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AFTER THE STORM
AFTER THE STORM; RISING COMPLAINTS OF PRICE GOUGING
By JOSEPH B. TREASTER,
Published: August 30, 1992
MIAMI, Aug. 29— With supplies of ice, basic foods and building materials scarce and many restaurants and gas stations still closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, state officials said today that complaints of price gouging were pouring in.
"There are people charging $5 for a bag of ice that normally costs $1," said Robert A. Butterworth, Florida's Attorney General. "They are charging $125 for a motel room that was $35 before the storm."
By midday Saturday, the Attorney General's office and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had received nearly 2,500 complaints. Callers reported tuna fish at $8 a can, $15 for a gallon of water, gasoline selling at $2 a gallon, candy bars priced at $4, and $200 chain saws selling for $900. 'It's Disgusting'
"It's disgusting," said Toni Riordan, a spokeswoman for Florida's Department of Community Affairs, which is coordinating the state's response to the disaster.
Mr. Butterworth said he believed that most businesses that have reopened had not raised their prices. He also said many people who have set up roadside businesses in the heart of the disaster zone were selling things at fair prices.
One of those selling items on the road was Jon Kyseth, who owns a used car lot in Charleston, S.C. He had set up shop along a devastated stretch of highway framed by downed power lines and shredded trees. His car is his warehouse, he said, and the car's hood his showcase for flashlights, chain saws, work gloves and bottles of propane gas.
"I went through Hurricane Hugo," Mr. Kyseth said, "so I know people need these things. I drove down here thinking I could make some money but also help these people, give them fair prices and make sure they don't get gouged the way we did in Charleston." Comparing Gougers to Looters
Mr. Butterworth, who has nearly 40 investigators and lawyers working on the complaints, said, "As far I'm concerned, there's no difference between a looter and a person whose gouging victims of this disaster."
Mr. Butterworth said violaters of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act face fines of up to $10,000. He said officials of Dade County, where the worst of the hurricane damage occurred, have made price gouging a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. The state is intervening, aids to Mr. Butterworth said, because the economy has been disrupted and some merchants have gained an unfair advantage.
Mr. Butterworth's office said more than 75 subpoenas for sales records have been issued so far, including seven to major national companies. No arrests have been made yet.
Most of the business people accused by customers and investigators of price gouging have tried to shift responsibility for the higher prices.
"The retailers tell us it's the wholesalers and the wholesalers say it's the retailers," said Mona Fandel, the Attorney General's Chief of Consumer Affairs. "Everybody blames everybody else. That's why we're issuing subpoenas."
Many business people and those selling items on the roadside insisted they were doing a public service, going out of their way to provide critically needed supplies and equipment. Many of their customers agreed.
In the heavily damaged town of Naranja, Ed McKelvey, the vice president of the M.C.R. Lumber Company, was scrunched down on an office chair in a patch of drying mud, selling roofing paper and nails as fast as he could make change.
Tar paper was selling for $15 a roll, compared with $8 before the storm. "The wholesalers shot the price up," Mr. McKelvey said. "We're adding 50 cents or $1 to the price. We're trying to make as much available to the community as we can. Believe me, for a dollar a roll I don't need to be out here."
Hilda Olvera, who manages a McDonald's Restaurant, was buying tar paper for the first time. She had no idea what it ought to cost. "It seems reasonable to me," she said as a young man filled her trunk.
Many of those selling items on the roadside said they were selling at or below standard prices.


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China Telecom has announced that they’ve reached an agreement with Apple, and will finally begin selling the iPhone 4S on March 9th, with initial preorders beginning on March 2nd.
China Telecom is the third-largest mobile carrier in China, with over 129 million subscribers, making the addition of the iPhone to their offerings an extremely significant move for Apple, adding to their increasingly large footprint in that market.
Apple released a statement to The Loop on the matter:
“iPhone 4S has been an incredible hit with customers around the world,” Apple spokesperson Natalie Harrison, told The Loop. “We’re thrilled to be launching iPhone 4S with China Telecom and can’t wait to get it into the hands of even more customers in China.”
The carrier will be the second to offer the iPhone in China, following China Unicom, who previously had exclusive rights to the iPhone in that country. Apple is making strides to improve support for the Chinese language in their products, such as including China-specific changes in their upcoming release of OS X Mountain Lion.

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NBCLX, part of the NBCUniversal family, was founded as an online network in June 2019 and has the millennial audience firmly in its sights.
“Our audience cares about context, not just bullet-point headlines,” noted Tim Carista, APC director at NBCLX. “We want to give them in-depth storytelling and we use our virtual set to help do that.”
The NBCLX studio in Dallas features a traditional physical set but also has a green-screen area that’s powered by Ross Video. “I knew that we wanted to have virtual sets as part of our studio,” commented Meagan Harris, NBCLX news director. “A big part of our brand is authenticity. We wanted the network to have a very normal and authentic voice, and we wanted to do some truly fun stuff with the virtual area.”
In order to achieve that aim, NBCLX worked with Rocket Surgery, Ross Video’s in-house creative and professional services division, to create a variety of virtual set packages that significantly enhance NBCLX’s visual storytelling.
The studio features a range of Ross solutions, including the Acuity production switcher, XPression graphics platform, Furio camera motion system and AcidCam cameras. In terms of the virtual studio element, control is handled by Lucid Studio and the visuals are rendered using Voyager, Ross Video’s photorealistic graphics rendering solution that is based on Unreal Engine from Epic Games.
“We want to do things that absolutely grab people’s attention and look different so that people walk past a screen and say ‘whoa, what’s that?’,” said Carista. “The visuals go along with great storytelling and that’s what really captures our audience’s imagination.”
“Ross Video has embraced Unreal Engine for many years, using the very latest storytelling technology to produce dynamic and impactful visual content that enhances the broadcast experience,” said Bernt Johannessen, broadcast industry manager, Epic Games. “People worldwide are already familiar with the exceptional games created using Unreal Engine and we’re excited to see Ross using the tech to help realise NBCLX’s mission to inspire and inform a next-generation audience.”


