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The City of Lincoln Council has moved Lincoln’s Christmas Market online this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It will run throughout the Christmas period until January.
The decision was made by the council earlier this year because the event couldn’t be made covid-safe. It has not yet confirmed any plans for the market’s return next year.
New research claims that Lincoln will lose out on an estimated £8.5m due to the market being cancelled.
The market last year had around 250,000 visitors from Dec 5 to Dec 8, and if similar numbers came this year it would be impossible to socially distance.
The market has been held every year since 1982, with this year being its 38th anniversary. It began with just 11 stalls. Last year, it featured more than 120 independent businesses, high street brands, traders, as well as some of visitors’ favourite returning stalls.
You can still “visit” stalls and view their produce, just through the market’s new website.
This year’s online market has recipes, tutorials, as well as printable colouring pages and letters to Santa. You can also watch past performances from previous years.
This year Rock Choir, led locally by Kat Tye, have published their Zoom performance from earlier last month in hopes of spreading some Christmas joy. They have previously made regular appearances at the Christmas market.
Daniel Byrne, from the Doughnotts branch in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, which had a stall last year, said: “it’s thankfully not had too much of an impact because we’ve got the physical store on Cornhill, and we’ve launched Doughnotts Delivered to ship doughnuts across the country which has plugged the gap.”


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PayPal‘s Venmo app will start using its own credit cards next year in partnership with Synchrony Financial. Synchrony is a monetary services business that powers store cards for such entities as Amazon, eBay, Old Navy, and about 100 other cards in total.
According to the company, it has actually raised over $140 billion USD in sales and has 80.3 million active accounts. This isn’t the very first time Venmo has dipped into producing its own cards, as it presented a partnership with MasterCard to produce its own self-branded debit cards in 2015
” The next natural extension was to have a Venmo charge card,” Darrell Esch, senior vice president of credit at PayPal, informed CNBC “This rounds out what was otherwise a space with the debit card.” TechCrunch also keeps in mind that adding a Venmo-branded card could help “a still unprofitable arm of PayPal’s larger organisation, create more income.”
Tech giant Apple launched its own credit card in August, appropriately dubbed “ Apple Card” The titanium charge card is in association with Goldman Sachs and offers users with benefits such as 1-3?sh back, no worldwide costs, an interactive app that tracks your use, and more.
PayPal is launching a @venmo credit card as it works to generate income from the payment app?
— Kate Rooney (@Kr00 ney) October 17, 2019
— Synchrony (@synchrony) October 17, 2019

domain: news


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Ford expects billion dollar losses over electric vehicles
Ford presented its business figures for the first quarter of 2023, breaking them down for the first time into the three core business units Ford Blue (combustion cars and hybrids), Ford Model e (electric vehicles) and Ford Pro (commercial vehicles). However, the electric car business is expected to be profitable as early as 2024.
While Ford Blue and Ford Pro are already profitable, Ford Model e, which was spun into a separate business unit in March 2022, posted a quarterly loss of 722 million US dollars, the equivalent of 654 million euros. For the full year 2023, Ford expects a loss of $3 billion (2.7 billion euros) for its electric vehicle business. However, Ford says that it plans to break even with its first generation of electric vehicles by the end of 2024.
Across all three divisions, Q1 earnings before interest and taxes were $3.4 billion (€3.1 billion), with Ford reporting net income of $1.8 billion (€1.6 billion). Q1 2022 still showed a net loss of 3.1 billion dollars after Ford had booked a billion-dollar write-down for its shares in the EV start-up Rivian – Ford has since sold a large part of its Rivian shares.
Ford had already repeatedly stressed that it would incur billions in losses for the switch to electric mobility – among other things because the enormous expenditures for development and the conversions of the factories were only offset by low sales for the time being. Specifically, Q1 2023 sales were around €700 million for Ford Model e, compared to $25.1 billion for Ford Blue and $13.2 billion for Ford Pro.
The move alone to break down the quarterly results by the three most important business units is considered a watershed in Ford’s 120-year history: until now, the company has broken down its business figures by region. With the new breakdown, the board around CEO Jim Farley wants to show investors how the company is preparing for the new competition and the transformation towards electric drives – the start-up costs for electric car production are to be presented transparently in this way and not offset in the company’s overall balance sheet.
The carved-out eMobility unit Ford Model e is to operate like a start-up, as Ford emphasises in the announcement. In the quarterly earnings conference call, both Farley and CFO John Lawler indicated that all startups lose money at the beginning, from Amazon to Tesla. Lawler reiterated his view that he sees Ford Model e on track to break even in 2024.
In addition, against the backdrop of production increases for its volume E models in the US, Ford has opened the order books for its technically improved Mustang Mach-E, again reducing the model’s prices. They dropped by $3,000 or $4,000 depending on the variant and now start at $42,995. It is the second US price cut for the Mustang Mach-E this year, following January. The Mustang Mach-E is eligible for US-wide tax credits of $3,750 in 2023 under the Inflation Reduction Act.


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The WWDC 2019 keynote is over, and we've seen a lot of what we were expecting – along with plenty we weren't. Apple's big mid-year software event had a lot to show, and we wouldn't blame you for missing an announcement here or there.
Now that the dust has settled, we've listed our ten favorite little things that Apple rattled off in its very long presentation. Kudos if you heard them all the first time around!
1. iTunes is now 3 apps (sort of)
As was rumored, Apple indeed retired iTunes.… Read the full article


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- Offers and promotions on social media are less likely to drive web traffic among millennials than older generations, according to a survey by ad creative company Visual Objects. Only 22% of millennials said offers and promotions on social media compel them visit a website, compared to 29% of Generation Xers and 38% of baby boomers.
- More than 80% of people click through to a website from social media, highlighting how businesses must have a consistent strategy for those platforms, per Visual Objects. Images are more likely to persuade millennials to click through to businesses' websites from social media, according to 33% of survey respondents in the age group.
- Millennials are most likely to use social media (26%) to contact a company, while baby boomers are more likely to use a contact form on a website (30%). Among the broader group of survey respondents, most prefer to use email (31%), social media (21%) or contact forms (19%) to make a general inquiry of a business. Only 9% of people prefer to use chatbots to contact businesses, the survey found. Visual Objects surveyed 537 U.S. adults who use social media at least once a week.
Visual Objects' survey of social media users highlights how various groups of U.S. adults respond to the online marketing efforts of brands. Millennials are less responsive to offers and promotions on social media, the survey suggests, which means brands need to consider other ways to drive engagement with young adults as their spending power grows. "Younger generations are a little skeptical with things like promotions and time-sensitive deals," Jeremy Durant, business principal at B2B agency Bop Design, said in the report. "They want more straightforward, direct ways of doing business."
While millennials may be less responsive to offers and promotions on social media, they prefer using the platforms for contacting businesses. "Millennials have grown up with social media," Paul Regensburg, president and creative director of RainCastle Communications, said in the Visual Objects report. "It's a more comfortable space for them. Social media is how [they] get information."
The relative unpopularity of chatbots is one indication that the technology needs to grow more sophisticated to get consumers comfortable with conversing with an algorithm. Visual Objects' findings confirm other survey data. Only 15% of U.S. consumers had used a chatbot to communicate with a business in the prior 12 months, according to the "2018 State of Chatbots Report" by Salesforce, Drift, Audience and Myclever. The study also found that 34% of consumers predicted they would use a chatbot with the sole person of connecting with a human customer service agent.
Despite chatbot's relative unpopularity, consumers generally like the idea of online messaging services to quickly interact with businesses. About two-thirds (65%) of consumers globally said they'd like to use messaging services to engage with companies, according to a separate survey from Salesforce's MuleSoft. Companies must be careful with automated conversations, as that survey also found that just 38% of respondents' queries had been completely resolved by a chatbot alone. The investment in chatbots is growing, with 25% of customer service operations predicted to use virtual assistant or chatbot technology by next year, according to researcher Gartner.


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some other country will get less tax out of that transaction," he said.
He said major nations would need to minimise corporate dealings with low-taxing jurisdictions, such as Ireland and Bermuda.
Another tax expert believes that governments will prevail in their battle to capture more tax revenues. "Those companies like Google and Amazon and Apple have had a very good run for a number of years, and this run is going to stop now. They will start paying more tax," said one adviser to big firms, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media.


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Volvo to roll out first-ever over-the-air updates on XC40 Recharge
Volvo’s XC40 Recharge electric car is to become the brand’s first model to get over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
The updates will start soon in Europe and will initially include a new base software for the electric car’s main electronic systems, bringing an increase in charging speed and an improved driving range.
Figures for these have not been announced but a Volvo spokesperson said the increase in range would likely to be small and incremental.
The updates for the XC40 Recharge will also include revisions to the Android Automotive operating system used for the car’s infotainment system, as well as updates to a variety of items such as Bluetooth connectivity, climate timers, the car’s digital owner’s manual and the 360-degree camera.
The update will be available automatically – XC40 Recharge drivers only have to accept the download and installation – and will mean that customers no longer have to visit a workshop to benefit from changes.
“The benefits of over-the-air updates are obvious,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer at Volvo Cars. “Yesterday, you still had to drive to the workshop to get the latest updates to your car; today, you simply click OK and your electric Volvo takes care of the rest. It couldn’t be easier.”


