Time to be Very Cautious’ Amid Rising Economic Turmoil
Harvard Women’s Hockey Program Investigation Marks Eighth Athletics Review Since 2016
Describing Gap in Current Activism, Harvard Undergraduates Form New Queer Advocacy Group
Newly Elected HUA Officers Share Goals, Priorities During First Meeting After Taking Office
Harvard Students Developing App to Connect Boston’s Unhoused People with Essential Resources
The “World’s Only Curious George Store,” a Harvard Square centerpiece, will close its doors on June 30 and relocate to Central Square following a change in ownership.
Astra S. Titus, the store’s new owner, said that the shop’s move was motivated by a variety of factors, including her desire to develop a community around the store.
“I plan on developing it more into a mission-based retail, and the mission behind it is really around community building,” Titus said. “Central Square is at this super critical exciting point where...there’s lots of things happening there that are going to be very community-focused.”
She also cited an expected decline in foot traffic due to construction projects in the Square. Titus said that Regency Developers, which owns the building that currently houses the Curious George Store, originally planned to move the shop to an alternate location on Brattle Street while the building underwent renovations.
“I envisioned that there’s going to be a decrease in foot traffic because the store in its temporary space would be much less visible,” Titus said. “This would mean a decline in revenue.”
Ultimately, Titus said that moving to Central Square would offer a “fresh start.”
Harvard Square Business Association Executive Director Denise A. Jillson said the store — which sells popular children’s toys, arts-and-crafts, and children’s books — has recently faced issues with competition from online markets.
“There’s been more and more issues around online sales,” said Jillson.
Adam S. Hirsch, the store’s former owner, said Central Square offers lower rents in a difficult retail environment.
“There’s no secret that brick-and-mortar retail is challenging,” he said. “Rents are a little lower in Central Square than in Harvard Square.”
Kennedy School Associate Dean and Chief Financial Officer Jeita L. Deng, who is also a freshman proctor, said she is “super sad” to see the store leave its longtime home, but she looks forward to visiting the new location.
She said her family, including her three-year-old son, are “ferocious readers” and frequent the store for its books.
“For us, it's more the adventure of the special treat of going and picking up and buying a new book to celebrate a new occasion or a new holiday,” Deng said. “I think we'll just have to make it a bigger adventure to go get a new book.”
—Staff writer James S. Bikales can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org. Follow him on Twitter @jamepdx.
— Staff writer Ellen M. Burstein can be reached at email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @ellenburstein.
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"Not only is India one of the most dynamic markets I’ve worked in, but I have had the opportunity to learn and experience the most economically significant events that have unfolded over the last two years," said Sethi.
Previously the due date for the same was December 31, 2018.
As per Sebi, listed entities need to disclose details such as name, PAN and nationality of the significant beneficial owner as well as registered owner.
Starting October 1, norms mandate ecommerce companies to collect tax at the rate of 0.5% each for state and central GST (1% total) on payments to sellers who sell on their platforms.
Incentives that attract entrepreneurs to do businesses in these States (remote areas), may fail miserably if grassroot complications are not addressed effectively discusses Abhishek A Rastogi, Partner at Khaitan & Co.
Furnishing GST annual return 'cumbersome and time-consuming affair', extend deadline by 3 months: ICAI to CBIC
The panel listed multiple reasons for seeking the deferment saying, it is "extremely difficult" for multi-location entities to cull out and compile data in the required manner in less than a month's time.
Indian Bankruptcy Code has instilled fear in the minds of corporates, Uflex Limited, Group President (Finance & Accounts) & CFO, Rajesh Bhatia discusses what it means for India Inc.
SAP said the primary impact would be significant investment for setting up infrastructure in India.
The last date has been extended after taking into consideration representations from shareholders.
The due date for filing both the tax audits and related annual returns is currently December 31, 2018.
Sneha Oberoi, CFO & VP Administration, SMIPL shares that the new regulatory regime comes with teething issues even as their intentions are right and there are long-term gains in sight.
The National Anti-profiteering Authority has held a supplier of imported machinery guilty of profiteering for not passing on the benefit of input tax credit.
The total number of summary returns, also known as GSTR 3B filed for the month of October up to 30th November, 2018 stood at 69.6 lakh, as against 67.45 lakh returns filed for September.
