text:
Mr. Nuttanai Anuntarumporn, chief executive officer and director of INTERLINK Telecom Public Company Limited (SET: ITEL), said the performance in the fourth quarter of 2022 is expected to grow in every business segment. Moreover, there should be more clarity on the project that the company proposed with a total of approximately 1,000 million baht.Growth in other businesses should be in line with the company’s revenue projection, that reflects a clear business direction for the company. At this time, the company has a contract on hand worth 3,194 million baht. The company expects to proceed with the operations and revenue recognition throughout next year. Moreover, the company has a plan to enter and offer for new projects to support the revenue in the future.
In terms of the performance direction in 2022, the company maintains the revenue target at 3,200 million baht, which should achieve its target due to having plenty of backlog and opportunities to acquire new projects that the company previously proposed in this year’s period as a support to drive the overall business to reach its targets.
Recently, ITEL won the auction of Bureau of the Budget for the development of electronic budget management system (New e Budgeting), Phayathai Sub-district, Phayathai District, Bangkok, 1 system, by the value of Baht 636,500,000.00 million (inclusive of VAT).
Finansia Syrus Securities (FSS) said in its ITEL research that ITEL will make a profit of approximately 90 million baht in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to an increase in backlog of 3,194 million baht. The profit forecast for 2022-2024 is expected to increase by an average of 34.6%, and the estimated profit in 2023 is expected to increase by 39.2% from 2022, with a decreased PE from 23 to 16.5, and EV/EBITDA remaining at 8.4.
FSS has given a “BUY” recommendation with a target price of THB5.50 in 2022 based on PE at 32.


text:
"My answer to that concern is that the FSOC should get a bigger table."
Securities and Exchange Commission member, after the Financial Stability Oversight Council refused to let him in meetings on the premise that, if it did, other agencies would ask to bring more people too.
"Regulation costs are almost irrelevant to the change I think we're going to go through in retail banking."
CEO of PNC Financial Services Group, saying that one of the industry's biggest challenges is what to do about the fundamental change going on in retail delivery.
"Decrease your investment in carbon-intensive and obsolete technology."
United Nations' secretary general, calling on banks to finance sustainable energy sources, at a panel discussion during the World Economic Forum.
Inspector General's office
"The Postal Service could help financial institutions fill the gaps in their efforts to reach the underserved."
Agency supervising the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service, in a controversial white paper that says offering financial services to unbanked consumers could yield $9 billion a year.
Edward C. Prescott
Bond buying by the Federal Reserve "is as effective in bringing prosperity as rain dancing is in bringing rain."
Nobel Prize-winning Minneapolis Fed economist, expressing a view at odds with Minneapolis Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota, who, after a change of heart, favors more stimulus.
"If you are in a car wreck, mostly you are trying to avoid going over the bridge, and then later on you say, 'Oh, my God.'"
Former Federal Reserve chairman, on whether he reflects on his time in office.
"It's amazing how a billion-dollar loss in market cap will focus the mind."
MasterCard's president for North American markets, after a data breach got Target interested in EMV technology to make credit card transactions more secure.
"It is one thing when we buy their rubber dolls. It's a different thing when they buy our banks."
Dartmouth College business professor, arguing that there should be more concern about Chinese banks' U.S. acquisition efforts.
"What on God's green earth is going on here?"
U.S. House Financial Services Committee chairman, on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau refurbishing its office space at $483 per square foot, triple the local rate for luxury projects.

domain: news


text:
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently claimed that the tech giant is planning to roll out a “helmet-type” AR-VR headset by 2025, followed soon by AR glasses in the same year. Now, as per a report by 9To5Mac which is based upon an acquired research note, Kuo has predicted that the mixed reality headset will feature 15 camera modules out of which 8 will be designated for AR video experiences, 6 to enable “innovative biometrics” and one to “detect the environment for positioning objects in the scene”.
Largan Precision, a camera lens supplier from Taiwan, will provide the components for the AR-VR headset, as per Kuo. He adds that even when Largan “faces the structural risk” of the decline in Huawei’s market shares due to the US ban, the firm still has a “long-term investment value.”
Coming to the headset, Kuo earlier said in an investor’s note that the upcoming AR-VR headset would feature Sony micro-OLED displays and also, would come with “independent computing power and storage.” As per the analyst, the current prototypes for the headset weigh somewhere between 200 grams and 300 grams. He says, “If Apple can successfully solve the significant technical problems, the final product weight will be reduced to 100–200 grams.” He predicts that the headset will be priced at around $1000.
As for the AR glasses, the first prototypes are yet to arrive, as per Kuo. The glasses may come with independent computing power and storage, like the headset, and may be released at the same time the headset is scheduled to or after. Apart from the AR-VR headset and the AR glasses, an AR contact lens featuring “invisible computing” is also in the pipeline and maybe rolled out in between 2030 and 2040, as per Kuo.


text:
19 January 2007 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today said that it would stop paying hard currency for its operations Keflex for wisdom teeth pharmacy cod saturday delivery. Buy Keflex for urinary tract in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) amid press reports on the agency’s activities there and Soma delivery to US Delaware. Buy Soma in Mesa. Buy Soma for cash on delivery. announced plans to seek an independent, external audit, while Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an urgent, system wide Cod saturday Levaquin. Order Levaquin 1 day delivery. Levaquin c.o.d.. investigation of UN activities in the field.
Mr. Ban’s announcement followed a meeting he held with UNDP Associate Silagra on line. Medicine online Silagra. Silagra prices. Administrator Ad Melkert on the agency’s multimillion-dollar operations in DPRK.
“The Secretary-General will Finasteride no prescription cod. Where to buy generic Finasteride online without a p call for an urgent, system wide and external inquiry into all activities done around the globe by the UN funds and Cipro overdose. Purchase Cipro without a prescription. Not expensive Cipro next day programmes,” his spokesperson, Michele Montas, announced in a statement on Mr. Ban’s behalf.
Mr. Melkert Buy Doxycycline 20mg ems delivery. Ordering Doxycycline for a bladder infection onli revealed UNDP’s intention to order an independent audit during a press conference held at UN Headquarters in New York.
He Buy Xanax in Oklahoma City. Cheap Xanax c.o.d.. Xanax manufacturer. urged journalists to see the issue in its historical context, pointing out that 20 years ago, “a large number of countries Not expensive order prescription Ultram. Buy Ultram no visa without prescription. No operated on a different model from today” for example using non-convertible currency and staff selected by governments. UN Get Vasotec over the counter for sale. How to buy Vasotec on line. Cash on deliver V agencies “had to work within that context,” he said, asserting that “doing so helped many of these Buy cheapest Lisinopril online. Lisinopril cost. Buy Lisinopril cheap cod. countries to open up.”
While over the course of those approximately two decades many countries altered their systems, Cipro for listeria from india is it safe. Cheape Cipro for pneumonia online. Cipro f “the essential way North Korea operates has not changed during that time,” he said, and therefore the terms of Buy Plavix New York NY. Buy Plavix Las Vegas NV. Plavix without prescriptions. reference governing the work of not just UNDP but also the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Nizoral cost. Buy Nizoral on line without a prescription. Cheap Nizoral c.o.d.. UN World Food Programme (WFP) remained the same.
He noted that “North Korea went through a series of horrific Buy Fucidin for cash on delivery. Fucidin delivery to US Maryland. Fucidin online wi humanitarian crises during the 1990s,” and UNDP and other agencies responded with significant humanitarian programmes. Price of Sumycin in the UK. Sumycin purchased online without prescription. Sumycin o After the crisis period subsided, the focus of UNDP’s activities shifted back to achieving longer-term development goals, Buy cheap online Zoloft. Buy cheap Zoloft cod free fedex. Order Zoloft online cod. he said.
The operations of the agency evolved in recent years, and the October, 2006 Security Council resolution placing sanctions Plavix 600 no script overnight. Plavix for lupus 2 days delivery. Plavix for dvt pro on the DPRK Government sparked a “further tightening” of the way UNDP operates in the country.
Mr. Melkert Saturday delivery cod Doxycycline. Buy Doxycycline with no prescription. Doxycycline acknowledged that the agency’s own internal auditors had raised “many concerns” about the DPRK Buy Diflucan for kids without a prescription. Diflucan for pediatric cod saturday de programmes with management, and that “tough issues” remain to be addressed. In response, he said the agency would Plavix alternatives. Plavix and college students. Cod delivery Plavix. end all payments in hard currency to the Government, national partners, local staff and local vendors as of 1 March. Subcontracting Buy Fluoxetine cheap no prescription. Fluoxetine without prescription cod. Buy onlin of national staff via Government recruitment will also be discontinued. Monitoring and audit systems will be put in place Buy Combivent London GB. Can you buy Combivent cash on delivery. Combivent non presc “addressing the issue of national execution.”
Looking ahead to next week’s meeting of the UNDP Celexa prescribing information. Buy Celexa in Tucson. Celexa non prescription for ne Executive Board, Mr. Melkert said the agency would also propose “a full, independent external audit in order to make sure Buy Prozac for panic disorder in Albuquerque. Canada Prozac for fear aggressive dogs that we really understand what it means to work in a country like North Korea.”
An external, independent audit is Purchase Metformin for facial hair cod shipping. Next day delivery on Metformin for “a good point to get to the knowledge that we need for the future,” he added.
Asked about a United States Antabuse delivery to US South Dakota. Buy Antabuse. Buy Antabuse in Louisville. letter saying that UNDP failed to bring violations to the attention of the agency’s Executive Board, Mr. Melkert said all Lipitor for ms overnight delivery no rx. Lipitor for dogs without a prescription and UNDP audits were submitted to the UN Board of Auditors, which in turn was responsible for bringing critical issues to the attention Order Celexa next day delivery. Celexa online order cheapest. Buy Celexa San Diego C of Member States. “It is our task as management to follow-up on internal auditors’ recommendations,” he Diflucan collect on delivery. Diflucan overnight cheap. Diflucan from india is it sa said.
To a question on why UNDP, which has recently stated its commitment to transparency, does not make its all of its audits Buy Zestril online c o d. Getting prescribed Zestril. Zestril fedex. available to Member States – as does the UN Secretariat – Mr. Melkert said the issue was under discussion. Buy Avodart ems delivery. Avodart free consultation fedex overnight delivery. Cheap “Basically we believe that internal audits should be available to members of the board and UN Member States,” he Paypal accepted Bupropion. Buy Bupropion cheap overnight. Buy Bupropion Glasgow GB o said. “That will take some time but we will discuss it and we will come back on that.”
In response to a Buy Levothroid without a prescription overnight delivery. Coupon for Levothroid. Buy reporter noting that the summary public document released did not mention the DPRK, Mr. Melkert said “as you know, Kemal Baclofen shipped cash on delivery. Baclofen purchased online without prescription. B Dervis (the UNDP Administrator) and me are not that long in this organization but it is our definite view that we can only work on Order Citalopram 1 business day delivery. Citalopram purchased online without prescr our condition in all countries, and no country should have any exceptional position whatsoever.”
Asked about the level of Order Orlistat for pcos online. Buy Orlistat for losing weight offshore no prescript funding involved, Mr. Melkert said “We’re not talking about hundreds of millions of dollars,” adding, Canadian Adipex diet pills without prescription. Buy Adipex no prescription cod. Buy “Over a period of ten years, it is of course tens of millions.”
Responding to questions as to whether UNDP Does cv/ pharmacy carry Clomid. Clomid delivery to US Pennsylvania. Clomid DHL deliv could be assured that currency it paid was not converted into the country’s weapons programme, he said, “that Buy Microzide 12.5 mg capsule online c o d. Macrobid for e-coli bladder infection sh question cannot be answered because of the general way in which you operate in any country that you are doing business with.”
At the same time, he stressed that “from the audits, there has been no indication whatsoever that would say anything in relation to your question.”