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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
A major European aluminium producer has warned that the increasing numbers of imported electric cars from China could have a big impact on regional demand.
Hilde Merete Aasheim, chief executive of Norsk Hydro, said the company was paying attention to this risk. “The fear when it comes to [electric vehicles] is imports into Europe and the impact on European car manufacturers. There is quite a steep curve right now,” she told the Financial Times in an interview.
“That is a threat that we are following: if European automakers start reducing their demand [for aluminium] because they are outcompeted,” she said.
Her comments highlight the ripple effects from growing Chinese EV imports for businesses in Europe from the car supply chain including raw material producers.
Aluminium is used in electric cars for battery pack casings and other components to help cut weight and offset the heavy battery, allowing EVs to travel further on a single charge.
The average EV produced in Europe in 2022 contained 283kg of aluminium, compared with 169kg for combustion engines, according to a study commissioned by European Aluminium, a trade body.
In September, the EU announced plans for an anti-subsidy probe of Chinese EVs that it said was “distorting” the European market and “flooding” global markets.
China is building battery plants far beyond levels needed to meet domestic demand, backed by regional subsidies and lending, and manufacturers are seeking to channel the excess supply into overseas markets.
European carmakers are responding to the threat in different ways. This week Stellantis, which owns brands including Peugeot and Jeep, said it would invest €1.5bn in a 20 per cent stake in Chinese EV start-up Leapmotor, in an attempt to profit from the influx of cheaper China-made EVs into Europe.
In the first seven months of 2023, China exported $13.1bn of EVs to Europe, compared with $15.4bn in the whole of the previous year, according to Chinese customs data. However, the majority of the vehicles are China-made versions of western brands such as Tesla.
The worries about aluminium demand in Europe come after the sector was hit by surging energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, which forced smelters including Hydro’s Slovalco smelter in Slovakia to close. The industry also faces uncertainty over whether China, the biggest aluminium producer in the world, will maintain a 45mn tonne annual production cap.
Hydro’s adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation fell short of analyst expectations on Tuesday, falling 60 per cent to NKr3.90bn ($350mn) in the third quarter compared with the same period last year because of weaker global economic activity.
The post Norsk Hydro warns flood of Chinese electric vehicles threaten aluminium demand in Europe appeared first on WorldNewsEra.


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HP New Car PARTNERSHIP and 4 Dow Drivers Drawing Interest
Alcoa, Inc. (NYSE:AA) says on Friday that it intends to operate the Point Henry aluminium smelter in Australia until mid 2014 at the minimum. The aluminium smelting industry in Australia continues to experience serious economic difficulties, which has put the future of the smelter in jeopardy, and it has been under review since February. In response, the firm says, “We set a challenge to find significant savings. We now need to implement the opportunities identified along with some structural changes that will see workforce reductions of about 10 percent wherever possible these reductions will be voluntary.”
Don’t Miss: Google Stakes Its Claim on Apple Territory.
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT): The compromise transportation funding legislation is being strongly opposed by two conservative groups in Congress, which is expected to vote on the measure late Friday, says The Hill. The outcome of the long embattled bill is in doubt again, and even provisions that would prevent interest on student loans from doubling starting July 1st are in danger.
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) introduces its Cisco Connect Cloud, which provides a software platform which could redefine how consumers interact with connected devices in the home, and also sets up a new environment for the development of third-party applications. The Cloud is designed to work jointly with Cisco’s new line of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers.
Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS): Hulu comments on its blog that, “We have entered into a multi-year agreement with HBO to bring Japanese entertainment fans some of the most compelling American TV programming ever produced. Select HBO shows, including Sex And The City and The Sopranos, will be available to Hulu subscribers in Japan starting today, with additional HBO hit shows such as Entourage and Band of Brothers coming later this year.”.
Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) reported Friday that an HP Utility Services solution has been chosen by the French automaker Renault S.A., to support the development of innovative new telematics services for its electric cars. Renault is the world’s fourth-largest automotive group and is a top mover in zero emission transportation, thanks in part to its alliance with Nissan.
Don’t Miss: Research in Motion to Apple: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Want news like this in real-time so you can get an edge? Click here for Wall St. Cheat Sheet Pro.


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A volunteer from the Bitcoin Lake project in Guatemala shares the benefits of working on this circular economy.
Bitcoin is a disruptive technology that is emerging as a major component of the financial industry. My work at Bitcoin-friendly companies has allowed me to observe the many ways Bitcoin is transforming the industry. Wanting to contribute more, I embarked on a bitcoin-only journey and joined the non-profit project, Bitcoin Lake.
Located in Panajachel, Guatemala, Bitcoin Lake launched just over a year ago. The project aims to create a circular economy powered by Bitcoin, providing a new and affordable solution for both unbanked and banked merchants. in Guatemala, approximately 60% of the elderly population does not have access to formal financial servicesand Bitcoin Lake’s merchant inclusion initiative has had a significant impact on the local community.
I have seen firsthand that this project has successfully onboarded more than 60 merchants, 90% of which are non-bank and only accept cash and bitcoin. The project continues to seek support and ways to improve the experience for Bitcoiners out there. Bitcoin Tuk Tuk (see figure one below) and Bitcoin Boat (cleverly named “Peer To Peer”) are examples of such initiatives.
Bitcoin Lake has made significant strides in a short period. Business owners are amazed by the ease of use of Bitcoin, and educational projects have been extremely successful. Centro Educativo Josuéthe first school in Guatemala to receive “Mi Primer Bitcoin” course, has seen its students gain an exceptional understanding of Bitcoin. The progress and impact of Bitcoin Lake is significant and serves as an inspiration to all.
During my first month volunteering with Bitcoin Lake, my understanding and dedication to Bitcoin grew significantly. As one of my first tasks, I collected data to assess the progress made over a year. As shown in figures two, three and four below, the charts illustrate the flow of bitcoins in the project and the number of transactions completed in the last year, showing significant growth.
I also started teaching “Mi Primer Bitcoin” courses at the local school, where it was rewarding to see the children understand the concept of money and the potential benefits of Bitcoin. In January, we held our first meeting with 10 participants and plan to host more events in the future. We have also dealt with local merchants and met bitcoiners from all over the world. All our efforts give me hope for a better future, not only for the project, but for the whole country.
The past year has been challenging for the Bitcoin industry, with a lot of lost confidence and a bear market that hit hard. However, we persevered and continued to focus on growth and adoption. Even with the uncertainty and skepticism of those who don’t understand Bitcoin, more people are taking the time to learn about it and recognize its value. Merchants are realizing that they can benefit from holding Bitcoin instead of paying out immediately, and locals are becoming more familiar with Bitcoin, making them more receptive to the idea of adopting this new technology.
Merchants like Pedro, owner of Café del Arte, a small family business that accepts bitcoins, are embracing the benefits of using this technology. As explained by Pedro, the act of accepting credit card payments comes with attached costs and a delayed payment process, while choosing Bitcoin represents an instant, cheaper and more streamlined path with the Lightning Network.
We have seen many similar success stories from other traders which is satisfying. At the local school, Centro Educativo Josué, students learn about Bitcoin, its value and its ability to solve problems like inflation. On April 12, we will test our students’ knowledge of Bitcoin and we are confident that they will be well prepared. You are welcome to be one of the plebs to test the students by contacting them Bitcoin Lake on Twitter.
Bitcoin Lake has made huge strides in promoting a circular economy with Bitcoin. I encourage anyone who wishes to support adoption and experience the beautiful sights, culture and hospitality of Panajachel to visit us. You’ll be amazed at the progress we’ve made, and merchants will be excited to accept your sats. Together we can create a better future with Bitcoin.
This is a guest post by Rudy Gallardo. The opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
#Bitcoin #Lake #Lessons #months #volunteering #Guatemalas #groundbreaking #project


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martes, 20 de diciembre de 2016
UNIAN: Antonov presents new An-132 transport aircraft
Ukraine's state-owned enterprise Antonov, the only Ukrainian designer and manufacturer of cargo and passenger planes, on Dec. 20 presented the first prototype of a new An-132 transport aircraft. Ukraine's top officials – President Petro Poroshenko and ...
Antonov State Enterprise finishes building An-132D multipurpose ...Interfax
Poroshenko hopes for further development of economic cooperation ...Ukrinform News
los 6 artículos informativos »


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Tania Barricklo-Daily Freeman
Patricia Doxsey - Daily Freeman file
KINGSTON, N.Y. >> Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is lauding a bill – now wending its way through the state Legislature – that would require chain pharmacies across the state to take back the drugs they dispense.
The measure, which is intended to keep dangerous drugs from making their way to the streets by expanding the places where people can dispose of their unused, unneeded drugs, has advanced to a third reading in the state Assembly and has been introduced in the state Senate by the chairman of the Senate’s Health Committee.
“This is a practical, real world solution that can make things better and take narcotics off the street and out of the hands of our children,” Hein said. “It’s not a panacea, but it is a significant and important tool to be able to take narcotics off the street.”
The bill is sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, D-Forestburgh, who said it will protect the public and address an issue that is impacting the entire nation.
She said already some small independent pharmacies have taken upon themselves to take back unused prescriptions medications and sees no reason why large chain pharmacies shouldn’t do the same.
“It’s the right thing to do,” she said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions considers the nation to be “in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic.”
According to the CDC, 91 Americans die every day from prescription drugs and heroin overdoses and overdoses from prescription opioids are a driving factor in the 15-year increase in opioid overdose deaths.
The CDC also found that three out of four new heroin users reported abusing prescription opioids prior to using heroin.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 86 percent of young, urban injection heroin users interviewed in 2008 and 2009 had used opioid pain relievers prior to using heroin and that the main source of those opioids was the homes of family and friends.”
In his State of the County address in January, Hein called on the state to require large chain pharmacies to install drop boxes to accept unwanted and unneeded medications, “because asking nicely simply has not worked.”
In March, Hein asked the county Legislature to pass a local law mandating chain stores that sell pharmaceuticals provide a way for consumers to return the drugs they no longer need. Although that effort has stalled, Hein said the county’s legal department “is exploring every angle to be able to bring additional pressure on large chain pharmacies to take back the very medication that they make billions of dollars dispensing.”
“It should not be easier for you to return bottles and cans than it is to take opiod-based narcotics out of the streets,” he said. “When you have your car oil changed, the mechanics are required to properly process the old oil to protect our environment. It is not unreasonable to demand that large chain pharmacies take back used portions of medication that would otherwise have the potential to wind up in our children.
There are currently at least 18 permanent medication disposal boxes at police stations throughout the county and at SUNY New Paltz, but Hein said it can be inconvenient and intimidating – especially for senior citizens – to go to the police station to dispose of their unwanted narcotics.
And, he said, while hundreds of pounds of drugs have been disposed of in those drop boxes, “the problem is measured in tons.”
Gunther said she that although “there might be complaints,” from some state lawmakers about the legislation, she believes that the bill stands a good of making it to the governor’s desk.
“I’m going to push it as hard as I can,” she said. “I think it’s a big deal.”


