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August 6th, 2017 | by Carolyn Fortuna
This week's edition of "The Gas2 Week in Review" focuses on announcements about all-electric vehicles as well as some propaganda intended to sabotage their momentum in the marketplace
August 3rd, 2017 | by Steve Hanley
Elon Musk told investors yesterday that the Model Y will be built on a variation of the Model 3 chassis. He expects the car to launch by 2019 and sell a half million units a year -- or more.
May 11th, 2017 | by Steve Hanley
Volkswagen boss Herman Diess says anything Tesla can do, his company can do better. He says VW will be selling 1 million electric cars a year by 2025. Elon Musk says Tesla will be doing so by 2020. Buckle your seat belts.
May 5th, 2017 | by Steve Hanley
The Tesla Model Y will be just a Model 3 with tall suspension and falcon wing doors, right? Wrong. It will be built on its own dedicated chassis says Elon Musk. Its factory may be the most highly automated in the world
March 25th, 2017 | by Steve Hanley
Elon Musk tweeted up a storm about the Tesla Model 3 recently. He talked about production schedules, battery size, and production schedules. Read the details here
March 24th, 2017 | by Steve Hanley
Morgan Stanley stock analyst Adam Jonas says he expects the Tesla Model 3 to be ten times safer than a conventional car.
October 3rd, 2015 | by Steve Hanley
A more affordable Tesla Model X may be coming in about a year, but with what size battery? Also, a Model Y is in the works, maybe with falcon wing doors


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(Kitco News) - The bad news for the gold market -- India is not importing as much metal as usual during the run-up ahead of the Diwali gift-giving season, analysts said.
The good news - at least strong demand from China is making up for some of the slack. Also, Indians still want gold, as reflected by soaring premiums; they just can't get it easily due to government restrictions, implying that the demand will still be there in future years when or if onerous rules are lifted or pared back.
Gold historically has risen from late summer into year-end as demand for physical metal picks up ahead of a number of gift-giving holidays around the world. In particular, this includes the autumn festival season in India, with Diwali starting on Nov. 3.
This year, however, gold is actually down from where it was as of the end of August.
This is occurring during a backdrop in which authorities in India, historically the world's largest gold-consuming nation, are trying to curtail imports to combat large current-account and trade deficits. The country has hiked the import tariff on gold to 10% and initiated a so-called 80/20 rule that requires importers to export at least 20% of their imports as jewelry.
"It's making it very difficult for anybody to buy gold," said Bernard Sin, global head of precious metals trading with MKS (Switzerland) SA.
On top of this, the deficits have helped pressure the Indian rupee to record lows, making gold more expensive to Indians in their local currency.
"It's clearly having a negative effect on the flow of imports into India, even accounting for some growth in smuggling activity since the imposition of the higher import duties and the 80/20 regulations," said Jeffrey Nichols, managing director of the consultancy American Precious Metals Advisors and senior economic consultant for Rosland Capital.
Gold was the No. 1 imported item by India last year, outranking oil, said Jim Steel, analyst with HSBC. However, as of Monday, an official with the All India Gems & Jewelry Trade Federation was quoted as saying imports were probably only 5 metric tons so far in October.
To put that into perspective, World Gold Council data listed India's demand at 864.2 metric tons for full-year 2012, which would work out to an average of 72 tons a month.
"This now makes China all the more important," Steel said. "China is now by far way out in front as the world's largest gold-consuming country, with India on sort of a hiatus."
And, he continued, China's demand has been strong overall in 2013. It has cooled some in recent months, but this was from "white hot" levels earlier in the year, Steel said.
The Gold Council listed China's 2012 demand at 776.1 tons. The next quarterly World Gold Council report on supply/demand trends may well show China has already exceeded the 2012 tally in just three quarters of 2013, as the combined total for the first two quarters was already 588.9 tons.
"The Chinese have been consistently buying the market," Sin said. "They have been one of the big boys supporting the market, for sure. The last wave of selling that we saw in the market last week was bought by the Chinese. There is still good demand out of Asia. If India was buying as much as the Chinese, the market would have been at $1,400 by now."
Time will tell how long the Indian import restrictions continue.
"I don't think anybody really knows how it's going to unfold," Nichols said. "What we do know is that the Indians love gold, and that's not going away."
Added Steel: "We'll have to see the wider economic climate in India and whether that allows the government to tinker with this. Right now, India is sort of starved of imports."
Indian Gold Premiums Soar On Lack Of Metal
Gold premiums in India have soared as consumers compete to get their hands on a more limited supply, analysts said.
"Premiums are very high," Steel said. "But that doesn't necessarily mean the gold is going in. I'm sure the domestic demand remains strong, but imports have fallen off to very, very low levels."
Analysts reported that gold premiums have been around $100 an ounce ahead of Diwali, reportedly once even getting as high as $140.
"Even with such high premiums, nobody can import," Sin said. "You can see Indians are buying. They're really paying up. It shows they are desperate."
Nichols commented that the gold market has probably already factored into prices the reduced buying from India this year. He also described this as a "temporary" problem.
"Clearly, the Indian people have a strong desire to continue accumulating gold. It has a long history of not only attachment to gold, but smuggling gold. In past decades, there were also periods of restrictions against imports, but they took place nevertheless. I think over time, the smuggling of gold will simply grow to match the demand."
Nichols listed a number of reasons for the affinity to gold in India.
"To some degree, it's a religious and cultural phenomenon that goes back many, many centuries," Nichols explained. Indians consider it "fortuitous" own gold, he continued. Also, those living in rural areas may not have ready access to alternative forms of savings or banking institutions, he continued.
"A majority of the gold purchases is bought by the agrarian sector…not just farmers but the shopkeepers and others who live and work in farming regions," he continued. "When income is up in the agrarian sector, historically we tend to see a rise in imports. And this has been a good year for harvest income for farmers and the agrarian sector in general."
Read the latest news in gold and precious metals markets at Kitco News.
By Allen Sykora of Kitco News email@example.com

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Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has shared some new details on his upcoming game, Fantasian, and confirmed it will arrive in 2021.
Fantasian is a brand new RPG from Mistwalker, which was founded by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. It will feature music from Nobuo Uematsu. In a newsletter, the developer has shared more details on this new RPG.
Hironobu Sakaguchi, Mistwalker
A happy new year!
FANTASIAN, the game we have been developing over the last three years is almost complete and is scheduled to be released on Apple Arcade this year.
The game is an RPG that takes players through a unique world handcrafted dioramas by professional sculptors featuring: music by Mr. Uematsu, an open-world scenario in the latter half of the game, a user interface designed specifically for touch panels (also compatible with controllers), and a unique set of characters.
Furthermore, a new system called the “Dimengeon” allows players to fight all the enemies at once instead of battling small mobs as they encounter them.
The game can be played on iPhone, iPad, mac, and AppleTV, and save data is shared across all devices. We are confident this will provide an intriguing experience as players can switch between mobile and desktop devices.
I hope you will all enjoy it!
Mr. Nobuo Uematsu, Dog Ear Records
A happy new year!
As I went into the music production of FANTASIAN,
I was ready to spend the most time and effort I had ever spent on a single game. Having that much passion and dedication led to more diverse music, which made me realize, “I never knew I could do something like this.”
Whether it was Mr. Sakaguchi’s passion for the game or it was “fate,” I was able give everything I could to FANTASIAN.
Please look forward to it.
In a tweet, Sakaguchi confirmed that the game will launch in 2021 for Apple Arcade.
A happy new year!#FANTASIAN, the game we have been developing over the last 3 years is almost complete and is scheduled to be released on #AppleArcade this year.
The game is an RPG that takes players through a unique world handcrafted dioramas: music by Mr. Uematsu.@AppleArcade pic.twitter.com/ZCKDVn7fYR
— 坂口博信 (@auuo) January 1, 2021
Fantasian is currently only confirmed for Apple Arcade and will be playable on iOS devices and Mac.