text:
When Robert Louis-Dreyfus was tapped five years ago to run Adidas A. G., he was taking over the weakest franchise in the global sporting goods league.
For years, Adidas was synonymous in many parts of the world with sneakers and athletic apparel. But as one more example of a family-run company that stumbled when the founding family died out, Adidas had been badly beaten by agile new competitors like Nike and Reebok. When Mr. Louis-Dreyfus took over in early 1993, the company had just reported an $82 million loss for 1992, after eking out an $8 million profit the year earlier. Business in the huge American market, where Adidas had established its three-striped brand as a trendy item a decade earlier, had all but dried up.
But that was before Mr. Louis-Dreyfus, a skilled turnaround artist, began his make-over. Now Adidas is sprinting back into contention even as Nike, the industry Goliath, is stumbling.
Adidas closed out 1997 with record net income of $255 million, 48 percent more than the year before, on revenues of $3.6 billion. In the process, it overtook Fila U.S.A. as the No. 3 athletic shoe supplier in the United States and has set its sights on passing Reebok for the No. 2 slot. Mr. Louis-Dreyfus even plunked down $1.4 billion last September to acquire Salomon S. A., the French sporting goods giant best known in the United States for Taylor Made golf clubs and Salomon skis. Adidas-Salomon, as the merged company is called, is the world's second-largest sporting goods group, behind only Nike itself, which has been struggling with bloated inventory and faltering demand not only in the United States but also in Asia.Continue reading the main story
''We're going in the right direction now,'' Mr. Louis-Dreyfus said in an interview here, not far from Adidas's headquarters in the German town of Herzogenaurach.
[The reversal of fortunes was evident this week. On Wednesday, Nike announced disappointing third-quarter earnings, though its stock rose $1.625, to $46.50, because the results were not as bad as had been forecast. Adidas stock closed at a record high on Tuesday of 319 marks, or about $175; it finished Wednesday at 310 marks.]
Mr. Louis-Dreyfus has turned things around in several ways. He poured large sums into creating a cooler image for Adidas with young people tired of Nike's in-your-face style. To challenge Nike's design flamboyance, Adidas took a contrary stance with its ''feet you wear'' concept, maintaining that built-up sneakers can be unstable. And while holding on to its strength in soccer, Adidas gained ground in more popular sports in the United States by signing up big-name athletes like Kobe Bryant of basketball's Los Angeles Lakers and Keyshawn Johnson of football's New York Jets in sponsorship deals.
Nike, which is planning a counterattack on Adidas's home turf, says it is not too worried. Stefano Caroti, who took over last year as Nike's general manager for Central Europe, accuses Adidas of building its recent success by using Nike's winning formulas.
''They're copying us, from our ads to our products,'' he said. ''You put a swoosh at the end of their commercials, they're ours.''
True, the 51-year-old Mr. Louis-Dreyfus still has a long way to go just to catch Nike's shadow. Nike may have its problems, but it continues to control 47 percent of American sneaker sales, compared with 15 percent for Reebok and just 6 percent for Adidas.
Yet what Mr. Louis-Dreyfus has already accomplished has won him high marks on both sides of the Atlantic. ''It is a great company, and Robert is a fabulous manager,'' said Faye Landes, senior footwear analyst at Salomon Smith Barney in New York. (The securities firm has no connection with Salomon S. A.)
Investors clearly agree. After Mr. Louis-Dreyfus took Adidas public in 1996, selling 40 percent of its equity on the Frankfurt exchange, the initial price was 68 marks, a fraction of what it trades for now. Once he assimilates the Salomon purchase, Mr. Louis-Dreyfus plans to sell Adidas shares directly on Wall Street or as American depository shares, perhaps as early as next year.
Mr. Louis-Dreyfus is a total break in style as well as substance for Adidas. A Frenchman in a company with deep German roots, he lives in Switzerland and has assembled an international team to run Adidas, including Christian Tourres, a French executive often described as his alter ego, and an Australian banker, Dean Hawkins, whom he made chief financial officer. ''Diversity brings creativity,'' he said.
Fast talking and cigar smoking, he is an avid skier and soccer fan who once personally bought a French team, Olympique Marseille, to keep it from falling into Nike's hands; at work, he eschews collars and ties for sweatshirts and jeans. A graduate of the Harvard Business School, he is equally comfortable in English and his native French.
In 1993, a group of French banks and insurance companies was saddled with Adidas, which the maverick French financier and politician, Bernard Tapie, had acquired in 1990. Although Adidas, whose founder, Adolf Dassler, is generally considered the father of athletic footwear, had been making athletic shoes as early as the 1920's, it was on the ropes. Mr. Dassler's son and heir, Horst, died in 1989 at 51, and the family had sold out to Mr. Tapie. Management was disoriented, and Nike and Reebok were parlaying a lethal combination of glitzy sneakers made cheaply in low-wage countries and promotions with American sports superstars into dominance of a market Adidas once ruled uncontested.
Enter Mr. Louis-Dreyfus.
In 1988, he had just finished turning around IMS International, a leading United States pharmaceutical market research company, when he sold it to Dun & Bradstreet for $1.7 billion and decided to retire.
Not a bad idea for the scion of one of France's wealthiest families, the owners of giant S. A. Louis-Dreyfus & Compagnie, the traders and real estate magnates. (The family is large and far-flung; Julia Louis-Dreyfus, best known as Elaine in the comedy series ''Seinfeld,'' is a distant relation.) Yet there was a hitch. Mr. Louis-Dreyfus was only 42, and when he sought a skiing or golfing partner, no one was around. ''The problem with retirement,'' he said, ''is that your friends are working.''
So when Charles and Maurice Saatchi asked him to help right their foundering British advertising agency, Mr. Louis-Dreyfus bit. After three years, in which he cut costs, dismissed staff and bolstered profit margins, he achieved his second major turnaround.
Now he is five years into his third effort, one that he almost did not get.
In 1992, the British sporting goods group Pentland agreed to buy Adidas from Mr. Tapie, then backed out after due diligence disclosed what it called ''fundamental problems.''
But French banks behind Mr. Tapie had already installed Gilberte Beaux, a retired French banker, to begin the job of cleaning up Adidas for the next owner. In the United States, she lured hot-shot young executives from Nike to revive sales; she increased the advertising budget and hired the young British agency, Leagas Delaney, to design an aggressive TV and print campaign.
Some experts say that Mr. Louis-Dreyfus really only carried out a turnaround set in motion by Mrs. Beaux. ''A lot of people think that Louis-Dreyfus changed things overnight,'' said Eugenio Di Maria, editor of Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe, an industry newsletter that is published in Paris. ''But it was more a question of timing -- he came at the right time, and helped influence some strategic decisions.''
Still, he executed masterfully, and the results have been substantial.
When Mr. Louis-Dreyfus replaced Mrs. Beaux in 1993, he looked over Pentland's study of Adidas, then decided that two crucial problems were easily fixable: Adidas's ad budget should be inflated substantially, and an overreliance on independent distributors should end.
''They had been losing since Horst Dassler's death,'' he said in Munich. ''And when you're on the losing side, it's difficult to get off.''
In the United States, he went on the offensive. To get toeholds in baseball and football, he signed deals with the New York Yankees and the National Football League. He raised global advertising outlays to 13 percent of Adidas sales, compared with 6 percent when he took over. He says the figure will go even higher.
And he has played off Adidas's rich history. Adolf Dassler made the running shoes Jesse Owens wore at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. So at the 1996 Olympics, Adidas plastered Atlanta with its slogan, ''We Knew Then; We Know Now . . .,'' recalling greats like Owens and Emil Zatopek, the Czech long-distance runner and four-time Olympic gold medal winner, who also ran in Adidas shoes.
Mr. Louis-Dreyfus says his top priority now is to accelerate growth in the United States by continuing to whittle away at the market shares of Reebok and Fila. His second goal, growing out of the first, is to integrate Salomon to give Adidas economies of scale and a leg up in such trendy sports as in-line skating and snowboarding.
''I have a belief,'' he said, ''that while my generation was into team sports, our sons with their in-line skates and snowboards are going to be into individual sports.''
Many analysts say the key question now is how Nike will react. Mr. Caroti, the Nike general manager for Central Europe, says Nike plans to take on Adidas in Germany with a combination of blanket promotions and high-profile sponsorships. To go after sports that Germans favor, Nike is sponsoring Borussia Dortmund, the German soccer team that was the 1997 Champion's Cup winner, and Michael Schumacher, the race car driver.
Now it's Adidas's turn to appear unruffled. Mr. Louis-Dreyfus notes proudly, for example, that he's no Phil Knight.
''He's the Disney of sports, into the marketing of sports at the entertainment end,'' he said dismissively of the Nike chairman. Despite its deal with Kobe Bryant, Adidas, he added, is less centralized than Nike and, with its strong focus on soccer, the world's No. 1 growth sport, less dependent on American superstars. ''We try,'' he said, ''to be more cosmopolitan.''Continue reading the main story