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Supported by Epsilon & Avalara
Over the past year, there have been many enforced changes to how we have been able to do things. Stores were closed, restaurants shut, and our capacity for seeing anyone or doing anything severely restricted.
As a consequence, many online services saw huge demand, and the lockdowns just kept coming. People had to craft their behaviour around those services, sometimes to a greater extent than was usual for them, and in some cases for the first time ever.
However, this is not the same as saying ‘everything has changed now’, as it does broadly seem to be the case that the pandemic forced through an acceleration of existing trends, rather than inventing new ones entirely.
That said, there are some shifts in customer perception and behaviour that are worthy of note, as they do suggest some subtle changes in strategy, service and experience should be considered. This report focuses on five of these elements, which all formed part of IMRG’s Customer Experience Live event, held virtually on 9-10th June.


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SHARJAH: Sharjah Asset Management (SAM), the investment arm of the Sharjah Government, partnered up with OWS Auto to present “Rafid Automotive Solutions” and announced the launch of Motor Check Centre to enhance safety and inspection standards of vehicles. The launch event took place on Sept.28 at the Outdoor Showrooms of Souq Al Haraj in Sharjah.
Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Motorcheck is SAM’s newest venture capital to be launched by him. Among the attendees were Waleed Al Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer of SAM and Ahmed Juma Al Musharrekh, Director of Souq Al Haraj.
Waleed Al Sayegh said, “We are deeply proud to announce the newly forged partnership between SAM and the automotive experts at OWS Auto. Motorcheck is a joint venture that will bring economic growth to the emirate of Sharjah while improving the safety conditions of vehicles on the road.”
Motorcheck will provide a wide variety of inspections. The Certified Inspection will be the new standard in the car market, providing a 360-degree vehicle inspection which consists of more than 140 checkpoints. In addition, the Comprehensive Test certificate is a reliable tool to gauge the current condition of a vehicle before making a decision to purchase it from a secondary market. They also provide basic inspection of the body, chassis, and paint, computer inspection of On-Board Diagnostics, VIN check and vehicle history inspection, and car valuation reports.


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The global pandemic and local stay-home ordinances have disrupted your regular routines. So how have your daily patterns changed in this “new normal”? Let’s take a look.
A lot of people are spending more time online. The NYT reports that the COVID-era has “changed the way we internet,” with traffic increases on major social and streaming media sites like Facebook (+27%), Netflix (+16%), YouTube (+15.3%), and Twitch (+19.7%).
But an even bigger change than more screen time? More home cooking. Brava has seen home cooking increase by over 43%!
We’ve noticed big shake-ups in kitchen routines, so let’s break it down:
- Lunch has more than doubled! With kids home from school and adults working from home, lunchtime cooking is up 104% from the January and February average.
- Dinner has increased. Less dining out and more time in the evening means cooking dinner is up 30%.
- Breakfast isn’t as early as it used to be. Folks are sleeping in! Without a commute or a pre-office workout waking you up at the crack of dawn, breakfast time has shifted. Cooking between 5-7am is down 34%, while cooking 8-10am is up 45%.
- Baking is all the rage. You’ve probably seen sourdough and banana bread take over your social media feeds, and we’ve seen baking up 56%–the largest category increase.
It’s tough to keep up with daily life in the face of the last few months’ disruptions and changes. But whether you’re cooking more than usual because you have to, or because it’s a fun way to spend your time, Brava is your perfect kitchen companion. Happy home-cooking!
Source: Brava internal data, Similar Web, and Apptopia. For Brava, data is the change in the seven day average number of total cooks for the week including Mar 24th versus the week including Jan 21st. For Facebook, Twitch, Netflix and YouTube, data is the change in the seven day average website traffic for the week including Mar 24th versus the week including Jan 21st.


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- Climate-conscious neobank Aspiration is laying off more than 180 workers as part of a companywide restructuring, the fintech disclosed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letter it filed with California last month.
- The startup, which notified a handful of other states where it has remote workers, including Ohio and Wisconsin, said the layoffs are necessary to “streamline and restructure the business in light of current economic conditions and the limited capital available.”
- The letter was signed by Aspiration CEO Olivia Albrecht, who said the company “is saddened to have to take this step.”
The Marina Del Rey, California-based firm, which sweeps users’ deposits into community banks that it certifies as fossil-fuel-free in their own lending practices, said the layoffs will occur between May 26 and June 1.
The layoffs span multiple departments at the neobank, and include dozens of software engineers and marketing positions.
Aspiration’s chief of staff and its chief administrative officer have also been let go, according to the fintech’s WARN notice.
The company did not immediately respond to Banking Dive’s request for comment.
Aspiration’s cuts follow a round of layoffs the firm initiated in December, where it laid off close to 100 employees, according to Forbes.
The recent restructuring also follows the firm’s leadership change last fall, in which former CEO Andrei Cherny, who co-founded the neobank in 2013, was replaced by Albrecht, previously the firm’s chief sustainability officer.
Under Albrecht, Aspiration shifted its focus to selling carbon credits to corporations, and has paused the rollout of new digital banking products, a former employee told Forbes.
Meanwhile, the firm’s plan to go public through a merger with special-purpose acquisition company InterPrivate III Financial Partners Inc. has encountered several delays.
The deal, announced in August 2021, valued the fintech at $2.3 billion, and was expected to be completed in early 2022.
The transaction, however, was pushed to Dec. 31, 2022, then to March 31 and most recently to May 1, Forbes reported.
At the time it was announced, Aspiration said the SPAC would provide it with more than $400 million in cash — capital it aimed to use for marketing and product innovation and technology investments.
The firm, which claims to have more than 5 million accounts, has attracted investments from celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Cindy Crawford and Orlando Bloom.
Since its launch, Aspiration has raised over $500 million, according to CB Insights.


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By THE NATION
The resolution is also aimed to promote the consumption of B20 biodiesel and stabilise the palm oil market.
The resolution means the price of B20 biodiesel will remain lower than that of conventional biodiesel by Bt5 per litre until September 30. This price gap was scheduled to expire on July 31.
The committee decided to maintain the subsidised B20 at Bt4.50 per litre.
The Bt5 price gap between the two diesel types began on December 1 last year. The daily consumption of B20 diesel is around 5 million litres at the present.
As of July 21, there were 13 oil retailers selling B20, at a total 1,181 stations.