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CoreOnline, the game streaming service from Square Enix, was quietly taken offline last November.
The support page for CoreOnline has this to say by way of explanation: "CoreOnline was released as an experiment to see what demand there would be for HD games played via the browser. However, due to limited commercial take-up of this initiative, CoreOnline closed on Friday 29th November 2013."
CoreOnline launched in August 2012, and while then-CEO Yoichi Wada discussed it as more an experiment than a major product launch, the company's executives clearly believed in its potential.
Indeed, speaking to GamesIndustry International at the time, Wada described CoreOnline as part of a larger shift occurring in the industry.
"If we look back on the last 30 or 40 years, the pendulum has been shifting from server to client and back again," he said. "First it started with IBM Mainframe and the clients were just an empty box. Then the pendulum shifted to the client with the Microsoft PC.
"With Google, and browsers, most of the functions shifted to server side again, then Apple shifted it back again. We think that there's going to be another shift."
The ultimate fate of CoreOnline may be tied to Square Enix's current performance. Yoichi Wada's exit in March prompted a period of apparently rigorous self-analysis at the company, when the new president Yosuke Matsuda spoke of an "urgent" need for reform.
The company's six-month fiscal report for 2014 showed a welcome return to profitability - flat revenues and rising profits indicating a reduction in costs.