text:
The front camera on the Honor 10 has 24 MP AI camera that offers 1.8 um pixels on your selfies and offers portrait mode along with AI AR capabilities same as back camera of the phone.
Although Huawei did not present the new Honor 10 smartphone at the MWC 2018, the Chinese manufacturer designed a roadmap with the deployment of half a dozen terminals that included the Honor 10, a terminal with a very good performance at a mid-range price. It comes in Phantom Blue and Midnight Black colors. The smartphone has a forward facing fingerprint sensor, which is embedded under the glass, which uses Qualcomm's ultrasonic technology to offer seemless design.
Honor 10 sports a dual rear-camera setup with a 13MP, f/2.2 aperture and autofocus lens and a 2MP secondary sensor. The Honor 10 will be released in India on May 23 and pre-bookings for the same have already begun.
The Honor 10 comes with two nano SIM card slots, and Bluetooth 4.2 LE.
Processor: The Honor 10 is powered by a 2.4GHz octa-core Kirin 970 processor clubbed with Mali-G72 MP12 GPU.
The smartphone comes with 6GB of RAM with either 64GB or 128GB of storage.
The Honor 10 packs a 5.84-inch full-HD+ FullView display with 1080x2280 resolution with 19:9 aspect ratio.
Not only is the rear camera supported by AI 2.0 technology, the Honor 10's 24MP front camera is your intelligent selfie companion. It features fast charging support via 5V/4.5A Huawei Super Charge which the company states that will charge 50% of the battery in 25 minutes. The main camera is capable of recording native 4k videos at 30fps and can also shoot slow-motion 720p videos at 960fps. These industry-first Honor 10 features apply scene-specific parameters to each photo in real-time when taking a picture, making every photo you take a professional shot with just one click.
- And oh, the Honor 10 has a headphone jack. It is worth noting that the Honor 10 originally launched in China last month, and that we're looking at more or less the same phone here, though with a global version of Huawei's EMUI skin, of course, and depending on the market, different RAM and storage setups. But the company has chose to skip the 64GB variant in India and will be only selling the 128GB storage version.
The e-commerce portal also has various launch offers. Meanwhile, the $500-or-so price tag puts the Honor 10 squarely in that sweet spot for shoppers who want premium features in a more affordably priced phone.


text:
Want to join the conversation?
$GME said that on Aug. 22, 2016, its BoD declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per common share payable on Sept. 22, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Sept. 9, 2016. The company acquired 507 new AT&T Mobility stores through the acquisition of three national AT&T authorized retailers for approx. $441MM.
No better outlook on $MSFT. Even if the results beat a bit, the stock may move 4 to 6% higher, but won't go above $60.


text:
You are here
OCBC sees sharp rise in interest rate hedges
MARKET volatility may be unnerving to most people but this is the time for bankers to prove their mettle and sell solutions or hedges, in bankspeak.
"During the last two weeks, prices were going up and down . . . and clients with US dollar payments were very worried and did a bit more hedges," said Wee Wei Min, OCBC Bank head of treasury advisory, yesterday.
"It has been a decent quarter for sales," said Ms Wee in an interview with BT. "We have seen an increase in interest rate hedges by customers in the last couple of months, with about 20 to 30 per cent more than the usual volume of hedges," she said.
Ms Wee deals mainly with corporate clients ranging from the large government-linked companies to small and medium-sized corporates, as well as consumers.
Corporate advisory is essentially helping clients find investment solutions and hedging by structuring products and derivatives in FX (foreign exchange), interest rates and commodities.
It's not just business clients, but non-profit organisations such as universities and churches with surplus cash also have investment needs, she noted. Not all products are complex and some can be designed conservatively with principal protection depending on clients' needs, she added.
For helping clients mitigate their risks, OCBC Bank won the Regional Derivatives House of the Year award at the 14th Annual Asia Risk Awards. Into its third year, the award assesses how banks in Asia have developed their franchise to help clients meet their risk management needs as well as their ability to handle risks internally.
One example of an award-winning hedge was to an Indonesian company which wanted to hedge the currency and interest rate exposure of a five-year floating US dollar loan, she said.
The company had borrowed in USD taking advantage of the low interest rate but as it received rupiah for its sales, it needed to hedge the interest rate and FX exposures. The product, a non-deliverable cross-currency swap, did two things: It converted the client's floating USD interest rate to a fixed rupiah interest rate; it also fixed the exchange rate exposure by locking in the FX rate.
One area of business which has grown rapidly is the bank's yuan offerings as more customers adopt the Chinese currency.
OCBC over the past 12 months has been able to provide customised solutions involving trade and FX structuring, interest rate hedging and efficient funding solutions across the regional network.
"In Singapore, OCBC's yuan total trade flows range from about US$6 to 10 billion a year in the last couple of years," she said.
For consumers, the bank this year revived a five-year principal protection structured product, taking advantage of interest rate volatility since May when the US Federal Reserve startled the market by warning it was looking to start tapering, she said.
Previously, when interest rates were very low, clients showed little interest, but when they began rising in the middle of the year, the bank was able to react promptly to offer the product, she noted.
The five-year principal protection product is now selling its fourth tranche, and since May has sold several hundred millions of dollars worth, she said.
Over the past five months, OCBC Bank's structured products business has grown by about 200 per cent year on year, she said. "Other houses may offer these and even higher interest rates but customers feel safe to put a five-year deposit with us," said Ms Wee, citing OCBC's safe reputation.
The treasury advisory team including institutional sales has between 100-120 people, she said.


text:
Final Fantasy XIII-2 Launch Event Detailed
Yoichi Wada to join developers and songstress in Yurakucho.
Square Enix shared final details today on the Final Fantasy XIII-2 launch event that it for some reason teased yesterday without giving the final location.
Different from the XIII and Type-0 launch events, which were held at the Tsutaya retailer in Shibuya, the XIII-2 event will be held at Bic Camera in Yurakucho. The event will start at 6:30 in the morning, leading up to the start of sales at 7:00.
Guests include AKB48 member Yuko Oshima (who will appear dressed in a download content costume she designed), songstress Mai Fukui, and Noel voice actor Daisuke Kishio. Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada will also be at the event, joined by XIII-2 producer Yoshinori Kitasei and director Motomu Toriyama. Comedy group America Zarigani will serve as MC.
To take part in the event, you'll need to purchase a copy of the game in either solo or hardware bundle form. The first 250 people will be admitted.


text:
- Subscribe NowNewsletters & Alerts
Ceradyne sales up, earnings down in 4Q
Ceradyne Inc. reported on Tuesday an increase in sales but a decrease in earnings in its fourth quarter, and an increase in both sales and earnings in its full fiscal year.
In the fourth quarter, Ceradyne reported $191.4 million in sales, up from $178.7 million in the year-ago period. Net income was $35.2 million, or $1.28 a share, down from $37.7 million, or $1.38 a share, in the year-ago period.
For the full fiscal year, Ceradyne reported $756.8 million in sales, up from $662.9 million in the year-ago period. Net income was $144.3 million, or $5.20 a share, up from $128.4 million, or $4.69 a share, in the previous fiscal year.
The company said that it has adjusted its 2008 guidance down because of a 4-month gap between its current ESAPI (enhanced small arms protective inserts) contract and a new ESAPI and XSAPI indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract that it expects to be awarded. The gap will result in about an $80 million reduction in body armor shipments in 2008, according to a release.
Due to the costs, Ceradyne also said it plans to cut 234 jobs and to reduce certain other body armor variable costs. Ceradyne said that it will be able to return to its former level of production within 60 days if required.
Total backlog was $238.9 million as of Dec. 31, 2007, compared to a total backlog of $344.3 million as of Dec. 31, 2006, according to a release.
Costa Mesa-based Ceradyne (NASDAQ: CRDN) develops, manufactures and markets ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, automotive/diesel and commercial applications.
- Most popular
- Sony hit with class-action lawsuit over hack attack, theater threat
- Flick picks: ‘Exodus’ deals in questions of faith, doubt and disbelief
- Carmike, Bow Tie drop 'The Interview' in Sony hack fallout
- ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Harleys, other props on auction
- L.A.’s tech industry doesn’t have to be the next Silicon Valley
- Sony hacks unite Aaron Sorkin, Judd Apatow and Sony against
- Regal, AMC, Cinemark also drop 'The Interview' (Video)
- Sony lobbies support from rival studios in wake of hack attack
- 3 things we learned about Snapchat from the Sony hack
- Dr. Dre beats Beyoncé among Forbes’ highest-paid musicians
Director, Small Business Development Center College of the Canyons | Valencia, CA
Web Developer - Java Script Volt | Century City, CA
Accounts Payable Specialist Accountemps | Cerritos, CA
Campus President Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. | San Bernardino, CA