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Emmanuel Finndoro-Obasi Director of Trade, Business and Investments, with Charlotte Hall, DFID Head of Governance, Open Societies and Anti-Corruption, and Nick Horne Chief of Staff for Secretary of State for DFID, during the Launch of Advocates for International Development (A4ID).
Africa House London, and Westminister Africa Business Group in Round Table discussion with Togo Presidential Team and Ministers regarding Inward Investment and Bilateral Trade relations
After a successful bilateral meeting on 5th December 2018 with UK Minister for Africa Rt Hon Harriet Baldwin MP, and Togolese High Commissioner to UK Abra Dackey, at Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Togo is making good progress in strengthening relations
BBC 1 interview Director of Trade Businesses, and Investments explains UK Prime Minister Teresa May’s vist to Africa, and the importance of the her trade visit.
UK businesses secured various opportunities in Ghana, and Togo.
August, 2018 Africa House London in partnership with Westminster Foundation for Democracy carried out a successful Trade Mission to Togo
On the 5th November 2017 Africa House London made a second trade mission to Nigeria. The five day trip was intended to be part of the organisation’s mission of boosting direct trade between UK companies and businesses in the Sub-Sahara
AHL held a UK/Nigeria Trade Relations Event at the House of Commons. The event was hosted by Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle. Speakers at the event included: the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, John Howell, MP; Helen Grant, MP
Trade Mission to Nigeria, June, 2016 Africa House London organised a trade delegation to Nigeria with the aim of boosting trade activity between the UK and Nigeria. The delegation was composed of experts from oil & gas, agriculture, education/training and


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Broward pharmaceutical cluster to grow with new manufacturers
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is close to landing a hat trick of major pharmaceutical manufacturers in Broward County this year.
In February, it was Apotex Corp. that was offered public incentives to create 108 jobs in Coral Springs as part of a $102.9 million investment in a generic drug manufacturing plant. Then, on March 12, under the name “Project Monodose,” a confidential Venezuelan pharmaceutical company received county approval for its share of a $500,000 incentive package to create 100 jobs and invest $50 million in Tamarac. David Coddington, VP of business development at the alliance, declined to reveal the site of the 135,000-square-foot facility the company is targeting, but said Broward is the leading contender for the project.
“In the last year, we’ve worked with five different pharmaceutical companies,” he said. “One of the things they see here is there’s a good workforce. Broward County is centrally located, and they can grab workforce across all three counties. And it has an international workforce with the ability to reach Latin America.”
While the alliance waits to hear final decisions from Apotex and Project Monodose, it has a third deal in the works. Coddington said a multinational pharmaceutical company has filled out an application for incentives in Broward, and should submit it within the next two weeks. This company would add more than 100 jobs, invest $45 million and acquire a site where it would construct a 50,000- to 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. He would not say where in the county it is looking.
This company is also considering Georgia and the Carolinas, but Coddington believes Broward has the edge.
“That builds momentum,” he said. “As they say: Birds of a feather flock together.”
Brian Bandell covers real estate, transportation and logistics. Get the latest news with our free daily newsletter. Click here to subscribe.
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Online Fraud Is Increasing - Is Business Intelligence the Answer?
With the year on year rise in ecommerce, there is a corresponding rise in online fraud - in fact, according to Financial Fraud Action UK, this type of activity had increased by a quarter to £399.5 million in the first half of 2016. The most recent manifestation of this is the concept of “testing” - this is where the criminals try small purchases to check the validity of card details, before moving in for the kill.
According to the reports, there has been a 200 percent boost in this phenomenon since the beginning of 2017. Not only does this mean that innocent consumers are at risk of having their accounts emptied, but just to add insult to injury, many find that their credit rating is negatively affected by the acts of these fraudsters.
The link between business intelligence (BI) and fraud prevention might not seem obvious, but the point is that behavioural analytics can play a significant role in understanding and determining fraudulent behaviour. Data analytics can be used to identify and track patterns that can help reveal exactly how, when and where these criminals are operating. The more we know, the better the chances for merchants and payment processors to implement the appropriate safeguards. And the benefits go wider. Better data means refinements can be made to those annoying automated fraud protection protocols that sometimes flag your genuine transactions as fraudulent and lead to embarrassed and unhappy customers wasting time resolving the matter. Eight times out of ten, there is a “shoot the messenger” mentality where they decide to take their business elsewhere rather than risk a repetition of this kind of inconvenience.
The benefits are not restricted to ecommerce. Other segments within the Fintech umbrella are equally exposed to cybercrime - for example, those involved in wealth management are logically a prime target. Now is the time to consider how the smart use of BI can guide their prevention strategies.
The next evolution of fraud prevention
The applications of data analytics and business intelligence are well known and understood when it comes to digital marketing and customer relationship management. Fintech companies also need to be aware of this rapidly evolving technology, and the benefits it can bring in fraud detection and prevention, as well as its more traditional applications, such as providing insights into customer behaviour and market trends.
Sally Collins is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and travelling as much as possible.
If you'd like to get an assessment of the architecture and security of your web or mobile application,please visit https://teskalabs.com/services/mobile-app-security-audit to know more about our security audit service for web app and mobile app.
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Mobility has always been at the cutting edge of human innovation and technological advancement. This is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Already, mobility as we know it is seeing significant disruption thanks to the entry of nontraditional players who are leveraging the power of computing devices and the Internet. But few things are likely to have a bigger impact on mobility than the enormous volumes of data that will be generated as a result.
Published on February 10, 2019
This summer something strange has occurred in my household. Suddenly, all of my children ranging in age from 9 to 18 are willingly piling into our van the minute I mention driving anywhere- even to the grocery store. And it’s not my company or the possibility of picking out this week’s cereal they are seeking. No, they are merely wanting a ride to aid them on their hunt for elusive Pokémon.
Published on August 30, 2016
Apple will want to dominate the market for TV apps. To achieve this objective, it’s understandable that Apple makes it easy for app developers to create apps and games for the Apple TV platform using tvOS and profit from them just as they have already done so for the iPhone and iPad devices. Developers can leverage similar frameworks and technologies since tvOS is just a modified version of the iOS. They can even retrofit the apps that were previously developed for iOS to support the Apple TV’s tvOS.
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Variety Insight premium subscribers can access phone, email and more.
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Access the industry's most accurate development and production listings,credits,contact info, org charts, box office, TV ratings and more.
Want to see projects Jeffrey Kaufman is developing? Visit Variety Insight .
Latest Headlines: Jeffrey Kaufman
Jeffrey Kaufman, previously head of digital video for Alloy Entertainment, has been named USA Network’s senior VP of digital. Kaufman reports to Alexandra Shapiro, USA’s exec VP of brand marketing…


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While scammers take advantage of celebrities’ names without them knowing about this, some of the stars willingly take part in fraudulent projects. Thus, a famous US rapper known as T.I. agreed to pay a fine amounting to $75,000 for promoting a fraudulent ICO.
Related to the growing number of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrency scams using fake advertising, it becomes obvious that the industry needs regulation. Advertising influences people's purchasing decisions, therefore, good social engineering can turn it into a great instrument for luring customers into various digital currency-related scams.
While many community members complain that YouTube is demonstrating hostility to cryptocurrency-related projects, scammers using the platform to trick people prove such measures are somewhat reasonable.
The UK Finance Conduct Authority researched the country’s cryptocurrency market to understand the citizen’s attitude towards digital assets. Curiously enough is that they do it right before the registration deadline set for companies dealing with cryptocurrency.
As of now, sharing content on the Internet is quite a problematic industry. Content creators often face stealth of their work, difficulty while copyright verification, onfair royalty distribution, etc. The reason for this is the centralized nature of most content sharing platforms.
On April 30, GoogleAds were exposed in sponsoring phishing ads for scam alternatives to crypto exchange CoinCorner. Meanwhile, the company itself failed to secure its spot with the search engine’s promoted ads. Therefore, this puts into question the entire attitude of big tech towards cryptocurrency.
Steven Seagal will pay $314,000 to settle allegations of unlawful cryptocurrency advertising, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said. In 2018, the actor on social networks urged people not to miss the opportunity to participate in the initial public offering of cryptocurrency (ICO) Bitcoiin2Gen (B2G).


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You see that frowny face SackBoy is making in the above picture? That's because he's sad that Sony and MediaMolecule have decided to launch LittleBigPlanet on October 21st despite the fact the online co-op mode is not ready. Wait..What?!?!
Yup, apparently the release first - patch later philosophy now applies to AAA titles like Sony's LittleBigPlanet. According to Eurogamer while the game won't be playable online with 4 player co-op, there is still offline co-op available until the patch is released. The claim is the patch will follow only a "few weeks" after the game's release, why not delay it? We all know the holiday season rush is a critical time to get game's out the door, but a few weeks should still put the release before Black Friday in the US. Of course this also makes us wonder what else is missing and/or broken in the game.
Update: 1UP has some more clarifying details stating the game still retains online co-op, just not the online creation tools. So you'll be able to play through already created levels, you just won't be able to create levels with your friends until the patch.


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Consumer inflation in China rose to 2.0 per cent in August, the government has said, its highest level in a year as the threat of deflation receded further in the world's second-largest economy.
The reading for the consumer price index, a main gauge of inflation released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), was higher than July's 1.6 per cent and the strongest since a similar 2.0 per cent in August last year.
But producer prices fell at their fastest for nearly six years.
The NBS said the producer price index - a measure of costs for goods at the factory gate and a leading indicator of the trend for CPI - declined 5.9 per cent in August, the worst since a 7.0 per cent fall in September 2009.
It was steeper than a 5.4 per cent retreat in July and marked the 42nd consecutive monthly drop.
Moderate inflation can be a boon to consumption as it pushes consumers to buy before prices go up, while falling prices encourage shoppers to delay purchases and companies to put off investment, both of which can hurt economic growth.
Slowing economic growth and declines in commodity prices have helped keep China's consumer inflation in check, with some some economists even voicing concerns about possible deflation.
The CPI figure compared with the median estimate of 1.8 per cent in a survey of economists by Bloomberg News.


