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Following Netflix’s crackdown on bypassing of geo-blocking, Paypal has now entered the fray taking it’s own action.
VPN and Smart DNS service Unotelly has posted an email they received from Paypal stating they will no longer be accepting payments for the service as it may use “technological measure that descrambles a scrambled work, decrypts an encrypted work or otherwise avoids, bypasses, removes, deactivates or impairs a technological measure without the authority of the copyright owner.”
Of course any VPN can be used for the purpose of bypassing geographic restrictions, the main difference with services like Unotelly is they specifically advertise this ability as a feature of their service.
It must also be stressed that there are no laws against bypassing restrictions at this time.
With Paypal taking these steps so soon after Netflix’s crackdown it’s difficult not to make an assumption that these events are connected. There has been increased rhetoric referring to bypassing region restrictions as piracy plus privacy concerns creating a huge spike in VPN usage in recent times.
As regional licensing has been hugely profitable for licence holders for decades it is easy to see how very recent technical advancements would be considered a threat to their business models. Technical limitations of the past made enforcement easier, just ask anyone who tried to play an NTSC video tape in a PAL territory!
Of course, I can only make a casual link between the Netflix and Paypal actions at this time. However I will not be shocked if we see more action taken against VPN and unblocking services, particularly those that advertise bypassing geo-blocks, within the next few months.
The hope that Netflix was just making a token effort with restricting use of VPN and unblocking service to access other region content to appease licence holders has been, at least partially, dashed for users of the uFlix service in Australia.
Reports have also been received that some Getflix users are also having issues.
Being based in Australia, and as a user of an unblocking service, I am happy to say my access is still currently available. However I am reluctant to specify the service I am using at this time as I am not too keen on bringing further attention to it given these recent events.
Do you still have access to overseas Netflix content? Comment below and don’t forget Choice Australia is trying to prevent Australians from being locked out of US content.
After all this talk of a crackdown on region jumping Netflix users the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, has come out saying that he doesn’t think that there is much of an issue with people avoiding regional restrictions.
His focus is instead on pushing for global licensing of content to make geo-blocking of content a thing of the past.
It’s easy to guess which side of the fence I am on. As a firm supporter of the idea that accessible and affordable content is the best way to combat piracy I am hoping the licence holders start listening to Mr Hastings!
And can we please stop referring to region hopping as “VPN piracy” guys. The content is still being paid for, and it proves the customers are willing to pay more for a better selection.
Now this is worrying news. Netflix, who have recently been pushing their global availability, has announced they will be taking steps to ensure consumers can only access the library for their location.
This means that anyone outside the US will have a smaller selection of content. I, like many other Australians, use a bypass method which allows “region hopping” to maximise my selection.
While it hasn’t been stated, this move would be at the behest of media companies wanting to set up licensing agreements for different countries to maximise profits. Of course, once an area is excluded from certain content then they will find other ways to obtain it.
Consider the most pirated TV show in history, Game of Thrones. It has very few options, and to watch it in Australia requires a very expensive Foxtel subscription. It was briefly available through iTunes and Google Play on an episode by episode basis until Foxtel got super protective and locked them out until after the seasons finish.
The upshot, big leap in piracy of GoT I’m Australia.
The moral is that Netflix has been successful in reducing piracy around the world, even though some are not using it as intended. By forcing Netflix to prevent people from region hopping media companies are taking a backward step with efforts to reduce piracy.
Just be happy people are paying to watch your stuff guys!
UPDATE: Choice Australia has launched a campaign to keep bypassing the geoblock.


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The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS) has joined forces with surveillance experts AnteVorte Group to give HGV drivers training to avoid becoming victims of freight crime. The course launches as hauliers continue to be dogged by high levels of cargo theft this year. Latest figures from NAVCIS, which is the police department responsible for dealing with freight crime, reveal 321 offences involving theft of HGVs or theft from HGVs have been reported since 1 January this year, amounting to […]
New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations declined by 8.4% in the third quarter of 2021, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Amazon has rejected claims it has a poor health and safety record after the publication of figures showing that more than 440 serious incidents occurred at its warehouses in the period from 2015/16.
One of France’s top courts has overturned a decision to dismiss charges against cement firm Lafarge for complicity in crimes against humanity in Syria.

domain: news


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Earlier this week, Cendyn, a cloud-based software and services provider, announced the launch of the company's newly redesigned ePlanner group sales and operations tool for hotels.
The ePlanner is an online resource library for hoteliers that addresses dozens of questions about planning an event at the venue, from banquet options and room maximums to security, parking and more. Using the website, hotels and venues can now craft content, update pertinent information and upsell their competitive advantages on the fly.
Featuring an all-new look, Cendyn's ePlanner tool is now fully branded to each hotel. The editor tools also offer a stronger tool box with rich text editing and easier image selection. Staff can now publish in real-time, export content and integrate with social media.
"Hotels have long relied on us as an innovator for group sales and I'm excited to say after months of hard work and research, we're delivering an updated tool that will change the game for hotel event planners," said Robin Deyo, enterprise business officer at Cendyn. "With our new ePlanner platform, we're making it possible for group sales & operation professionals to deliver beautiful, detailed content consistently and quickly, which will make working with their venue a pleasure. I could not be prouder to see this solution continue to grow to meet the needs of both our customers and their planners."


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Imagine navigating a sprawling Minecraft landscape, not to conquer monsters, but to build a thriving virtual farm. This wasn’t just a game for the young participants of Food For Mzansi’s “Mzansi Master Builders” project – it was a journey into the world of agriculture, sparking a passion for real-world solutions.
As they cultivated virtual crops, tackled desert landscapes, and built sustainable communities, they learned the intricacies of food production, resource management, and collaboration. The year-long project went beyond pixels and code, fostering a spirit of innovation and resilience among the next generation of agriculturists.
From futuristic designs to traditional methods, the participants’ creativity flourished.
Ronelle Louwrens, a senior executive at the Food For Mzansi Group, says, “Mzansi Master Builders wasn’t just a project. It was a testament to the power of play in education. Through the engaging world of Minecraft, Food For Mzansi planted the seeds of agricultural knowledge and passion in young minds, paving the way for a future where food security isn’t just a concept, but a reality built on innovation and collaboration.
Virtual farms, real challenges
Louwrens adds that throughout 2023, people were invited to participate in a series of Minecraft competitions. They were challenged to design and build virtual farms within the Mzansi Master Builders world, tackling real-world scenarios like desert farming, space limitations, and even social issues like resource sharing. The solutions devised showcased incredible creativity, ranging from traditional yet impressive methods to futuristic concepts.
Beyond the individual builds, the competition fostered a strong sense of community. As Ivor Price, co-founder of Food For Mzansi, observed, “The seamless integration of community spirit into the agricultural world was truly inspiring. This underscores the fundamental truth that agriculture thrives on collaboration, not isolation.”
This spirit of unity was tested, however, when a cyber attack destroyed the initial builds in the past. However, the Mzansi Master Builder team responded with unwavering support, providing players with extra time and resources to rebuild. This resilience resonated with the theme of the competition, emphasising the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of challenges like climate change.
Price took a virtual stroll through the Mzansi Master Builders world alongside food scientist Melvi Todd and agricultural innovator Henning Human. As Human said, “If you can dream it, you can build it.”
This powerful message resonated with Food For Mzansi’s vision for the future of agriculture, says Louwrens.
“While the competition is over, its impact continues to inspire. We encourage people to watch the video documenting the journey of the Mzansi Master Builders and share their thoughts on this approach to agricultural education. Let’s continue to cultivate a future where food security is not just a concept, but a reality built on knowledge, creativity, and collaboration.”
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.


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Google is said to be launching Google Web Designer, an HTML5 development tool for creative professionals. It will be aimed at users who have relied on Flash for banners, widgets and even entire sites.
The service will launch in “the coming months” and is designed to “empower creative professionals to create cutting-edge advertising as well as engaging web content like sites and applications – for free.”
Google shared the news in a side note in a blog post about its DoubleClick advertising platform this morning, hence the emphasis on ads. Web Designer is said to be a stand-alone product that will be aimed at creative agencies and designers.
“To help advertisers and publishers more seamlessly unlock the potential of cross-device programs, we are investing in a new HTML5 creative development tool – Google Web Designer,” Google explained.
Google’s only service for creating websites currently is Google Sites, allowing users to create basic sites from pre-built templates. Web Designer is expected to be a more sophisticated replacement for Sites’ editor.
Even if the tool is developed to be aimed at advertisers, it could be an interesting product. Its output could be integrated into any existing website or web app.