text:
Be the first to see what tomorrow will be talking about.
The 2013 International CES is where products are launched and excitement soars. It’s where visionaries announce what’s next and decision makers judge what matters. Be part of the conversation. Registration is FREE through August 31. Register now at CESweb.org/register using priority code U2
CES Keynotes from Tech Titan Presidents
Kazuhiro Tsuga, President, Panasonic Corp. will kick off the 2013 CES with an opening day keynote address on Tuesday, January 8 in The Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom. Mr. Tsuga will share his vision of the future of Panasonic and its leadership in green innovation. Under Tsuga’s direction, Panasonic is looking to achieve its goal of becoming the electronics industry leader in green innovation by its 100th anniversary in 2018. Tsuga’s keynote address will follow the State of the Industry Address by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA.
Dr. Nam-Sung Stephen Woo, president of Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions, will follow Mr. Tsuga as the morning keynote address on Day Two of CES. Dr. Woo will present his insight on the role of components in enabling consumer product innovations at 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 9, in The Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom. As it continues to innovate across a range of product categories, Samsung has solidified its position as one of the top technology companies in the world.
Learn more about these influential tech leaders.
From expanded crowd favorites to brand new additions, the 2013 CES TechZone line-up is setting up to be the largest collection of the latest technology the industry has to offer. Be sure to mark these destinations as “must-see”:
- PMA@CES; in an all new location at the LVH!
- Expansion of the iLounge Pavilion into the LVH
- International Gateway; now located at The Venetian
- Eureka Park; featuring the Eureka Park Challenge Winners!
Stay and Play!
The 2013 CES hotel and travel deals and steals are live and ready for your reservations.
Reserve your room today and avoid your first pick being sold out. Visit www.CESweb.org/hotel to book now! Remember, by staying at an official CES hotel, you’ll have access to CES’ free shuttles between your hotel and the LVCC.
CES has also partnered with major airlines like American, Delta and United/Continental to save you money. Visit CESweb.org/travel for details on how to book. Note, the CES discount is not valid on all fare types.
Changes at McCarran Airport that affect you
In late June, McCarran opened its long awaited Terminal 3 (T3). What does this mean for you? Terminal 1 remains open but Terminal 2 is now closed. With this new terminal, international travel to Las Vegas has never been easier. Seven of the terminal’s 14 gates will serve international carriers, including Copa Airlines from Panama, which will bring first-ever regular service to Las Vegas from Central and South America. Terminal 3’s Customs and Border Protection area can process 2,000 international passengers an hour, more than twice the amount of Terminal 2, the airport’s former international hub.
See McCarran’s site for a list of international and domestic carriers affected by this change and the expanded services now at McCarran.
Are You International?
CES is THE global event for the CE industry as industry professionals from 150 countries are expected to attend the 2013 show. Learn more about the services we provide our international attendees, tips for obtaining a visa and information about our delegation program.
If you require a visa to enter the U.S.; register for the show, request your letter of invitation and make your appointment for a visa interview early. Wait times for a visa interview can be several weeks or more in many countries, especially during peak travel periods. Find important visa related information here.
Genius Sparks Innovation
The Innovations Design and Engineering awards showcase the future of the consumer technology industry, highlighting the most dynamic products in 32 categories. Honorees are selected by a preeminent panel of judges consisting of leading industrial designers, independent engineers and member of the trade press.
Innovations is currently accepting applications for the Judges panels. Please visit CESweb.org to submit a 2013 Judges application by Friday, August 17. The Call for Entries will open on August 13, 2012.
Stay Ahead of the Technology Curve
The Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit on October 15, 2012, co-sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®), is a jam-packed schedule of in-depth discussions and networking focusing on the top business issues impacting technology in entertainment today. Attendees will engage, debate and define the latest technological developments in the entertainment marketplace.
CEA has arranged a special 25% discount off registration for CES attendees. Register today with code CEA25.
Industry Forum Registration is Now Open
Registration for the 2012 CEA Industry Forum is open! Take advantage of early-bird rates and save up to $175 by registering now. The CEA Industry Forum is a crucial networking and educational event for consumer electronic CE industry professionals. This must-attend event provides the right mix of industry attendees and educational sessions to help you grow your business and remain competitive in the CE industry. The conference takes place October 14-17 at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, CA, and includes events such as the CE Hall of Fame dinner, Research Summit and much more. View the full conference schedule, and check back often for updates.
January 2, 2013December 19, 2012November 28, 2012November 14, 2012October 31, 2012October 17, 2012September 19, 2012August 8, 2012September 5, 2012July 25, 2012


text:
Ian Guider's Market Talk
Brexit? No fear on this side of the Irish Sea, but British retailers are feeling the chill
There will be a little bit of a sigh of relief that the pre-Christmas data on the economy turned out to be just about decent enough. As I wrote last week, there was a big fear in government circles that retail sales would collapse in the run-up to Christmas.
The Department of Finance did see Vat fall well below target (it came in almost €340 million below forecast in 2016), although the department was at...
Subscribe from just 1€
Choose the subscription that is right for you
For the first month
€19.99 Monthly ThereafterSubscribe today
For the first year
€199.99 annually thereafterSubscribe today
For the first 90 days
€55.00 quarterly ThereafterSubscribe today
These offers are not available for current subscribers. Offers and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Terms & Conditions Apply


text:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Gls Hatchback 2-door 1.9l on 2040-cars
Cochran, Georgia, United States
Engine:1.9L 1896CC 116Cu. In. l4 DIESEL SOHC Turbocharged
For Sale By:Private Seller
Exterior Color: Gray
Interior Color: Gray
Trim: GLS Hatchback 2-Door
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Drive Type: FWD
Number of Cylinders: 4
Options: Sunroof, Leather Seats, CD Player
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows
Number of Doors: 2
Volkswagen Beetle - Classic for Sale
Auto Services in Georgia
ZBest Cars ★★★★★
Woods Automotive ★★★★★
Wellington Auto Sales ★★★★★
US Auto Sales ★★★★★
Auto blogSun, 29 Dec 2013 18:31:00 EST
How does Audi plan to reach two million units in annual sales and pay for the 11 new models it's adding to its lineup - an expansion that may include models named SQ2, Q9 and F-Tron? By increasing its investment to 22 billion euros ($30.3 billion US) between now and 2018. That figure represents an increase of about 500 million euros over the previously planned outlay, according to a report by Automotive News, and that could be due to Audi wishing to goad the momentum that pushed it to 1.5 million annual sales two years ahead of schedule.
It's also about staving off the challenges from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Now that BMW has been able to turn some of its attention away from its "i" series of Megacity cars, it will reportedly spend more than planned in 2014 as it continues the rollout of ten all-new vehicles and 15 new-generation vehicles through the end of next year. Mercedes, having been dropped to third in the sales race, is preparing to add 13 new cars over the next six years.
Audi's money is going into technology, into product like the next-generation TT and the Q1 and production expansions and upgrades all over the world. The expenditure represents just under a fourth of Volkswagen's 84.2 billion-euro ($115.7 US) outlay devoted to taking the number-one global automaker title away from General Motors and Toyota by 2018.
Less than two months ago, the Volkswagen Group opened a new facility in Oxnard, California (about an hour's drive west of Los Angeles). The $27 million investment, touted as Test Center California (TCC), serves as a research and development lab testing emissions for all brands under Volkswagen's umbrella, including its newest member, Porsche. While still not fully operational, we toured the new 64,000-square-foot building last week and had a first-hand opportunity to see just how much work is involved testing engines and meeting increasingly stringent government emissions standards.
Replacing a similar facility established in 1990 in Westlake Village (about 20-minutes east of the new location), our guide explained how Oxnard was chosen for its temperate climate, varied regional terrain for test drives and low altitude. (The area is only a few feet above sea level - a critical parameter when instrument testing emissions.) The new facility is capable of analyzing hundreds of vehicles, prototypes and customer-owned vehicles, annually.
Most interesting to us was the huge stainless steel climate chamber, with a massive four-wheel dynamometer that allows VW to test running vehicles in both scorching desert and freezing climates without ever leaving the building (an Audi Q7 was running in place during our visit). We were also mesmerized by the countless storage tanks and intricate plumbing of chemicals, stored in both liquid and gas states, needed to perform the variety of tests. Lastly, we took a look at Bugatti's service center on the west coast, located completely within the new center. While there were no supercars on site, the facility is equipped with plenty of spare forged wheels (mounted with expensive Michelin PAX tires) and a Veyron-specific repair jig that allows the vehicle to be completely disassembled, if needed. It is a shame that the facility, which set off all of our automotive geek alerts, is closed to the public.
The upcoming Geneva Motor Show is going to be stocked with important new production models and sexy concept cars, but hot hatch enthusiasts will undoubtedly see it as the coming out party of the MkVII Volkswagen GTI. And while we've only got European specifications and pricing to go on for now, we can tell from the get-go that the new GTI will be a proper heir to VW's hot hatch legacy.
This seventh-generation GTI is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in base form. For the first time ever, Volkswagen is also offering a performance pack for the GTI as well, which ups the horsepower to 230 (torque remains unchanged). With a slightly lower curb weight to push around - the new base car weighs 2,978 pounds versus 3,034 for the current three-door GTI - 0-62 miles per hour is now achieved in 6.5 seconds, and top speed is 153 mph. (Cars with the performance pack offer 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, and a 155-mph top speed.) Buyers my choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG unit.
Visually, the new GTI has obviously adopted the slant-nosed looks of the MkVII Golf, though with plenty of added drama. The exterior is dominated by the 17-inch "Brooklyn" wheels wearing 225-section rubber, and the aggressive front fascia gets black honeycombed inserts in the upper and lower grille sections. At launch, Volkswagen will offer the GTI in three colors: the Pure White seen here, Tornado Red and Black. Tartan patterned seats are of course still an option for the interior, while the GTI-specific steering wheel and shift knob are standard.


text:
WORCESTER City’s new kits for the 2020/21 season have been unveiled. Following the club’s new partnership with Ace Embroidery and Surridge Sports.
Club Captains Craig Jones and Hayley Simpson, along with Jamie Smith and Sunya Salim launched the new shirts as the club prepares for its long awaited return to the city after seven years in exile.
A Worcester City spokesman said: “For our return to the Faithful City and the beginning of a new era, it was important that we started with a new look on the pitch as well as off it and ideas for the kit design came from our owners – the supporters.
“The shirts are fully sublimated and for extra personalisation we have added our year of formation to the collar. The badge can be seen watermarked on all shirts.
“Since January we have worked hard with both Ace and Surridge on designs and tweaks and had planned to release the kit earlier, however Covid 19 caused delays.”
As well as the First Team, all other teams within the Club will begin transition across to the new kit.
All shirts are available now to order from www.wcfcshop.com – Order before Friday, August 21 to ensure you are wearing the new colours by end of September.