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NEW YORK, May 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
According to report publishedby Hexa Research, the U.S. medical cannabis market size was valued at USD $5.44 Billion in 2016 and is expected to hit USD $19.48 billion by 2024. The industry is projected to witness rapid
In the U.S., the potential financial benefits from legalization are important economically and politically. Fortune reported that, "in order to collect $1 billion a year in taxes, the state will need to reach a projected $7 billion in annual legal recreational cannabis sales. At that rate, California would easily be the country's largest legal marijuana market, as the entire legal cannabis industry in the U.S. is expected to pull in roughly $10 billion in total sales for 2017. That number would almost certainly get a boost in the coming years, as legal markets grow in California and other states, such as Nevada and Massachusetts."
Snipp Interactive Inc. (OTCQB: SNIPF) is also listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker (TSX-V: SPN). Just earlier the company announced breaking news that it, "has incorporated a 100% owned subsidiary in the United States to facilitate it to do business with Cannabis companies based in the United States. The reason the Company chose to incorporate this subsidiary is twofold. The first is to enable the Company to be able to leverage its software platforms to service Cannabis businesses with creative business models that could include equity based and performance compensation partnerships and secondly to isolate its core business given that at the U.S Federal Level Cannabis is still a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
"Since the launch of the Cannabis Marketing Resource Center we have received a lot of interest and had many discussions with multiple players in the US and Canadian market. Some of these discussions have led to recommendations that have included working in a more partnership type structure that could involve an equity component as part of the payment mix for the use of our platform and services by these potential clients. As a Company we are open to working with companies to design programs that enable our shareholders to enjoy the upside of this nascent but fast growing industry and creating a separate legal entity to enable that therefore makes a lot of sense", said Atul Sabharwal, Founder & CEO of Snipp." The Cannabis space is rapidly evolving and we have seen a few US based companies dual listing on the Canadian exchanges. A great example is a company like iAnthus, A CMRC member, who pioneered listing in both markets. They have set the stage for a whole new crop of companies based in the US to list in Canada many of whom have not only joined our Cannabis Marketing Resource Center but some of whom are also in deep discussions with us on signing a Managed Service Agreement which allows Snipp to become an approved vendor of theirs locking in these clients for the future as their marketing needs evolve. We look forward to sharing some of progress we are making in converting our CMRC members to paying clients over the next few quarters" Visit the Snipp website at http://www.snipp.com/ for Snipp's full suite of solutions and examples of Snipp programs."
iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: ITHUF) on April 17th, 2018 the company announced that, "the completion of its acquisition of the remaining 20% of Pilgrim Rock Management, LLC ("Pilgrim Rock"), the affiliated management and services company that provides intellectual property licensing, professional and management services, real estate and equipment leasing, and certain other services to Mayflower Medicinals, Inc. ("Mayflower"). Mayflower, a non-profit Massachusetts corporation affiliated with Pilgrim Rock, has received two provisional licenses to operate Registered Marijuana Dispensaries ("RMDs") in Massachusetts, with a third RMD application pending before the Massachusetts Department of Public Health ("DPH"). Following the acquisition, iAnthus now owns 100% of Pilgrim Rock."
Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX: LXRP) has developed and out-licenses its disruptive delivery technology that promotes healthier ingestion methods, lower overall dosing and higher effectiveness of lipophilic active molecules. Last month, the company announced a major new licensing agreement with Nuka Enterprises LLC, maker of 1906 brand cannabis chocolates and other edible products. The deal renews Nuka's DehydraTECHTM license rights for use in its 1906 brand of cannabis chocolates, recognized for their fast onset times, efficacy, amazing taste and unique formulations. Nuka has been utilizing Lexaria's technology within its award-winning 1906 brand chocolates for nearly two years, during which time 1906 entered the cannabis market; advanced from a start-up to Colorado's number-three cannabis chocolate brand available in over 150 locations; and touted by media, industry watchers and consumers as one of the most innovative brands in the cannabis space. United Cannabis Corporation (OTCQB: CNAB) is a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of phyto-therapeutic based products supported by patented technologies for the pharmaceutical, medical, and industrial markets. In March, the company announced that Jamaica's University of the West Indies' Ethics Committee has reviewed and approved its proposal to conduct clinical trials on its Prana Bio Nutrient Medicinals P1 Capsules for the treatment of chronic pain. The study, titled, "An Open-Label, Phase 1, 2-Way crossover study evaluating the pharmacokinetics of Prana P1 THC activated capsules," will be conducted in conjunction with Cannabinoid Research & Development ("CRD"), the Company's Jamaican subsidiary, at the Centre For Cannabis Research at the University Of West Indies, Mona Campus, in Jamaica. Cannabinoid Research & Development (CRD), a subsidiary of United Cannabis, is a Jamaican based corporation pursuing local licensing to advance the use of medical cannabis therapies through biomedical research and development for the nutraceutical industry.
MPX Bioceutical Corp. (OTCQB: MPXEF) is a multinational diversified cannabis company focused on the medical and adult use cannabis markets. MPX continues to expand its U.S. footprint, and is providing operational and other management services to three dispensaries and one production license in Maryland. The Company also leases a property in Owen Sound, Ontario, for which an application to Health Canada has been made for a cannabis production and sales license. In addition, the Company will continue its efforts to develop its legacy nutraceuticals business. On April 3, 2018, the company reported that its managed Arizona assets have recorded their best revenue month in March with sales of cannabis and cannabis concentrates hitting the US$4.0 (CDN$5.2) million mark for the first time.
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THE biggest shareholder in JJB Sports has been linked to a plan that would see it force through a restructuring of the ailing retailer. Fund manager Invesco, which owns 47 per cent of the company, has reportedly lost patience with the Wigan-based business and wants to buy its outstanding debt from Lloyds Banking Group, so that it is in a better position to make changes. According to reports, it would work with one of JJB’s existing backers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, on a far-reaching restructuring plan.
THE biggest shareholder in JJB Sports has been linked to a plan that would see it force through a restructuring of the ailing retailer. Fund manager Invesco, which owns 47 per cent of the company, has reportedly lost patience with the Wigan-based business and wants to buy its outstanding debt from Lloyds Banking Group, so that it is in a better position to make changes. According to reports, it would work with one of JJB’s existing backers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, on a far-reaching restructuring plan. JJB, which is said to have considered the proposal at a board meeting last week, has been involved in a long-running survival battle after a slump in sales and a string of profit warnings. The company secured its most recent lifeline just three months ago when it landed £20m from Dick’s and a further £10m from existing shareholders, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It earmarked £20m of the most recent funding on converting 60 of its most important stores in 2012 and 2013 into a new format that during trials produced much-improved sales and margins. But it admitted last month that it would need additional funds for the programme sooner than it had expected. That sparked the departure of chief executive Keith Jones, who left at the end of last month, The former boss of lingerie chain La Senza, Beverley Williams, was last week appointed as interim chief executive to replace him, in a move that will see her work alongside US retail recovery specialist Bob Corliss, who previously ran The Athlete’s Foot. The latest fundraising came after it was forced to secure £96.5m from major shareholders in a bid to avoid administration. It also announced plans to close 43 unprofitable stores and place a further 46 on review in a bid to stave off administration. JJB’s shares plummeted by nearly a quarter towards the end of July, when it said weak demand has resulted in a disappointing Euro 2012. Like-for-like sales in the 24 weeks to July 15 were down 8.7 per cent. The group has 180 stores and employs 4,000 people across the UK.
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It's a repeat performance owners of nRange in Mt. Juliet didn't order. This week the Mt. Juliet gun store, located at 9904 Lebanon Road, was targeted twice - three days apart. These double break-ins fall on the heels of a January escapade where suspects rammed into the front door of this shop and took guns.
According to Mt. Juliet Police Lt. Tyler Chandler, detectives investigating this week's brazen hits believe the same suspects are responsible for the Sunday and Wednesday burglaries.
Both burglaries were in the pre-dawn hours; however for the Wednesday break-in, a second female suspect helped.
Chandler said on April 17 around 3 a.m., a male suspect broke into the back door of nRange and snagged five handguns, two shotguns and two rifles.
Then on April 20, this same male, along with a female suspect, broke through the same back door and swiped 10 handguns.
There is video surveillance of the break-ins, and detectives said it reveals the suspects are a white male and female in their 20's.
There's a $1,000 reward offered for information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for these crimes. Detectives have gathered evidence at the scene of both break-ins.
Chandler said the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) is assisting in the investigation and indicated these suspects may be connected to similar crimes in Nashville.
Chandler noted gun stores are popular targets for thieves. And while this particular store did have a surveillance system set up, he said there were some general things store owners (and home owners) can do to deter break-ins like this.
"Make sure the exterior of the property is lit up well, keep it cleaned up and this makes it difficult on the criminal," he said. "Make access harder. Of course have good locks on the door and try to put up extra barriers, such as bars over glass entries."
He said for guns stores, owners should make sure they lock up the firearms before closing or attach them to a cable system.
"Just have an extra defense system," he noted.
Chandler said, "Obviously, high-target businesses are patrolled more often. Unfortunately, we can't sit and watch them constantly."
Anyone with any information regarding this latest nRange crime is encouraged to call the MJPD at (615) 754-2550, or for anonymous tips (615) 754-TIPS. You can also go to the MJPD website at mjpd.org.
Writer Laurie Everett can be contacted at email@example.com.