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Palm oil: Refiners call for price adjustment as import costs rise
(Business in Cameroon) – The price of refined palm oil in Cameroon recently rose from 1,100 FCFA to 1,400 FCFA per litre. While the population is already complaining about the increase, which is also frowned upon by the government, refiners want it to be higher.
During a meeting held on March 18 in Yaoundé with the government and economic operators, the employers’ group (Gicam) called for a higher increase in the selling price of palm oil. The association said the measure will help offset the recent rise in commodity and freight prices in the international market.
Gicam offered 2,040 FCFA per litre, nearly 1,000 FCFA more than the initial price and 700 FCFA more than the current market price. Between January 2021 and January 2022, the price of a ton of crude palm oil jumped 75% on the world market, and rose another 35% in the first quarter of 2022.
To ensure the supply of refined palm oil production units operating in Cameroon, the government recently authorized the import of 143,000 tonnes of crude palm oil. However, while this volume will reduce the structural production deficit currently estimated at 160,000 tonnes annually, according to data from the Association of Oilseed Refiners (Asroc), it will add to the already high import bills.
Brice R. Mbodiam


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Nokia announces two new phablets, Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1320
Finally, Nokia has announced its smartphones with huge displays (aka phablets). It includes two new devices and as expected the much rumored Nokia Bandit is one of them. Earlier the company also announced three new phones in its Asha series.
These new device from Nokia are called the Lumia 1520 and the Lumia 1320. Both smartphones were unveiled at the Nokia World 2013 event which was held in Abu Dhabi. The Lumia 1520 will be available later this year while the Lumia 1320 will arrive in market only next year.
Both the smartphones feature a 6-inch display and due to this huge display the devices make use of a third new column of tiles which has been introduced to the Windows Phone homescreen.
The Lumia 1520 boasts a 1080p full HD resolution 6-inch ClearBlack display and it is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor which is clocked at 2.2GHz. It further includes 2GB of RAM and features a 3,400 mAh battery which according to the company can provide up to 27.4 hours of talk time and 32 days of standby time.
The smartphone has 32GB of built-in storage capacity which can be further expanded up to 64GB using a microSD card. Nokia also offers 7GB of free SkyDrive cloud storage with this device. It also features a 20 megapixel PureView camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and Nokia Camera app, which brings some nifty features and more control to the smartphone camera.
This smartphone will be available in yellow, white, black and glossy red color variants and it will come pre-installed with the Nokia Storyteller application.
Next is the less expensive Lumia 1320 which also flaunts a 6-inch display, however with 720p resolution. This device is powered by a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor which is clocked 1.7GHz. It includes 1GB of RAM and has a 3,400 mAh battery which is rated to provide a talk time of 25 hours or 28 days of standby.
The device features a 5 megapixel camera and comes with 8GB of built-in storage which can be expanded up to 64GB using a microSD card. It also includes 7GB of free cloud storage on SkyDrive. The device includes the Nokia Camera apps, HERE Maps and Nokia Music. It will come in orange, yellow, white and black color variants.
In terms of the pricing and availability the Nokia Lumia 1520 has been priced at $749 (46,000 INR approximately) and it will be available in Hong Kong, Singapore, US, China, UK, France, Germany, Finland and other European markets initially, later followed by other markets.
The Nokia Lumia 1320 which will arrive next year has been priced at $339 (21,000 INR approximately) and it will initially launch in China and Vietnam, later followed by Indian and other European countries.


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Telecom service provider Vodafone UK today said its roaming services on 4G LTE network will be available in 23 destinations as 19 new countries join Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal which launched earlier this year.
Accessing Vodafone 4G in these new destinations is significant because UK travellers made around 42 million visits to countries now covered by Vodafone 4G roaming last year.
Vodafone’s 4G roaming offer covers Spain, France and the US. UK travelers visited Spain, France and the US the most last year, with more than 23 million visits.
Pay monthly Vodafone 4G customers travelling to any 4G destination in Vodafone’s Europe Zone can take their UK minutes, texts and data for £3 a day with Vodafone EuroTraveller.
There are other benefits as well. Mobile customers travelling to a 4G destination within Vodafone’s WorldTraveller Zone can take their UK minutes, texts and data with them for £5 a day.
Vodafone Red price plans come with UK unlimited calls and texts, so customers using Vodafone EuroTraveller or Vodafone WorldTraveller are able to call or text home, without worrying about unexpected bills.
The telecom operator said there’s no charge for receiving calls or texts on both services and customers will only pay for the days they use their mobile abroad.
Cindy Rose, Vodafone UK’s Head of Consumer, said: “Our customers now have 4G in more countries than ever before as a result of Vodafone’s significant global presence. “
Vodafone EuroTraveller and Vodafone WorldTraveller are available to pay monthly and small business plans customers, whether on 4G or not.


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Samsung launches platform in Hong Kong, Macau to check if your Note 7 is faulty.
Right now, the official count states that the amount of the launched Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units that have exploded worldwide has passed the two dozen mark and is even counting at that but with all these going on, it has been found out that this is due to the faulty battery which was manufactured by one of Samsung’s affiliate companies.
With the units that was launched to China and South Korea containing a different battery to those that was launched elsewhere, it has been promised that the same issue would not be facing the units in this region but it seems that they want to be doubly sure now.
Online, Samsung has launched an IMEI check tool for al of the Galaxy Note 7 users in China which would help them decide whether or not the smartphone is safe from explosion or prone to this kind of issue also. This offer has also been extended to the users of the phablet in Macau and Hong Kong too.
While there is every little possibility that anyone in these parts would have an issue with their devices, it is safe and advisable to check and be double sure with yourself too.
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Mobile games developer and publisher GAMEVIL announced today that its highly anticipated MMORPG Talion has begun pre-registration in Australia.
Talion first launched in Southeast Asia and Japan, enjoying considerable success at number three in the Thailand App Store’s “Top Grossing” list and reaching number one on the “Top Free Apps” list in Japan.
Following its strong performance in Asia, GAMEVIL is now preparing Talion for launch in western territories, starting with pre-registration in Australia.
With the launch planned for late January, GAMEVIL is working to tailor marketing, promotions, and localization to establish Talion’s presence within the Australian MMORPG market. GAMEVIL has also set up local servers to ensure an optimal network connection for its users.
Starting today, GAMEVIL is holding a pre-registration event to celebrate the Australian launch of Talion this month. Players who register now, will be given in-game currency and items as rewards. On the pre-registration page, users can find various trailers of the game and other assets including, gameplay footage and screenshots.
Talion is a 3D open-world MMORPG, featuring 20 vs. 20 large scale PvP battles and a robust character customization system that has up to 48 different customizable components, allowing players to create truly unique characters and adventures for themselves.


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A lot of people think playing video games is a waste of time. Video games can actually boost your brain power. Here's how it works and the benefits.
Street Fighter V- New Trailer Featuring Cammy
Sony revealed Cammy in the newest trailer for Street Fighter V, a console exclusive for PS4. The Beta for Street Fighter V was also announced for PS4, and will be launching on July 27th.
The trailer showed off a few of Cammy’s moves against M. Bison, and shows off some of the V-Trigger stuff shown off in earlier trailers. Cammy is a returning character from the franchise, appearing in the last entry and also in Super Street Fighter 2 , and Street Fighter Alpha 3.
The game is set to release in Q1 2016 for PS4.


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Maxim Integrated (MXIM) announced its fiscal 2019 fourth-quarter results (for the year that ended in June) on July 30. The company reported revenue of $557.0 million and adjusted EPS of $0.57 in the quarter. Maxim’s sales fell 12.0% YoY (year-over-year) from $633 million, while its earnings fell 23.0% from $0.73 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
While Maxim’s earnings met Wall Street’s estimates, analysts expected it to post revenue of $560.0 million in the quarter. Its revenue miss drove its shares down 7.7% on July 31. Maxim also announced the appointment of Brain C. White as its CFO. White has over 30 years of experience across the corporate finance, strategy, business development, and public accounting verticals.
MXIM shares have been extremely volatile due to the semiconductor slowdown and the ongoing trade war. The stock fell from $63.5 in August 2018 to $46.66 in December 2018. The stock rose to $60.55 in May 2019, but the escalation of the trade war drove it down to $52.59. Despite this volatility and recent pullback, MXIM is up close to 20.0% year-to-date.
What affected Maxim’s revenue in the fourth quarter?
Maxim’s management stated that the company had managed inventory levels to a certain extent in this soft environment. Revenue from its automotive business rose 2.0% YoY and offset declines in other segments. Though global car production fell, Maxim experienced strong sales for its “battery management system products for electric vehicles and growth in driver assistance revenue.” Maxim’s Industrial business revenue fell 20.0% YoY due to a soft demand environment. The consumer segment’s revenue was also down 7.0% due to weak smartphone sales.
Maxim expects a sales decline in the first quarter of 2020 as well. It expects revenue of between $510 million and $550 million in the first quarter, lower than analysts’ estimate of $555.62 million. In the first quarter of 2019, Maxim reported sales of $638.0 million.
Maxim expects sales declines across its business segments. The company expects lower-than-expected sales in its Automotive segment due to market uncertainty in China and lower consumer demand. Lower demand from Samsung and Huawei will also affect its sales in the first quarter.
Samsung was one of Maxim’s major customers, accounting for 10.0% of the company’s sales in fiscal 2019. This percentage will likely fall to the mid-single digits. Maxim expects its Samsung revenue to fall 50.0% in the upcoming quarter.
A look at Maxim’s valuation
Maxim Integrated stock is trading at a forward PE multiple of 22.2x. Analysts expect its earnings to fall 4.5% in 2020. They then expect its earnings to rise 16.4% in 2021. Analysts expect its sales to fall 1.6% in 2020, and they expect it to return to revenue growth in 2021, as its sales are expected to rise 6.4%. Analysts also expect its sales to rise 9.5% in 2022. Maxim has a dividend yield of 3.2%.
The stock doesn’t look too overvalued at its current level. While a decline in 2020 is already priced in, investors will still be wary about the company’s exposure to China. Maxim Integrated generates 35.0% of its sales from China, and any further escalation in the trade war will drive its stock down.
Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs stated that it was bullish about semiconductor stocks, as their inventory levels were lower, and there was a decline in capex that was in line with the demand environment. Wall Street isn’t overly optimistic about Maxim Integrated. Analysts have a 12-month average target price of $61.82 on its stock—just above its current price.