The RBI in its letter dated September 17 to the lender's then chairman Ashok Chawla also said the bank has displayed "highly irregular" credit management practices.
Taxpayers whose principal place of business is in the district of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, the date of furnishing summary returns GSTR-3B for the months of September and October, has been extended to November 30.
The ride-hailing service Uber has been fined the equivalent of nearly $1.2 million by British and Dutch authorities for failing to protect customers' data during a cyberattack in 2016.
With the e-way bill system running at full capacity, GST regime is all set to travel at the maximum speed on a bright and broad digital highway.
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By Nina Hendy
Australia’s first online-only car dealership is experiencing strong growth in perhaps the ultimate proof that there’s nothing we won’t buy or sell on the internet.
HelloCars was launched by Sydney brothers Paul and Michael Higgins in 2016. Unlike traditional dealerships, their business operates without a physical showroom or the ubiquitous pushy sales team. All mechanical inspections, pick-ups and deliveries are done at the customer’s home.
HelloCars is the brothers’ first foray into the entrepreneurial space, however their father is one of the best recognised businessmen in the country. Rodney Higgins founded Mortgage Choice with his brother Peter in 1992, and now his sons have forged their own business together.
Rodney Higgins remains on the Mortgage Choice board, but these days is heavily entrenched in the world of polo as the owner of the Sydney Polo Club in Richmond.
Michael says their father gave them belief that they could make a go of their business idea, along with some financial backing to get HelloCars started.
Michael says: “If we had become doctors and lawyers I think our family would have been disappointed. Our father encouraged us to take a chance, put ourselves out there and give everything a red-hot go.”
HelloCars works by offering car sellers a quick online quote. If they accept the quote and the vehicle passes a mechanical test, they make an offer to purchase it the following day. The Sydney-based company produced more than 10,000 instant, online quotes for cars in the past 12 months to March 2018. HelloCars has more than 200 cars in stock.
It typically takes about three days for a customer to buy a car via the platform, though same-day transactions are also common. “It’s a stark comparison when you realise that it takes on average 45 days to sell your car privately online in greater Sydney,” Michael says.
The vehicles are then listed for sale on the site, and buyers can inspect cars online using a 360-degree view of the car. Transacting online enables HelloCars to offer the cars for sale cheaper than others, Michael says.
If we had become doctors and lawyers I think our family would have been disappointed.Michael Higgins
Business is booming. Sales during last financial year were $4.4 million, but growth puts the business on a clear growth trajectory to $11.4 million at the end of this financial year, representing a 159 per cent increase year-on-year. However recent growth in transactions could bolster that growth significantly higher, the brothers reveal. They currently employ 20 people.
The pair attribute their success to the consumer’s desire for a hassle-free transaction on a used car. A seven-day, 500-kilometre money-back guarantee and a warranty on all cars also sweetens the deal. Most buyers are from Sydney, Paul adds.
“HelloCars takes all the uncertainty and wasted time out of buying and selling. We only sell vehicles that have been certified by HelloCars, that have fewer than 130,000 kilometres and that come with a service history,” Paul says.
“And by cutting out the expensive overheads of a bricks-and-mortar dealer, we’re able to operate on much lower margins. Customers that partner with us receive a fair price, guaranteed to be at least $1000 more than a traditional dealer,” he says.
During the interview, a car alarm sounds, and then another, prompting me to ask whether they feel more like used car salesmen, or tech start-up founders.
“We’re definitely focused on the tech experience, and spend most of our time analysing data and perfecting the user experience,” Michael says. The car lot is in Parramatta, but growth is prompting a look further afield for a lot twice the size or even bigger,” Michael says.
Sydney start-up adviser Melissa Pye was bought in at the business-planning stage to help shape branding and approach to market. She worked in the automotive sector working both for car marques and agencies on the creative for car brands for two decades.
Pye, who was the marketing director for Audi Australia, among other roles, sees the virtues of utilising technology to remove the pain points of buying a used car.
“Buying a used car wasn’t a good experience, and no one had been able to solve the problems and give buyers an opportunity to avoid the hard sell and high-pressure environment of a used car dealer,” Pye said.
“This platform has put a level of professionalism and regulation around the experience of buying a used car and given people an opportunity to opt out of something that generally, people don’t want to do, which is go out and buy a used car.”