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Overwatch 2 makes big money for Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard has reported healthy financial results following the releases of Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 over the past year.
Blizzard’s monthly active users have seen a sharp increase of almost 87 percent year-on-year after following a long downward trend. Revenue for the three months ended December 31 increased by about the same amount as people poured their money into the free-to-play sequel.
World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, the latest expansion to Blizzard’s long-running MMO, was released in late November. For the first time in 10 years, sales were down slightly from 2020’s predecessor Shadowlands (which pushed back over 3.7 million copies at launch).
“While early Dragonflight sales haven’t reached the levels of the previous expansion, community feedback on the title has been positive,” the company said specified.
Activision Blizzard last month ended its relationship with NetEase, its Chinese publishing partner, which took over running its games in the region. That happened too recently to be reflected in these latest results, although its impact will likely be seen in the next quarter if the company doesn’t find a replacement.
On the company’s Activision side, revenue and engagement were up again — though not quite as sharply as Blizzard’s. As expected, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 delivered a far healthier bottom line than last year’s disappointing WW2 set Vanguard, with Activision’s revenue up 59.9 percent year-on-year.
Activision’s monthly active users saw a more modest 3.7 percent year-over-year increase, helped by “record player investments” and “a strong year-over-year increase in franchise reach” since the launch of the rebooted Warzone 2.0 November. In that regard, however, Activision admitted that growth “slowed down post-launch.”
“We ended 2022 with record quarterly net bookings as we fulfilled our mission of bringing epic joy to gamers,” controversial Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said of the results. “I am grateful to our talented and hardworking teams for their many achievements in entertaining our hundreds of millions of players around the world.
“We look forward to a historic year as we work towards the merger with Microsoft. This merger will allow us to better serve our players, provide more opportunities for our employees and thrive in an increasingly competitive global gaming industry be.”
https://www.eurogamer.net/overwatch-2-making-big-bucks-for-activision-blizzard Overwatch 2 makes big money for Activision Blizzard


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ICAEW FELLOW James Thornton has joined the board of pawnbroker H&T Group as a non-executive director.
Thornton replaces Andrew Brown, who is retiring following six years on the board.
Since 2009, Thornton has been a director at Strand Partners. He previously held senior positions with Lord Ashcroft KCMG-associated companies – Anne Street Partners and Global Health Partner – and has more than 15 years of experience in UK financial services, including UK finance director at Old Mutual and as head of foreign exchange at IFX.
BHS auditor PwC questioned over why it described the embattled retailer as a 'going concern' days before it was sold for £1
KPMG raised concerns over Retail Acquisition's ability to continue to trade and fund both BHS
Grant Thornton adds another partner to its ranks, appointing a 20-year veteran to its Actuarial and Risk team
Queen's Speech legislation aims to crackdown on financial crime and protect those who have money in some auto enrolment schemes


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President-elect Joe Biden and President Donald Trump’s politics could not be more different and, as we’re about to discover, they have disparate taste in watches, too. From Trump’s classic gold Vacheron Constantin to Biden’s Omega timepiece, here’s a look at which brands get their vote.
In tune with his cool grandpa persona, Biden’s collection of timepieces is more contemporary than classic in terms of design. A fan of Omega, Biden’s been repeatedly spotted wearing no less than three different Seamasters. He wore one in a photo shoot for InStyle magazine in 2017.
The Seamaster is most popularly known for being James Bond’s preferred watch, first appearing in the franchise on 007’s wrist in 1995. If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s probably good enough for a president.
Biden also owns a Speedmaster, another popular range of timepieces by Omega. This particular model is perhaps even more fitting for an American president, since the Speedmaster was the first watch to make it into space aboard Apollo 11, worn on the wrists of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when they made those important first steps on the moon.
Omega gifted Richard Nixon with one of the first Speedmasters they ever made in yellow gold. However, Nixon rejected the gift as per protocol and the watch now sits in Omega’s archive. The watchmaker additionally remains Nasa’s official timekeeping partner to this day.
Biden’s also a fan of that most American of brands, Apple, and has been spotted wearing a classic Apple Watch with a black strap on several occasions in recent months. He wore it during last year’s 4th of July Independence Day parade in Iowa.
Another favourite of Biden’s is his Seiko Chronograph. The Seiko 7T32-6M90 Chronograph’s two-toned case and bracelet might look pricey; Biden’s version seems to be discontinued, but similar designs can be found on Seiko’s website for around US$500. Pre-owned pieces of the same model Biden wears go for about US$100 on online resale platforms.
A less frequently seen piece from Biden’s collection is his Vulcain Cricket alarm watch. Swiss brand Vulcain was a pioneer in making wristwatches with alarms in them in the 1940s and, according to the brand’s website, soon became a favourite among American presidents, starting with Harry Truman in 1953. In fact, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson all owned a Vulcain Cricket Alarm watch.
We wonder, could Biden’s watch have been an aspirational purchase? Either way, by 2021, the watch’s reputation will be intact.
There’s no word on whether Trump owns a Vulcain, but he owns another timepiece that’s also affectionately dubbed “the president’s watch” – the Rolex Day-Date. A big fan of the classic gold watch, Trump has been seen wearing his Day-Date long before he moved into the White House.
The brand, favoured by a number of former US presidents including Barack Obama, first found its way onto the wrist of Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. It’s been given the “president’s watch” moniker ever since.
When it comes to picking his watches, Trump makes a beeline for the classics. Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe are two brands we find in his collection. It’s not surprising the real estate mogul and former reality television star would opt for the big names in watchmaking; the two brands are among the watchmakers with the longest histories in their craft.
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 1968 and its square dial is a slight departure from the conventional dress watch. The president has been photographed in the Oval Office, hands on the Resolute desk, wearing this watch.
Whatever their politics are, it’s safe to say both the president and president-elect’s wrist games are strong.
Note: This story was originally published on SCMP and has been republished on this website.


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Ireland’s newest juice drink Vegified is two-time winner at ‘Beverage Oscars’
Vegified scoops top industry awards for ‘Best Juice Drink’ and ‘Best New Brand/Brand Extension’.
28 April 2017
New juice on the block Vegified – profiled in the April issue of ShelfLife – has picked up two awards at the 2017 Global InnoBev Awards.
Held on 25 April in Frankfurt, Germany, the latest innovation by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, was awarded ‘Best Juice Drink’ and ‘Best New Brand/Brand Extension’.
The awards aim to celebrate creativity, innovation, marketing and sustainability in the non-alcoholic beverages category. New juice drink Vegified succeeded ahead of almost 100 other entries from leading beverage companies around the world to pick up these accolades.
Vegified, an affordable vegetable and fruit juice drink, is the latest innovation by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland. The new brand aims to offer a healthy boost for a busy lifestyle, with four unique flavours; Beetroot & Strawberry; Pumpkin Ginger & Orange; Cucumber & Lime; and Bell Pepper & Orange.
All varieties contain 30% vegetable and fruit juice, are fortified with six essential vitamins and contain 60 calories or less per 300ml bottle.
Tara O’Rourke, head of Coca-Cola HBC brand marketing said: “With Vegified, we knew we had developed something special that would speak to busy consumers seeking a healthy boost on-the-go. Everything from the choice of ingredients, to the development of the brand’s rustic look and feel, was led by the local team and we’re hugely proud to have this work recognized by the coveted InnoBev Awards.
“We have had fantastic feedback from our retail partners on the early success of Vegified to date,” O’Rourke added, “and as we continue to increase distribution and encourage consumer trial, these awards will give the range a further lift.”
Vegified launched across Ireland and Northern Ireland at the end of March, and is supported by full marketing campaign to include OOH, digital, PR, experiential sampling in addition to a full suite of impactful displays and equipment in-store.


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As we kick off another day of quarantine, let’s express some gratitude for the internet. For FaceTime, texting, online shopping to support local businesses, and all the lovely stories of selfless acts you read via the Nextdoor App — thankfully, isolation doesn’t have to feel so disconnected.
Another boon of the internet: streaming. In addition to some top-notch binge watches, you can expect to see some of the most popular Dallas gyms bring their classes to some sort of video platform. Spots like Class Studios and Session Pilates are working hard to get those online options available this week.
But one local business already has their streaming platform up and running. On Thursday morning of last week, the creative collective at Oak Cliff’s beloved Oil and Cotton ordered a camera, determined to find a way to host their spring break camps for kids. The team spent Friday and Saturday making kits they could deliver to campers and rewrote the curriculum to work in an at-home setting. On Sunday, they finished deliveries, set up their virtual classroom, and taught themselves how to run the online, conference-style workshops. This Monday morning, they held their first class.
“It’s pretty amazing. It feels like our classroom. The kids get to interact with one another and share their artwork,” says Shannon Driscoll, who co-founded Oil and Cotton with Kayli House in 2010. “This is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time, so this has kind of pushed us to do it. We had to do it in order to survive and pay our teachers.”
Supplies for Oil and Cotton’s spring “Camp in a Box” programs are limited, so Driscoll and House are asking that people call ahead so they can get the kit prepared for them and available for curbside pick-up (or delivery if they’re in the neighborhood). A link is sent via email for campers to access the live stream.
Driscoll and House are currently working on their plan for the rest of the semester, and are hoping to offer a weekly live-streamed class that kids will be able to join. “We have an amazing eight-week curriculum that we could share with people who are interested in doing a live-streamed class,” adds Driscoll. “People have been contacting us to let us know they’re interested.”