text:
Users of the Bakkt crypto debit card can spend their Bitcoin at several online and offline merchant locations where Google Pay and Apple Pay are accepted. This is a step closer to bring crypto for daily spending.
On Tuesday, June 22, Bakkt Holdings, the subsidiary of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and the digital asset marketplace announced the launch of its crypto debit card backed by Visa. This is a step closer to the company’s long-term vision of promoting crypto use for daily spendings.
The Bakkt Debit Card will allow users to spend Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases. Besides, it will also allow making online and in-store purchases at thousands of grocery stores and retailers. Bakkt also said that its crypto debit card is valid at locations accepting Google Pay and Apple Pay. Bakkt CEO Gavin Michael said:
“As we continue Bakkt’s journey, our goal first and foremost is to offer more choice for consumers, and the Bakkt Card untethers bitcoin owners from their online-only past into a world with countless options to leverage the digital assets in their day-to-day lives. Imagine a bitcoin user who sees a significant gain. Now, instead of selling and waiting to transfer to a bank, they can simply walk into their favorite store, tap their Bakkt Card and buy that new item they’ve been eyeing. Very soon selected rewards customers will have the same flexibility – leveraging their points to pay for a lunch out with friends or even an impulse purchase.”
Bakkt Debit Card – Supporting Crypto and USD
Using the Bakkt application, customers can directly apply for the Bakkt Card. Upon approval users can then spend their Bitcoins (BTC) and USD directly from their Bakkt App account. Bakkt usually avoids the transaction fee by selling Bitcoins at a higher price than the current market rate. This will be “no more than 1.5% throughout 2021″.
Thus, with this move, Bakkt is enabling the real-world spending of digital assets along with giving its users the ability to invest and hold BTC with no transaction fees. The Bakkt Crypto Debit Card release happens after launching the Bakkt App in March earlier this year.
Back then, Bakkt advertised its platform as a way “to amplify consumer spending, reduce payment costs, and bolster merchant loyalty programs”. For this, Bakkt has also partnered with some of the top retailers like Starbucks.
Apart from Bakkt, several other players have come forward in the game of crypto debit cards. Sutton Bank, a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, has also joined hands with Visa to issue its crypto debit cards. Earlier in February 2021, BitPay announced that it will offer crypto Mastercards supporting six major digital currencies.
Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast and holds a good flair in understanding financial markets. His interest in economics and finance draw his attention towards the new emerging Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency markets. He is continuously in a learning process and keeps himself motivated by sharing his acquired knowledge. In free time he reads thriller fictions novels and sometimes explore his culinary skills.


text:
Dearborn, Mich. – More than 57% of Ford Motor Company’s F-150 retail sales so far this year are powered by V6 engines – the highest six-cylinder engine mix in the industry since 1967 – and the company expects that trend to continue for the rest of the year.
V8 engines led truck sales for decades until recently. Over the last three years, retail registrations of light duty pickups powered by V6 engines grew more than 600% and F-150 was directly responsible for 91% of that growth, based on Ford analysis of Polk retail registration data. In 2013, Ford accounted for 78% of all V6-powered half-ton pickups, according to data from Polk, recently acquired by IHS.
February’s engine mix numbers come on the heels of a very strong demand for Ford’s V6 truck engines in 2013. Of all the trucks Ford sold in the calendar year, more than 48% of them were powered by a V6 engine.
“We expect those numbers to hold for the rest of the year,” says Doug Scott, Ford Truck marketing manager. “It really is amazing when you consider we are doing that with just two V6 engine choices – the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost and the 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine. When we come out with the new 2015 F-150, we will offer three different V6 engines, so the potential is there to go even higher.”
The new 2015 Ford F-150 will offer a new 2.7L Ecoboost engine, to be made in Lima, Ohio, in addition to the Cleveland-built 3.7L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost engines.
In the last three years, no competitor has ever eclipsed a 20% take rate for V6 engines in half-ton trucks. It’s been a predominantly V8 crowd, until the introduction of Ford’s EcoBoost engine.
“There is a new truck buyer out there who doesn’t hold to the old notion that a truck must be powered by a V8 engine,” Scott says. “Just five years ago, you would have had a hard time making a case for V6 truck engines.”
In 2010, offered only V8 engines in the truck lineup.
Source: Ford Motor Co.


text:
Thankfully, even those of us who aren't attending the event can give this monstrosity a virtual ride through a 360-degree video posted on YouTube. Today, the company introduced a new feature called "Interpreter Mode", which allows its assistant to act as a real-time translator during a conversation between two people.
That extends functionality from Google's Pixel phones to the larger Android ecosystem, a Google rep told me, with any Android device capable of running Assistant being able to take advantage of the new feature. Google notes that messaging features now work with SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, Hangouts, Viber, Telegram, Android Messages and more. To get started, you can say "Hey Google, be my French interpreter", and when the other person speaks in French, the Assistant device will translate in real-time, either in spoken word or via written translation on a Smart Display. You will be able to check in to your flight (United Airlines domestic at first) and retrieve boarding passes with Assistant.
Earlier this year, Google launched the Home Hub that's basically a voice-activated touchscreen mounted on top of a stand and can play YouTube videos, show recipes and handle other common commands like showing the weather, traffic updates and more.
The flight check-in works if you have a flight confirmation in your Gmail.
This is not all, Assistant can now also book hotels for you. In a change that will be welcomed by grammar sticklers, the assistant now auto-punctuates text messages you dictate - a feature that will be available to both iOS and Android users. Initial partners for that service include Choice Hotels, AccorHotels, InterContinental Hotels Group, Priceline, Mirai and Travelclick. At the time, the company said that it was aiming to roll out support for the Google Assistant in 2018. The Google Assistant is smart enough to understand the context and the whole experience was very slick.
That ability to read out and reply to texts will come in handy now that you can access Google Assistant from the Google Maps app, hopefully reducing the risk of distracted driving.
Google is rolling out Interpreter Mode over the next few weeks to Google Home and Smart Display devices.
- Nvidia Announces GeForce RTX 2060, 40 New Laptop Models
- Tennis Lesia Tsurenko upsets Naomi Osaka in Brisbane International semifinal
- Russian lawyer at Trump Tower meeting charged in separate case
- Man caught on camera licking doorbell for hours at California home
- LG, Sony, and Vizio announce TVs with AirPlay 2 support
- U.S. Commerce secretary
- DeMar DeRozan Scored His First Career Triple-Double Against The Raptors
- Ferrari replaces Arrivabene with Binotto as team principal
- Nishikori Oustlasts Medvedev In Brisbane For First Title In Nearly Three Years
- Pep Guardiola responds to Liverpool fans' conspiracy theory


text:
by Ahmed Shafiq
CAIRO, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Gifts, trees and lights for the celebration of Christmas and the New Year are heavily decorating the storefronts in the Egyptian capital Cairo for hope of attracting customers and increasing sales.
Storekeepers in Cairo's popular Mosky market displayed their goods and gifts to use the occasion in a bid to compensate a sharp economic recession after years of turmoil and recession, following two popular uprisings that toppled two heads of state in 2011 and 2013.
Storefronts had been topped with gifts that focused on a variety of forms such as Santa Claus and his famous wagon as well as red hearts and toys that read "Happy New Year."
For business owners, the New Year occasion is a very important event that attracts customers to buy gifts and it may consequently help revive the weak trade movement.
The gifts that are mostly sold to customers are those related to the holiday season such as Santa Claus costumes and red hats as well as the sculptures used for congratulating the New Year.
"I have imported large amounts of Christmas-related goods from China. I'm selling well and customers are really buying," Yasser Saeed, a gift shop owner told Xinhua.
Saeed, who has been in the business for almost a decade, said the season could be much better, adding "it is still better than the previous few years, despite the price rise."
"The customer turnout is good, but not all of them are buying due to the high prices," the man added as he placed tiny Santa Claus toys on a shelf at his small store.
The middle-aged man hoped that the economic situation in Egypt would improve soon under the government's reform plan, which he believes would boost the country's economy.
Over the past few years, Egypt has been struggling to overcome an economic recession resulting from political turmoil and relevant security challenges, which led the country in late 2016 to start a strict three-year economic reform program.
The program includes austerity measures, energy subsidy cuts and tax increases, in addition to local currency floatation to contain U.S. dollar shortage.
Despite causing price hikes and high inflation rates, the liberalization of the Egyptian pound's exchange rate encouraged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support Egypt's reform plan by providing a 12-billion-U.S. dollar loan, two-thirds of which has already been delivered, while Egypt expects a tranche of two billion dollars from the loan within weeks.
A report released in early May by the Center for International Development at Harvard University ranked Egypt as the world's third fastest growing economy in the coming decade after India and Uganda.
Egypt achieved a high growth of 5.3 percent in the 2017-18 fiscal year, which runs from the beginning of July to the end of June.
"I cannot say the season is bad," street seller of toys and gifts Ahmed Hassan told Xinhua. "Despite the high prices of goods, people still buy because the Christmas and New Year events are widely celebrated in our country."
New Year and Christmas celebrations are well observed by most of the Egyptians, especially by Copts, who make up 90 percent of Christians in the country.
Coptic Egyptians mark the Christmas on Jan. 7, while a minority of non-orthodox Christian Egyptians see the holiday as on Dec. 25.
Egypt's Coptic Christians, the largest religious minority in the region, make up about 10 percent of the country's 100 million population.
"Buying New Year's gifts, especially for the kids, is kind of a must in Egypt. It is part of our culture," Sanaa Magdy, a Coptic Christian told Xinhua as she toured the market in search for gifts for her three children.
Magdy said the prices of New Year gifts have doubled since last year, but she said that the occasion cannot be a happy celebration without buying her kids Santa Claus gifts.
"The feast will be meaningless if the kids are happy. That is why I must buy them gifts even if they will cost me much," she said with smile.