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Today Topaz announced their new Video Enhance AI which scales up your videos up to 8K. And there is a $100 discount if you preorder it within the next 14 days. Topaz writes:
Until now, there was no way to perfectly recreate a high-resolution video from low-resolution footage. From old home movies to low-quality SD to DVD quality and more, Video Enhance AI will transform your videos into clean upscaled footage up to 8K resolution.
This is how it works:
You can see plenty of image samples with slider comparison tools on this Topaz Video Enhance AI presentation page.


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We have heard a number if rumors about the new Google Nexus 8 over the last few months, and have previously heard that this new Android tablet would be made by LG, although the device turned out to be a Google Play Edition LG G Pad.
Now according to a recent report, Asus may be the manufacturer that makes the Google Nexus 8, the company already makes the current Nexus 7 tablet for Google.
Now according to a recent report by Digitimes, Asus will be the manufacturer of choice for the Google Nexus 8 and the device is rumored to launch around the middle of 2014.
The sources pointed out that Google’s Nexus 8 reportedly may adopt Intel’s Bay Trail-T platform, but Qualcomm is still striving for related orders. As for Google’s R&D partner for the new Nexus 8, Asustek Computer is currently having the best chance.
Because Asustek has already established a close relationship with Google and has advantages in product design and component purchasing, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Lenovo are unlikely to be able to take the orders away easily. More Nexus 8 details are expected to be revealed after February, the sources added.
As yet we do not actually have any specifications on the new Google Nexus 8, as soon as we get some more details we will let you guys know.
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[L]ast week, my iPhone was swiped from the shelf of a bookstore and swiftly transported to the city of Guelph on a coach bus in the pocket of an artist.
After making the disquieting realization that my recently purchased and still-glistening white iPhone 5C had gone missing somewhere in the bookstore, I had a minor panic attack and used a friend’s phone to dial my number. A man answered. He urged us to hurry to the coach terminal because his bus was about to leave. Baffled by the absurdity of the situation, we ran there as fast as we could but were unable to locate him in the throng of travellers and luggage. We called again.
“I’m just going to Guelph for a dinner, I’ll be back around midnight,” he said.
Inwardly reeling but trying my very best to remain composed, I scribbled down his name and number on a travel brochure and hung up.
I haven’t heard from him since. Google tells me he’s an artist with a lengthy CV, so I have a hunch that this entire scheme will become a multimedia art exhibit about the ravenous attachment of youth to modern technology, complete with my frantic emails printed and framed on the gallery walls and hysterical voicemail messages looping on the PA.
I suppose you can imagine why my ears perked up when I heard Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair talking about cell phone theft the next day.
“The fastest growing crime in Canada is the robbery of Apple products,” he said to a group of Ryerson students in the Ted Rogers building on Thursday. He was there as part of the Real World Speaker Series, answering questions on different matters in the realm of law and policing.
Blair said that while other crimes are on the decline, phone theft has spiked. A Toronto Star investigation published this February found that more than 30,000 cellphones have been reported stolen to Toronto police over a 10-year period, a 400 per cent increase from previous years.
This is an important issue for obvious reasons. In 2013, Google reported that 56 per cent of Canadians are smartphone users. We have grown so attached to our technology that to forget one’s device at home is a catastrophic event, resulting in sweaty palms and feelings of disconnection. To lose a phone altogether is extremely stressful, but even worse is the physical violence that often accompanies phone robbery.
A system launched by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association in September 2013 allows customers to report their lost or stolen phones so that the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number can be added to a “blacklist.” The grimly named database indicates to all participating service providers which phones have been stolen, so anyone trying to re-activate a stolen device with a different provider will be refused.
Blair said although the blacklist has resulted in a decline in phone theft, it’s not quite effective enough. The next step is a “kill switch.” This technology is currently available to manufacturers, and would remotely wipe the stolen phone’s data and shut it off indefinitely. The companies would essentially be “turning a phone into a brick,” he said.
Sitting in my chair, I was screaming inside. If this were put into effect, there would no longer be motivation for the often-violent crime of phone theft. Never again would anyone feel compelled to snag a phone from a purse at a bar, a coffee table at a party, or a shelf in a bookstore.
“Why would it be worth it to stick a gun in someone’s face or to beat up a kid on a playground?” Blair said. “It’s the right thing to do. It will make schoolyards safer. It will make walking downtown safer.”
So why aren’t companies jumping on this no-brainer decision? Ahem. The cost. Cell companies charge hefty fees for the replacement of lost or stolen phones and rake in insurance money from customers who want extra security.
“What I want [mobile providers] to do is not in line with their business model,” Blair said. Does it make you uncomfortable that mobile providers are capitalizing on the misfortune of their clients? It should. This stinginess is shamelessly breaching on pure evil. People are getting punched in the streets for their phones and Bell, Rogers and Telus execs are sitting at their solid gold desks, counting their money and cackling loudly (that’s why your service sucks so much: the high frequencies of their screeching interfere with cell tower signals).
Who needs cell phones anyways? After this whole fiasco I’ve given up on advantageous devices and taken to the can-and-string method. Sure, call quality is subpar and it’s lacking both LTE wireless and a four-inch Retina display, but hey, no one’s stealing this baby.
Illustration by Dasha Zolota.


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The US Federal Trade Commission is taking the middle ground in the net neutrality debate that pits large telecommunications operators against internet giants.
In a report on its examination of the net neutrality issue, the FTC on Wednesday didn't urge lawmakers to either pass or kill neutrality legislation but instead recommended that policymakers proceed with caution.
Net neutrality refers to the concept of an open internet where all content is treated the same way. Net neutrality regulation, backed by companies such as Google and by World Wide Web pioneer Timothy Berners-Lee, would require telecommunications operators to keep their networks neutral. Operators, however, typically argue that such regulations would stifle innovation.
Qwest Communications International and Verizon Communications interpreted the FTC statement as a victory.
"The Federal Trade Commission report confirms that there is no problem to fix," said Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president for public affairs, policy and communications, in a statement. "Proposals to impose new regulation actually threaten further advancements in broadband internet connections."
Qwest issued a similar comment. "Qwest is pleased with the findings of the report released today by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that government regulation of the internet is unnecessary because there is no evidence of market failure or consumer harm," said Gary Lytle, Qwest senior vice president of federal relations, in a statement.
An organization on the other side of the fence, the Open Internet Coalition, was pleased to see that the FTC found that consumers have said they strongly prefer the current open access model. But the group warned that Congress and the Federal Communications Commission must act to protect the open internet. If policymakers wait until operators begin treating traffic differently, it will be very difficult to return to the current open framework, the group said.
The SavetheInternet.com Coalition took a similar stance. "This is not the time for caution, but rather forward-looking and decisive action reinstating Net Neutrality once and for all," said S. Derek Turner, research director of Free Press, an organization that is part of the SavetheInternet.com Coalition, in a statement.
The FTC said the broadband industry is moving toward more competition. Thus, in the absence of market failure, policy makers should be particularly careful in enacting new regulations. However, some organizations, including the SavetheInternet.com Coalition, argue that competition is weak, with most consumers having at most two operators to choose from. Recent consolidation, such as SBC's acquisition of AT&T, has shrunk the competitive market.
In May, 54 organizations, including Amazon.com and Tivo, called for a national broadband policy that includes net neutrality laws. Google's public policy blog, launched in late May, already includes several entries supporting net neutrality.