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By S. Emmanuil
Multinational Leroy Merlin has implemented a five-million-euro investment in inaugurating a new outlet in central Athens, and specifically in the Ambelokipi district, on top of what it said was 100 million euros in total investment in its 13 years in the Greek market.
According to the company, it aims to open new stores in the greater Athens area and northern Thessaloniki, with the prospect of expanding in regional cities - via the franchise method - and especially on the large islands of Crete and Rhodes. The latter model has already been followed in Greece by Praktiker's subsidiary, Praktiker Hellas.
The Leroy Merlin company in Greece is a partnership between local businessman Pavlos Fourlis and the French group Adeo.
The commercial goal for the company is to increase its market share in the Home and Do-it-Yourself (DIY) sector, estimated at one billion euros, as it reaches 10 percent at present.


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An actual rollable smartphone has been unveiled for the first time. But the company was not LG Electronics that developed the world’s first rollable display. Chinese smartphone maker Oppo was one step ahead in releasing the industry’s first rollable phone.
Oppo introduced its rollable smartphone named Oppo X 2021 through the Inno Day 2020 Conference on Nov. 17 (local time). It is a concept phone before commercialization. However, Oppo allowed participants to try out the product and showed off its technical prowess by releasing an operation video on YouTube.
The Oppo X 2021 has a 6.7-inch screen that can be expanded to 7.4 inches. If you press a button located on the right side or slightly scan the screen down, the display spreads out. A ‘roll motor’ with a diameter of 6.8 mm automatically unfolds the display. If you look at the operation video, you can hardly see the wrinkles on the display when it is fully spread.
LG Electronics released a teaser video about its rollable phone at the end of its LG Wing event in September. The video features a silhouette of a rollable phone with a black screen. Its display spreads to the right side like the Opo X 2021. The display panel for both OPPO and LG’s rollable phones are known to be from BOE of China.
Some predict that LG Electronics’ rollable phones will expand to both left and right unlike Oppo’s. In fact, LG Electronics has applied for various patents related to rollable phones.
Smartphone industry insiders believe that Oppo made a surprise announcement of its rollable phone with the aim of grabbing the “world’s first” title. Oppo intended to show off its innovative image and technological prowess by introducing the prototype first when LG Electronics’ rollable phone was about to be released. Although Chinese companies such as Xiaomi and TCL have been rushing to introduce their concept product images even before commercializing foldable phones, no such products have been actually released. “Details of the Oppo X 2021 and its launch schedule are not known,” said Gizmo China, an IT media outlet in China.
Although LG Electronics is in a position that it is difficult to officially confirm the release of a rollable phone, its preparations for release are well underway. Industry watchers are forecasting that the LG rollable phone will make its debut at the Mobile World Congress to be held in February of 2021. In this regard, LG Electronics finished applying for a patent for technologies related to rollable phones to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2018 and applied for a patent on an expandable phone to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2019. On Nov. 2, LG applied to the Korean Intellectual Property Office for the registration of an LG rollable phone trademark.


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Starbucks announced the release of a new seasonal drink to kick off the holiday season: the chestnut praline latte. This festive drink, which is the coffee chain’s first holiday beverage in five years, will make its official debut nationwide on Nov. 12.
So, will this chestnut-flavored cup of joe finally take down the pumpkin spice latte as the top seasonal Starbucks beverage? Maybe, though the new latte will have to deal with competition from other Starbucks winter standbys like the gingerbread latte and the peppermint mocha latte. The whole seasonal drink trend might be partially due to the dip in foot traffic for Starbucks, as noted in a statement by CEO Howard Schultz.
Holiday 2013 witnessed a seismic shift in consumer behavior in which many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers experienced a decline in foot traffic compared to significant growth in online shopping… Since that time, we have been focused on radically redefining the Starbucks retail experience for our partners, customers and stores.
Ok, so they’re trying to lure us back with caffeinated holiday cheer. I’m on to you, Starbucks. You can’t buy my loyalty with chestnut praline, peppermint and pumpkin spice. Unless you combine those flavors? Try it. See what happens.


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Clarience Technologies has introduced a new in-line configuration option of its popular Road Ready Light Out Detection System (LODS), expanding coverage of Road Ready LODS to now include every trailer type.
The announcement was made during the 2023 American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition in Austin, Texas.
“Each of our companies strive to innovate and develop products that address the evolving needs and challenges of our customers,” says Mark Johnson, executive vice president and Chief Marketing Officer at Clarience Technologies. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our products’ functionality, efficiency, and safety. These two products are examples of how we achieve that goal.”
Clarience says Road Ready Light Out Detection System (LODS) is a telematics-enabled solution that monitors the trailer’s lighting system and alerts the fleet of any light outages. The new option uses a redesigned LODS device installed “in-line” on the trailer’s wiring harness which allows it to be mounted below the frame rails, making it ideal for customers running flatbed, tank, or chassis/intermodal trailers where there is no nosebox.
“We now offer customers a choice of LODS solutions that can fit any trailer type,” says Dane Hollar, senior vice president of sales, Road Ready. “Both solutions use technology to improve safety and DOT compliance through better visibility, which is the foundation of the Road Ready brand.”


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Pernod Ricard has swooped for a stake in posh aperitivo brand Italicus.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, was aimed at adressing “the fast-growing market opportunity for both a distinguishable, yet versatile, unique ingredient for bartenders, and for a core low-abv spirit for discerning consumers”, said the spirits giant.
Italicus’ 20% spirit is billed as a “modern aperitivo” with ”key notes of Calabrian bergamot” and a “striking” bottle that “embodies the history and heritage of Italy’s distinctive regions”.
It is currently stocked in specialist UK retailers such as Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.
The brand had “experienced a remarkable start, resonating with mixologists and consumers”, said Pernod Ricard EMEA chairman & CEO Gilles Bogaert.
“Since its launch the brand has experienced success with both the on-trade and consumers, and it is now time to consolidate with this heavyweight strategic partner in order to accelerate our global distribution,” added Italicus founder Giuseppe Gallo.
“We have an ambitious plan to build Italicus into one of the world’s most successful aperitivo brands.”
The news follows a string of acquisitions by the spirits giant over recent years, including Malfy Gin and Rabbit Hole Bourbon.