text:
In a significant technological leap, Apple’s upcoming A18 Pro chip for the iPhone 16 Pro is setting new benchmarks in artificial intelligence (AI) processing. This innovation heralds a shift from Apple’s traditional reliance on cloud-based AI, enabling more sophisticated AI functionalities directly on the device. Here’s a deep dive into what this means for the future of iPhone and its users.
Unveiling the Power of A18 Pro Chip
The A18 Pro chip is rumored to boast an expanded die size to accommodate an increased number of transistors. This enhancement is not merely a matter of scale but a strategic move to significantly boost the iPhone 16 Pro’s capacity for handling intricate AI tasks independently.
Advantages of On-Device AI Processing
The transition towards on-device AI processing carries several advantages that mark a pivotal shift in how smartphones will function:
- Enhanced Performance: By minimizing reliance on cloud data exchange, the A18 Pro chip ensures swift and efficient AI processing, leading to an overall performance boost.
- Privacy Enhancement: Keeping data processing on the device fortifies user privacy, as sensitive information no longer needs to traverse the cloud.
- Increased Responsiveness: Direct AI processing on the iPhone 16 Pro will significantly reduce dependency on cloud connectivity, offering users a more seamless and responsive experience.
Potential Challenges Ahead
Despite its promising advantages, the move towards on-device AI does not come without its challenges:
- Design and Energy Consumption: The larger chip size might result in increased power consumption and pose cooling challenges, affecting the device’s energy efficiency and design.
- Security Concerns: Integrating more complex AI tasks directly onto the device could potentially open up new avenues for security vulnerabilities that must be carefully managed.
Navigating the Future with A18 Pro Chip
The introduction of the A18 Pro chip represents a watershed moment in smartphone technology, especially in the realm of AI processing. It embodies Apple’s commitment to pushing the envelope in performance, privacy, and user experience. As we stand on the brink of this new era, it’s essential to balance the excitement of these advancements with a mindful consideration of their implications.
The Road Ahead for iPhone 16 Pro
As the iPhone 16 Pro gears up to redefine what’s possible with a smartphone, users can anticipate a device that’s not only smarter but also more attuned to their needs and concerns. The A18 Pro chip is more than just a technical upgrade; it’s a vision for a future where our devices understand us better and act more autonomously, yet responsibly.
Embracing the AI Revolution
Apple’s shift towards on-device AI processing with the A18 Pro chip for the iPhone 16 Pro is a bold stride into the future of mobile technology. It promises an amalgamation of performance, privacy, and responsiveness that could set a new standard for smartphones. While acknowledging the challenges, the tech community and consumers alike await with bated breath to experience the full potential of the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro.
Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking development and how it shapes the landscape of artificial intelligence in our daily devices.


text:
CALGARY, March 7, 2017 /CNW/ - In an increasingly globalized world, Canadian companies need to compete and win in the competitive international marketplace. The Conference Board of Canada, in partnership with Optimé International and CompreCultures Ltd., have developed an advanced sales skills program aimed to help Canada's most innovative companies grow their business globally. This new "Championship Selling™" program titled – "A Passport to Global Markets" will launch this spring in locations across Western Canada.
"The Canadian innovation challenge boils down to great people and great ideas but poor commercialization," says Bruce Good, Executive Director, Centre for Business Innovation at The Conference Board of Canada. "The ability to commercialize and learn how to "sell" our innovative ideas, products and services are skills that are in need in Canada and we are confident this new program will ensure sales professionals have the skills and tools to compete in a global marketplace."
The program will challenge participants on how they think about sales and helps them develop the skills needed to sell in global markets. Using real-world examples, modern sales techniques and processes, Championship Selling™ will focus on cross-cultural communications, performance metrics, hiring and developing professionals, tailoring the sales solution, and identifying new market opportunities in an increasingly complex global market.
While the program is currently offered by the University of Manitoba and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, The Conference Board of Canada is actively establishing delivery partners across the country to bring this to as many of Canada's innovators as possible.
The Conference Board of Canada is Canada's largest non-partisan, not-for-profit, evidence-based research organization empowering Canadians and key decision-makers with insights and knowledge in economic forecasting, public policy, and organizational performance.
SOURCE Conference Board of Canada
For further information: Yvonne Squires, Media Relations, The Conference Board of Canada, Tel.: 613-526-3090 ext. 221, E-mail: [email protected]; or Bruce Good, Executive Director - CBI, Conference Board of Canada, Office: 613-293-6206, Email: [email protected]


text:
California officials imposed sweeping new restrictions in response to a statewide surge of coronavirus cases, ordering indoor activities in a host of public places to be closed and declaring that students in the state’s two largest school districts wouldn’t return to in-person schooling in the fall.
Monday afternoon, California Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled back the state’s reopening and ordered an immediate halt to indoor activities in restaurants, bars, museums, zoos and movie theaters, sending businesses hurrying to close up after they had just begun reopening in recent weeks.
Up to 60% off - Target Promo Code
Macy's coupon - Sign up to get 25% off next order
Michaels coupon code for senior - Extra 10% off
- Saks Fifth Avenue:
$20 off sitewide + free shipping - Saks Fifth Avenue coupon
Up to 15% off + free shipping at Wayfair
Extra 25% off eBay coupon for your purchases


text:
Pepsi’s Super Bowl streak came to end this year, after advertising in the last 24 big games. Instead, the Purchase, NY-based bottler launched The Pepsi Refresh Project, an online campaign that will award more than $20 million this year to fund ideas that improve America’s communities. Visitors to the Web site can submit ideas and cast votes for their favorite projects. So far, 729 ideas have been submitted.
More than 100 million people watched this year’s Super Bowl, so advertising during the game is a no brainer. Ads are super expensive however, about $2.6 million every 30 seconds. Giant budgets usually win the day while smaller marketers sit by the sidelines. But going big is not always best.
Why advertise during the Super Bowl? It’s done basically to make a splash. More like a flash in the pants. These ads must appeal to a wide audience given the broad demographics watching the game, so creativity is a must for success. Humor usually does best, but there are many memorable ads over the years that weren’t funny. More importantly, an ad must propel a viewer to action, either through a purchase or some kind of response. This can be difficult when trying to be all things to all people.
The Super Bowl is not all about brand building. It’s more like brand launching. It takes more than a 30-second spot to build a brand. Marketers like Pepsi already have global brand awareness, so skipping the Super Bowl ad frenzy won’t ultimately affect the bottler’s core strategy. Companies like Go Daddy got famous because of its Super Bowl debut, using sex to sell their message. Sex sells, not matter what’s being advertised.
Pepsi’s move to forgo the Super Bowl demonstrates a deeper shift in corporate advertising, focusing on Internet-based, cause-orientated campaigns, which are not necessarily the place for big game ads. It also points to a changing media landscape, where consumers are getting more of their news and information online, moving away from TV and the 30-second commercial. Only time will gauge the success of The Pepsi Refresh Project. The fact is Pepsi has broken away from the status quo and positioned itself as a marketing pioneer. Consumers now need to follow suit and make this project a true success.


text:
Wireless and wire-line broadband company Metalink Ltd. demonstrated the delivery of multiple, simultaneous HDTV streams Monday using its new WiFi technology.
Metalink said in a company statement that it has concluded a series of live demonstrations of its WLANPlus system, a technology based on the emerging 802.11n standard of WiFi.
"For the first time, advanced WiFi technology was used to demonstrate the delivery of multiple simultaneous high-definition television streams anywhere in the home, with full quality of service guarantees," the statement said.
The WLANPlus system can deliver these multiple television streams to anywhere within a radius of 100 feet, according to the company statement. In addition, the Metalink technology features a reduction in the required processing power and memory allocation to stream the data, the statement continued.
The market for such products is expected to grow quickly, the company said.
"We believe that in 2007, driven by the adoption of the 802.11n standard, WiFi chipsets will be widely used by consumer electronics manufacturers for products such as HDTV displays and (digital video recorders)," ABI Research senior analyst Philip Solis said via the statement.
"We expect (sales) to grow from 6.6 million units in 2004 to over 70 million units in 2007," Solis continued.
The semiconductor company is based in Yakum, Israel, and has subsidiaries in Atlanta, South Korea and Japan. The company also has offices in China, the statement said.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Explore further: YouTube to stream Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits


text:
January 2016 sales for the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt show that we're getting back to an equilibrium for these two plug-in stalwarts.
Different month, same story. That's the gist of the monthly US sales numbers from the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. These were the first two mass-market plug-in vehicles to go on sale in the US and we've been comparing their sales numbers for what seems like ages now. So far, the 2014 tale of the tape shows the all-electric once again trumping the plug-in hybrid. The last time the Volt outsold the Leaf was in October 2013.
Nissan managed to buck the industry's overall trend of lower sales in February with double-digit growth throughout its lineup. That includes a 12th month of record sales for the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, with the year-over-year numbers up more than a skosh. The February ledger for the Chevy Volt looked much worse, falling 25.6 percent from February 2013 down to 1,210 units. With 1,425 Leafs sold, Nissan came away the winner in a head-to-head competition between these the two early plug-in ve
Nissan and Chevrolet both ended 2013 with solid sales figures for their plug-in vehicles, the first two that were released (all the way back at the end of 2010) from major automakers. As has been the story for most of 2013, December sales for the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt were roughly the same. When we left the year-to-date running tally at the end of November, the Volt was at 20,702, while the Leaf was at 20,080. As you can tell from the image above (if you've been noticing the trend in th
The sales story of the two longest-running plug-in vehicles in the US is reaching an equilibrium for 2013. We've mentioned the past few months that the running annual totals for the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt were nearly identical. As of the end of September, they were 16,760 for the Volt and 16,076 for the Leaf. The November numbers are now in, and the song remains mostly the same. Last month, the Volt sold 2,022 units and the Leaf moved 2,002. The new running totals? 18,782 (Volt) and 18,0
Before we start, let's state that the annual Labor Day sales bump was included with September sales in 2012 and with August in 2013. The change means that, overall, a drop in 2013 sales doesn't really represent a decline in sales, since there were fewer official sales days and no Labor Day sales in September 2013. You can get details on the industry's quirky calendar over at Forbes.
It's been a while since the Chevy Volt has has a headline-worthy sales month, but with 3,351 units sold in August, General Motors figures now is the time to trumpet how the plug-in hybrid is doing in the marketplace (see press release below). In the US, the Volt had an 18.4 percent increase over August 2012 numbers, and easily beating the Volt's previous best sales month from October 2012, when 2,961 were sold. For the year, the Volt has so far sold 14,994 units, 11.1 percent more than the same
Starting production of the all-electric Leaf in Tennessee helped Nissan sell more Leafs in the US in March 2013 than in any other month. April wasn't quite as sunny, but the 1,937 Leafs sold last month were still good enough for second place. Ever. It also represents a 423.5 percent year-over-year increase and Nissan says that, so far in 2013, Leaf sales are up 160.4 percent compared to the same time frame in 2012. April also marked the second month in a row that the Leaf beat the Chevrolet Volt
It's been a slow couple months for the Nissan Leaf, with sales hovering around 650 for each of the first two months of the year. Throughout the slowdown (late last year, monthly sales totals were closer to 1,500), Nissan representatives kept saying there was no need to worry, that once production got rolling in Tennessee, sales would climb back up. But they never said we'd be looking at a such a high new record. Just last week, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was saying March sales would be around 1,900
Before the Chevrolet Volt launched in late 2010, General Motors representatives were boldly talking about some big production numbers, like 60,000 or 45,000 Volts a year. It's been a rocky road since then, and the reality was more subdued. The General sold 7,671 Volts in 2011 and 23,461 in 2012. When you add in the rebadged Opel Ampera, GM made and sold around 30,000 plug-in hybrids last year and the Volt was the best-selling plug-in car in the US last quarter. Now that GM has momentum on its si