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In a recent development, AG2R, the professional cycling team, has officially changed its name to Decathlon AG2R, following a new sponsorship deal with Decathlon, a globally recognized chain of sports goods stores. Along with the name change, the team has announced the incorporation of new cyclists, indicating an investment in strengthening the team for future competitions. Such moves are common in professional cycling, where sponsorships and signings play a crucial role in team performance and strategy. The announcement was shared via a link on Twitter, suggesting that the news has been disseminated on social media to reach fans and cycling enthusiasts.
Historic French Team Takes a New Name
The historic French team will be called Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale from 2024 onwards. They have announced six signings, among which Sam Bennett stands out. The World Tour team will ride on Van Rysel bicycles and use materials from the same company. The new faces of the team include Sam Bennett, Victor Lafay, Dries de Bondt, Bruno Armirail, Gianluca Pollefliet, and Sander de Pestel.
Decathlon's Grand Entry into World Tour Cycling
Decathlon, the French sports brand leader in the design and distribution of sporting goods worldwide, announced its entry into the AG2R team as a new sponsor. This sponsorship will start from January 1, 2024, and will last for five years. The news fills the French company with pride and reaffirms its interest in promoting sports and making it accessible to as many people as possible. Besides, cycling is a popular and international sport with strong values of commitment, cohesion, and emotion.
New Signings and Future Plans
Decathlon will become a co-sponsor of the AG2R La Mondiale cycling teams from January 1, 2024. The team, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team, will consist of 28 cyclists, the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Development Team, with 10 riders, and the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale U19 Team, made up of 15. The teams will also use Van Rysel bicycles, helmets, and sunglasses, the road cycling brand of Decathlon, and there will be six new cyclists joining the 'WorldTour' team in 2024: Bruno Armirail; Sam Bennett; Dries De Bondt; Victor Lafay; Gianluca Pollefliet, and Sander De Pestel.


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Japanese T-shirt, the thought which takes one’s thoughts on to an entourage of punk t-shirts, is a artistic mix of artwork and cloth, an upbeat street vogue unique to Japan. Japanese media reported that the RRR By Sugar Spot Factory popup store at LaForet final August — which attracted a gap day line hundreds of girls lengthy— sold over 4,000,000JPY (US$40,000) price of goods in its two week run. 2016’s genderless kei boys — those we saw on the street in Harajuku, not the TV personalities— were impressed largely by Korean makeup and wonder trends along with minimalist Korean vogue (a number of skinny denims and t-shirts).
However over the previous few years, Comme Des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake have regained their rightful place as top tier Japanese streetwear manufacturers. Whereas KERA contains a cross part of Japanese style subcultures, Soften is (to this point) heavily weighted toward lolita and gothic style.
While hardcore otaku themselves should not in immediate danger of changing into vogue icons, the subculture world that they inhabit inspires a growing variety of younger avant-garde Japanese designers. The response from the Harajuku road fashion scene was very optimistic.
Her brand and style are comparable …


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NEW YORK — Kenneth Cole New York’s catchy new spring campaign slogan — “The future is about to be redressed” — could just as well refer to the company itself.
A year after hiring Jill Granoff as chief executive officer of Kenneth Cole Productions Inc., Cole is ready to make his next big move in the ongoing strategy to position the $492 million firm for growth. Today, the company will name Ingo Wilts as creative director, a newly created role, effective Aug. 1. Wilts joins from Hugo Boss, where he designed women’s and men’s wear and accessories as senior vice president and creative director of Boss Black, Boss Selection and Boss Green. He will report to Cole.
Cole, who founded the footwear and apparel company in 1982, will continue to serve as chairman and chief creative officer, and is expected to become even more of a brand ambassador, setting the overall tone for the brand.
Wilts will be in charge of design and visual merchandising of all product classifications at Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction. His hire will allow Cole to focus on the bigger picture and devote more time to social initiatives such as the nonprofit Awearness Fund, which he created in 2007 to raise awareness of social issues such as AIDS and homelessness. Cole, well-known for his humanitarian efforts, is also chairman of amfAR, and a founding board member of HELP USA, among other initiatives.
Since joining the company last year from Liz Claiborne Inc., where she was executive vice president of direct brands, Granoff has worked closely with Cole to develop a strategic platform, and the appointment of a creative director is just one of several initiatives to prepare for a future expected to look significantly different once the recession ends.
“The industry is changing in some very profound ways,” Cole said. “I don’t think the customer is going to go back to shopping the way [he or she] has shopped before, so you have to be very clear. You will get a chance to tell your story and you have to tell it in a very concise and compelling way, and I think that there is an opportunity to evolve the business model today.
“We are very focused on executing better, testing better and reacting more efficiently,” he added. “It requires a quick point of view. It requires certain levels of distribution that you’re in, and a comprehensive sourcing structure.”
Since its founding, Kenneth Cole has grown into a diversified business, with labels such as Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction and Unlisted, across various price points and product categories in apparel, footwear, fragrance and accessories.
Under Granoff, the company reorganized its management teams. Key hires over the past 12 months included president of wholesale Chris Nakatani; senior vice president of human resources Danesha Dixon Smith; senior vice president and chief marketing officer Kristen Dykstra, and now Wilts.
Wilts joined Boss as a designer of men’s sportswear in 1997, but left in 1999 to design men’s sportswear at Joop in Hamburg. He returned to Boss in September 2000and rose to one of the top jobs in the Metzingen, Germany-based firm. That experience, Cole said, made him the perfect candidate for the position. The search for a creative director was conducted by Karen Harvey Associates.
WWD asked a handful of creative directors to evaluate the September covers of leading women's fashion magazines. How do they think the covers this year compare with years gone by, and what do they say about the current status of the publication? Link in bio. (GIF by @hypebreast)
"Stephen King is such a master, but I don't like being scared - there's enough that's really scary. How about the morning's news?" says Holland Taylor in an interview with WWD. See what else the actress said about starring in the TV adaptation of King's thriller "Mr. Mercedes" on WWD.com. #wwdeye (📷: @jgreenery)


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DACULA, GA — If you're getting a little bit of cabin fever, you aren't alone. And although you probably still can't go out to eat in your area, you can bring a taste of the outside world home to you
Patch reached out to restaurants across the Atlanta metro to find out which ones are offering takeout and delivery, when they're doing so and how their customers can place an order.
Here are restaurants offering drive-through, takeout or delivery in Dacula:
- Burger King
- Delight Grill
- Edee’s Place
- Fat Cap BBQ
- Fernando’s Mexican Grill
- Friends American Grill
- Italian Pizza Pie
- Marco’s Pizza
- Riverside Pizza
- Waffle House
Know of other restaurants offering takeout or delivery? Let us know in the comments below.
In a news conference on March 23, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a shelter-in-place order for medically fragile people until April 6. In the conference, he also announced an order effectively closing bars and nightclubs and barring people from gathering in groups of 10 or more.
As a result of the order, Georgia's Department of Public Health can now shut down businesses or nonprofits, including churches, that don't follow rules.
Grocery stores and other businesses that allow customers to maintain six feet of distance between customers are permitted to remain open.
Don't miss updates about precautions in Georgia as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.
On Wednesday, Georgia-based Waffle House announced it was temporarily closing 418 of its eateries across the Southeast, officially placing the so-called Waffle House Index in the red.
Yes, that's a real thing. FEMA uses companies like Waffle House to gauge how quickly communities will be able to bounce back after emergencies due to its small chance of closing, Patch reported Wednesday.
FEMA head Craig Fugate is said to have coined the index in 2011.
"The Waffle House test doesn't just tell us how quickly a business might rebound — it also tells us how the larger community is faring," FEMA said. "The sooner restaurants, grocery and corner stores, or banks can reopen, the sooner local economies will start generating revenue again — signaling a stronger recovery for that community. The success of the private sector in preparing for and weathering disasters is essential to a community's ability to recover in the long run."
In a tweet, Waffle House said some of its eateries remain open to customers who wish to place carryout orders. Patrons are encouraged to reach out to their local Waffle House in order to place an order for pickup.
- GA Coronavirus: 438 Hospitalized, 47 Deaths, 1300+ Cases
- GA Coronavirus: Cobb County Orders Shelter-In-Place
- Forsyth Publix Worker Tests Positive For Coronavirus
- Coronavirus: Decatur Mayor Issues Stay At Home Order
- Gwinnett County’s new orders close gyms; limits food and trash
- Coronavirus: Canton Issues Shelter-In-Place Order