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Oldways is cooking up something totally new — cooking classes designed for African-American communities that showcase the rich and healthy roots of African culture and traditional cuisine.
The traditional diet experts at Oldways, Boston-based nonprofit, have launched a national cooking and wellness program, “A Taste of African Heritage,” to help communities and individuals reconnect with the vibrant ways of eating and living that supported the health and well-being of African-American ancestors.
This nutritional, cultural cooking program follows a successful pilot in 15 locations last year to debut in 50 locations throughout the country in 2013, with 100 class sites planned for 2014.
Made possible through a grant by the Walmart Foundation, the centerpiece of the “A Taste of African Heritage” program is the African Heritage Diet Pyramid, introduced by Oldways in November 2011. This healthy eating model celebrates the traditional eating patterns of early African-American ancestors—from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the American South.
The “A Taste of African Heritage” program is designed as a cooking and wellness series of six classes, offered weekly or bi-weekly at community centers, churches, and healthcare venues. Classes are free and typically last one hour and 45 minutes. Instructors, who are health professionals and educators, teach from an innovative curriculum created by Oldways.
To get more information on participating as an instructor or student in A Taste of African Heritage Cooking Classes, please contact Sarah McMackin, Oldways program manager, 512-330-0111, firstname.lastname@example.org, or click here.
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With the adult novelty industry set to be worth more than US$20 billion annually worldwide, it is understandable why Lyndon Dawes decided to ditch his job as a bank teller to cash in on the booming sex toy business.
“I wanted to do my own business so I started selling phones but the business got really congested. I told my mother that I had an interest in doing the toy business and one day she just call me and told me she ordered some and I should see what I can do with them,” he said.
Within two days, Dawes stock of about 30 sex toys were sold out and that signalled the genesis of his adult novelties business. Currently, he operates his online store called Adult Toys and Entertainment Ja, which boasts adult customers of all ages with a demography from ‘uptown to downtown.
“From the persons selling newspaper on the street to those in Parliament, and I have gone to church on Sundays to do delivery before,” he said.


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Final Fantasy 14 is being temporarily suspended from sale due to ongoing issues with its servers following the title’s sudden surge in user numbers.
The game’s servers have been congested since the early access launch of its Endwalker expansion, and its official release on December 7. Players have had to queue to login to the game, sometimes for several hours.
To cope with the situation, Final Fantasy 14’s producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, announced that Square Enix would suspend “the sale and delivery” of both the title’s Starter Edition and Complete Edition.
Players who are trying to


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The novel corona virus which originated in China, up till now has no vaccine or cure and has affected more countries than both the world wars did. In the times when social distancing and isolation are the most pertinent solutions for the containment of the virus, challenges for a country like India, having a population of 1.3 billion are extraordinary. COVID 19 is not only imposing a threat to public health but also leading to a sudden interruption of business operations across India. The brunt of the virus is being faced by the entire country but the impact on the earnings of the laborers is particularly appalling. Thousands of the laborers have headed home on foot after the national lockdown, clearly reflecting their uncertainty and high chances of acute shortage of labor once the restriction is over. The statement of ILO director Guy Ryder is very symbolic in this context and highlights the urgency with which this matter needs to be dealt with. According to him, “There is no longer only a global health crisis, it is also a major labor market and economic crisis that is having a huge impact on people.” It’s extremely concerning to see how coronavirus has a multifaceted impact on marginalized people. Many have seen a reduction or complete loss of livelihood. The government can’t afford to linger on this issue which requires immediate investigation and a cohesive approach to address the problem of labor impacted by the lockdown. There are various dimensions related to the labour problem that deserve a critical analysis as specified below.
Devastating impact on the “Gig Economy”
The pandemic has a crumbling impact on the economy and has left the government with very hard choices to contain the spread. Undoubtedly, prioritizing national health through complete lockdown comes at the huge cost of economic crisis. While certainly, there are some doubts about how badly India will be affected by the virus but surely there is a certainty that the lockdown will hit the poor badly. Many organizations and institutions are making working from home mandatory and are continuously involved in creating policies to support their employees. Though the incentive of various enterprises is highly appreciable, the same security can’t be claimed for the workers who can’t perform their job digitally. Furthermore, the policy which has been initiated to curb the spread of the virus, imposes a serious threat to the life of agriculture, construction and many other casual workers by severely skewering their everyday livelihood and pushing them towards subsistence.
Despite the government taking carious measures to protect different stakeholders, the continuing restrictions have brought enormous downturn impacts for the whole economy. However, the farm economy is one of the sectors where the impact is immediate. Moreover, the national lockdown arrived amid harvesting time of Rabi crop and the unexpected migration of labor to their native places severely impacted the harvesting. This is also a time when farm produce reaches mandi’s for assured procurement but couldn’t, or reached with utmost difficulty, due to the lockdown imposed. Meanwhile, the poultry farmers have been hit badly due to misinformation on social media that chicken and other poultry products are the carriers of COVID 19.
Similar disrupting impact of COVID 19 can be seen for Supply Chain Management. The supply chain completely depends on manpower and is the backbone of logistics. However, as the lockdown is mandated by the government, there is a dearth of labor in factories, warehouses, in transportation and distribution. With the lockdown, as well as increasing instances of return and fear among the workers, the entire supply chain came to a halt. Orders are lying pending with the companies as there is a shortage of blue-collar workers to pick and deliver the order and hence weakened the smooth flow of trade.
Undoubtedly, the epidemic has affected all the walks of life but hit the poor hardest. The scenario is worse for the employees who don’t have regular salaries. For example, as International travel restrictions remain imposed and visas banned by the government for some time the Tourism and Hospitality Industry remain in a dire state. Most of the tourism workers are either employed on a short-term contract or even without them as daily wage. Apart from Tour guides, it includes drivers, parking contractor, cleaners, the waiters in the restaurants proximate to touristic sites, vegetable supplier, flower suppliers and other staff in the hotel, etc. And with no future possibility of having tourists before mid-September 2020, there is a big question on the survival of drivers and guides whose minimum wages and tips have now collapsed.
The impact is somehow similar for Construction Industries also. Construction workers constitute a major chunk of the India’s informal workforce. They are the most vulnerable as they were one of the first ones to be laid-off after the lockdown. There is a projection that projects worth Rs. 59 lakh crores ( 782 billion US dollars ) are under construction and may be badly affected due to COVID 19. The breakdown of the supply-demand ecosystem and the non-availability of raw material supplies further adds to a problem and seems a herculean task for the builders to manage. Unfortunately, the future of 4.9 crore (49 million) construction workers are at risk which is further going to have a multiplier impact on the workers of 250 allied industries. The problem of Infrastructure Companies is further aggravated as monsoons will arrive soon, which have a grim impact on construction productivity.
It’s a tough time for all the business but especially the pandemic and lockdown has been a horrifying time for all small businesses and SMEs whose future is clouded with utmost uncertainty. Over the years, SMEs have been a strong pillar to Indian economy and represented 60-70 per cent of the jobs of the developing country. However, they simply are not able to survive if the step to boost an industry is not taken on an urgent basis. At present, the risk for small businesses is bigger, as most of them are facing a liquidity crisis which is going to wipe out the whole segment very soon. Plunging demand and delayed payment for orders further have pushed them to a vulnerable situation. Also due to low cash reserves, their ability to pay their employees is tremendously affected leading to retrenchments and distress in the lives of millions of workers.
Continues in part 2: “Digital Underclass” at risk: Plight of Informal Labours – Part 2
Guest Author Bio
Dr. Neha Nainwal
Dr. Neha Nainwal is an Assistant Professor at University of Delhi. She has teaching experience of more than seven years. She received her P.HD in commerce from Delhi school of economics, University of Delhi. Her primary specialization was Development economics and her secondary specialization involves financial inclusion, Agriculture and labor. She also authored more than ten research papers and presented papers in many international and national conferences. She also worked as a content writer for than 20 modules for HRD Ministry project “E- PG pathsala”. She has also authored various article for many national level magazine.