text:
New York Association of Convenience Stores Responds To Brindisi’s Gas Price Gouging Allegations
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi is stirring up some controversy with the New York Association of Convenience Stores.
The Assemblyman recently asked Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate the retail gas pricing in the Utica Rome market.
But, Jim Calvin, President of the NYACS, says he's confused by the request.
"We were surprised when we learned that Assemblyman Brindisi was asking the Attorney General to investigate the possibility of retail gas price gouging in the Utica-Rome area," Calvin said. "Retailers around here are doing the very best they can to keep pump prices as competitive as they can."
He says Brindisi is only looking at the small picture, and that as far back as a year ago, NYSERDA estimates noted that area gas prices were below the state average, ranging between three and eight cents. Calvin also says the Utica-Rome area has been steady, as the fifth highest region out of the eight represented in New York.
"Drawing conclusions based on a snapshot of data at any given moment in time is not a reliable indicator of prices in any particular region," Calvin said. "It's like Assemblyman Brindisi's voting record. You can't really base it on one vote on one issue or bill to get a portrait of his voting record. You need to examine a longer period of time."
To him, the problem lies partially in world market affairs, something local gas stations cannot control. But, a smaller piece of the problem is attached to the county's 4.75% sales tax rate.
"Most of the other regions have a four percent sales tax rate and that impacts the price of gas," Calvin said. "If gas was $3.60 a gallon before the sales tax was applied, the four percent county sales tax in Syracuse would add 14.5 cents to the pump price, but a 4.75% sales tax rate in Utica would add 17 cents or more. Just that difference in county sales tax rate impacts the average retail pump price."
Calvin says when gas prices are high retailers become easy scapegoats. But, the truth is that in most cases there is nothing to be done but raise prices.
"We just don't have any control over what's happening in the oil markets that are causing the surge in the wholesale price," Calvin said. "And we don't have any choice but to pass along those increases in the form of higher prices at the pump."
He says the market has its own way of taking care of those offering unfair prices; competition will play out and high priced convenience stores will close.


text:
A few years ago, Rethink Robotics was hailed as a revolutionary company that would change the course of industrial robots. Featured on the cover of Time magazine in 2015, the company raised $150 million in financing from backers such as Jeff Bezos and Goldman Sachs at a valuation that reached $291 million.
Its relatively low-cost machines were designed to work closely with people, unlike heavy industrial robots, opening the market to small businesses. Mr. Bezos once used the robots to serve drinks at an Amazon event he organized to showcase robotics, according to a former Rethink employee.
Rethink’s abrupt closure early last month demonstrates how technologically challenging the robotics business is. Rethink robots were plagued with defects. Two years ago, for example, half the robots shipped had problems.


text:
SRINAGAR: To Promote the Vegetable cultivation in Kitchen Gardens Director Agriculture Kashmir Showket Ahmad Beigh today inaugurated the sale of Vegetable Seedling at Kitchen Garden Lalmandi Srinagar.
Seed Production officer, Research Assistant Kitchen Garden, other Senior Officers of the department and a large number of Kitchen Garden holders of Srinagar were also present on the occasion.
Brinjal, Chillies, Capsicum, Knolkhol, Cucurbits and other vegetable seedling both Hybrid as well as open pollinated were distributed among the kitchen garden holders on subsidized rates.
While interacting with kitchen garden holders Director Agriculture Kashmir said that in kitchen garden Lalmandi the vegetable seedlings of various vegetables are raised under controlled as well as open conditions on modern and scientific basis and high yielding varieties, of both exotic and indigenous vegetables is being distributed among the growers, in a view to give the readily available high quality seedling to increase the production of vegetables.
On this occasion Director Agriculture was informed that the revenue amounting to Rs 7.62 lakhs have been generated during the year 2015-2016 under the scheme.
Be Part of Quality Journalism
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.


text:
Judging by the publicity surrounding the World Cup, you'd think that everyone in the UK was into football but, of course, that isn't the case. There are people who simply don't like the game and the Scots, Irish and Welsh without a home team to support. So what will these people be doing this summer? At some point or another many are likely to be hosting, or going to, a barbecue.
Indeed, for some it would seem that barbecuing has become another sport. According to the National BBQ Association (NBA), 100 million barbecues took place in the UK last year, making us Europe's biggest barbecue fans. It's all the more surprising because of our rather lacklustre summer weather. Maybe because of this most barbecues are impromptu affairs - the sun's out so family and friends are invited around at short notice. This could be at the weekend but equally it could be on a weeknight, after a hard day at work.
The impulse nature of these gatherings means many consumers rely on their local c-store for supplies so it definitely pays to be prepared.
NBA president Brian George says: "Our research shows that more people are holding unplanned barbecues in the evenings with what we term 'after-work barbies' being the fastest growing area at 29% of all BBQ occasions, up from just 11% three years ago.
"Weekends are also key in last-minute barbies with the decision to hold them taken on impulse. The message here is very clear - that it's profitable to keep in-store barbecue fixtures up for a longer period - and certainly right throughout August."
Consumers will be looking for briquettes and fire lighters, burgers and baps, condiments and something to wash it all down with.
When it comes to stocking burgers, Birds Eye frozen beef burgers are a safe bet. Almost 34 million packs were sold last year, with higher sales forecast for 2006. Best-seller is Birds Eye Original Beef Burgers, which have just been relaunched and are featuring '24 for the price of 20' and '16 for the price of 12' offers. At the same time, Birds Eye is launching a new premium range featuring two new products: Hot & Spicy and Barbecue 100% Beef Quarter Pounders.
Birds Eye trading director John Farrell says: "Retailers can capitalise on Birds Eye's prominent position in the market by making sure they have a selection of Birds Eye beef burgers on shelf, especially on exceptionally hot days in the summer when everyone gets the barbecue out."
No burger is complete without tomato ketchup and Heinz is the obvious brand to stock, particularly as the company claims that households with barbecues are heavier buyers of Heinz Tomato Ketchup than those without.
But as people become more confident about hosting barbecues, so they are becoming more adventurous in their choice of food, and for many a burger with a dollop of ketchup is not enough.
The NBA reports that barbecued bananas, prawns and marshmallows are becoming popular.
For many barbecuers, being adventurous means putting their meat into a marinade. One to try is Nando's, which helps consumers recreate the Nando's restaurant taste in their own home. A new medium-hot Sweet and Sticky Marinade has just joined the range, as well as two spicy dips - Perinaise and Peri-Peri Salsa.
Ben Johnson, marketing director for The Grocery Company, which markets and sells the Nando's range, says: "Convenience retailers have the opportunity to increase the value of barbecue transactions with appropriately placed marinades and sauces which will be purchased on impulse.
"The barbecue market continues to grow and, according to recent independent Nando's research, two-thirds of those questioned now prefer a barbie to a dinner party."
His advice to retailers is simple: "Allocate shelf space according to market share and focus on key brands, ensuring that the products that consumers are looking for do not run out once the sun shines."
He recommends that store managers take note of weather forecasts to ensure they have adequate stock should temperatures rise. He adds: "Barbecue products are often purchased on impulse so retailers could sell more by putting dedicated displays near associated products such as meat and fish, snacks and soft drinks."
Grace Kennedy is one company reporting increased sales thanks to consumers' more adventurous palates. Sales of its Grace range of Caribbean barbecue sauces and seasonings are up thanks to consumers becoming more aware of Caribbean cooking, and jerk seasoning in particular.
Says the company's European market manager William Welch: "Jerk is now firmly established as a versatile seasoning even among those consumers who have yet to try the full range of Caribbean foods. It not only has numerous uses in the kitchen, but is also perceived as a distinctive taste for barbecue meals."
Beer is still the most popular drink at barbecues so it's apt that a beer brand has joined the NBA as a key sponsor. That beer is Brazilian brand, Brahma, which is the sixth largest beer brand in the world, and was launched in the UK last summer. Brahma senior brand manager Jeff Hodgson comments: "Barbecues and beer go hand in hand. In fact, beer accounts for almost half of all drinks consumed on these occasions. As the official beer of the NBA, Brahma will bring the true spirit of churassco - the Brazilian equivalent of barbecue - to the UK for the first time."
As part of the NBA campaign, consumers will have the chance to sample Brahma at BBQ Bus roadshows nationwide.
Another beer brand that likes to be linked with food is Badger. Particularly suited to the barbecue is its Tanglefoot ale, a full-bodied brew that goes down well with sausages. Badger's latest launch is Badger First Gold (4% abv) which has just been voted "World Champion Beer" at the Brewing Industry International Awards in Munich, where it won two gold medals. This one is said to go down well with spiced sausages and also with Feta cheese. Then there's Badger Golden Champion, a refreshing ale that is apparently a perfect match for spicy salads and barbecued white meats.
This might all sound a bit fanciful for a c-store retailer but as consumers get more adventurous with their barbecue food, those looking to impress might want to try something other than bog-standard lager to go with their food. Simple shelf-edge labels, more common to the wine category, that say 'goes well with sausages' might encourage sales.
From ale to cider, and Gaymer's Olde English is running a 'Great British Summertime Giveaway' promotion which gives both consumers and retailers a chance to win prizes. Consumers can scoop a convertible Mini while independent retailers can win a van. To be in with a chance, retailers have to attend selected outlets on special trade days, and guess the answer to a question posted on the back of promotional leaflets.
Gaymer Cider Company managing director John Mills says: "Cider is fast becoming the drink of choice throughout the summer months. With Olde English being one of the leading cider brands in the UK, it is important to stimulate interest and it is an ideal opportunity to attract new consumers to the brand.
"We also wanted to interest retailers with an imaginative competition to win a really worthwhile prize, and for us it helps drive distribution even further."
Of course, no summer gathering would be complete without Pimm's and this summer the brand is the subject of a £2m sales drive. Some 85% of Pimm's No.1 is sold in the 14 weeks from May to September (AC Nielsen) so it's an important time for the brand.
This year's campaign includes TV, radio and press advertising, sampling and point of sale material. A new TV campaign continues the successful 'Harry' theme and the Pimm's O'Clock strapline, and builds on the association between Pimm's and barbecues. Sampling will take place in major supermarkets and in Homebase stores and gardening centres to reinforce the barbecue link.
Matt Hunt, marketing manager for Pimm's, Diageo Great Britain, comments: "The ongoing success of Pimm's No.1 has been achieved by associating the brand with summer occasions. Last year saw the highest sales yet of Pimm's and we are confident retailers can again benefit from strong sales."
Not content with the popularity of Pimm's, Diageo has launched another drink that looks set for summer success. Quinn's is described as 'a totally new type of alcoholic drink' because it's a fruit drink where everything, even the alcohol, is made from 100% fruit. As such Quinn's is being called a 'fruit ferment'.
The drink has been developed primarily for people in their mid- to late 20s, who like an after-work/early evening tipple. Diageo says it is its biggest new product launch for five years and will be backed by an £8.5m-plus marketing campaign in its first year.
Quinn's has an ABV of 4% and comes in three flavours: mango & passionfruit, raspberry & blueberry and orange & tropical fruits. Each 250ml bottle contains one unit of alcohol and rrp is £1.50. A 70cl bottle will be available from September.
Diageo has certainly been busy. It has also launched Classic Mix, a range of pre-mixed, spirit-based drinks. The line-up includes Gordon's gin & Schweppes tonic, Smirnoff No. 21 (red) vodka, lime & Schweppes soda, Smirnoff vodka & cola and Morgan's Spiced rum & cola. Packaged in stylish 70cl glass bottles, rrp £4.99, the range is aimed primarily at women aged 25-50 years old. The launch is supported by a £1m spend.
Finally, soft drinks are a must at any barbecue. Research commissioned by Britvic found that soft drinks represent a massive opportunity for retailers during the barbecue season. Apparently, hosts are just as likely to offer soft drinks to guests as wine or beer, with 57% of people interviewed providing them, compared with 61% who buy wine or beer. In addition, 65% of guests also choose to take soft drinks to barbecues.
Large resealable packs of soft drinks, such as 2ltr Pepsi Max, are the most popular soft drinks at barbecues, compared with smaller soft drinks pack sizes, with 38% of people buying the bigger size.
Britvic category director Andrew Marsden says: "When organising or going to a barbecue, people feel it is important to take the right brand. They often want to upsize as they feel the larger packs are better value, will last longer and can be resealed. Retailers can capitalise on this opportunity by stocking the big brands such as Pepsi Max, Tango and 7UP on shelf and in the chiller."