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Amsterdam, Brussels 18 December 2007 - Four years after the EU Action Plan on illegal timber was introduced, illegal and destructive timber continues to pour across Europe's borders. A report released today by Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace shows that European consumers continue to unknowingly buy flooring and exterior doors made from illegally and destructively logged merbau, a species threatened with extinction.
The report reveals that European demand for merbau for flooring, window frames and doors is driving forest destruction and illegal logging in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It also revealed that most traders in the Netherlands, the largest European market for merbau, had absolutely no idea whether the merbau they were buying was from a legal or sustainable sources. Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace are calling for EU legislation to prevent illegal and destructive timber from being sold on the European market, while discussion on the issue takes place between EU Agriculture Ministers.
Anne van Schaik of Friends of the Earth Netherlands, said:
"Illegal merbau wood from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea is sold as flooring and exterior doors in Europe. It is unacceptable that timber logged illegally in these countries is traded freely on the European market. The EU must shut the door on illegal timber, bringing in strong legislation to enforce this."
The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are the biggest European importers of merbau - an endangered hardwood that can be found in commercially viable quantities only on the island of New Guinea, which consists of the nation of Papua New Guinea in the east and the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua in the west. In the Netherlands, merbau is mostly used for exterior doors while in other European countries flooring is the main end use.
The new report presents the results of an investigative survey of key market players, such as DIY stores, builders' merchants, and timber traders, conducted mainly in the Netherlands but also in other European countries. Not one single flooring company in the Netherlands could prove their merbau to be legally and sustainably produced. Neither could the major DIY stores for the merbau in exterior doors. Despite this, the survey showed that customers were often told that the wood they buy is legitimate and sustainable.
Forest destruction is destroying the livelihoods of millions of local and indigenous people, biodiversity and driving climate change. Up to 80 percent of merbau exports from Indonesia and 90 per cent from Papua New Guinea are illegal. Indonesia faces the highest rate of deforestation of any major forested country in the world and - mainly because of this - is ranked third on the list of the world's worst greenhouse gas emitters.
Sebastien Risso, EU Forest Policy Officer at Greenpeace EU Unit:
"It has been over four years since the EU introduced its Action Plan on illegal logging and still forests are being destroyed for European demand for timber and illegal timber. It is absurd that the EU has still not adopted legislation to ban illegal and destructively sourced timber from its market, when the international community was last week discussing steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation."
The EU has undertaken a first step to prevent illegal timber being placed on the EU market, by adopting an Action Plan in 2003, of which Voluntary Partnership Agreements with timber producing countries form the cornerstone. The European Commission is examining further options, including the feasibility of legislation, to strengthen the action of the EU. A presentation of these options will be made at the Agriculture council today or tomorrow.


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Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris, that the company has made plans for a crocodile farm in Australia. That's right, Hermes plans to make their own animal skin. This is no doubt a cost saving move for the luxury good company. Let's face it, in today's economy people are looking for a good value right? Victoria Beckham can't possibly be the only girl on earth who will have the means to purchase a Birkin in the future. So, cut the middle man, cut the cost and raise some eyebrows. This move will strike more than a little concern from animal rights activists, or anyone with a bleeding heart. It may also spearhead a trend for other manufacturers in the future, and why not, Kentucky Fried Chicken has been breeding their own bucket fulls for years (rumor has it).
No matter one's stance on the issue of furs, shark skin pants (I kid you not) or crocodile leather farms we can all safely agree that the fashion industry is not going to slow down. Designers will continue to attempt outdoing themselves and others. We can only expect the future to hold much more fabulous style and controversy. Right or wrong, that's for you to decide.


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New Perceptions of Luxury In China
Beyond a year of good fortune and wealth, 2019 is an auspiciously good year to invest or finally start something that you have long been thinking about. Prosperity is already ringing true for the luxury retail market.
Despite woes over a depreciating Yuan and widely reported trade war with the US, luxury retail has flourished. Retail sales rose by rose by 8.2%, bucking a downtrend in the slowest Chinese GDP growth since 1991.
In fact, more than 75% of the total growth in global luxury spending — over $65 billion — can be attributed to Chinese consumers, both domestic and abroad. They account for an incredible 30% of all luxury purchases.
“Over 75% of the total growth in global luxury spending can be attributed to Chinese customers, domestic and abroad.”
At the same time, the burgeoning luxury sector is undergoing a unique paradigm shift. Designers of Chinese heritage are reclaiming their roots as the concept of identity plays a growing role in popular culture.
High-end consumers are increasingly opting for brands that resonate with them on a cultural level. Multinational firms are introducing local, boutique brands to incorporate new Chinese aesthetics into modern day product to increase their appeal to Chinese buyers.
Read on to discover associations between ‘local’ and ‘luxury’ in the Chinese retail market and how this affects branding as we enter the lunar year of the pig.
The Political Factor
Given the tumultuous political relationship between China and the US, the consumer shift to domestic brands within China seems somewhat inevitable. No longer do Western brands carry the same weight among Chinese consumers, with many choosing to boycott US goods entirely.
To counter the burden of international tariffs, the Chinese state has invested heavily in domestic produce. ‘Made in China 2025’ as one state-led program aims to lavish advanced sectors – such as new-energy vehicles and robotics – with subsidies and other support to create national champions capable of taking global markets head-on.
As reinforced by the Financial Review, ‘the vibrant Chinese private sector is fully capable of developing cutting-edge products on its own’.
But, the trade war doesn’t explain everything. Apple was quick to blame rising tension with the US and China’s slowing economy for its shortfall in Asian smartphone sales last month.
While it is true that GDP growth is slowing, the magnitude of economic deceleration is not nearly as large as the firm suggests. Apple’s sales are slumping because of the proliferation of local competitors producing smartphones far better targeted at the Chinese consumer.
New perceptions of “Made in China”
Not merely a country of luxury consumers, China’s clout as a luxury brand’s ‘incubator’ remains somewhat under the radar. New brands such as Hisense, Huawei and Xiaomi are redefining global perceptions of “Made in China.”
Why? Unprecedented investment in research and development and a penchant for sophistication has contributed to new perceptions of pioneering quality surrounding China’s luxury goods. Each year, Huawei, for example, spends US$20bn on R&D – no less than 15% of its total annual revenue and one of the biggest such budgets in the world.
Perhaps this explains why Huawei boosted its domestic smartphone shipment volume by 15.5% last year, despite overall shrinkage in the market.
Renowned luxury designer, Alexander Wang, explains: “China used to be known as a copycat country but now, whether it’s digital companies or shopping malls, every brand [wants to test out] that market because it’s the most advanced.”
Domestic Chinese brands have immediate access to the world’s largest luxury consumer base, one they know and understand very well. They can make better use of China’s growing eCommerce solutions and surrounding ecosystem with greater agility and relevance than their Western counterparts.
For example, Tmall (Alibaba’s eCommerce platform) saw Chinese labels undergo triple-digit growth over the last year. Jessica Liu, the platform’s president of fashion and luxury, puts it down to “a growth in designer talent, but also because Chinese people see that these designers have closer relations to Chinese culture.” Meanwhile, a McKinsey survey last year found that more than 75% of Chinese consumers prefer local apparel and footwear brands than Western counterparts.
Realigning skewed visions of the ‘Asian Aesthetic’
While Chinese consumers are showing an increased affinity to local brands, the world around them are also hungry to understand the cultures and motivations of the Eastern customer. Global businesses see the giant consumer reserve in China and try to establish a connection between Chinese heritage and global luxury.
For instance, during New York’s SS19 fashion week Xue Gao held her show at Jing Fong, a dim sum restaurant in Chinatown. Models donned 60s-inspired, East-meets-West looks while playing the historic Chinese game, Mahjong. It was a scene straight out of a Wong Kar-Wai film: red-hued panels and neon stage lighting.
It remains up for debate whether this sort of design truly aims to represent the Chinese consumer of today, or simply caters for foreigners with preconceived ideas of a 'Chinese aesthetic’.
The former demographic is less influenced by oversimplified tropes and traditions, and more by a specific set of aspirations. Aspirations unique to the remarkably dynamic socio-cultural environments of China.
‘Businesses should not approach or target this demographic of people as an economic opportunity. Rather a culture to be learned, admired and adapted to’, comments Matter Of Form’s APAC Consultant, Kim Ing.
“Such an approach brings great excitement in the realm of creative opportunity, and a new-awakening to how the western world views Asian and particularly Chinese culture.
The new face of the Asian customer is rising, and much to people’s surprise, it’s unlikely there will be any dragons or imperialist embroidery in sight.”
Chinese consumers are forging their own distinctive path in the retail world. A path that not only diverges away from preconceived, often stereotyped notions of Chinese heritage, but also away from imposed Western ideals and fashions.
East Asian product innovators are at the cutting edge of design and technology. New perceptions of ‘modern’ that speak to a way of life and level of aspiration specific to the Chinese consumer creates a powerful market for retailers.
Matter Of Form’s recent opening in Hong Kong has offered opportunity to directly engage with East Asian digital discourses and emergent technologies. We have partnered with iconic luxury retailer, Shanghai Tang, to reinvigorate the brand with digital prowess in line with new visions of Chinese modernity. We are incredibly excited to pursue this partnership with the expert guidance of our APAC Consultant, Kim Ing.
Retailers should not take the Chinese market potential for granted by assuming Asian consumers will subscribe to a generalised set of values. For those attempting to enter the world of Chinese luxury retail, authenticity remains absolute. Gauging a true and meaningful understanding of the Chinese identity will set brands apart as we enter the Lunar Year of the Pig.