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We've finally gotten the hard copies available for sale online. Along with that Eazy has dropped 2 new music videos in the last month, as well as started a new vlog series titled "Stay Eazy Be Loco".
Recently he was also featured in Wright State's newspaper, as well as landed himself a spot of Self Diploma's Summer Concert Series for 2014. June 21st Eazy El Loco will be taking the stage with OCD Moosh & Twist. Look out for new music from Eazy El Loco via/ soundcloud.com/eazyelloco
Trillion Dollar Dreams | Official Video w/ @itsDavideo
One Life | Official Music Video


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A new methodology that can be used to compare generic drug regulations between countries can help scale up the use of life-saving medicines by easing the way to legislation and prescription, according to a recent report.
By clarifying the traits of generic drugs and the constraints to using them the new methodology can help overcome persisting mistrust over their widespread use by doctors, lawmakers, public officials and others who shape relevant policies.
“Promoting the use of generic drugs can constitute a core instrument for countries’ national pharmaceutical policies, one that reduces drug expenditure while expanding health care access”, write the authors in the report, published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health.
Experts are currently lacking a roadmap that would allow them to determine what aspects of the generic drugs policy should be evaluated and compared, says Elize Fonseca, a researcher at the Teaching and Research Institute of São Paulo, and co-author of the research, in an interview with Brazil’s research foundation FAPESP.
The study focuses on Brazil — the main Latin American market for generic drugs — but the methodology can be used to compare regulations between other countries.
“Currently, each country has a different type of regulation, which at the end creates a trade barrier. But by answering four key questions [about biological equivalence with branded drugs, packing, prescription and replacement] we [the user of the methodology] can arrive to a better understanding of regulation in every country”, Fonseca explains.
Comparing legislation helps by unveiling the reasons behind governments’ legal stance on generics, for example. And it can pave the way to consistent rules so these drugs are more easily traded between countries.
In the case of Brazil, the methodology detected a number of conflicts of interest between government, pharmaceutical companies and consumers. This is because drug regulation “is a technical issue, but also political”, according to Fonseca.
For instance, only a quarter of all medicines sold in Brazilian drug stores are generics, even though the country has strongly supported their manufacture and prescription since 1999. Pharmaceutical companies still promote and advertise branded medicines as superior to generics in many countries.
In addition, while the Brazilian health system requires doctors to prescribe medicines according to their generic name, a 2006 study cited in the report found that 44 per cent of health professionals across eight cities said generic drugs are not reliable enough — a sign of mistrust. Among those who did trust their effectiveness, 17 per cent did not prescribe them.
The research is based on government data collected between 2007 and 2015. It is also based on a review of more than 400 science papers and journalistic articles, complemented by interviews with 60 officials and regulatory authorities that took part in the drafting and implementation of generic drugs policies in the country.
The researchers also analyzed bio-equivalence, a measure of whether generic and branded medicines have the same compounds and formulation.
“Before the generics law was passed , the pharmaceuticals industry in Brazil could copy drugs without an obligation to show evidence of their therapeutic equivalence,” says Fonseca.
“After [the law] demanding bio-equivalence, several producers were unable to adapt to the new legal requirements and their products were pulled out the market.” She points out that “competitiveness is key” in the pharmaceuticals sector “in order to get lower prices”.
To avoid a rise in prices, since 2000 the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) created a range of support tools that manufacturers of generics can use to register their products and support local enterprises that sell them.
ANVISA also promoted capacity building so that bio-equivalence tests take place in the country rather than abroad. Currently, 88 per cent of these tests are done in Brazil, and regulations in this area are more stringent than in other Latin American countries, according to the research.
Next the authors plan to conduct a case-by-case analysis of how generics regulation works in Chile, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico.
This article was originally published by SciDev.Net


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Cheetah Mobile, a Beijing-based app developer, announced on Thursday that it's releasing an app aimed to make it simpler for investors to monitor their cryptocurrency portfolios.
Dubbed Coin Master, the mobile app – available for both iOS and Android – will track the real-time prices of cryptocurrencies on over 100 exchanges and automatically calculate overall losses or profits after users update their trading histories.
The company said investors are able to update their portfolios either by inputting their transaction information manually, including both fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto transactions, or linking the app with the wallets or exchanges on which they store the assets.
Cheetah Mobile's senior vice president, Edward Sun, said the new product allows cryptocurrency investors to "check the status of their assets anytime, anywhere."
Publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Cheetah Mobile was rebranded from Kingsoft Security in 2010 and is a subsidiary of Kingsoft, one of the oldest and largest software companies in China. Notably, the firm's vice chairman is Lei Jun, the well-known Chinese entrepreneur who founded electronics manufacturer Xiaomi.
The app release follows Cheetah Mobile's entry into the cryptocurrency space in January, when it launched a wallet app for Android and iOS devices.
Additionally, Tong Huashun, a widely used stock tracking and trading app in China, briefly rolled out a cryptocurrency price tracking service last month, but later appeared to have removed the feature – possibly due to regulatory uncertainties in China.
CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


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As Newsstand Sales Decline
April 16, 2001
As ICv2 has reported previously, sales of magazines through the newsstand distribution channel have been declining for the past decade. Now Advertising Age has published an Audit Bureau of Circulation survey of the paid circulation of the top 200 magazines showing more stable circulations over the past six months--only five of the top ten magazines showed declines.
Latest Numbers on Comic Store Orders
April 8, 2001
Orders for the top comics took an upward tick in April, reflecting the typical seasonal direction now that the doldrums of first quarter are behind us. Ultimate X-Men #5 even came in above 100,000 in estimated comic store orders, the only title to do so in the last two months.
Quantity Estimates Based on Diamond Indexes and External Title Data
April 10, 2001
This article contains a chart showing the top 300 comic titles ordered from Diamond North America based on Diamond's reported title indexes and external title data, and interpolation of the remaining numbers.
Diamond's Top Merchant Talks Pop Culture Merchandise
February 27, 2001
In this interview, Schanes talks about his career, the market trends in major pop culture product categories, Diamond's plans for product selections in the coming year, and what he sees as the next hot thing.


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Why are we still paying resort fees? Weren’t they supposed to go?
That’s what some travelers thought. Late last year, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced a settlement with Marriott International that required the hotel chain to disclose controversial extras at the start of any reservation transaction.
“Hotels shouldn’t be able to add hidden charges to your bill at the last minute,” Shapiro said in a press release at the time. “Through this settlement, we are putting the hospitality industry on notice to end this misleading practice.”
Many mistakenly assumed that the settlement would kill all resort fees within months. But today, hotel resort fees — mandatory daily charges for items that should be included in your stay — remain prevalent. Marriott may be improving its disclosure, but the industry hasn’t followed suit.
The pandemic has forced some properties to temporarily waive their resort fees. According to the ResortFeeChecker site, 1,779 hotels in the United States charge resort fees, down about 17% from high water levels in 2018. But the trend is rapidly reversing as demand rebounds.
Eric Stone was one of many travelers who hoped the fee would go away this year. But when he recently checked into the Shelter Hotel in Los Angeles, the property added a mandatory $20 “service charge” to his bill. When he checked to see what the fee covered, he found a disclosure on his site that said it was for “certain amenities or facilities.”
“There was no effort to justify it,” says Stone, a retired nonprofit executive from Los Gatos, Calif. They might as well have said, “All room rates listed are actually $20 more than the amount listed.”
I contacted the hotel to find out about the mystery resort fee. He did not answer.
Hotels need the extra revenue from resort fees, says David Corsun, director of the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver.
“Especially now,” he says. “Despite rising occupancy and rates, landlords, management companies and brands want and need profitability. Although resorts are doing better than city properties during the pandemic, all have to make up for the losses incurred during the shutdowns and the erosion of margins due to the higher wages they have to pay to attract talent.
If you see a hotel with a resort fee, but you don’t want to pay it, you have a choice.
“A simple call to the hotel ahead of time would help,” says John T. Peters, CEO of consulting firm Mind Mashery. “Often the booking agent or even the receptionist can help you avoid or reduce these charges. They might suggest you pay with a particular credit card to avoid charges. Sometimes resort fees are waived for premium loyalty members. What I mean is: it can’t hurt to ask.
You can also negotiate at the end of your stay, although it is a little more difficult.
“The best way to avoid a resort tax is to ask that it be removed because you’re not going to use it,” says Robert A. Rauch, CEO of RA Rauch & Associates, a consulting and hotel management. For example, if your hotel’s resort fee includes use of the property’s fitness center, but you don’t use the exercise bike or pool, you can request that they be removed. of your bill.
The flaw, as always, is disclosure. You have good reason to waive the fee if the hotel does not disclose the fee. I know of several instances where a credit card dispute resulted in the removal of an undisclosed resort fee.
Attitudes towards resort fees are also changing. Michael Rubino recently booked 10 rooms at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for an employee meeting. Each room had a mandatory $35 resort fee. In four nights, he spent $1,400 on resort fees.
Rubino, president of a cleaning supplies company, says the amenities they could receive were specific. They included a daily $15 restaurant credit, wine tasting for two, and daily rentals of bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks.
“Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed an increase in transparency in disclosing these fees when booking Marriott hotels that I and my employees have stayed at,” he says. “Before that, they weren’t as open.”
It’s too early to judge the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s settlement, said Jacklin Rhoads, spokesman for the Pennsylvania attorney general. Marriott has until January to implement the changes. The company appears to be making progress: Rhoads says the Marriott site now allows users to click a box that generates all pricing information, including resort fees. Only 6% of Marriott properties currently charge resort fees, compared to a national average of 19%, according to Randy Greencorn, editor of ResortFeeChecker.
“We strongly believe that all charges should be disclosed up front,” Rhoads added. “Consumers need to know what pricing options are available to them early in their trip planning.”
There are several ongoing cases related to the disclosure of resort fees, according to Charles Leocha, president of consumer advocacy group Travelers United. He notes that some are still in the discovery phase and will not go to court until next year. “The process just takes time,” he says.
In the meantime, the best way to avoid paying resort fees is to avoid hotels that have them. If you’re unsure if your hotel charges one, check out ResortFeeChecker.com, which tracks them.
But there’s a good chance it is. “As hotel demand returns this year, we’ve seen a recent increase in the number of hotels charging resort fees,” says Greencorn. Over the past three months, he says, the number of hotels charging resort fees has increased by 7.2%.
Some hotels are heading in the opposite direction. Mohonk Mountain House, a resort in New Paltz, New York, lowered its resort fees by 15% per night late last year. Barbara Stirewalt, the resort’s vice president and general manager, said the resort wanted to provide “simpler and more transparent pricing for our guests.”
The hotel industry as a whole is not convinced. Resort fees are still there, and they’re going up. You will need to look carefully before booking.