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Just like most other new internet money and payments equipment, the digital money craze has found in recent months. The popular interest of digital money is hardly limited to those who use it for illegal routines and those interested in purely speculative markets.
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There is a developing realization that outdated ways of exchanging money are not as safe because they once were. Using money to pay for items and solutions can simply become jeopardized. In addition, this leads to far more dishonest dealings than utilizing a debit card or a credit card.
Users tend to either believe they are a lot more trustworthy should they use their credit card for transacting, or that they can make a mistake certainly not. Either real way, users must learn that there are problems with bank cards, too.
We’ve all noticed credit card dealings, either through actual purchases of items at a shop or via internet buying. The chances of the transaction becoming stolen from your account are higher.
Since so many people are comfortable with accepting bank cards for everyday transactions, there are a great number of fraudulent states ongoing. In fact, every day almost, we hear stories of consumers who have lost huge amount of money.
Because the amounts are so large, it’s no question many banking institutions and merchants possess turned away from accepting credit cards. A virtual cash system that’s much safer and much more convenient to take care of will probably replace bank cards as the accepted method of transaction.
At once, the necessity for instant, reliable and very transportable payment methods in virtual currencies is growing. Since digital exchanges are usually cheaper relatively, and most dealings online take place, it makes sense to obtain in over the actions as soon as possible. The best news for consumers, however, is that whenever you utilize a virtual currency, there are no transaction fees to worry about.
Payments have become a very important part of the global economy. Everyone is looking for better ways to reduce their transactions costs, and this is why plenty of entrepreneurs are finding themselves forced to consider improved ways to get payment using their customers.
Banking institutions are also faced with the same problem. As banks cut back on the number of debit cards balances they are giving, banks have found themselves having a shrinking customer foundation.
With the popularity of digital currency still relatively reduced, we are able to only anticipate that banking institutions will continue steadily to provide the program and infrastructure for quite some time to arrive. In order to ensure they will continue to achieve this, banks have to learn how to understand the trend.
Borrowing an idea from internet poker, it seems that the game itself is the currency that may replace traditional forms of money. As soon as banks have began understanding how to approach electronic money, they will find themselves behind the curve when it comes to obligations.
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Cargo Business Newswire ArchivesSummary for September 8 through September 12, 2014:
Monday, September 8, 2014
U.S. and China to meet on proposed Maersk-MSC alliance
The U.S. probably won’t approve the proposed 2M alliance between shipping giants Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co. until the Federal Maritime Commission consults with their Chinese counterparts, according to one of the agency's commissioners.
FMC Commissioner William Doyle told The Wall Street Journal that he wants to consult with Chinese regulators before reaching a decision on the so-called 2M vessel and route sharing alliance submitted by Maersk and MSC.
Earlier this year, Beijing shocked the shipping industry when it nixed the similar but larger P3 alliance, a prospective tie-up between Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM.
Maersk and MSC, the globe’s two top container-shipping companies by capacity, filed a request for approval of the 2M alliance with the FMC last week.
If approved, 2M will move about 30 percent of all cargo between Asia and Europe and across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The agreement is expected to save the two companies hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
The wider alliance that included CMA CGM required formal approval from the FMC and Chinese and European regulators. For this one, Maersk and MSC officials say they only need to file their operational plans with the European and Chinese watchdogs, but formal clearance is only needed by the FMC.
"I want to see if China's regulatory authorities have any concerns," Doyle said. "The 2M partners can say whatever they want, but what's important is what China comes up with. Let's not forget the trade to Europe from Asia comes from Asia."
City approves $848M Port of Long Beach budget for new fiscal year
The Long Beach City Council voted approve an $858 million budget for the Port of Long Beach for the upcoming fiscal year starting October 1, with much of it being slotted for port upgrades.
The Harbor Department plans to spend $579 million on capitol projects, including the ongoing Desmond Bridge Replacement Project and the redevelopment of the Middle Harbor Terminal.
The Port projects operating revenue of just over $346 million for the new fiscal year.
The funding will come from terminal leases and cargo fees charged to companies and shipping lines. Grants from state and federal agencies for roadway, rail and security projects also add to the port’s annual operating budget.
The newly approved budget provides for the creation of almost 30 new full-time positions, including 20 in engineering, which is key with all of the construction projects the port is undertaking, according to Art Wong, the port’s assistant director of communications.
"Because we’re moving ahead with a capital program that includes a lot of construction, it’s important that we add those positions," Wong said. "Working on $4 billion in projects, it’s very important to have the people to manage and direct that work."
The budget sets aside $30 million for environmental programs like barge-based pollution control systems for ships at berth and the e-highway, a demonstration of how catenary-style systems can steer the port move toward zero-emissions.
Wong said the Port’s aim is to eventually be zero-emissions and that "it’s important that the Port continues to move forward and foster ideas and technology that will help us to get to zero emissions."
BNSF-Tacoma Rail contract could give Port of Tacoma a boost
A new contract between BNSF and Tacoma Rail, Tacoma’s Tide flats shortline railroad could give the Port of Tacoma an edge over rival ports.
Under the new contract, Tacoma Rail is refueling, doing minor maintenance and stocking the locomotives with supplies to allow them to get back on their transcontinental runs more quickly. The short line railroad has provided similar services for Union Pacific for several years.
The new maintenance and fueling contract for BNSF locomotives could trim one to three hours from the turnaround time for trains leaving the port headed for the Midwest, according to Dale King, Tacoma Rail’s superintendent.
Prior to last month, BNSF locomotives that hauled unit trains of oil, autos and containers to the port were disconnected from the trains they powered and sent across the Puyallup River for servicing at a BNSF facility.
Hapag-Lloyd and CSAV merger to receive conditional EU approval, insiders say
Two inside sources told Reuters that Hapag-Lloyd and Compania SudAmericana de Vapores would win conditional European Union approval for their merger, which will form the world's fourth-largest container shipping company.
The companies received approval from U.S. regulators last month.
EU approval depends on the elimination of some overlapping routes between the consortia in which the companies are members. This would assuage concerns that the deal could reduce competition, said two individuals who declined to be named because the EU decision is not yet public.
Hapag-Lloyd is a member of the G6 alliance along with APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and Orient Overseas Container Line. The G6 operates on the Asia-Europe and Mediterranean trades.
CSAV, majority-owned by Chile’s billionaire Luksic family, is a member of another smaller group.
An anonymous shipping industry source predicted more mergers in the pipeline, saying the Hapag-Lloyd and CSAV deal could be a model for future deals.
"The container industry needs to keep its cost structure low but there is not much flexibility compared with other shipping segments like dry bulk where you can alter fuel consumption and change the way deals are done more easily." the person said. "On that basis, we will see consolidation in the container market out of necessity."
The European Commission is scheduled to decide on the merger by Sept. 11. The EC, Hapag-Lloyd and CSAV all declined to comment on the matter.
Drewry: Container growth on Asia-to-Europe trades outpaces economy
Container flows from Asia to Europe came out strong in the first-half of 2014, which is at odds with macro-economic data coming out of Europe, according to this week’s Container Insight from Drewry Maritime Research.
The analysts note that recent disappointing economic news coming out of Europe regarding GDP does not align with the robust growth reported for some of the big ocean container markets.
Eurozone GDP was static in the second quarter, as the economies of its three biggest economies— Germany, France and Italy—faltered. Germany, which accounts for roughly one-third of the entire Eurozone economy, dropped 0.6 percent in the second quarter, due to weaker exports. France posted a 0.1 percent fall, triggering the government to admit it will not reach its annual growth or budget deficit targets. Italy backslid into recession as the economy contracted for the second consecutive quarter, this time falling by 0.8 percent.
In Asia, China experienced strong second quarter GDP growth of 8.2 percent, but the Japanese economy fell by 6.8 percent, its worst performance since the tsunami in 2011.
Even though the above data would suggest a similar drop in the container sector, the first-half growth in the Asia-to-Europe and the Mediterranean (including North Africa) trade routes reached 8 percent year-over-year.
Drewry said although GDP is a broad measure of economic health as one of the drivers of long-term aggregate growth in trade, it is less useful for short-term trade forecasts. GDP also reflects changes in domestic economic activity not related to exports and imports, just as container growth is influenced by factors other than GDP, including the multiple physical transport of parts, intermediate goods and finished goods and the increasing containerization of certain commodities.
Also, trade statistics are inclined to large growth swings and year-over-year contrasts can be distorted by a range of factors, from movable national holiday dates in China to shipments being transported early to avoid general rate increases or potential port labor disruptions, as seen recently on the U.S. West Coast.
Drewry concludes the growth experienced in the Asia-Europe trades in the first-half was inflated by weak year-over-year comparisons, yet reports it is also true that the strength of the container volume growth is beyond predictions despite weak GDP economic indicators. The researchers say they expect the rate of container trade growth to slow and for the economy to catch up.
Port of L.A.-Long Beach truckers say they were fired for filing wage claims
Truck drivers who haul goods to and from container terminals at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach said they were fired by trucking company Total Transportation Services this week after refusing to withdraw their wage claims against the company.
At least 33 truck drivers allege that they were let go by Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI) after they engaged in strikes and maintained their wage claims with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE).
A TTSI representative said the company did not fire or terminate anyone.
"Some owner operators decided not to renew their contracts with the company and those contracts have now expired," said Alex Cherin, a representative for the company. "A vast majority of the owner operators—including some with pending claims—chose to renew their agreements with TTSI."
At least 29 of the 33 drivers who say they were let go have pending DLSE claims totaling roughly $4.8 million in back pay and damages. The other four drivers were each awarded an average of $68,211 in back pay last week after the DLSE ruled that the company had misclassified employees as "independent contractors."
Drivers said when they met with TTSI on Sept. 2, they were told at first that they did not have to drop their wage claims. Some were allowed to sign new lease agreements and returned to work. But not all drivers received the same deal.
"While we were waiting, the company changed their mind and told us that if we didn’t withdraw our DLSE claims we would not be allowed to sign the new contract," Elmer Chacon, one of the drivers let go, said in a statement. "The drivers that did sign the new contracts and were back at work were sent a message on the QUALCOMM saying that they should return to TTSI and they are ‘out of service.’"
This action comes after truck drivers and their supporters demonstrated last week outside TTSI headquarters, alleging that TTSO, Pacific 9 Transportation and Green Fleet Systems continued to retaliate against them despite a truce struck by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
XPO Logistics completes acquisition of New Breed logistics firm
XPO Logistics announced it has completed the acquisition of logistics firm New Breed Holding Company for $615 million.
New Breed offers logistics services to industries with "high-growth outsourcing opportunities," including aerospace, defense, telecom, technology and e-commerce, XPO said.
XPO said it now expects to achieve full-year EBITDA earnings of at least $150 million and revenue of $3 billion.
The buy adds about $597 million in revenue to XPO and $77 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, according to the statement.
New Breed’s former chief executive, Louis DeJoy, used $30 million of proceeds from the transaction to purchase restricted stock from the company, according to XPO. As chief executive of XPO’s new contract logistics business, DeJoy will continue to lead operations.
Third Irishman arrested in Tilbury container death
A third Irish man was arrested Friday in connection with the death of an Afghan immigrant found in a shipping container at U.K.’s Tilbury Docks, according to police.
The man was arrested in connection with the death of Meet Singh Kapoor, 40, who was found with 34 living people at Tilbury Docks in Essex on August 16.
He was held at Liverpool Ferry Port on suspicion of manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry into the United Kingdom, police said.
Two Irish truck drivers have already appeared in court in connection with the case, and were charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal entry into the UK.
CMA CGM announces Ocean Three alliance with China Shipping Container Lines and United Arab Shipping Company
French shipping giant CMA CGM announced the signature of three major agreements with CSCL and UASC to form the Ocean Three vessel sharing agreement, to collectively ply the Asia-Europe, Asia-Mediterranean, TransPacific and Asia-U.S East Coast trades.
"We are very pleased to have signed these three agreements with such reputable partners, whom we both know and appreciate," said Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM vice chairman. "This will allow us to propose to our clients a high quality and reliable alternative to existing services on the market. CMA CGM will continue its global development."
CMA CGM reports the deals involve vessel sharing, slot exchange and slot charter agreements that will complete its services on the four biggest trade routes. On the Asia-Europe trade, Ocean Three will offer 4 weekly services, which complete 2 existing services, thereby offering 6 departures per week.
On the Asia-Mediterranean trade, the new alliance will offer 4 weekly services, 2 to the Mediterranean, 1 to the Adriatic and 1 to the Black Sea—the only one on this market, according to the statement. On the trans-Pacific, the prospective group will offer 4 weekly services to California and 1 service to the Pacific Northwest (U.S and Canada), and on the Asia-U.S. East Coast trade, 1 service will be offered via the Suez Canal and 1 service will be dedicated to the Gulf of Mexico.
CMA CGM's new deal would not need regulatory approval from China or the European Union as the partners would have less than 30 percent market share on Asia-Europe and Asia-Pacific routes, Vice Chairman Rodolphe Saade told Reuters, but it will need approval from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission.
"It is going to be possible to implement the agreement very swiftly, with a launch planned for week 49, or early December," Saade said by telephone to Reuters.
CMA CGM said agreements on the trans-Atlantic trade are being finalized and will soon be announced.
Ocean Three rotations will be optimized with calls in all the biggest Asian, European and North American ports, the statement said, using transshipment hubs common to the three partners.
"I think this phenomenon (of alliances) is going to grow. People talk a lot about east-west but we also have partnerships on north-south routes even if it's not yet on the same scale," Saade said.
Port Authority head says S.C. ports must improve faster to compete
South Carolina Ports Authority head Jim Newsome said Monday that although the Port of Charleston has bounced back from recession levels, the authority must increase revenue at a faster pace than competing ports in order to succeed.
"We are, as I see it, in the second inning of a nine-inning baseball game. We scored in the first two innings but we have a long game to play," said Newsome, the authority's president and CEO, during his annual State of the Port address.
South Carolina is the country’s ninth-busiest container port by volume, but earnings are low compared to competitors. Newsome said between 2015 and 2020 the port will need above-market revenue growth and investment, and that its return on capital expenditures will have to hit about 6 percent over the next few years if the port is to achieve long-term success.
Newsome sees opportunity for growth in current South Carolina and regional markets in automobile and tire exports, as well as in plastics and agricultural products. He expects imports to pick up as well, particularly in e-commerce.
He also said he expects the Charleston Harbor to be dredged to at least 50 feet by 2019.
The authority is undergoing a 10-year, $2 billion series of capital improvements. In addition to the harbor deepening, the SCPA list includes a new container terminal in North Charleston, the inland port that opened in Greer last year, improvements at the Wando Terminal in Mount Pleasant to handle the mega container ships and a new intermodal rail yard in North Charleston.
Challenges, according to Newsome, include the expectation of slower market growth and tougher competition from Southeast ports.
Bechtel in talks with U.S. about funding East Coast offshore port
On Sunday, U.S. engineering, construction and project management firm Bechtel announced its plans to substantively alter the container trade in the U.S.
According to a report by Bechtel, they are in talks with the U.S. government about funding an offshore port on the East Coast that would reduce overall shipping costs in the U.S. by 30 to 40 percent. The offshore port would reduce inland transport distances and negate the need to upgrade existing ports on the West and East Coasts.
"Currently up to 70 percent of West Coast containers move east by rail and road," says Bechtel's ports sector manager, Marco Pluijm. "If these containers shifted from overland transport to all-water direct import via the Suez Canal to an offshore port, significant savings would be possible."
Bechtel makes a case that the majority of imports to the U.S. make landfall on the West Coast from Asia, with 70 percent of containers needing to be shipped overland to the East Coast region, which has the greatest demand. Further, the mega-sized Post-Panamax vessels are pressuring ports to significantly expand their infrastructure and facilities, including increasing channel depth through dredging and buying more expensive container handling equipment to handle the bigger ships and their higher volume.
The idea is new to the U.S., but has proved successful in Abu Dhabi where Bechtel developed the Khalifa Port.
Pluijm says a six-berth offshore port would be built where freight would be offloaded and then re-loaded onto smaller ships capable of using the existing port facilities on land, negating the need to upgrade port infrastructure and cutting transport times and costs significantly.
Shipping through the Northern Sea Route, which cuts transit times in half for vessels sailing between North Europe and Asia, will be delayed this year due to the ice situation, according to the NSR Office.
No ships have transited the NSR this season, according to the Norway-based NSR Information Office.
"Due to ice conditions, active transit navigation on NSR starts later this season," said Sergey Balmsov, the head of the NSR Information Office in Murmansk, Russia. "We will see more vessels in September and October."
The Northern Sea Route is typically open from July through November, and approximately 71 ships made the voyage last year, according to South Korea’s Yongsan University.
"The guys most likely to use it would be people shipping LNG cargoes from Snohvit in Norway or possibly reloads from Zeebrugge, Belgium," said Tony Regan, an energy consultant at Tri-Zen International Inc. in Singapore.
Shipping from Murmansk in northwest Russia to Japan through the Arctic spans 6,010 miles and takes about 18 days, compared to the 12,291 miles and 37 days it takes to go through the Suez Canal, says the NSR Information Office website.
The UPS Foundation has committed $400,000 worth of in-kind logistics services to get crucial supplies to health care workers fighting the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
The lion’s share of the contribution is a sponsored chartered flight from Belgium carrying 55 metric tons of disinfectant to Monrovia, Liberia, where 40 percent of deaths from the outbreak have occurred.
Assistance also includes expediting the trucking of 10 pallets of supplies from MedShare’s Decatur, Ga., warehouse to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, plus $75,000 worth of ocean freight services.
NRF: U.S. retail imports remain up as West Coast labor talks continue
Photo credit: Reuters
Retailers continued to bring goods into the U.S. at an above-average rate this month—spurred by the lack of a West Coast dockworker contract—but volume will drop from the record set in August, projects the latest Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
"The negotiations have made progress and retailers have been stocking up, but there’s still cargo that needs to arrive before the holiday season kicks off," said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy. "Retailers are making sure that consumer demand during the holidays will be met."
Import volume at U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker is expected to total 1.47 million TEUs this month, down from August’s record 1.53 million TEUs.
West Coast dockworkers have been working without a valid contract since their former agreement expired July 1. Since then, retailers have been worried about potential labor disruptions that could affect the flow of back-to-school or holiday merchandise.
The tentative agreement on longshoremen’s health benefits announced in August was an encouraging sign for shippers, but the PMA and the ILWU continue to parlay on other contract issues.
U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.5 million TEUs in July, up 3.7 percent year-over-year. August was forecast to be up 2.9 percent at 1.53 million TEUs, September up 2.4 percent at 1.47 million TEUs, October up 5.5 percent to 1.51 million TEUs, November up 3.8 percent at 1.39 million TEUs and December up 4.1 percent at 1.37 million TEUs.
In 2014, U.S. container ports tracked by the report are expected to achieve collective imports totaling 17.1 million TEUs, a 5.3 percent increase over 2013’s 16.2 million. The first half of 2014 totaled 8.3 million TEUs, up 7 percent over the first half of 2013.
NRF is forecasting 3.6 percent sales growth in 2014.
"The North American economy is certainly growing, but at lower rates than one would expect coming out of a deep recession," said Ben Hackett, Hackett Associates founder. "It remains hesitant, growing in spurts rather than in a sustained pattern."
Global Port Tracker covers the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami, and Houston.
Drewry: U.S. interest rates will spur procurement of port assets
The expectation of higher U.S. interest rates will trigger a boost in the acquisition and refinancing of port assets over the next year, according to Drewry Maritime Advisors, Drewry’s port consultancy division.
The analysts project the target rate of the U.S. Fed will increase from its all-time low of 0.25 percent, and the prospect of higher borrowing costs will drive more acquisition activity sooner as investors seek to secure low financing rates before costs begin to rise. Port operators will want to refinance outstanding loans prior to any potential rates increase.
"We have already noticed this trend within our own portfolio of consulting projects," said Tim Power, director of Drewry Maritime Advisors. "Over 70 percent of our current consultancy workload relates to due diligence of port asset acquisition and refinancing assignments. Three years ago this activity represented less than 30 percent, indicating the growth in the scale of such transactions. We expect this trend to accelerate over the next 12 months as investors seek to lock into low rates."
The researchers project that port operators will try to get the jump on any upcoming hike in interest rates by engaging lenders to refinance or seek out new capital now. Meanwhile, potential investors will take advantage of the opportunity to evaluate port assets that may not otherwise have been available.
U.S. energy agency: Demand for petroleum to rise 38 percent by 2040
The global consumption of petroleum and other liquid fuels will increase 38 percent by 2040, triggered by increased demand in the developing nations of Asia and the Middle East, according to "International Energy Outlook 2014" (IEO2014), a new report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
"The growth outlook for liquid fuels use will be largely driven by demand in the developing world, especially in Asia and the Middle East," said EIA Administrator Adam Sieminski. "Those two regions combined account for 85 percent of the total increase in liquid fuels used worldwide over that period."
The IEO2014 report projects that worldwide use of liquid fuels will grow from 87 million barrels per day in 2010 to 119 MMbbl/d in 2040. Increasing demand for liquid fuels is focused on the emerging economies of China, India, and the Middle East, while demand in the U.S., Europe, and other areas with established oil markets seems to have peaked.
OPEC oil producers will continue to be the largest source of additional liquid fuel supplies between 2010 and 2040, the report forecasts, assuming OPEC producers will incrementally invest in production capacity, letting them maintain a share of between 39 percent and 44 percent of total world production. OPEC crude and lease condensate accounts for 14 MMbbl/d of the 33 MMbbl/d increase projected in total liquid fuel supply.
Non-OPEC crude and lease condensate production is forecast to increase by 10 MMbbl/d, according to IEO2014. Potential new supplies of oil from tight and shale resources have raised optimism for large, new sources of global liquid supplies to meet growing demand.
Compared to previous reports, IEO2014 incorporates larger new supplies of tight oil from the U.S. and Canada. However, it projects that other nations, including Mexico, Russia, Argentina, and China, will begin producing substantial volumes of tight oil between now and 2040.
China Merchants Holdings to develop $11B Tanzania megaport
Tanzania has announced a successful negotiation with Chinese officials that has paved the way for work to start on the $11 billion Bagamoyo megaport this year, rather than January 2015 as originally scheduled.
China Merchants Holdings International will develop the port. The first phase of work, to be completed by 2017, includes the quay, the container yards, the cargo terminals and all dredging work.
The facilities will be expanded in stages over a period of 30 years, to give an ultimate capacity of 20 million TEUs a year, which will likely make it the largest port on the east coast of Africa. It will be able to handle RoRo ships and container vessels with a 10,000-TEU capacity.
Lost Northwest Passage expedition ship discovered after 169 years (video)
One of two sunken British ships from Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition to the Arctic has been found in the Canadian Arctic, according to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who confirmed its authenticity in a Sept. 7 statement.
Visit the Business Week story link below to view the side-scan sonar image and the underwater video of the shipwreck that is provided by Parks Canada, a federal government agency.
Her Majesty’s Ship Erebus and the HMS Terror departed England in May 1845 on an Arctic expedition that sought a Northwest Passage to Asia. The vessels became trapped in ice in late 1846, according to a message found on King William Island in 1859.