The average price for a car sold on HelloCars is $22,076, and the most common makes offered for sale include Mazda, Volkswagen, Subaru and Hyundai.


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The ongoing and seemingly never-ending plague have put the future of the airline industry in doubt.
Many experts believe that teleconferencing and hybrid-work from home models are the future of biz whilst the American jet-set has faded considerably.
And so . . .
THE FUTURE OF NEW KCI SEEMS DOUBTFUL AS THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY FADES!!!
As evidence of this fact of life we share a bevy of info for consideration.
Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links that start with local and then offer a peek at the big picture . . .
Many airlines are seeing softer bookings in the months ahead because of the Delta variant. That's one factor leading airlines to scale back the number of flights scheduled for the latter portion of the year, according to a review of flight data by The Business Journals.
Summer travel was the big bounce-back story for 2021, with Covid-weary American travelers spending $6 billion on domestic flights in June alone, swapping screen time for downtime. The delta variant of the coronavirus rapidly changed all that.
Americans who managed a holiday in Europe this summer may have sneaked in under the wire. New travel restrictions may be coming for unvaccinated Americans as Covid-19 cases surge in the U.S. The European Union on Monday removed the U.S. from its list of countries for which nonessential travel restrictions should be lifted.
What does it mean for flight safety when the Federal Aviation Administration downgrades another country's aviation system like it did with Mexico this year? - Jessica M., Mexico City In May, the U.S. downgraded the Mexican aviation system from Level 1 to Level 2 after reviewing its performance from October 2020 through February 2021.
Airline travelers are planning fewer trips as the delta variant of the coronavirus surges, according to an by Adobe Analytics, which recorded the second-straight month of declining bookings in August.
Summer travel season is fading, driving down airfares and raising questions about demand in the coming weeks when business travel would normally pick up. The Transportation Security Administration screened nearly 1.35 million people on Tuesday, the fewest since May 11.
Delta Variant Slams Brakes On U.S. Domestic Air Travel As Demand, Flight Prices Drop Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
The surge in coronavirus cases across the U.S. is slamming the brakes on the recovery of the travel industry, according to Adobe's Digital Economy Index, reversing a months-long trend of rebounding demand and prices for domestic air travel that was only just reaching pre-pandemic levels. In June, U.S.
Throughput at TSA checkpoints on Aug. 31 dipped to the lowest level since May 11. For the day, 1.35 million people passed through airport security checks, compared to 2.04 million in 2019. It was the first time since May 11 that the throughput number was below 1.4 million.
Developing . . .


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SM East band fundraiser Saturday. The SM East band is planning to travel to Orlando, Fla., next spring and is holding fundraisers to defray the cost of the trip, which will include several performances. On Saturday, Nov. 21, the band will accept gently-used clothing and household items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SM East front parking lot and at the Savers Store at 5441 W. 95th Street. A followup drive will be held at the Savers Store on Dec. 5. The band will have another fundraiser on Dec. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Village Shops where ensembles will be playing and merchants will have specials that include donations to the band. The cost of the trip is $1,700 per student and 75 band members will be going.
Mission accepting donations today. A clothing drive for the Uplift Organization, which works with the homeless in the metro, will be held today from 7 a.m. to noon in the parking lot by Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center. Besides Items needed include candles, blankets, books, matches, sweaters, shirts, hats and other clothing.
Battle of the Brains honor goes to Lee’s Summit school. NEJC’s Highland Elementary’s bid for $50,000 in prize money in Burns & McDonnell’s Battle of the Brains competition came up short, as Lee’s Summit’s Mason Elementary took the title this year.
Northeast Johnson County morning roundup is brought to you by Twisted Sisters Coffee Shop on Johnson Drive. For updates on the latest blends and specialty drinks available, follow them on Facebook.


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Volunteer program seeks to boost cash withdrawals as budgeting tool.
Is cash still king? It would be easy to say “no,” with all the attention given to cyber shopping this holiday season and the media coverage of digital payment options.
But according to the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, released a year ago by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, cash is still the largest retail payment category by number of transactions. By volume, cash’s share is much lower than in the past, but it still dominates small-value transactions. If credit card and debit card transactions were combined, however, they would easily outnumber cash transactions.