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Senior team shake-up at AA Labels
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
AA Labels has made a raft of promotions to support its ongoing growth and the launch of new services at its Orton Longueville, Peterborough headquarters.
All effective as of late summer, Kiran Sethi has become managing director and company secretary, Nazmin Magumder has been appointed general manager, and Umer Anwar has been promoted to operations and IT manager.
Sethi previously held roles within various areas of AA Labels and will now lead all aspects of the operational business and the teams that comprise the company.
Her passion for customer service has been instrumental in helping the business to achieve ISO 9001 and 14001 quality and environmental ratings and work toward further process-driven accreditations.
She has replaced previous managing director Sohail Sethi, who has now become the CEO of AA Labels. His new role will see him relinquishing the day-to-day running of the business to focus on its future development.
New general manager Magumder has previously held roles within the customer care team and the position of assistant general manager. AA Labels said her corporate background of managing large multi-site teams makes her well-equipped for this role, alongside experience and knowledge of running her own business.
Meanwhile, Anwar joined the company five years ago as a production manager and his role and responsibilities have become more strategic due to company growth. His new role will combine production operations with AA Labels’ complex IT system.
The promotions have been made ahead of a planned expansion to the company’s services, which will launch towards the end of 2021.
Sethi said: “This is an exciting time to be taking up the role of managing director, as AA Labels continues to provide an innovative approach to labelling and packaging.
“My aim is to continue building the AA Labels reputation within a wide range of industries, with a key focus on customer service and further developing our environmental standards.
“We are also committed to supporting SMEs by offering affordable services and greater access to specialist materials and label embellishments, ensuring these businesses can compete with larger firms by creating labels with real impact.”
Business development manager Ian Axelsen added: “We are experiencing an ongoing increase in demand for our services and the appointments of Kiran, Nazmin and Umer will ensure our operation remains agile as we expand.
“These appointments are all key to supporting the business through this time of rapid growth, while ensuring that we still adhere to our core principles of quality customer service, affordable products and efficient turnaround times.”
The company’s total headcount is now 35 and recruitment within its product team is ongoing.
Following the recent launch of two new services, Express Print and Click & Collect, production times at the business have increased to 12 hours per day, up from eight, due to the introduction of split shifts.
Founded in 2006, AA Labels manufactures and distributes plain and printed labels in a range of materials, adhesives and finishes for commercial, industrial, specialist and home use throughout Europe and beyond, with customers in Canada, Argentina, the US, Australia and Hong Kong.
As well as its production site in Peterborough, which has 1,960sqm space in total including a 540sqm mezzanine floor, the business has another site in Lahore, Pakistan, which includes accounts, data, design and web development.
Last summer the company invested £400,000 in three new machines from Grafisk Maskinfabrik.


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The efforts started a year back are finally bearing the fruits now for Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN). After a consecutive drop in same-store sales during the last three-quarters, the retailer has finally reported 4% growth in its comparable sales. The number is very encouraging for a store that lost its glory of being fashionable and stood abandoned by its very own customers.
Now and then
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) CEO Richard Hayne credited the success to a number of changes introduced over the last one year. One of the largest transitions that the company made was to move from Teens To Hipsters, he said. The problems surfaced for the retailer when its product line started rolling out designs and fashion garments for teenagers in the age group of 14-15. The requirements of this age group were widely different from the company’s traditional customers, who are older and much trendier. Hayne said that the shift to younger shoppers was not good for the company and thus, they began to refocus on their college and post-college customer base.
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) fell out of track under the previous CEO Glen Senk, who was held responsible for driving away shoppers with dull and bizarre fashion styles. However, the situation was saved from worsening after billionaire founder Hayne decided to shoulder the responsibility. The brand plunged into aggressive revival strategies to make its product line suitable for nearly everyone irrespective of their location.
The company launched more chic rompers and party dresses and trashed graphic tees and other teen stuff. Resultantly, it was able to see prices of its products increase. Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) also replaced its graphical image on its homepage with sophisticated images, which garnered more attention than ever. Alongside revamping digital image, the company will also make its stores look clean as it intends to reduce the number of styles in the coming months. Having said that, the retailer still has a long way to go to completely turnaround from what it was.