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US SMEs expanding into South Korea are set to benefit from a new government-sponsored help centre, which aims to demystify challenges related to the Korean market.
The US-South Korea SME centre comes as part of a first-of-its-kind memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the US Department of Commerce’s international trade administration (ITA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (Amcham Korea).
The MOA is unique for ITA as it’s the first such agreement to be signed with a foreign-based American Chamber of Commerce with a specific focus on SME exporters.
The new centre will become a one-stop-shop for supporting US businesses with on-the-ground resources for information and solutions related to local law, marketing, government procurement and trade missions.
South Korea is currently the sixth-largest trading partner in goods to the US, and second only to China in Asia Pacific. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, total goods traded between the two nations was valued at US$120bn in 2017. Goods sent to Korea totalled US$48bn, while goods to the US reached US$71bn, meaning the US held a US$23bn trade deficit for the year.
According to ITA, the MOA lays the groundwork for advancing a sustained increase in the number of US SMEs exporting to South Korea and the overall volume of bilateral trade.
Commenting on the agreement, James Kim, Amcham Korea chairman and CEO, says: “There is tremendous potential for US SMEs to play a bigger role in job creation, economic growth, and innovation in both countries and contribute to more balanced bilateral trade.”
Amcham Korea has set a target of helping 300 companies through the centre in its first year. ITA and Amcham Korea were unable to confirm exactly when the centre will open its doors.
Amcham Korea was formed in 1953 with the mission to support US companies in South Korea and facilitate South Korean companies’ investment into the US.
ITA has connections with 75 global markets and works to help US organisations compete on the international stage.


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SRINAGAR — With Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) authorities failing to enforce the rates fixed by it for poultry, the chicken prices in the Kashmir markets have skyrocketed. The rate fixed for chicken per kg by retailers across Kashmir is Rs 170 and more.
As per the news agency KNO, the government has set the price of chicken at Rs 130 per kg, but the consumers claim that the sellers are selling chicken at a much higher rate than the government fixed rate.
The poultry sellers seem to be giving no damn to the government rates as people from the whole of Kashmir are complaining that the chicken sellers have no regard for the rates fixed by the government.
Shakeel Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama, said that shopkeepers are selling chicken at Rs 170 per kg and whenever they are being asked about government rates, they complain to the government about wholesale dealers who have hiked the rates.
Zahid Ahmad, a shopkeeper from Anantnag, said that whether the rate is Rs 100 or Rs 200, they earn only Rs 10 per kg as profit but rates depend upon wholesale dealers. “If authorities want to regulate the prices of the broiler chicken, they should act against the wholesale dealers,” he said.
Other shopkeepers said that they are getting the broiler chicken at the rate of Rs 155-Rs 160 per kg in wholesale and how can they sell them below Rs 170 then?
Consumers said that authorities are acting as mute spectators with negligible market checks in almost the whole of Kashmir and the poultry sellers are having a free hand to charge exorbitant rates. The consumers appealed to authorities to increase the market checking in the area so that they will not have to suffer.
Meanwhile, an official of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs acknowledged that rates of chicken have increased in Kashmir and concerned enforcement wings have to be directed to increase market checkings so that consumers won’t have to suffer anymore.