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The company revealed a Shao China for its new phone Mi 6X which comes with great advantages with a low price compared to the specifications that the.
Where the phone comes with a screen measuring 5.99 inches IPS LCD which gives a very clear picture, as the phone has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 with a RAM of 4 GB for that storage space of 64 GB, memory 6 GB for the same 128 GB of internal storage space.
As for the camera, finally Mi 6X comes with a Rear Camera Dual 12-megapixel and 20-megapixel camera, as well as a 20mp main camera. Avoid rear camera technology ” Xiao AI” for artificial intelligence, which offer advantages such as recognition of objects and dealing with voice commands the different. The front camera is come with a light sensor of the Sony IMX376 which raises the proportion of light for each pixel to capture the image of Silva explained.
Said Shawty that women with 4GB of RAM and 64 GB space coming in at 250$ and there will be a version with a RAM of 6 GB and 64 internal storage space at the price of 285$, in the coming version 6 GB RAM and 128 a distance of about 315$.
Mention that the phone comes with 5 Colors; Black, Pink, Golden, Golden, red, and blue, will be available in the Chinese market at the beginning of April 27.
Blog Shawty reveal about Mi 6X camera Double by artificial intelligence appeared first on the tech world.


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Well, at least there was no fire this time.
The driver of a Tesla Model S crashed into an unoccupied, parked police vehicle in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Tuesday. The “driver” – really, a meatsack – told investigators the Tesla was in Autopilot mode at the time, according to news reports.
Tesla corporate was quick to issue a release denouncing the meatsack behind the wheel:
“Tesla has always been clear that Autopilot doesn’t make the car impervious to all accidents,” which is fine except for the fact that Autopilot encourages the “driver” to not-drive. It is, as Dr. Strangelove said of the doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction, the point of the whole thing, you see. If you have to pay attention to the road – to be prepared to drive when the Autopilot is about to drive you into the wall, a pedestrian – whatever it is – then it’s like a lawnmower you can’t use to cut the grass with.
Several crashes and fire incidents involving Tesla vehicles this year have been near constant challenges for CEO Elon Musk, who boasts that the company’s vehicles are among the safest in the industry.
Except when they mistake a concrete barrier for an exit – which in a way, it kind of is. For the people inside. A final exit.
This month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was sending a team to investigate the crash of a Tesla vehicle in South Jordan, Utah. The driver was traveling at 60 mph when the Model S smashed into a firetruck stopped at a red light.
Police in Utah said data from Tesla showed that the driver enabled Autopilot about 1 minute and 22 seconds before the crash. The report said she took her hands off the steering wheel “within two seconds” of engaging the system and then did not touch the steering wheel for the next 80 seconds, until the crash happened.
NHTSA is also investigating a fatal crash in March that involved a Tesla Model X using Autopilot that struck a highway divider. The agency is also probing the January crash of a Tesla vehicle apparently traveling in Autopilot that struck a parked firetruck. Both of those incidents were also in California.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also probing four Tesla crashes that have occurred since last year, including three under review by NHTSA.
Tesla’s Model S owner’s manual warns some Autopilot functions “cannot detect all objects and may not brake/decelerate for stationary vehicles or objects especially when traveling over 50 mph (80 kph)” and when a vehicle ahead of the driver “moves out of your driving path and a stationary vehicle or object is in front of you.”
Remember: It’s all for your saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaafety!
. . .
Got a question about cars – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!
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In lieu of a post for each bit of news, here's an informal collection of the most important facts from Apple's first quarter earnings release yesterday along with some interesting tidbits: Sales and Revenue
- It was a record quarter with $18 billion of profit on revenues of $74.6 billion.
- That’s the most quarterly earnings by any company ever - link
A billion served
- In November, Apple shipped its one billionth iOS device - a space gray 64GB iPhone 6 Plus. Apple is keeping it at its headquarters.
- Maybe it’s next to the gold millionth Apple II (at 3:44 mark) - link
- Apple shipped a record 74.5 million iPhones - well above expectations.
- Apple is now the No. 1 smartphone maker in China - link
- Amazingly, at the same time, average selling price (ASP) for iPhone was up - link
- There's an awkward silence from those that said Apple must build a less expensive iPhone.
- Mac revenue set a new all-time record with units up 14% over the year ago quarter to 5.5 million.
- Impressive given the fact that the rest of the PC market continues to struggle.
- iPad sales didn’t fare as well, with units down to 21.4 million vs. 26 million in the year ago quarter.
- Tim Cook gave two reasons:
- A longer upgrade cycle
- Cannibalization by iPhone and Mac
- Tim also gave a few reasons to be optimistic:
- First-time buyer rates are very high
- Customer satisfaction rating are “off the charts”
- He feels feel “very, very good” about what is in the pipeline for iPad
- Opportunities in enterprise, including the Apple’s IBM partnership
- Tim Cook: “I believe that over the long arc of time, the iPad is a great business.”
- Apple Watch is “on track” and scheduled to ship in April.
- Here’s a countdown timer for app submissions - link
- Tim Cook: “I’m using it every day, love it, and can't live without it.”
- Me: “Nice humble brag, Tim.”
- Revenues were up an incredible 41%.
- Apple Pay already makes up two of every three dollars in contactless payments through American Express, MasterCard, and Visa.
- Tim Cook: "We are more confident than ever that 2015 will be the year of Apple Pay."
- Transcript of Apple CEO Tim Cook’s statements on the analyst call - link
- Nice collection of charts - link
Straight from Apple:


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UnicornDV played a pivotal role in delivering exceptional design services to Coinme, a leading player in the bitcoin marketplace. With over 15,000 physical locations nationwide and partnerships with Moneygram and Coinstar, Coinme provides customers with a convenient way to buy and sell bitcoin using cash. While the company initially built its own bitcoin ATMs, it has since shifted its focus to a cryptocurrency cash network that enables traditional financial services, such as Moneygram, through an enterprise API.
Since its inception in 2014, Coinme has been on a steady growth trajectory, with plans to expand its services internationally in the coming months. The company currently boasts a talented team of 58 employees and has raised approximately $30 million in funding to date. With UnicornDV’s cutting-edge design services, Coinme is poised to continue disrupting the bitcoin industry and revolutionizing the way people access and use digital currencies.
Coinme, a Seattle startup that is ‘crypto-enabling’ legacy financial services, raises $10M.
Founded in 2014, Coinme plans to expand internationally in the coming months. The startup employs 58 people and has raised about $30 million to date.
Investors have been pouring cash into crypto and blockchain startups lately, including large rounds for companies such as BlockFi, Dapper Labs, and Blockchain.com. Silicon Valley firm Andreessen Horowitz is raising $1 billion for its third crypto venture fund, the Financial Times reported in April.