text:
GERMANY welcomed more Indian arrivals in 2013 despite the severe devaluation of the Indian rupee and economic downturn, with arrivals growing five per cent year-on-year to 628,544.
Speaking at the German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) India Pool roadshow last week, Romit Theophilus, director-marketing & sales, German National Tourist Office in India, said: “We are optimistic for 2014, and expect the growth rate to be back in double digits (since 2011) and to have 1.5 million Indian visitor overnights by 2020.”
To do that, GNTB will promote Germany’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Berlin Wall, as 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, said Theophilus.
Wolfgang Gärtner, head of international marketing, Tourism Marketing Company of Saxony, said his company had customised three itineraries for the Indian market. "We have the only Dresden-based Indian tour guide who's certified. The automobile-making tradition of our region is an added bonus for Indian car aficionados."
Sanjay Maniar, managing director, Travelaid, said: “Germany is usually a two- to three-night destination for Indians but interest is rising with GNTB’s promotions. Indians are looking beyond Black Forest and Oktoberfest, and Berlin is very high on the must-do list.”


text:
- Sony Senior Social Media Specialist Sid Shuman
has posted up a video today featuring Jonathan Mak
demystifying music creation in Sound Shapes for the upcoming PS Vita handheld console.
To quote: Last week I finally had a chance to go hands-on with Sound Shapes, the upcoming PS Vita platformer music studio that left critics reeling in its E3 debut.
Coached by co-designer and Everyday Shooter creator Jonathan...


text:
Robotics defines our times — and our choices
Donald Trump’s immigration policy – attempting to divide working people against themselves and flush millions out of the country – looms large. But it is just a chapter in a much bigger saga. It’s the one in which we are all living, and over which we have the power to decide its outcome.
As it unfolds, we can run, but we can’t hide. The United States? Canada? Mexico? In places of work everywhere, the oligarchy is moving to replace us with machines – in the fields, the factories, the malls, the warehouses, even in the restaurants and on the road.
Major U.S. industries of the last century ¬ like steel and auto – are already so robotic that it is hard to find a human on the factory floor. And industries that the oligarchy exported to bastions of cheap labor in Asia and Latin America are also being automated.
Mexico’s El Financiero reports that 25 million jobs are at risk there.
Foxconn, with a million workers, manufactures many of the consumer electronics you have in your house or in your hand, including Apple products. Its plants are mostly in China, but also in Baja California and in Chihuahua. Its owner, Terry Gou, has pledged to replace all his workers with machines.
Oligarchs such as Gou are not doing this because they are simply profit-hungry or bloodthirsty. When their choice is between a human laborer paid $10 an hour, or a robot that works for less than $3, they have no choice – not in the dog-eat-dog capitalist world.
In fact, the only real choice is ours – will we be the victims of a capitalist shift to a world without workers or the revolutionary creators of a world without work, a world where the robots work for the many, not the few – a world in which our children will not only survive but flourish.


text:
A driver killed in the May 7 crash of a Tesla Motors car while using Autopilot driving-assist software was speeding, said U.S. highway safety investigators. ..
The labor-force participation rate, which measures the portion of American adults currently employed or looking for work, is frequently used as a key indicator of where the US ..
No amount of strong economic data has been able to silence the economy’s naysayers. ..
Even for Venezuela's notoriously opaque economy, it was a sweetheart deal that went too far. ..
A rift between Tesla Motors Inc and key supplier Mobileye NV sent down shares of the Israeli maker of chips for the electric vehicle maker's semi-automated Autopilot syst ..
Andrew Miller thinks there’s a big mistake that major sports media properties are making these days: They’re all giving social platforms like Facebook and Twitter their best c ..
There are much bigger problems: stagnant incomes and the scarcity of good jobs ..
(Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc, the No. 1 U.S. wireless carrier by subscribers, reported a 5.3 percent fall in quarterly revenue as more customers opted for cheaper pl ..
A $15 billion settlement over Volkswagen's diesel emissions cheating scandal faced a critical test, as a federal judge decided whether to grant it preliminary approval. U ..
New U.S. single-family home sales rose more than expected in June, reaching their highest level in nearly 8-1/2 years, the latest sign that the housing market was gathering mo ..


text:
Lose your reflection and gain a better perspective: Nine out of ten women hate looking in the mirror so what happens if you stop?
Lose your reflection and gain a better perspective
9:05 AM on 20th June 2011
Friend or foe: Research has revealed that the mirror is not a friend to many women making the most beautiful feel mildly depressed
Challenge: Writer Marianne Power decided to go a month without looking at her reflection in any mirrors, shop windows or TV screens using only a small compact mirror to put on make-up in the morning
Diagnosis: Research has shown that more than 90 per cent of women over 40 are so fed up with their reflection that they are suffering what experts have dubbed “Mirror Angst Syndrome”
Converted: Marianne says after a month of not looking at herself she didn”t hone in on the flaws


text:
If your holiday plans call for air travel and renting a car at your airport destination and you’re headed to certain cities, be prepared for sticker shock. This year, Christmas car rental rates soar in Hawaii, New York, Florida and other popular holiday tourist (and family) travel destinations.
The bad news comes from a survey just published by CheapCarRental.net which specifically examined holiday car rental rates at 30 U.S. destinations. The rates are for the cheapest car available at airport car rental locations and cover the period December 23 through 27, considered the Christmas car rental time.
Interestingly, looking at Hawaii-specific locations (from the Hawaiian Islands’ perspective and news source), the top two most expensive car rental rates are for Kahului on the island of Maui ($339/day), and Lihue in Kauai ($272/day). Car rental rates at these two Hawaiian destinations are more than 400 percent higher than normal rates (considered January).
In the CheapCarRental.net survey, only Honolulu is listed in the top 10, while Florida has three (and a total of eight in the top 30). Here is the breakdown of the 10 costliest Christmas car rental airport cities, with percent more than normal rates listed in parentheses:
West Palm Beach – $133/day (+583%)
Honolulu – $106/day (+278%)
Fort Meyers – $98/day (+302%)
Sarasota – $97/day (+81%)
Portland – $89/day (+155%)
Denver – $88/day (+287%)
Baltimore – $85/day (+76%)
Boston – $81 (+94%)
Philadelphia – $80/day (+14%)
On the other hand, if your holiday plans haven’t yet been finalized and you’re looking for Christmas car rental bargains (relatively speaking), check out these five airport car rental locations for more reasonable prices:
Phoenix – $23/day (-20%)
Washington, D.C. – $29/day (-27%)
San Antonio – $34/day (-9%)
Austin – $35/day (-28%)
Houston – $35/day (-20%)
See the full report of top 30 most expensive Christmas car rental rates here.