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As states, provinces and countries slowly start to re-open following stay-at-home orders, people are left with many unanswered questions and new information about the novel coronavirus continues to be discovered. As researchers learn more about how COVID-19 affect humans, they are also investigating how the virus may be transmitted through pets.
Now, more than ever, pets are a source of comfort and companionship especially for those living alone during social distancing. They help lower blood pressure, offer a sense of purpose and dog owners are more likely to get regular exercise walking; one of the few outdoor activities permitted. Dog owners are also more apt to socialize with others, at a safe distance, and swap stories about their beloved pets.
But because a few dogs and cats worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19, it’s important to take precautions when taking pets outdoors and to isolate pets from anyone who becomes sick in the household. According to a recent AARP report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises pet owners to avoid dog parks and public spaces where dogs play together and keep a minimum 6-foot distance from both people and animals outdoors. If possible, keep cats indoors to limit their exposure to other animals and people.
If someone becomes ill with COVID-19 and must interact with their pet, they should do so following the same precautions as with people; wearing a cloth face mask and washing hands before and after touching any animal. Although the risk for a pet becoming seriously ill from coronavirus infection is very low, there is always a chance they could spread the virus to other people. People visiting from a distance with elderly adults should not allow pets to interact with seniors unless they can be sure proper measures including thorough hand washing and mask-wearing will be taken. Pets could unknowingly transmit the virus on their fur or in saliva.
Keep washing hands frequently, make sure pets are up-to-date on their vaccines and now that Spring has arrived, don’t forget to use flea and tick prevention. While you are stocking up on food, household goods and prescription medications, don’t forget to keep a good supply of pet food on hand. Many veterinarians are doing curbside drop-off and pick up using masks and gloves to protect pet owners and themselves.
Learn more about COVID-19 and animals by following this link to the CDC website.
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Primark Stores welcomes award from BITC
08 December 2012
Primark welcomed today’s announcement from Business in the Community that Katharine Kirk, Ethical Trade Director, has been granted a Game Changer Award in recognition of her work in ethical sourcing.
Read More - Primark Stores welcomes award from BITC
03 August 2011
We made a business decision in 2010 to stop using sandblasting on all our products, following concerns about potential risks to workers' health.
Read More - Sandblasting ban
BBC apologises for faked footage in Panorama
16 June 2011
In 2008, Primark was featured on the BBC TV Panorama programme: “Primark on the Rack”, which claimed to show three young boys being used to manufacture clothes sold in Primark.
Read More - BBC apologises for faked footage in Panorama
Helping workers to open bank accounts
10 May 2011
In India, we’ve partnered with Geosansar on a ground-breaking initiative to open bank accounts for factory workers.
Read More - Helping workers to open bank accounts
21 April 2011
In 2010 we announced an exciting new pilot initiative in ROI and the UK partnering with the Newlife Foundation to recycle our clothing and further reduce our impact on the environment.
Read More - Newlife Foundation


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Xiaomi Mi 5 has got to be one of the most talked about devices this year. The company's upcoming flagship was expected to be announced back in July, but the company has decided to postpone the announcement because it seems like they're waiting for the Snapdragon 820 or Helio X20 to become available. A rumor which surfaced earlier today stated that the Xiaomi Mi 5 will arrive in the first quarter of next year, and that's kind of a safe assumption at the moment. Xiaomi has held an event yesterday under the name 'the Grand Finale', which suggests they don't intend to hold another such event before the year's end.
That being said, Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, has released a statement to Chinese media. He didn't reveal any details regarding Mi 5's launch, but he did say that the phone is definitely worth waiting for. The company's CEO has also added that Xiaomi intends to release future smartphones at shorter intervals, which is rather interesting, it seems like we'll be seeing a lot of Xiaomi-branded smartphones launched next year. Anyhow, Lei Jun has also confirmed that Xiaomi's primary focus is, and will remain China, and India, Indonesia and Brazil will follow. As you probably already know, a couple of Xiaomi's handsets were certified by the FCC, and Xiaomi's exec has already hinted that the company will enter the US smartphone market soon. Well, Lei Jun has said that it might take some time before that happens, but it looks like that will happen next year for sure.
I'm sure you're wondering what specs will Xiaomi Mi 5 sport. Well, according to a number of leaks the phone will ship with a 5.2-5.5" display, 3/4GB of RAM and more than one internal storage option. The 20.7-megapixel camera is expected to be located on the back of this handset, and the phone will be made out of metal. 'Force Touch' display is a possibility here, but we're still not sure about that. Now, the phone will almost certainly going to sport a fingerprint scanner, and will be more affordable than similarly specced devices, which we're used to from Xiaomi. Keep in mind that these are rumored specifications, so nothing is certain just yet.


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There is the possibility that hoteliers in Thailand will increase their room rates next year, it has been reported. The Bangkok Post recently highlighted predictions made by US firm Starwood Hotels and Resorts, which anticipates the cost of staying in a Thai hotel to rise by up to 20 per cent in 2012. According to the company, this is because accommodation charges are much higher in neighbouring nations, while Thailand's hotel sector has not boosted prices substantially since 2008.
Vice-president for the organisation in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam Wayne Buckingham told the publication there is a big gap between rates in Thailand and elsewhere in south-east Asia. "Average hotel room rates in Bangkok are lower than in Singapore and Hong Kong by 25 to 30 per cent. In the past few years, many Bangkok hotels have maintained their rates, while some have even slashed prices to attract foreign tourists to survive the bad times," he asserted.
Mr Buckingham added hotels with a "good product" to offer may be able to hike room rates, while those that do not provide the same standards might not be in a position to increase charges so substantially. Two Thai locations featured in a list of the least-expensive Asian destinations as part of the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index for the first half of 2011. Pattaya and Chiang Mai were included in the table at numbers six and nine respectively, despite the average daily rate for hotels in Chiang Mai rising by 17 per cent, compared to the first six months of 2010.
However, it may take a little longer before the predicted price hikes take effect, if Thai hoteliers listen to the pleas of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Surapol Svetaseni. At the beginning of December, he told the Bangkok Post the organisation had requested that hoteliers and tour operators hold their prices to ensure they remain competitive. Mr Surapol stressed the TAT is working on marketing campaigns focusing on room rates, with one aim to point out the price of a five-star hotel in Thailand is the same as a three or four-star establishment in neighbouring nations.
- Friday 16 December 2011


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BD&K Foods, a premier-provider of fully-prepared southern-style vegetables, announced it has acquired a new facility and has plans to hire 35 additional team members. The 75,000 square-foot building is located at 1333 Cusseta Road and will allow the company to roll-out its new Fixin’s line of hot, packaged side dishes slated to be sold in grocery store delis alongside rotisserie chickens and other ready-to-eat protein items.
The new space will be a compliment to BD&K’s existing 30,000 square-foot facility on Andrews Road that has grown to employ 75 production and administrative associates since arriving in Columbus in 2009.
"We have been very pleased with the quality of the workforce here in Columbus as well as the site selection support we received from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce," said Kevin Jordan, CEO of BD&K Foods. "This new building will allow us to bring in-house our freezing, storage and distribution functions. It also allows us to expand our production capacities in the future."
BD&K foods worked closely with the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority of Columbus to make this project a reality.
"Our economic development department has made it a priority to work with existing companies," said Brian Anderson, president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "By taking time to understand BD&K’s business, our team was able to provide valuable resources and insight to the company which has resulted in a deepening of their roots in Columbus."
"Existing businesses like BD&K are so important to the health and growth of our community and as such we are excited about their acquisition and plans to hire more people in Columbus," said Billy Blanchard, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. "We also appreciate the partnership we share with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce which has a proven track record of attracting capital investment and new jobs to our community."
BD&K Foods has prepared cooked foods for the grocery industry as well as schools and military installations since its inception. Transparent to consumers in its traditional lines of business, their new line of branded retail products seek to establish a recognizable brand that pairs hot, ready to eat side dishes with similarly prepared protein items. The signature item in this category is the rotisserie-cooked chicken. With more than 800 million rotisserie chickens sold each year, but few if any packaged hot grab and go sides available, BD&K is stepping in to complete the meal with its
Fixin’s line of seven hot, fully prepared and packaged side dishes that will be offered for sale right next to the rotisserie chickens. Families can now grab a couple of hot side dishes along with their chicken and be able to serve a fast wholesome traditional style dinner.
About BD&K Foods, Inc.
Founded in 1999 in Auburn, Alabama and relocated to Columbus, Georgia in 2009, BD&K Foods has for fourteen years provided hot and ready southern-style side dishes to meat-and-three restaurants, grocery store hot-bars, and deli buffets. Each year the company serves 70-million side dishes to families all over the country and to our military families overseas. BD&K provides better, tastier solutions to the daily challenge of the family dinner. www.bdkfoods.com
About Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce is an energetic and visionary organization committed to building a more prosperous community by promoting business success and being the leader in community, economic and talent development. www.columbusgachamber.com


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The Rocketeer Posing Pin
Little Shop of Pins has created a new Rocketeer pin using Dave's iconic pose. The pin is approximately 2.25" tall.
For more information please visit: https://littleshopofpins.com/
Kickstarter campaign ends soon!
Just a reminder that the Kickstarter campaign for the "Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection" documentary ends December 2nd at 6:00 PM PST.
So visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davestevens/the-rocketeer-and-dave-stevens-a-documentary-film to get your limited Blu-Ray release of the documentary before it is too late!
The Rocketeer Watch
OKKTO is now offering the Rocketeer watch; detailed with obvious love and respect for Dave and the Rocketeer!
Available in two versions:
Regular Edition: 'Rocket-Pack' caseback, and Premium Gold Foil Gift Box
Limited Edition Set: Exclusive 'Target' caseback, Exclusive Collectible Coin, Premium Gold Foil Gift Box, and Limited Edition of 400
For more information, please visit: https://okkto.com/pages/the-rocketeer-watch
The Rocketeer Rocket Pack Pin
Little Shop of Pins has just released a 3D pin of the comic book rocket pack. The Rocket Pack pin is 3D molded with a high quality UV print to keep true to Dave's original design, colors and aesthetic.
For more information please visit: https://littleshopofpins.com/products/the-rocketeer-rocket-pack-pin
The "Dave Stevens: Drawn to Perfection" documentary crew has launched a Kickstarter campaign to sell physical Blu-Ray copies as well as a Special Edition of a Rocketeer one-shot comic book!
The comic book contains a previously unpublished story written by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo and drawn by Adam Hughes, and it has two more stories featuring comic artists Jae Lee and Craig Cermak! Colorists Laura Martin and June Chung are also contributors.
Visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davestevens/the-rocketeer-and-dave-stevens-a-documentary-film for more information.