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Avast has bought fellow Czech security firm AVG for $1.3 billion (£1bn) as it seeks to provide protection beyond PCs to smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
As companies increasingly turn to mobile ways of working, greater attention is being paid to securing smartphones and tablets – especially on Android. Similarly, the advent of the IoT is creating millions, if not billions, of potential attack surfaces that can be used to leverage attacks.
AVG is now based in Amsterdam, but was formed in the Czech Republic in 1991, while Prague-based Avast was founded in 1988. Avast recently opened its new headquarters in Prague, hoping to stimulate the rest of the Czech technology industry, although it has offices housing more than 500 employees around the world.
Avast says this larger scale will give it even greater insight into threats that can be detected and neutralised, improving its technology.
“We are in a rapidly changing industry, and this acquisition gives us the breadth and technological depth to be the security provider of choice for our current and future customers,” said Vince Steckler, Avast CEO. “Combining the strengths of two great tech companies, both founded in the Czech Republic and with a common culture and mission, will put us in a great position to take advantage of the new opportunities ahead, such as security for the enormous growth in IoT.”
“Our new scale will allow us to accelerate investments in growing markets and continue to focus on providing comprehensive and simple-to-use solutions for consumers and businesses alike,” added Gary Kovacs, CEO of AVG.
“As the definition of online security continues to shift from being device-centric, to being concerned with devices, data and people, we believe the combined company, with the strengthened value proposition, will emerge as a leader in this growing market.”
Chip maker warns new factory in Columbus, Ohio could be delayed or scaled back, over…
Bereavement aid for those in mourning? Amazon's Alexa voice assistant could be programmed to sound…


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SSX, the Xbox 360 snowboarding game from Electronic Arts, has become the latest game to be added to The Vault of free titles with an EA Access subscription for Xbox One owners.
While EA has not officially announced SSX as the latest EA Access title, it's arrival was first noted by Reddit readers, along with commentors on the UK Hot Deals forums. Since, we've been able to verify the game's arrival in The Vault and download it for the Xbox One.
SSX was first released in 2012 for the Xbox 360 and in May, EA added support for Xbox One via the console's backwards compatibility feature. Here's a quick description of the game:
SSX has become the 24th game added to The Vault for EA Access. Subscribers to the service can play all the games for free for $4.99 a month or $29.99 for 12 months. They also get 10% off the price of all digital Xbox One EA games and get a chance to play free trials for upcoming titles several days before they are released.
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Companies that manufacture products are weathering the pandemic more easily than companies that sell services or experiences, The Wall Street Journal reported.
WSJ cited International Monetary Fund gross domestic product (GDP) forecasts that show how much different countries’ economies rely on the vulnerable service and accommodation sectors. GDP is a broad measure of a countries’ economic output.
Countries forecast to suffer comparatively steep declines in GDP in the next few years are, in order: Spain, Italy, France and Thailand. China, the United States, Turkey and Germany are among countries expected to suffer less economically, according to WSJ.
WSJ noted that the data seems to indicate that a countries’ economic vulnerability depends more on whether it relies on the service sector to generate economic growth than on whether the nation handled COVID-19 effectively.
Using data from IATA Economics, WSJ used airliner usage as a proxy for economic sectors that rely on face-to-face meetings. In the Middle East, according to the data, seats are less than 40 percent occupied now and were more than 80 percent occupied a year ago. Flights in Europe tend to average a little more than 60 percent occupied now compared to well in excess of 80 percent a year ago.
For the U.S. alone, WSJ cited Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data indicating that, to the extent a graphic without fine details can be cited, the country has lost about five times as many “leisure and hospitality” jobs as “manufacturing” jobs since the pandemic set in.
Another nationwide U.S. economic measure, durable goods orders, also showed signs the U.S. economy is recovering faster than some analysts had predicted. The data combined by the U.S. Census Bureau had the automobile industry leading the economic recovery charge.
There are also manufacturers that are performing well because they have seized opportunities created by the pandemic. A spokesman for clothing brand Hanes in June told PYMNTS that the company switched from making clothing to personal protective equipment quickly when asked for help by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


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On October 24, 2017, our company group released the third quarter 2017 financial report. The financial report shows that although the global economic growth has slowed, the overall turnover of FPC's flexible circuit board FPC increased by 14.2% year-on-year in the third quarter. At the same time, due to the effective results in reducing operating costs, the net profit of our company group increased by 17.3% in the third quarter.
In the third quarter of 2017, sales of FPC products in the automotive field of our company group increased by 20.6%. In addition, in the production of high-precision, multilayer flexible circuit boards, sales have steadily increased.
In the third quarter, total sales of touch screen FPC systems rose by 8.2%. The mobile phone touch screen FPC is still popular in the market, and the sales volume continues to rise, consolidating our company's market position, and the overall trend is good.
In the field of industrial control equipment FPC, due to the pursuit of intelligent manufacturing and automated production, the sales of industrial control equipment FPC have also increased. FPC connected to large displays is expected to resume growth in the fourth quarter.
The analysis pointed out that the demand for FPC on-board flexible circuit boards of our company will continue to grow with the intelligentization of automobiles. Based on the above judgment on market trends, our company group has given an expectation of a full-year turnover growth of 7.8%.


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MADRID - Inditex, the owner of fast-fashion chain Zara, will start charging Spanish shoppers for returning items bought online, mirroring a strategy it had previously rolled out in most of its other markets.
Customers in Spain will now have to pay €1.95 (S$2.80) to return an order, unless they take it to a bricks-and-mortar shop or third-party drop-off points where returns remain free. The fee applies to all Inditex brands, which include Pull & Bear and Massimo Dutti, according to a company spokesman.
The firm – based in A Coruna, Spain, and is the world’s biggest clothing chain – had started charging for returns in the earlier part of 2022 in countries where it has a smaller presence than in Spain, including Britain, France and the United States. Spain accounted for 14.2 per cent of the group’s overall sales as at July 2022.
The shift to end free returns gained traction across the apparel industry in 2022 as retailers sought to contain costs amid inflation accelerating across the globe.
Spain was among the Western European countries that recorded the highest inflation rate in the earlier part of 2022, having reached double digits during the summer months. It has since dropped to 5.8 per cent in January, below most other nations in the region.
To be sure, the strategy was a headache for retailers from the get-go as returns are costly because of the labour needed to have them shipped back, inspected and put up for resale.
Inditex’s major rivals, such as Hennes & Mauritz and Fast Retailing’s Uniqlo, charge for online returns in Spain. BLOOMBERG


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Facebook prepares to dominate Android
Facebook's upcoming Android announcement could see Zuckerberg & Co. take over smartphone homescreens, making the social network an ever-present companion for people with a thirst for e-validation. The company will announce on Thursday an HTC ...
Facebook Phone 'HTC first' press image leaks
Facebook to reinvent Android with Facebook Home
Facebook's 'home on Android' reportedly leaks ahead of launch, brings HTC ...