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Apple posted a black-and-white photo of Jobs in his iconic black turtleneck and round-rimmed glasses, on a stark white background.
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote to employees in a company memo. "Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."
The message linked to Apple's homepage image tells fans: "If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email firstname.lastname@example.org."
Apple's former CEO and co-founder transformed the world's relationship with technology -- forever.
|People are now bending iPhones in Apple Stores|
|'Crouching Tiger' sequel to hit Netflix and theaters simultaneously|
|Microsoft introduces Windows 10|
|5 investing secrets of the wealthy that everyone should follow|
|EBay spinning off PayPal as separate company|


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Just as previously rumoured, NVIDIA is indeed going to acquire ARM. Last night, the GPU giant confirmed that it will be spending $40 billion buying Arm from SoftBank, who previously acquired the company in 2016 for $32 billion.
ARM specialises in the CPUs we often see in smartphones and other devices. Companies like Apple, Qualcomm and others rely on licensing ARM technology, so there will be plenty of regulatory scrutiny before the acquisition can be approved.
SoftBank and Nvidia have agreed to the $40 billion deal but as with any major acquisition, regulators need to assess whether or not it would create a monopoly in the market. This is something that rival tech companies may be concerned about, as Nvidia is already a dominant force in the GPU landscape.
At any rate, assuming all goes through, Nvidia will be investing more into ARM's headquarters in Cambridge, UK. This will start off with a new R&D centre entirely dedicated to artificial intelligence. This AI research will support industries like healthcare, science, robotics, self-driving vehicles and more.
KitGuru Says: NVIDIA's acquisition of ARM is expected to complete within the next 18 months, so there is still a long road ahead before the two companies fully merge. This is indeed a huge pickup for Nvidia though, outshining the major acquisition of Mellanox just a short while ago.


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Penetration testing stories - Page 2
Equifax breach indicates need to evolve cyber security thinking
The Equifax breach has underlined the problem with security testing.
The legal impact of data protection and management in the digital age
As organisations look towards data to track patterns, they should also be mindful of the legal regulations that govern data protection and breaches.
Identity theft - have you ever pen tested procedures?
There is a focus on technical aspects of penetration tests, network and application security, while the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
RIoT Solutions security team snaps up 'gruelling' OSCP certification
RIoT Solutions’ security team has proven that its up to scratch in their cyber expertise, after three of its top experts gained OSCP Certification.


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Here's all that happened in the markets today:
- Benchmarks extend their losing streak into third day; Sensex falls 433 points
- Capital goods index hits record high in a weak market
- Godrej Consumer Products' Q2 profit rises 4.6% YoY, misses estimates
- SC asks Future not to proceed with RIL deal till next hearing
- Sapphire Foods IPO sails through on final day
Benchmark indices declined for a third straight day today as rising inflation in the US seems to have worried the Street. With consumer inflation rising to a 30-year high but the Fed maintaining its stance that the situation is transitory, many believe that the Fed is behind the curve.
Amid these fears, the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex erased 433 points and closed at 59,920. The Nifty50, on the other hand, settled with a loss of 143 points at 17,874.
SBI, down nearly 3 per cent, was the top laggard among the Sensex stocks. It was followed by Bajaj Finserv, Tech Mahindra, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance and Axis Bank. On the upside, Titan ended 1.7 per cent higher ahead of its September quarter results.
In the broader markets, the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices slipped 0.6 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.
Among individual stocks, shares of Godrej Consumer Products ended 2.5 per cent lower after the company's Q2 results missed Street expectations. It reported a net profit of Rs 479 crore, up 4.6 per cent YoY, while revenue grew 8.5 per cent to Rs 3,164 crore.
Those of Future Group, on the other hand, ended flat with a positive bias, even as the Supreme Court asked the Group not to proceed with its case against Amazon at any other forum until the case is finally heard.
Sectorally, the BSE Realty index plunged 2.5 per cent, while the Bankex, Healthcare and Telecom indices were down over one per cent each.
The BSE Capital Goods index, which hit a record high of 29,057 in intra-day trade, also ended 0.14 per cent lower. Among individual stocks, Larsen & Toubro, Grindwell Norton and Timken also hit their respective record highs on the BSE in intra-day trade.
And before we close, a look at the primary markets. Sapphire Foods, the owner of Pizza Hut and KFC chain of restaurants, ended its three-day share sale with 6.5 times subscription, backed firmly by retail and QIB investors.
The IPO of Latent View Analytics, meanwhile, has been subscribed 23 times and will close tomorrow.


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The organisers of Game Developers Conference 2014 have announced that the subject of this year’s Classic Game Postmortem will be Robotron 2084.
Eugene Jarvis, creator of the popular arcade title, will host the session, discussing the game’s origins and the lessons he learned from its spiritual predecessor Defender.
The session will take place during this year’s GDC, which will once again be held in San Francisco and run from March 17th to 22nd.
GDC has already announced that it will be running its first studio-based postmortem this year, looking at the legacy of iconic point-and-click creators LucasArts.
You can check out our interview with LucasArts’ Noah Falstien here.


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The new cruise port will located on Grand Bahama Island and will cost more than $100 million to build. The cruise port will be developed by Carnival Corporation but will mainly be used by Carnival Cruise Line ships.
Carnival Cruise Line’s new Grand Bahama destination will be developed on the south side of the island in cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the government of The Bahamas.
The new destination will offer guests a uniquely Bahamian destination with a spectacular beachfront and exciting features, along with job opportunities and positive economic impact for the local community. More details will be revealed over the coming months.
Several Carnival Cruise Line ships currently visit the island with port stops in Freeport.
Construction will begin on the project once environmental and other permitting processes are completed. The current schedule has work beginning in mid 2020. A timeline for when the cruise port will open has not yet been released.
The project is expected to play an important role in the country’s recovery from the recent impact of Hurricane Dorian. As part of the development, Carnival Corporation’s plans include construction parameters that are designed to meet or exceed guidelines for being able to mostly withstand the impact of a Category 5 hurricane.
Carnival Corporation and its cruise line brands operate nine global ports and terminals, including:
- Barcelona in Spain
- Savona in Italy
- Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic
- Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico
- Grand Turk Cruise Center in Turks and Caicos Islands
- Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras
- Long Beach in California
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife terminal in the Canary Islands.
Carnival Corporation also operates two private island destinations in the Caribbean, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, and has a joint venture in Dubai for the future operation of two cruise terminals. Additionally, through a joint venture, Carnival Corporation is a 50/50 operator with MSC Cruises of a terminal in Marseille, France.
In total, Carnival Corporation cruise ships visit over 700 ports of call around the world.


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Five ships laden with Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, have arrived at the Lagos Ports, waiting to discharge.
The Nigerian Ports Authority made the announcement in its publication – `Shipping Position’, – a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
The publication indicated that two other ships had arrived the ports waiting to discharge aviation fuel.
NPA noted that 27 other ships containing petroleum products, food items and other goods were being expected at the ports from May 12 to May 27.
It explained that other expected ships contained general cargo, bulk salt, bulk sugar, buck wheat, bulk gypsum, crude palmolein, diesel, base oil, kerosene, bulk charcoal and other containerised goods.
NAN reports that 20 other ships are at the ports discharging wheat, general cargo, petrol, sugar, bulk gypsum, Low Pour Fuel Oil, frozen fish, diesel and containerised goods. (NAN)


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PARIS - Unilever said it expects to beat its forecast for long-term sales growth of 3 to 5 percent, and improve its underlying operating margins for the year.
Net profits for the consumer products giant jumped 60 percent in the third quarter to reach 1.71 billion euros, or $2.58 billion, thanks to business disposals.
Sales for the quarter rose 2 percent to 10.43 billion euros, or $15.71 billion, but were flat for the nine-month period at 30.37 billion euros, or $46.24 billion. Dollar figures are converted at average exchange rates for the respective periods.
"We have strengthened the business in a tough environment," Unilever’s group chief executive Patrick Cescau stated.
Peter Kim's Los Angeles-based premium denim line has always had its finger on the pulse of youth. This season, novelty is back in a way reminiscent of early Aughts, with studs, lace-ups, racing waxed denim and more. For more highlights if some of the key brands at the Vegas trade shows, go to WWD.com. #wwdfashion (📷: Patrick Gray; Styles by @thealexbadia; Story by @karihamanaka and @marcy_wwd)
"I was driving back on Saturday afternoon from the beach, and I just saw this sign saying 'Skydiving for $95.' And I was like, I can't not sky dive for $95," says Tom Bateman about a moment in Hawaii while shooting "Snatched." #wwdeye (📷: @vsteves; Interview by @ktauer; Styled by @thealexbadia)