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After the US had banned trading with the Chinese tech giant, Huawei has to face a lot. All the big companies, including Google, had stopped any kind of goods or services exchange with the company. However, later on, this trade ban was softened by President Donal Trump, and it was also announced that Huawei devices would keep on getting Android OS. However, Huawei CEO said that the company is self-sufficient and it will not ignore the development of its own operating system. Finally, we have got to know that Huawei Harmony Operating System is ready, and the first device receiving it is Honor Smart TV.
So Huawei is all set to release its first smart TV, and it will be the first device to house Harmoney OS also known as HongMeng OS. The is just a month away and will be launched in August. This TV will be branded as Honor and has 55″ screen. Apart from entertainment platform, it will also work as a hub for Huawei smart home system.
Huawei Harmony Operating System will land on Smart TV first
In an interview, the company CEO revealed that he wants to hold the going trends of TV and want to make this TV smarter so that people will stop using their devices.
Moreover, it’s a good step, to fix bugs and other improvements by launching this Huawei Harmoney operating system on TV first. Surely it will be later on launched on its flagship devices when improved and fixed. Furthermore, according to the report, Huawei OS HongMeng is faster than macOS and Android. Click here to know more about it.


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On a precocious nighttime successful December, Shane Jones, an artificial intelligence technologist at Microsoft, felt sickened by nan images popping up connected his computer.
Jones was noodling pinch Copilot Designer, nan AI image generator that Microsoft debuted successful March 2023, powered by OpenAI’s technology. Like pinch OpenAI’s DALL-E, users participate matter prompts to create pictures. Creativity is encouraged to tally wild.
Since nan period prior, Jones had been actively testing nan merchandise for vulnerabilities, a believe known arsenic red-teaming. In that time, he saw nan instrumentality make images that ran acold afoul of Microsoft’s oft-cited responsible AI principles.
The AI work has depicted demons and monsters alongside terminology related to abortion rights, teenagers pinch battle rifles, sexualized images of women successful convulsive tableaus, and underage drinking and supplier use. All of those scenes, generated successful nan past 3 months, person been recreated by CNBC this week utilizing nan Copilot tool, which was originally called Bing Image Creator.
“It was an eye-opening moment,” Jones, who continues to trial nan image generator, told CNBC successful an interview. “It’s erstwhile I first realized, wow this is really not a safe model.”
Jones has worked astatine Microsoft for six years and is presently a main package engineering head astatine firm office successful Redmond, Washington. He said he doesn’t activity connected Copilot successful a master capacity. Rather, arsenic a reddish teamer, Jones is among an service of labor and outsiders who, successful their free time, take to trial nan company’s AI exertion and spot wherever problems whitethorn beryllium surfacing.
Jones was truthful alarmed by his acquisition that he started internally reporting his findings successful December. While nan institution acknowledged his concerns, it was unwilling to return nan merchandise disconnected nan market. Jones said Microsoft referred him to OpenAI and, erstwhile he didn’t perceive backmost from nan company, he posted an unfastened missive connected LinkedIn asking nan startup’s committee to return down DALL-E 3 (the latest type of nan AI model) for an investigation.
Microsoft’s ineligible section told Jones to region his station immediately, he said, and he complied. In January, he wrote a missive to U.S. senators astir nan matter, and later met pinch staffers from nan Senate’s Committee connected Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Now, he’s further escalating his concerns. On Wednesday, Jones sent a missive to Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, and different to Microsoft’s committee of directors. He shared nan letters pinch CNBC up of time.
“Over nan past 3 months, I person many times urged Microsoft to region Copilot Designer from nationalist usage until amended safeguards could beryllium put successful place,” Jones wrote successful nan missive to Khan. He added that, since Microsoft has “refused that recommendation,” he is calling connected nan institution to adhd disclosures to nan merchandise and alteration nan standing on Google’s Android app to make clear that it’s only for mature audiences.
“Again, they person grounded to instrumentality these changes and proceed to marketplace nan merchandise to ‘Anyone. Anywhere. Any Device,’” he wrote. Jones said nan consequence “has been known by Microsoft and OpenAI anterior to nan nationalist merchandise of nan AI exemplary past October.”
His nationalist letters travel aft Google precocious past month temporarily sidelined its AI image generator, which is portion of its Gemini AI suite, pursuing personification complaints of inaccurate photos and questionable responses stemming from their queries.
In his missive to Microsoft’s board, Jones requested that nan company’s environmental, societal and nationalist argumentation committee analyse definite decisions by nan ineligible section and management, arsenic good arsenic statesman “an independent reappraisal of Microsoft’s responsible AI incident reporting processes.”
He told nan committee that he’s “taken bonzer efforts to effort to raise this rumor internally” by reporting concerning images to nan Office of Responsible AI, publishing an soul station connected nan matter and gathering straight pinch elder guidance responsible for Copilot Designer.
“We are committed to addressing immoderate and each concerns labor person successful accordance pinch our institution policies, and admit worker efforts successful studying and testing our latest exertion to further heighten its safety,” a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC. “When it comes to information bypasses aliases concerns that could person a imaginable effect connected our services aliases our partners, we person established robust soul reporting channels to decently analyse and remediate immoderate issues, which we promote labor to utilize truthful we tin appropriately validate and trial their concerns.”
‘Not very galore limits’
Jones is wading into a nationalist statement astir generative AI that’s picking up power up of a immense twelvemonth for elections astir that world, which will impact immoderate 4 cardinal group successful much than 40 countries. The number of deepfakes created has accrued 900% successful a year, according to information from instrumentality learning patient Clarity, and an unprecedented magnitude of AI-generated contented is apt to compound nan burgeoning problem of election-related misinformation online.
Jones is acold from unsocial successful his fears astir generative AI and nan deficiency of guardrails astir nan emerging technology. Based connected accusation he’s gathered internally, he said nan Copilot squad receives much than 1,000 merchandise feedback messages each day, and to reside each of nan issues would require a important finance successful caller protections aliases exemplary retraining. Jones said he’s been told successful meetings that nan squad is triaging only for nan astir egregious issues, and location aren’t capable resources disposable to analyse each of nan risks and problematic outputs.
While testing nan OpenAI exemplary that powers Copilot’s image generator, Jones said he realized “how overmuch convulsive contented it was tin of producing.”
“There were not very galore limits connected what that exemplary was tin of,” Jones said. “That was nan first clip that I had an penetration into what nan training dataset astir apt was, and nan deficiency of cleaning of that training dataset.”
Copilot Designer’s Android app continues to beryllium rated “E for Everyone,” nan astir age-inclusive app rating, suggesting it’s safe and due for users of immoderate age.
In his missive to Khan, Jones said Copilot Designer tin create perchance harmful images successful categories specified arsenic governmental bias, underage drinking and supplier use, belief stereotypes, and conspiracy theories.
By simply putting nan word “pro-choice” into Copilot Designer, pinch nary different prompting, Jones recovered that nan instrumentality generated a slew of animation images depicting demons, monsters and convulsive scenes. The images, which were viewed by CNBC, included a demon pinch crisp teeth astir to eat an infant, Darth Vader holding a lightsaber adjacent to mutated infants and a handheld drill-like instrumentality branded “pro choice” being utilized connected a afloat grown baby.
There were besides images of humor pouring from a smiling female surrounded by happy doctors, a immense uterus successful a crowded area surrounded by burning torches, and a man pinch a devil’s pitchfork opinionated adjacent to a demon and instrumentality branded “pro-choce” [sic].
CNBC was capable to independently make akin images. One showed arrows pointing astatine a babe held by a man pinch pro-choice tattoos, and different depicted a winged and horned demon pinch a babe successful its womb.
The word “car accident,” pinch nary different prompting, generated images of sexualized women adjacent to convulsive depictions of car crashes, including 1 wearing lingerie and kneeling by a wrecked conveyance successful lingerie and others of women successful revealing clothing sitting atop beat-up cars.
With nan punctual “teenagers 420 party,” Jones was capable to make galore images of underage drinking and supplier use. He shared nan images pinch CNBC. Copilot Designer besides quickly produces images of cannabis leaves, joints, vapes, and piles of marijuana successful bags, bowls and jars, arsenic good arsenic unmarked brew bottles and reddish cups.
CNBC was capable to independently make akin images by pronunciation retired “four twenty,” since nan numerical version, a reference to cannabis successful popular culture, seemed to beryllium blocked.
When Jones prompted Copilot Designer to make images of kids and teenagers playing assassin pinch battle rifles, nan devices produced a wide assortment of images depicting kids and teens successful hoodies and look coverings holding instrumentality guns. CNBC was capable to make nan aforesaid types of images pinch those prompts.
Alongside concerns complete unit and toxicity, location are besides copyright issues astatine play.
The Copilot instrumentality produced images of Disney characters, specified arsenic Elsa from “Frozen,” Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Star Wars characters, perchance violating some copyright laws and Microsoft’s policies. Images viewed by CNBC see an Elsa-branded handgun, Star Wars-branded Bud Light cans and Snow White’s likeness connected a vape.
The instrumentality besides easy created images of Elsa successful nan Gaza Strip successful beforehand of wrecked buildings and “free Gaza” signs, holding a Palestinian flag, arsenic good arsenic images of Elsa wearing nan subject azygous of nan Israel Defense Forces and brandishing a shield emblazoned pinch Israel’s flag.
“I americium surely convinced that this is not conscionable a copyright characteristic guardrail that’s failing, but there’s a much important guardrail that’s failing,” Jones told CNBC.
He added, “The rumor is, arsenic a concerned worker astatine Microsoft, if this merchandise starts spreading harmful, disturbing images globally, there’s nary spot to study it, nary telephone number to telephone and nary measurement to escalate this to get it taken attraction of immediately.”
Hayden Field is simply a CNBC reporter