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Less than two weeks from official launch by Monster Hunter: World on consoles, the game's producer, Ryozo Tsujimoto, has reminded us that loot boxes and microtransactions are incompatible with the philosophy adopted by Capcom. It's not the first time that he talks about it, but Tsujimoto this time fell into the details that motivated the decision.
In an interview with Trusted Reviews, Tsujimoto explained that the key to the functioning of a cooperative game like Monster Hunter: World is harmony between teammates, as some would have in their inventory items that they did not deserve on the field , chasing monsters. Tsujimoto does not hesitate to define it as pay-to-win, and believes that it could create frictions. It is not clear whether cosmetic microtransactions or anyway without impact on the gameplay are totally excluded.
But as for the difficulty, Tsujimoto is very clear - the goal of Monster Hunter: World is to encourage the player to solve tactical problems with wit and skill. The producer defines the overcoming of the obstacles posed by the gameplay as "a great emotion" that does not deserve to be ruined by offering a shortcut in exchange for money. The interview is available here.
Monster Hunter: World will be released on 26 January 2018 for Xbox One and PS4, while the PC launch will come with a delay of seven months.


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One of the rubs against online video has been the near-pervasive lack of subtitles. This might seem like a small issue at first blush, but with Web watching being a worldwide phenomenon, a creator can limit his or her audience by only offering the content in one language. Enter DotSub. DotSub, a privately funded startup whose mission is 'any video, any language,' has won deals with non-profit TED and movie studio Sony, DotSub founder Michael Smolen told Beet.TV.
Download the TV Guide app for iPhone, iPad and Android!


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At its September “Far Out” event, Apple unveiled iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, retaining much of the design of the iPhone 13 — including The bangs notch for the phone’s selfie camera and Face ID sensor. Apple also unveiled iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with a “Spirit Island” pill screen to show alerts and background activity, a brighter display and AOD display, an A16 bionic chip, new color options and more.
According to the official website of Apple in Korea, Apple’s newly released iPhone 14 series models are priced up to 330,000 won (about RMB 1,650) compared to the previous ones, so articles about going to foreign countries to buy or buying iPhones through proxy keep appearing in Korean social media. Apple said that the pricing of the new product in the U.S. is the same as the previous generation, but the price in Korea has increased significantly due to the rise in the exchange rate of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar.
Apple’s website shows that iPhone 14 in South Korea is priced from 1,250,000 won (about RMB 6,275) and iPhone 14 Plus is priced from 1,350,000 won (about RMB 6,777). The iPhone 14 Pro is priced from 1,550,000 KRW (about RMB 7,781) and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is priced from 1,750,000 KRW (about RMB 8,785).
The iPhone 14 series is up 160,000 won (about RMB 803.2) from the iPhone 13 model. iPhone 14 Pro is up 200,000 won (about RMB 1,004) from the previous generation, while iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple’s highest-end phone, is up 260,000 won (about RMB 1,305.2) from the previous generation. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple’s highest-end phone, is priced at 260,000 won (about RMB 1,305.2). And the iPhone 14 Pro Max 1TB model is priced at a whopping KRW 2,500,000 (about RMB 12,550).
Consumers in Japan and South Korea will have to pay relatively more for the latest iPhone models this year compared to last year’s models, as both countries have seen their currencies depreciate significantly against the U.S. dollar.
According to Apple’s website, the iPhone 14 series is priced at 119,800 yen in Japan. That’s about 21 percent higher than the price of the iPhone 13, which was released a year ago. In contrast, the report says that despite historically high inflation, iPhone 14 is still priced at $799 in the U.S., the same as last year’s model. Also in China, the iPhone 14 series starting price remained the same as last year, starting at RMB 5,999.
Apple has increased the price of the iPhone 14 series in several other markets around the world. For example, iPhone 13 starts at £779 in the UK and iPhone 14 starts at £849 (about RMB 6,825.96); iPhone 13 starts at $1,349 in Australia and iPhone 14 starts at $1,399 (about RMB 6,555.67); iPhone 13 starts at 98,800 yen in Japan and iPhone 14 starts at 119,800 yen in Japan. iPhone 13 in Japan starts at 98,800 yen and iPhone 14 starts at 119,800 yen (approximately RMB 5786.34); iPhone 13 in Germany starts at 899 euros and iPhone 14 starts at 999 euros (approximately RMB 6963.03).


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This year’s version of the Business Journal’s 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies is impressive, and not just because the combined revenue of the businesses on the list tops $7.4 billion.
From No. 1 Caulipower to No. 100 Krost, the companies that comprise the 23rd annual edition of our fastest growing list span a diverse range of industries.
But they all have a few things in common, including a passion for their work, a spark of creativity and a dedication to customers that drives their success.
With businesses like these blanketing the region, it’s no wonder Los Angeles is an economic powerhouse.
Read more about the 2019 Fastest Growing Private Companies:


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Gildan Activewear Inc. is acquiring Peds Legwear Inc. for $55 million.
Montreal-based Peds Legwear makes fashion socks and hosiery, as well as foot apparel products for medical needs. While the company is based in Canada, the product is made and mostly sold in the U.S. Peds generates annual sales of $80 million and the acquisition is expected to close at the end of August. Gildan believes that the legwear company will be a good fit with the branded apparel.
Separately, Gildan delivered its second-quarter results that missed analyst expectations and the company lowered expectations for the year.
Net income for the quarter fell to $94.7 million, or 40 cents a diluted share, down from $99.4 million, or 41 cents, a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share totaled 41 cents and was 1 cent below the 42 cents analysts projected.
Net sales for the three months ending July 3 decreased 3.5 percent to $688.9 million from $714.2 million a year earlier. Sales were affected by distributor destocking of Printwear, the exit of certain private-label brands in retail and currency headwinds. Printwear sales fell by 1.4 percent and branded apparel fell by 7.9 percent. Branded apparel was hurt by sluggish traffic trends and continued weakness in department store and national chains.
Gross margins improved in the second quarter, rising 27.4 percent versus last year’s second quarter. The bonus came from lower raw material costs and manufacturing cost savings that offset the lower net selling prices.
Gildan lowered its full-year projections for adjusted diluted earnings per share to a range of $1.50-$1.55 from its previous range of $1.50-$1.60. The projected earnings have been adjusted to a range of $545-$555 million from $545-$570 million.
Consolidated net sales are forecast to be $2.65 billion, reflecting a slight increase in printwear sales. The previous guidance was for consolidated net sales of $2.60 billion. The acquisition of Alstyle, which just recently closed and Peds are projected to contribute roughly $115 million in sales for 2016.
Gildan stock dropped over 5 percent to $29.27 on Wednesday and has declined by 10 percent over the past year.