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Hard Rock Café shuts down
The Hard Rock Café, one of the most iconic American diners, officially shut down in Ain el Mreisseh as of September 9, 2013, said Chady El Bared, General Manager of the restaurant. Hard Rock International will be looking for a new location in the country, to be announced at a later stage.
Hard Rock Café Beirut, launched in December 1996, was the first venture in the Middle East by the chain. The Ain el Mreisseh branch used to stretch over 900 square meters with a capacity for 200 seats.
Date Posted: Sep 09, 2013


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Huawei announced on Wednesday that it had reached a patent license agreement with a supplier of Volkswagen Group.
The agreement includes Huawei’s Essential Patent (SEP) license for 4G standards, covering Volkswagen vehicles with wireless connectivity. It is the largest licensing deal reached by Huawei in the automotive industry so far.
Song Liuping, chief legal officer of Huawei, said: “As an innovative enterprise, Huawei has a leading patent portfolio of wireless technologies, which has created great value for the automotive industry. We are glad to see that key players in the automotive industry recognize the value of our patents. We believe that through this license, worldwide consumers will benefit from our advanced technology.”
Huawei expects that more than 30 million vehicles will obtain its patent licenses based on existing license agreements. In the past 20 years, Huawei has entered more than 100 patent licensing agreements with major global manufacturers across Europe, the United States, Japan and South Korea.
According to news from Tencent, as of March 5, 2021, Huawei owns a total of 357 patents related to automobile, automatic driving, radar and maps.
Among the 357 patents, 137 of them contained the keywords “automatic driving”, accounting for 38.37%; Radar, a technology that plays an important role in automatic driving, accounts for 16.8%. Further, There are 96 patents with the keywords “electric vehicles”, accounting for 26.9%; and 30 patents relate to charging, accounting for 8.4%.
However, in terms of patents related to automobiles, Huawei still has a long way to go. According to media reports, Audi, a traditional automobile manufacturer, submitted more than 1,200 patents in 2019 alone, with more than three patent applications every day. Chinese new electric-vehicle maker NIO has filed more than 4,000 patents and Xpeng Motors has more than 1,500 patents.


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Tata Motors has commenced
trials of its 9 meters electric bus in Chandigarh. With a capacity to seat 31
passengers, the Tata Ultra ELECTRIC 9m bus will run for over 15-days, with the
trial jointly carried out with Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) and the
State Transport Department, with the Chandigarh administration having started
the process of introducing electric buses in the city under its Smart City plan
This is in continuation to the
successful trial of the 9 meters electric bus trial from Parwanoo to Shimla a
few weeks ago, where the bus covered a distance of 160 kms in one full charge.
The initial trials in Chandigarh also show very encouraging results in a
running of 143 kms, covering approximately 70% of the charge. The trials are
part of the Ministry of Road Transport’s agenda for the electrification of
public transport, for which Tata Motors is getting ready with its range of
electric vehicles, from 9 meters and 12 meters with various seating
configurations, as well as its last mile passenger transport vehicle, the Tata
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Kia India is now offering an electric sunroof in its Sonet Smartstream G1.2 HTK+ variant. The model will be available at Rs 9.76 lakh. Sonet has already more than 3.3 lakh customers in last three year...


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“This year, competition for Truck of the Year with the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) was very intense and exciting with three very worthy trucks making the final vote,” said Craig Conover, President of RMAP. “After a vote from all the members of RMAP, it was a clear choice for the new Ram 1500 to be awarded Truck of the Year in the Denver region.”
For RMAP’s Truck of the Year award, the vehicle nominating committee considered a number of attributes, including performance, fuel economy, value, and vehicle features, to narrow down the field to three finalists. After voting by the entire RMAP membership was tallied, the 2019 Ram 1500 was voted the winner.
“The 2019 Ram 1500 with eTorque mild hybrid system is the benchmark for efficiency and durability with a high level of technology and luxury unexpected in a pickup truck,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “Recognition from the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association further solidifies our efforts in the design, engineering and manufacturing of the Ram 1500.”
In order to be eligible for the award, vehicles must be in the Rocky Mountain regional press fleet and available for RMAP members to test. RMAP represents automotive journalists from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona. RMAP’s main goal is to promote an information exchange between automakers and journalists and to help consumers make informed decisions about their transportation needs.


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TBEX, the world’s largest community of travel bloggers, writers, content creators and social media professionals, has announced Jerusalem as the location of its upcoming TBEX International 2017 meeting.
“Jerusalem was chosen as our first TBEX International destination because of its rich multi-cultural history,” says Patti Hosking, TBEX Vice President. “Geographically in Asia, but more economically and culturally aligned with Europe, Jerusalem is one of those special destinations that defies classification and is best explained as International. It’s a bucket list destination for many people, including bloggers, and we know that our attendees will find diverse experiences there. We’re going to see a lot of very special stories come out of our time in Jerusalem.”
TBEX holds annual conferences in locations across the world, drawing some 1,000 delegates including some of the most influential travel bloggers and leading digital content creators.
“This is an important opportunity to reach the top opinion leaders in the travel industry and travel media. Jerusalem offers conferences so much more than just the facilities for a successful event, but the opportunity to enjoy the city’s unique history, culture, culinary delights and nightlife,” says Ilanit Melchior, Director of Tourism at the Jerusalem Development Authority.
TBEX is joining forces with the Jerusalem Development Authority, iTravelJerusalem.com, and the Israel Ministry of Tourism for the March 20-22, 2017 event, to be held at the ICC Jerusalem International Convention Center.


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The demand for organic products has been on the rise, with more and more consumers becoming conscious of the impact their purchases have on the environment and their health. Organic cassia, a variety of cinnamon, is no exception, with its popularity growing worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the future outlook for the organic cassia industry in Vietnam and globally.
The Global Organic Cassia Industry
Cassia is a versatile spice used in cooking, baking, and herbal medicine, and its popularity is rising. The global organic cassia market has experienced significant growth in the past decade, driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits and the demand for natural, sustainable products.
In addition to its culinary uses, organic cassia is also used in traditional medicines due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This has further boosted its popularity as consumers seek natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. The global organic cassia market is expected to grow, with projections of a CAGR of over 7% in the coming years.
The Organic Cassia Industry in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the world’s leading producers of cassia, and its organic cassia industry is thriving. The country’s favourable climate and fertile soil, combined with the government’s support for organic agriculture, have made it an ideal place for organic cassia farming.
Visimex, a pioneer in Vietnam’s organic agriculture, has strong support for farmers and helps to promote sustainable agriculture practices. This has further boosted the growth of the country’s cassia industry, with more and more farmers switching to organic farming methods.
The Future of the Organic Cassia Industry
The future of the cassia industry looks bright, both in Vietnam and globally. The increasing demand for organic products and the recognition of the health benefits of organic cassia will drive its growth in the coming years. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, the demand for organic cassia will continue to rise.
The cassia industry in Vietnam is well positioned to take advantage of this growth, with its favourable climate, fertile soil, and the support of the government and organizations like Visimex. The future looks bright for organic cassia farmers in Vietnam and the industry.
In conclusion, the cassia industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years, both in Vietnam and globally. Its popularity is driven by its versatility, health benefits, and the growing demand for natural, sustainable products. The future looks bright for organic cassia farmers and the industry.
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Is this the start of another mobile arms race? CNet reports that Skype bought mobile messaging service GroupMe for an undisclosed amount. And by default, it is Microsoft that bought GroupMe since Microsoft bought Skype earlier in the year for $8.5 billion.
Is this possible we are at the start of another arms race and this time the weapon of choice is SMS like messaging services that will eventually spell the doom of the era of mobile providers gauging its users for texting plans that require little to no bandwidth.
I have to say messaging would not be my choice of service if I want to arm my company's mobile services. Honestly, I think location-based services like check-in companies Foursquare or Gowalla offers more opportunities for commercialization than group messaging.
Facebook already made their move with Beluga. Apple already has iMessage that will be forthcoming with its next iOS update. Google has, well, a bunch of homegrown services at its disposal. Gtalk and elements of Google+ like Huddle comes to mind. So I find it difficult any of the major mobile platforms would be interested in snatching up their own messaging company.
It's possible some carriers might be interested in their own messaging services to prepare for the demise of texting.
We'll see over the next two weeks where this goes and why Skype and Microsoft wants GroupMe. Skype already has an IM feature as does Microsoft.
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Sunday, August 21, 2011
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Simon Nixon: Brexit isn’t working, but that does not mean things cannot get worse
Along with a new shadow cabinet, Sir Keir Starmer has a new slogan. First unveiled at his party conference in October, the Labour leader has pledged to “make Brexit work”. It is certainly a useful phrase, acknowledging as it does that Brexit is not going to be reversed. But it also acknowledges that leaving the European Union, in economic terms, has been a failure. Trade with the EU is estimated to be around 11 per cent lower than it would have been if Britain was still in, and that is before full border checks have been implemented. At the same time, the labour shortages and supply chain disruptions afflicting businesses following the end of free movement become more evident by the day.
Nor is the