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Just as online shopping has disrupted the traditional retail arena, blockchain technology is promising to do the same in some of the world’s biggest industries – and one of these is freight and logistics. ‘Blockchain disruption’ is set to be a hot topic in our industry in 2018. That’s why we’re keeping our eye on it – as you should too.
Here’s the lowdown on one of the biggest developments to hit the digital world.
Let’s start with something you’ve probably heard of…
Bitcoin – the biggest of an exploding arena of virtual or cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin value recently soared from $900 to $7,000+ in just one year, causing the world to sit up and listen.
A cryptocurrency is an electronic cash system which allows you to pay for things online. It exists in the network only, having no physical form (ie, no banknotes, coin, gold bars etc).
It’s the way a cryptocurrency is set up and managed which is the interesting thing. Cryptocurrency is entries in a database, which can’t be changed without fulfilling very specific conditions. That’s broadly how traditional banks work, but they use a ‘central hub’ approach. With cryptocurrency, instead of a bank managing transactions through their centralised system, and dictating terms, the management is decentralised and the transactions take place across a network of computers, which, critically, belong to no single entity. That decentralised, secure database – made up of building blocks which power these new cryptocurrencies – is the blockchain.
Still with us?
Bitcoin is the first and most popular cryptocurrency, but get ready to hear a host of new names in this field – Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, NEO, Tether to name but a few – in fact there are already over 1,000 cryptocurrencies on the internet.
It’s worth saying, cryptocurrency still has a way to go to achieve the stability of traditional currencies. It’s volatile at the moment and because of its anonymous nature, it has developed a somewhat shady reputation for being the currency of cybercryminals and dealers in dodgy stuff. But absolutely don’t write it off. It will mature, and quickly too.
So… to the blocks and chains
You can think of blockchain as a digital ledger of transaction, a shared or ‘distributed’ database, not stored in any one location. It’s the opposite of putting all your cash under the mattress – or even in the bank. Verifications are done automatically – securely, and instantly – across the network, with none of the vulnerabilities associated with the traditional centralised approach.
A block is a segment of the ledger, a record of transactions. Once it’s full, it augments the main database and a new block is generated. Thus the database grows, block by block. All the blocks are connected in a chain, across the network. The way blockchain technology is designed, the database is constantly updated and transactions are tamper-proof and cannot be deleted. The blockchain database is a distributed service, shared by all the nodes in the network. As each of the blocks contains a full copy of the database, there’s a level of robustness that doesn’t exist in traditional banking set-ups.
Why should you care about all this?
Blockchains, which use what’s known as ‘distributed ledger technology’ (DLT), are beginning to show up in different commercial applications. Beyond the verification of monetary (cryptocurrency) transactions, it is possible to insert documents into the blockchain, and create an indelible, audit-trailed end-to-end record.
So now we’re talking not just currency transactions, but the processing of documentation. Do you begin to see the applications in global freight forwarding and logistics?
Blockchain for the supply chain
Freight forwarding and logistics is a complex business, dependent on documentation. Consignments already criss-cross the globe in a way which bears many of the characteristics of the blockchain: via a network of routes, through hubs or nodes, passing from one entity to another – manufacturers, shippers, carriers, distributors and retailers.
Until now, the system has relied on hand-offs between the various entities. That’s because the technology hasn’t existed to effectively co-ordinate that end-to-end journey automatically. Blockchain offers the solution. In fact, for complex processes such as order fulfilment and delivery across the globe, it could be the perfect solution. It has the potential to manage not just the journey, but all the documentation, contracts and compliances, as well as every kind of challenge along the way, including addressing fraud, theft and those too-familiar communication issues.
One blockchain platform already establishing a name for itself in freight and logistics is ShipChain. Systems like this are set to revolutionise the way the global supply chain works.
In freight and logistics, blockchain technology has the potential to deliver a host of benefits, including enabling a unified tracking process, driving efficiencies, reducing theft, creating transparency, increasing competitiveness, and opening the door to commercial opportunity for the smaller carrier businesses.
That’s why you need to be keeping an eye on blockchain.
At CCL, we always have our eye on the future. We’re making it our business to stay in touch with developments in blockchain technology, particularly as it relates to the freight and logistics sector. We’ll be aiming to keep our clients up-to-speed on the way blockchain is being applied, and the opportunities this presents as this game-changing technology matures.


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Electric vehicle stocks are rising sharply in popularity. Trading platforms are reporting increasing numbers of shares being purchased in EV stocks. With this popularity in mind, I want to delve deeper and decide if I should add EV stocks to my portfolio.
EV stocks on the rise
The EV industry is currently booming. Last year, global EV sales grew over 40% to more than 3m vehicles according to Swedish consultancy EV-volumes.com. I believe the EV industry has strong long-term growth prospects and this is attracting investors to EV stocks. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) at the end of 2020, there were approximately 10m electric vehicles on the road globally. The IEA believes this number should rise by 200% to 30m vehicles globally by 2030.
Sustainable investing is another hot topic right now. Many investors are looking to invest their money in sustainable and ethical companies. EV stocks tick this box too.
Tesla is one of the biggest names. I recently wrote about NIO, which is another major player. There are lots of other lesser known names too, such as Workhorse Group Inc and Li Auto Inc.
Should I buy EV stocks?
Sustainability and ethical investing aren’t high on my priority list for my portfolio. I am tempted by the growth potential of EV stocks. There are certain factors that are putting me off, however.
Firstly, competition is intense and hotting up among EV firms. There are lots of smaller start-ups popping up. All these firms are attempting to outmanoeuvre each other and offer a unique selling point. As well as newer EV stocks, traditional vehicle manufacturers are joining the EV race. Longer term, I don’t know who will be a good pick just yet.
Next, valuations seem to be quite bloated across EV stocks. Tesla is a prime example of this, in my opinion. It currently has a market cap of $600bn. I consider this very high compared to a traditional automobile firm such as Toyota, which has a market cap of approximately $250bn. Even smaller EV firms have market caps in the billions. This is despite the fact they’re not producing or selling any vehicles just yet. These valuations do not sit well with me.
One of the by-products of bloated investments means short sellers often target EV stocks. In simple terms, they expect them to fall. A lot of smaller firms in the EV industry have high levels of short interest. An example of this is Lordstown Motors, which has short interest of close to 50%. Short selling and short interest also puts me off.
There are positives and negatives to EV stocks. Enormous growth potential is always tempting but there are clear and apparent risks for me. A short-term issue affecting EV firms is the global semiconductor shortage. Semiconductors are essential parts of electric vehicles.
Overall, I would not be willing to invest in EV stocks for my portfolio just now. There are more negatives than positives in my opinion. I believe the EV market from an investment perspective is very raw. I will keep an eye on developments, however.
The post EV stocks are booming. Should I buy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.
Jabran Khan has no position in any shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
Motley Fool UK 2021