Take control of your money and improve your life.
Join our Withdraw Cash Wednesday campaign and receive timely reminders and tips to take control of your money by using cash.


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AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.
A report in January pegged Apple SVP of hardware technologies Johny Srouji as a potential candidate to become Intel's next CEO, but a new rumor claims the executive recently informed staff that he is not leaving the Cupertino tech giant.
According to Ashraf Eassa, who covers both Apple and Intel for The Motley Fool, Srouji is not a candidate to take over for Brian Krzanich, who resigned as Intel's CEO in 2018.
Krzanich departed the company last June after it was discovered he had a consensual relationship with a fellow employee, violating the company's non-fraternization policy. Intel and its board have been seeking a suitable replacement, with CFO Bob Swan currently serving as interim CEO.
Earlier this month, Axios reported Srouji was among a list of potential candidates to fill the vacancy. The report did not specify the level of Intel's interest in Srouji, nor did it make clear that the executive would leave Apple for the job.
"I've heard that Johny Srouji is NOT a candidate for $INTC CEO," Eassa said in a tweet Friday. "He apparently told his staff that he's not going anywhere."
Like the Axios report, Eassa's tweet is vague as to whether the decision not pursue Srouji as CEO came from Intel, Srouji himself or was arrived at mutually.
Srouji joined Apple in 2008 as senior director of handheld chips & VLSI (very-large-scale integration), a role that found the chip design guru in charge of developing Apple's A4 processor. Along with A-series system on a chip program, Srouji played a role in creating the first Touch ID fingerprint sensor that rolled out with iPhone 5s in 2013.
Srouji is also credited with developing new battery, storage and display technologies at Apple, making him an integral player in the company's various product teams.
In 2015, Srouji was promoted to the upper echelons of Apple's executive team as a direct report to CEO Tim Cook.


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A factory condition McLaren F1 was just put on the market
Prized possessions amongst the collections of any car aficionados, McLaren F1s have become one of the most iconic examples of how a car can increase in value. Only 64 F1s were built between 1992 and 1998 with them now trading on the second hand market for an average of over €9 million.
Finished in Dandelion Yellow, the McLaren F1 that just came on the market was built in 1996 but was actually never taken out of its factory wrapping. Owned by a Japanese collector, the F1 is signed by its creator, Gordon Murray and was the 47th car built by McLaren.
The car has 239km on it, all from factory testing according to the seller, who is being represented by British supercar dealer, Tom Hartley Junior. "For me, a McLaren F1 is the greatest car ever built, and when you consider its rarity, then I have no doubt that they'll overtake the [Ferrari] GTO in value one day" Hartley said on his listing, which would become the third McLaren F1 he'll sell this year if the deal were to close in 2017.
Famously featuring 3 seats, the McLaren F1 sits its driver in the middle in a configuration that was never widely seen before the F1.
Earlier in August, a 1995 McLaren F1 with 9,600 miles on it sold at a Bonhams auction for $15,62 million. In 2015, Rowan Atkinson, known for his role as 'Mr Bean', sold his F1 at an asking price of £8 million.


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[ET NEWS] Samsung Electronics is expected to adopt a stacked logic board, called a substrate-like PCB mainboard, in order to maximize the use of internal space for the upcoming Galaxy S9 next year, industry sources told ET News on Aug. 6.
This is the first time for the Korean tech giant to adopt the advanced logic board based on chip packaging technology. Its archrival Apple is also widely rumored to have used the upgraded mainboard technology for the iPhone 8 that will debut later this year.
Samsung to adopt on-cell touch solution Y-OCTA for Galaxy S9
The substrate-like PCB is an advanced version of the current HDI circuit board. The stacked design, among other things, drastically improves space efficiency for battery whose size is getting bigger and bigger to high-end phones.
About 10 manufacturers are supplying HDI to Samsung currently, sources said. Of them, only four are reportedly joining the production of the substrate-like PCB that requires higher manufacturing know-how.
Samsung is expected to use the upgraded mainboard for S9 phones that use its own Exynos chips, while the phones using Qualcomm chips are not using the board due to technical differences.
By Yoon Kun-il (firstname.lastname@example.org) (email@example.com)
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