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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Scientists have found a gene that allows plants to package and store materials in their cells a discovery that may open the door to producing new types of plastics from plant materials.
Clint Chapple, professor of biochemistry at Purdue University, and Knut Meyer of DuPont and Co., have cloned a gene from the common laboratory plant Arabadopsis that will allow materials to produce plastics in crops without damaging the plant's health.
A patent application, in which both Purdue and DuPont have rights, has been filed on the use of the gene for the production of monomers. Chapple also received the 2001 Agricultural Researcher Award from the Purdue School of Agriculture for his work.
Currently, petroleum is used to make nearly all plastics; it also is used as a base material or solvent in paints, household and industrial chemicals and in thousands of other applications.
But crop plants such as corn or soybeans hold the potential to create plants that provide the starting materials to make the plastics we already have and to make new plastics with never-before-seen properties, Chapple says.
Plastics are produced by making chains of compounds derived from petroleum. Scientists call these chains polymers, and the individual molecules that form the chain are called monomers.
One reason scientists are interested in making plastics from plants is that plants produce an amazing array of compounds that could be used for monomers in plastics.
We have been historically limited by the number of polymers that we can make from petroleum, Chapple says.
Plants also are much more versatile than petroleum.
Plants are really amazing chemical factories that produce a mind-boggling number of interesting chemicals," Chapple says. "We can exploit that ability by using genomics to identify the genes required to make those compounds and by using biotechnology to insert the genes into crop plants.


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Battery power is seeing more and more demand these days with the rise in the number of portable devices people use these days. This calls for batteries that provide you with more power and those have the ability to stand more charge/discharge cycles. Thanks to Sony, this will now be a reality. Sony has launched this new range of batteries under the Fortelion series which combines a new technology - The Olivine-type Lithium iron phosphate as a cathode material along with Sony's proprietary particle design technology.
According to a press release from Sony these batteries will have extended life span of approximately 2,000 charge-discharge cycles and an expected capacity retention of 80% even after this. Another salient feature of this new range of batteries is it's ability to charge rapidly (99% charge completes in 30 minutes) and providing a stable discharge of voltage.


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CIOs monitor a lot of metrics, but advisory firm The Hackett Group Inc. says there's one more to watch: the number of enterprise software applications per 1,000 end users.
The first step in any application development project is to collect the user requirements. Get that wrong, and the project will be in trouble.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs will handle keynote duties at the company's annual developers conference in two weeks, Apple confirmed today.
Tech and booth babes on day one of the CeBIT Australia 2010 trade fair in Sydney.
Sybase will dramatically revamp and integrate its conglomeration of mobile software products, assuming software giant SAP, which is buying Sybase, doesn't have other ideas.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission won't block Google's US$750 million acquisition of mobile advertising vendor AdMob because the deal isn't likely to harm competition in the emerging mobile advertising market, the agency said Friday.
With the aim of bringing down the price of laptops, Intel on Monday launched a family of low-power processors for thin and light machines that could be more affordable than conventional laptops.
IBM is buying AT&T subsidiary Sterling Commerce, maker of business-to-business data integration software, for about US $1.4 billion in cash, the companies announced Monday.
After failing to gain market traction with its first iteration of hybrid drives three years ago, Seagate today announced a new hard-disk and solid-state combination drive with as much as 500GB of capacity, but with a 250GB model starting at $113.
PC makers Hewlett-Packard and Dell have spilled details about new quad-core laptop processors from Intel prior to launch of the chips.
Yahoo Mail and Messenger will power Nokia's mobile mail and chat services starting later this year, the companies said during a press conference on Monday.
Google's celebration of the 30th anniversary of Pac-Man last week flooded Mozilla's Firefox support forum with complaints about siren sounds and offbeat music.
Telstra has reduced excess usage charges on its business broadband plans and increased the speed of connections where possible. Excess data charges have been halved and now capped at $400 per month. Other customers who have eligible Telstra Business ...
OCZ Technology Group, Inc. today introduced two higher capacity versions of its Vertex 2 and Agility 2 SATA II 2.5-in solid state drives SSD today.
Were you one of the many people happily playing free Pac-Man on Google's doodle last Friday?
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MSC Cruises today announced partnership with Chelsea Football Club with MSC becoming the clubs official global cruise partner.
The multi-million-pound partnership will also extend to LED perimeter advertising, VIP hospitality, star player engagement as well as a dedicated digital marketing presence. It will commence in January 2019 and will run until June 2021.
In celebration of the partnership, ambassadors from the football club will attend the naming ceremony of the cruise lines newest ship the MSC Bellissima. The ceremony will take place on the 2nd March 2019 in Southampton.
In addition, MSC Bellissima will be the first ship in the fleet to benefit from the partnership where signed Chelsea FC memorabilia will be on display for guests in the British pub on board.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises commented
“For MSC Cruises, this is an exciting opportunity to be working with the respected and highly successful Chelsea FC – the brand as well as the overall organisation. It is part of MSC Cruises’ strategic focus on the UK & Ireland, with the two markets being a key part of the next phase of our global growth plan. It is also designed to build further positive brand association as well as introduce our distinctive cruise experience to new audiences both in the UK & Ireland and globally.”
MSC Cruises is currently the leading cruise brand across Europe as well as in the Gulf, South America and Southern Africa and is currently in the midst of an industry-unprecedented 10-year, €13.6 billion investment plan, which will see 17 new ships coming into service over the 2017 – 2027 period. MSC Cruises has a presence globally and has welcomed over 170 different nationalities on its ships.
Chris Townsend OBE, Commercial Director, Chelsea Football Club stated: “We are delighted to announce a partnership with MSC Cruises at such an exciting time for their business. With the imminent launch of their new ship, it is the perfect time to begin our partnership and we truly believe that working together, we can help MSC Cruises to achieve their strategic goals, both locally, in the UK and Ireland, and globally”


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Apple is to bring the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 out of retirement in India in order to increase its market share.
Apple stopped selling the iPhone 4 in September 2013, more than three years after it launched in June 2010. The iPhone 4 has been succeeded by the iPhone 4s (October 2011), the iPhone 5 (September 2012) and iPhone 5s (September 2013).
The move has yet to be made official by Apple, but has been reported by the India newspaper The Economic Times, which quotes sources at Apple's four top trade partners in India who requested anonymity due to confidentiality clauses.
It is expected that stock for the iPhone 4 will come from unsold stock of the handset around the world, although this is again unconfirmed.
While the iPhone 5s retails in India at R53,500 (£531, €637), which is almost a full month's salary for some, the iPhone 4 is to be sold at the new price of R15,000 through buyback and enterprise management incentive (EMI) monthly payment schemes, compared with the original Indian launch price of R26,500.
Apple has been losing sales to rival Samsung in India, so in order to attract younger buyers, the iPhone maker took out front-page new paper adverts and ran TV commercials in 2013, offering bonuses for trading in certain phones, seeking to make the iPhone seem cheaper, while still maintaining the brand's premium image.
India is set to become the world's third-largest smartphone market this year, according to Strategy Analytics, with Apple accounting for only 5% of smartphone shipments to India, while Samsung leads with 40% of the market share with smartphones that start from £60.
IDC reports that the Indian smartphone market has grown 229% year-on-year, while sales of feature phones continue to decline.
Feature phones, particularly those from Nokia, have long been most popular in emerging countries where users are used to having to pay the full price of a mobile phone.
While users in developing countries like India were once content with feature phones, younger, brand-conscious buyers want to get onto the smartphone ladder, albeit at a lower price than western markets.


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According to app analytics company^( newest record at the state of cellular gaming in 2019 and past, cellular video games are anticipated to succeed in 60% marketplace proportion in gaming shopper spend this 12 months. The record additionally issues out that whilst Google Play dominates the set up base, the App Store continues to lead in monetization.
Almost 33% of all international downloads are video games which demonstrates how customers proceed to interact with new gaming reports. The record additionally notes that 74 cents of each and every buck going throughout the App Store are pushed via video games, with 95% of the ones purchases coming as in-app purchases.
Games noticed a year-over-year enlargement fee in shopper spend in 2018 of 15% for iOS and Google Play. Consumer spend in racing video games grew 7.9x as speedy because the marketplace total, while journey video games noticed enlargement at kind of 5x the velocity of video games in normal.
Some different key findings of the record come with the next:
- 6+ million video games had been launched on Google Play via 2018
- 1.1+ million video games had been launched on iOS via 2018
- Google Play sees the lion’s proportion of downloads international, whilst iOS App Store leads in monetization — accounting for 64% of bucks spent international
- Google Play reaches extra customers whilst iOS has tapped those that are extra keen or ready to invest in apps
- Mobile gaming is larger than each and every different channel — whether or not or not it’s computer systems, house recreation consoles or hand-held consoles.
While China is via a ways the biggest gaming marketplace, the United States players appear to play extra hyper informal video games, riding extra virtual advert earnings.