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TORONTO, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Nortel Networks said on Monday its chief executive will step down immediately and its board will shrink from nine directors to three as the bankrupt telecom equipment maker sheds major assets.
Nortel, once North America's biggest maker of telephone gear, also posted a bigger quarterly loss due to big reorganization costs and plunging sales, which it blamed on the weak economy.
The departure of CEO Mike Zafirovski had been expected for some time since the once high-flying technology company filed for court protection from creditors at the start of this year.
"There is very little for Mike to dofor any CEO to doat Nortel at this time in terms of strategy or operations or even cost-cutting or sales," said Duncan Stewart, analyst at DSAM Consulting in Toronto.
"This is a company that is being wound down with assets being sold off."
The three remaining directors are John MacNaughton, Jalynn Bennett, and David Richardson, who will serve as chairman, Toronto-based Nortel said.
A group of executives including chief restructuring officer Pavi Binning and chief strategy officer George Riedel will remain to manage the company.
No replacement was announced for Zafirovski, although the company will seek court approval for its monitor, Ernst & Young Inc., to take a bigger role in overseeing its business and ask for U.S. court approval to appoint a "principal officer," it said.
Zafirovski joined Nortel in late 2005 after holding the post of president and chief operating officer at Motorola Inc (MOT.N). Many investors and analysts had hoped he could accomplish what no other executive in the past decade could: turn Nortel into a consistently profitable and stable company.
Instead, Nortel filed for protection from creditors in January, blaming the recession for derailing its turnaround.
It has since started selling its major business lines, including a $1.13 billion deal to sell wireless assets to Sweden's Ericsson (ERICb.ST).
Nortel's enterprise unit is also up for sale and has received a $475 million "stalking horse" bid from Avaya Inc, though higher offers may emerge.
SECOND QUARTER LOSS BALLOONS
Nortel said it lost $274 million, or 55 cents a share, in the second quarter. That was worse than the loss of $113 million, or 23 cents a share, in the year-before quarter.
Nortel said the quarter's loss included reorganization costs of $130 million.
Revenue fell 25 percent to $1.97 billion, "primarily a result of the continuing economic downturn and the uncertainty created by the creditor protection proceedings," Nortel said.
Every one of its main business segments posted revenue declines of at least 20 percent year over year, Nortel said. (Reporting by Wojtek Dabrowski; editing by Janet Guttsman)
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Consumer confidence climbed to its highest level in over two years in January 2023, according to new data from The Conference Board. The strong rebound in confidence was driven by cooling inflation and continued job growth, restoring faith in the economic recovery.
Confidence Reaches Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Conference Board’s index of consumer confidence jumped to 114.8 in January, up from 109.0 in December 2022. This marks the highest level for the index since December 2021 and brings confidence back to pre-pandemic levels.
“The increase in confidence is likely tied to the recent moderation in inflation, which has eased financial strains on households and boosted hopes for the economy,” said Anna Wong, Senior Economist at Bloomberg Economics.
The jump in confidence comes after months of declining sentiment amid high inflation and rising interest rates. But with price increases slowing in recent months and the job market remaining resilient, consumers are beginning to feel more optimistic about their finances and the broader economy.
Inflation Concerns Cool Alongside Price Rises
A key factor driving the confidence rebound is the steady easing of inflationary pressures. The annual inflation rate fell to 6.5% in December, down from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022. While still elevated, the downward trend in inflation has brought some relief after an intensely inflationary 2022.
“Inflation is still top of mind but recession concerns are receding as price increases slow,” said Curt Long, Chief Economist at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions. “Consumers have more faith prices will stabilize allowing savings and purchasing power to rebound.”
The Conference Board survey showed consumers’ inflation expectations for the next 12 months dropped to 4.6% in January, the lowest level since April 2022. This aligning of expectations with reality has enabled households to regain a sense of financial security.
Unemployment Holds Near 50-Year Low
While inflation is moderating, the job market remains exceptionally strong. The unemployment rate ticked up to 3.5% in December but is still near five-decade lows. Robust hiring combined with slowing layoffs has consumers feeling better about their income and job prospects.
“The labor market continues to defy gravity despite signs of slowing in parts of the economy,” said Julia Coronado, President of MacroPolicy Perspectives LLC. “With plentiful opportunities and rapid wage growth, most households are in good financial shape regardless of stock or home prices.”
The Conference Board survey showed the share of respondents saying jobs are “plentiful” rose to 59.3% in January, up from 57.4% in December 2022. And those claiming jobs are “hard to get” dropped to 10.3% from 10.8%.
|Jobs Hard to Get
This divergence between a strong job market and slowing price increases explains much of the rebound in optimism. Consumers feel they have the income and job security to spend, while getting relief from runaway inflation.
Spending and Investing Poised to Accelerate
With consumers opening their wallets again after months of inflation-induced caution, both consumer spending and equity markets could see a boost.
“We see scope for solid gains in consumer spending as households tap into excess savings now that prices are stabilizing,” said Nancy Davis, Founder of asset management firm Quadratic Capital. “And renewed optimism may prompt rotation back into stocks after a dismal 2022.”
There are already signs that pent-up demand from cautious consumers is filtering into the economy. Retail sales rebounded strongly in January after declines in November and December, indicating shoppers are returning to stores.
And the rally in stock markets this year aligns with recovering sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is already up over 5% year-to-date, reversing much of 2022’s losses.
“Our econometric models show that consumer confidence has a measurable impact on household spending and equity market performance,” said Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics. “So this rebound indicates the consumer slowdown will be limited, supporting continued economic growth.”
Fed Rate Hikes Still a Risk to Sentiment
While optimism improved across income levels, confidence remains somewhat depressed among low-income consumers. Lingering inflation continues to strain those with fewer financial resources.
And with further interest rate hikes anticipated from the Federal Reserve, borrowing costs could rise further. This may dampen confidence again if rate hikes begin depressing home sales or sparking layoffs.
“The Fed remains resolute on restoring price stability, so additional rate increases are in store,” said Sarah House, Senior Economist at Wells Fargo. “If inflation proves sticky or the Fed has to raise rates higher than expected, confidence may waver as financial conditions tighten.”
Most economists expect a 25 basis point rate hike at next week’s Fed meeting. But given strong labor market data, some worry that continued aggressive hikes could be on the table. This policy uncertainty presents some downside risk even amid January’s confidence surge.
Cautious Optimism for 2023
While risks remain, January’s sharp rebound in sentiment provides hope that the worst inflation pressure has passed. Consumers have shown remarkable resilience through an intensely challenging 2022.
“Households reacted to surging prices by drawing down savings and taking second jobs,” said Tim Quinlan, Senior Economist at Wells Fargo. “Now their hard work is paying off with moderating inflation lifting optimism about 2023.”
Further declines in inflation alongside steady job gains would cement the foundation for sustained confidence and spending increases. For now, consumers are cautiously optimistic these trends can continue.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.


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Confirmation that these test cars are running an electric drivetrain comes with the fact no engine noise was heard by photographers. Additionally, a photo of the GLC’s nose with the bonnet open shows its lack of engine and there's no condensation or smoke from the car’s tailpipes. Final proof comes with an orange window sticker displaying an electricity lightning symbol (shown in the gallery).
The cars were spotted running with large battery packs, thought to be lithium ion. Mercedes has previously stated that its future models would be capable of travelling up to 310 miles between recharging.


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The US is expected to fully remove a series of restrictions on the import of food products from Japan in the coming weeks, it has been reported.
Strict measures have been in place on imports originating from ten of Japan's 47 prefectures since 2011 as a result of the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Any company seeking to ship items such as seafood and mushrooms to the EU has been required to obtain a certificate confirming the goods are free from radiation.
However, sources told the Nikkei that Brussels has determined that import restrictions are no longer necessary.
It is expected that a formal announcement will be made next month, possibly to coincide with a summit between Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida and EU leaders to be held in Brussels in mid-July.
Japanese government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said: “We understand that there are some positive moves towards lifting restrictions, which we as the Japanese government welcome.”
He added that the easing of restrictions should help with reconstruction of the areas affected by the 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear meltdown in Fukushima.
At one point, 55 countries and territories had imposed similar restrictions on Japanese food imports, but many of the country's major trading partners, including the US and UK, have eased their rules in the last couple of years.
If the EU does follow suit, this would leave only a handful of countries with restrictions still in place, including South Korea and China.
A spokeswoman for the EU told Kyodo News that food safety is a top priority for the 27-member bloc, which is why it has imposed "special conditions" on imports after the Fukushima incident.
She added: "The EU measures are discussed on a regular basis and, if necessary, amended to consider recent developments and new scientific data."


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Sri Lanka should seriously consider negotiating trade agreement with the EU, as the GSP plus can be enjoyed for a maximum of 4-5 years at most. The restoration of trade agreements will give some room to breathe and consolidate the industry. It can be used to accomplish many other medium and long term goals, which will not only be beneficial to the apparel industry, but boost all the exports from Sri Lanka, said the new Chairman of the
Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), Felix A. Fernando.
Also the government should explore the possibility of signing trade agreements with countries such as Japan, Russia, Korea, Brazil and South Africa.
The apparel industry has made a commitment to the Government to increase exports to the EU by US$ 500 million annually after GSP+ is restored. Trade agreements will help the apparel industry to broaden its export base and bring in valuable foreign exchange.
Although it was disheartening to digest the current economic realities and the state of the world economy and their own economy, they value the current governmentâ€™s desire to achieve sustainable development through export-led growth with globally connected value chains.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe hopes for the revival of the industry with the restoration of GSP plus. If the proposed FTA with China can be successfully concluded, they will have a great opportunity to expand their market in China. The same cannot be said, however, about the proposed FTA with India. It is necessary to remove the quota in its totality in respect of the apparel sector if their industry is to see a significant benefit from the proposed ETCA, Fernando said.
The chairman speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Association said that they all need to find and diversify into new markets for exports. Considering the reputation Sri Lanka has for its quality, and their inability to compete on the low-end value products which are made in neighbouring South Asian countries, they must increase the production of higher value-added products, such as formal wear and high-end outerwear.
Moreover Sri Lankan industry largely lacks automation, there are only a few major players investing in automation. When considering shortage of labour in the country it could become a critical factor in time to come.
A weekly report covering market and price information on the entire chain of polyester along with online access to daily polyester chain prices.
One-time reports that are issued annually cover the demand and supply trends in individual products including polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, and cotton.
One-time reports that are issued annually cover the demand and supply trends in the individual country's natural and manmade fiber/filament industries.
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ERP Weekly News Highlights, 10/21/13-10/25/13
Manufacturing Insights Blog
What’s new and next in manufacturing?
We don’t have a crystal ball, but we do know some pretty smart people who are trying to find answers to that question – from which metrics and analytics make the most impact for manufacturers and their customers, to new technology advances for innovation around the globe. Learn more in the below articles.
What are your predictions for the future of manufacturing?
With so many metrics available to measure manufacturing production, it can be tough to know which ones are bringing the most value to the enterprise – so LNS Research has launched their “Metrics that Matter” survey to to find out. Take the survey by November 15, and you’ll also receive access to their Performance Management Research Library for one year, along with the “Metrics that Matter” benchmark survey results in early 2014.
Where are some of the biggest opportunities for innovation, jobs and economic growth? Watch our CEO, Jason Blessing, discuss these hot topics and others in this video from a recent Churchill Club event.
What are the most prevalent uses of cloud-based analytics? Louis Columbus shares data from the recent Decision Management Solutions’ survey in this Forbes article.


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Jaguar is gearing up for the launch of the all-new XF Sportbrake as the company recently released several new images of the upcoming car. These are no ordinary pictures however as wagon itself is wrapped in a unique livery.
Set to make its public debut at this year's Wimbledon, Jaguar decided to cover the XF Sportbrake in a tennis ball-themed livery. The rather unique green wrapping managed to hide some of the car's lines and curves but we do get to see a better view of the Sportbrake's overall design, particularly the front fascia.
Up close, it appears that XF Sportbrake will still closely resemble the sedan version but get a slightly altered side profile. Compared to the sedan, the Sportbrakes gets more upright rear doors. Also, we catch a glimpse of the wagon's flowing rear quarters and angular D-pillars.
Details about the car's interior remain a mystery but the Jaguar did say that it will have a spacious and practical interior.
Powertrain options, on the other hand, could include a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that can deliver 380 PS with 450 Nm of torque, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 163 PS and 380 Nm of torque and a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline inline-four that could put out 241 PS.
The all-new XF Sportbrake will officially be revealed on June 14.