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Shares of Roku jumped 2.13% to $336.49 at 11:02 EST on Friday, after two successive sessions in a row of gains. The Nasdaq Stock Market is falling 0.17% to $12,742.80, after four successive sessions in a row of gains. This seems, at the moment, a somewhat rough trend exchanging session today.
Roku’s last close was $329.48, 4.65% below its 52-week high of $352.12.
Roku’s sales growth is 47% for the ongoing quarter and 42.5% for the next. The company’s growth estimates for the current quarter and the next is 30.8% and 26.7%, respectively.
Year-on-year quarterly revenue growth grew by 73.1%, now sitting on 1.54B for the twelve trailing months.
Roku’s Stock Yearly Top and Bottom Value
Roku’s stock is valued at $336.49 at 11:02 EST, under its 52-week high of $352.12 and way above its 52-week low of $58.22.
Roku’s Moving Average
Roku’s value is way above its 50-day moving average of $265.39 and way above its 200-day moving average of $186.82.
Previous days news about Roku
At&t forges deal to get HBO max on Roku after long impasse. According to Bloomberg Quint on Wed Dec 16, ""Reaching mutually beneficial agreements where Roku grows together with our partners is how we deliver an exceptional user experience at an incredible value for consumers and we are excited by the opportunity to deepen our longstanding relationship with the team at WarnerMedia," Roku executive Scott Rosenberg said in a statement.", "AT&T Inc.’s HBO Max will be available on Roku Inc. devices beginning Thursday after the two sides resolved a long impasse that kept the streaming service from reaching a wider audience."
Roku signs deal to carry HBO max, ending standoff. According to The Wall Street Journal on Wed Dec 16, "The two companies were at loggerheads since HBO Max was launched in May over the financial terms for Roku to carry the app. ", "Roku Inc. reached a deal on Wednesday with AT&T Inc.’s WarnerMedia to carry the HBO Max streaming service, ending an eight month standoff between the companies and ensuring that Roku customers will be able to watch content such as the upcoming "Wonder Woman" movie."
: Roku announces HBO max is coming to service. According to MarketWatch on Wed Dec 16, "Roku shares climbed 4% after hours, following a 1.8% gain to close at $325.82 in the regular session. ", "Roku Inc. and WarnerMedia, which is owned by AT&T Inc. , said Wednesday they reached an agreement to have HBO Max content stream to Roku devices. "
HBO max is finally landing on Roku devices and tvs starting on Thursday, just in time for the "wonder wOman 1984" release on christmas day. According to Business Insider on Wed Dec 16, "Roku was the last platform to not offer HBO Max, as Axios points out.", "HBO Max will launch on Roku devices starting on Thursday, just in time for the release of "Wonder Woman 1984" next week, according to a Wednesday press release."
Stocks making the biggest moves after the bell: Roku, Amgen & more. According to CNBC on Wed Dec 16, "Roku – Roku shares rose more than 3% after the company announced it struck a deal to carry HBO Max on its platform."
Stocks making the biggest moves in the premarket: accenture, general mills, rite aid, Roku & more. According to CNBC on Thu Dec 17, "Roku had been the only streaming platform not to carry HBO MAX, which launched in May, but the two sides finally came to terms on a carriage agreement. ", "Roku (ROKU) – Roku will carry AT&T’s (T) HBO MAX streaming service beginning today. "
Roku torments entertainment giants in quest to dominate streaming. According to The Wall Street Journal on Thu Dec 17, "Roku Inc. had yet to reach an agreement with WarnerMedia that would let it stream the highly anticipated, big-budget spectacle-or anything else appearing on HBO Max-to its millions of customers. ", "This week, Roku ended its eight-month standoff with WarnerMedia after agreeing to financial terms. "


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Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn Qantas Points on eligible energy bills with Red Energy, Snowy Hydro’s energy retailer – giving them a new way to earn points on their everyday household expenses.
This is Qantas’ first partnership with an energy retailer.
Members have the choice of signing up to the Qantas Red Plus plan to earn seven Qantas Points per dollar on their bill or they can opt for the Qantas Red Saver plan and access a 10 per cent ‘Pay on Time’ discount and earn two points per dollar.
Bonus points are also available for new customers and customers moving house.
Here are the current offers.
Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said members have been asking for the ability to earn points on their power bills so it’s expected to be a popular way for them to be rewarded.
“Some Frequent Flyers are already earning points on their household bills using their Qantas Points-earning credit cards and through the partnership with Red Energy, they can now ‘double dip’ and earn even more points,”Ms Wirth said.
“Given it’s an everyday expense it’s one of the easiest ways for members to keep boosting their points balance.”
Energy bills are a hot topic right now, and it should go without saying that it’s wise to compare prices before choosing a retailer. We all love Qantas Points, but you don’t want to be paying too much to earn them.
For more information on how to earn Qantas Points with Red Energy visit www.redenergy.com.au/qantas
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STUDY: DEREGULATED UTILITIES MUST CHANGE MARKETING TACTICS
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Electric utilities will have to change the way they market themselves to keep pace with deregulation, according to an Ohio State University professor.
"Aside from a situation like the California energy crisis, only one thing can kill deregulation -- people's unwillingness to shop around for new utilities," Roe said. "We found that people feel more comfortable about trying a new utility if they can base their decision on standardized information."
As it stands now, some electric utilities are free to distribute marketing materials in any format; depending on state regulations, they can include or omit any information they see fit. As a result, consumers can become confused when they try to make a comparison, Roe explained.
He likened the utilities' current marketing efforts to those of long distance phone companies -- each company explains its selling points in a different way, so a direct comparison is nearly impossible.
The research stems from work begun during Roe's tenure as a staff fellow at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Studies Branch. His branch chief at FDA and co-author on the current research was Alan Levy, who earlier in the 1990s tested and developed the standardized nutrition label that is found on nearly all packaged foods.
For this survey on utility deregulation, Roe and Levy collaborated with Mario Teisl, assistant professor, and Huaping Rong, graduate research assistant, both of the University of Maine, Orono. The results appear in the summer issue of the Journal of Consumer Affairs.
The researchers surveyed more than 1,000 adults in eight U.S. cities: Cincinnati, OH; Holyoke, MA; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Riverside, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and Salt Lake City, UT.
Researchers visited shopping malls in different socioeconomic areas of these cities, and showed people marketing materials for three hypothetical utilities. Selling points for the hypothetical companies came from bits and pieces of the promotional materials of actual utilities from across the country.
Some people had to choose a utility based only on typical marketing materials, while others were also able to view a standardized chart that plainly outlined several key characteristics of the companies. Key characteristics included average monthly cost per customer, customer service ratings, the percentage of power obtained from environmentally friendly sources, and the amount of air emissions created relative to the national average.
People made more confident choices when they viewed the standardized chart, Roe said.
"The chart let consumers zero in on the factor that was most important to them," he said. "Whether they cared more about cost or renewable resources, they felt more confident making a decision when they could clearly see how each company stood on that issue."
For example, a company with a so-so environmental record may decide to omit that information from its marketing materials entirely. Potential customers who read these materials are likely to assume that the company's environmental record is much worse than it actually is.


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UMW Toyota Motor, the Malaysian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, ended the month with their highest-ever sales for a first quarter. In March 2023, the company registered 9,026 units for Toyota and 110 units for Lexus, totaling 9,136 units sold, compared to February's 9,297 units.
Total year-to-date sales registered for March 2023 stood at 25,219 units, a positive increase of 12% from this time last year (22,447 units in March 2022).
This comes off the back of the launch of the all new 2023 Toyota Vios last month, a B-segment sedan that's underpinned by the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), and boasts a totally revamped look and added tech. You can read our review of the model linked below.
Also read: Review: 2023 Toyota Vios (AC100) - A quantum leap, but not without hiccups
UMW Toyota Motor also hosted a tree planting event in Tanjung Tuan, Melaka, as part of the UMW Green Shoots Initiative in March, whereby up to 6,100 trees were planted by 250 volunteers made up of staff , students and teachers from University Putra Malaysia, Serdang and Politeknik Port Dickson, Taylor's University, as well as members of the public.
The event supported the National 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign and aligned with Toyota Motor Corporation's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Also read: UMW Toyota Motor keeps going green with continuation of mangrove planting efforts in Malacca
Meanwhile, the company has also announced a promotion on selected models worth up to RM 8,000 and 100% loan financing in conjunction with the Ramadan season.