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Frasers buys 29% stake in fashion marketplace MySale
Frasers, the retail empire that spans House of Fraser, Flannels and Sports Direct, has continued its buying spree by snapping up an almost 30% stake in the Australian-based fashion marketplace MySale.
Frasers Group said it acquired a 28.7% shareholding in MySale, which connects buyers and sellers across the globe to e-commerce sites in Australia and New Zealand, for an undisclosed sum.
Frasers said the acquisition “creates an opportunity for a strategic partnership whereby end of line group products can be cleared via an established clearance channel”.
It added: “This pipeline will be further enhanced by the benefits of counter seasonality between the European and Australian climates.”
It marks the latest strategic investment for the retail giant after it increased its stake in luxury German luxury fashion brand Hugo Boss last week.
Frasers said it now has 3.4 million shares – a 4.9% stake – in Hugo Boss and holds buy options over another 26% shareholding, boosting the value of its investment in the fashion brand to around €900 million (£770 million).
It also holds a significant stake in British luxury brand Mulberry. It owns more than 30% of the listed business, which is the threshold that would normally trigger a takeover, however Mulberry already has a majority shareholder in Challice and Frasers had told the market it is not planning to make a bid for the entire company.


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Jimmy Choo's jewel encrusted shoes and luxury trainers have sales on the quick march
Jewel-encrusted shoes and luxury trainers drove sales at British shoemaker Jimmy Choo.
It saw revenue jump 14.5 per cent in the year to December 31, also helped by strong sales of men’s shoes and a boost from Brexit-hit pound.
Jimmy Choo has cashed in on the renewed popularity of trainers, and saw strong sales of its Miami trainer, which sells for up to £375.
Sole trader: Jimmy Choo saw revenue jump 14.5 per cent in the year to December 31, also helped by strong sales of men's shoes and a boost from Brexit-hit pound
London received a boost from international shoppers as the fall in the pound since Brexit made British goods cheaper for foreigners.
European sales picked up in the second half after being hurt by reduced tourist spending due to terror attacks.
US sales fell 1.7 per cent, hit by a decline in department stores. Jimmy Choo has sought to boost sales by opening new stores in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
Total revenue reached £364million, but profit fell 19.9 per cent to £17.7million from a one-off loss due to loan repayments.
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The mission of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of FAO is to facilitate and secure the long-term sustainable development and utilization of the world's fisheries and aquaculture. FAO is acutely aware of the fundamental social and economic role played by these two sectors in:
Meeting global and national sustainable food security.
Providing self and paid employment for fishing and aquaculture related communities as a means of alleviating poverty in these fishing communities and stemming rural/urban drift.
Trader Joe's to stop buying Mexican shrimp United States
Grocery store chain Trader Joe’s, located in Monrovia, California, has declared it will stop buying shrimp from Mexico amid the pressure exercised by the Boycott Mexican Shrimp campaign launched earlier this year by more than 45 organizations.


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We're not that exciting about it tbh...
Kylie Jenner has officially landed her own reality TV series called 'Life of Kylie' and it doesn't look that great if we're being honest.
The 19-year-old will debut her new show on E! later this year and we can't help but judge the "lack of creativity" that went into the name of the show "The Life of Kylie."
Like... what is her show even gonna be about? Is it just gonna be a well-produced version of her Snapchat story?
Kylie Jenner’s reality show will run for eight episodes, with each episode airing for 30 minutes.
A press release for the new show says, "[The show] navigates her unique life as an entrepreneur, fashion designer, author, television star, style icon, and CEO/Founder of Kylie Cosmetics."
In another statement, Kylie herself said:
"The last couple years have been such an incredible journey with the support of my fans. This show will allow me to give them a peek inside all of the exciting things I am working on as well as some personal time with friends."


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COVID-19 and the retail sector
By Chris Horn, firstname.lastname@example.org, 803-777-3687
Retail sales in the U.S. account for about one-half of personal consumer spending and nearly one-third of the country’s gross domestic product. But COVID-19 and its accompanying ripples — social distancing, lockdowns, layoffs and changes in consumer behavior — have unleashed turmoil in the retail sector.
Jeff Campbell, an associate professor and chair of the retailing department in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, offers his perspective on the current landscape in retailing and what lies ahead.
Some brick-and-mortar retail stores were on shaky ground before the pandemic, and the subsequent shutdown and changes in consumer behavior might be the death knell for retailers like Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney and Pier 1 Imports, all of which have announced bankruptcy. Why are some retail sectors surviving the pandemic better than others?
The retailers who did a better job integrating e-commerce as their primary contact point have certainly fared better in the COVID landscape. Others have struggled as customers stayed away. Malls had already begun a transformation over the past few years, and COVID-19 has really moved up the speed at which this is happening. It’s difficult to have a retail experience in a brick-and-mortar store when you’re wearing masks and observing social distancing and interacting through plexiglass. E-commerce has made the shopping mall less attractive, and customer options via online have really pressured traditional department stores and shopping malls overall.
Will there be some pent-up demand for in-person shopping in a post-pandemic world? Or are we seeing a long-term shift in consumer behavior in favor of the digital marketplace?
There’s been a steady growth in the digital marketplace, and I think more people are now seeing the value, for example, of ordering groceries or food online as well as other retail products. Yes, there’s going to be some pent-up demand as shoppers want to get out of the house and buy something to make themselves feel better. Shoppers want to interact with their products and the stores that sell them. The last few months have shown the retail shopper is resilient. However, continued unemployment will have an impact on future demand, and as more people continue to work from home, the digital retail marketplace should benefit greatly moving forward.
Which retail sectors will have the best prospects of surviving the pandemic’s ongoing effects, and which are most vulnerable to losing critical market share?
Clothing retailers are certainly struggling. Big ticket items such as auto sales continue to struggle as people stay home, and many are continuing to adjust to being at home for longer periods. However, other sectors such as home improvement items, electronics and routine needs sectors of food and grocery all remain strong and should continue being positive as we work through the crisis.
Retailers have been rolling out some innovative gimmicks to lure customers. Which, in your opinion, have been successful and which have been flops?
It’s interesting to see the different strategies that companies are using to connect with customers, particularly through television, radio and print media. Many retail companies and brands are offering discounts for medical personnel, first responders, military and educators, which might prove successful and are good business practices, even if temporary. Customers are more understanding when retailers and brands acknowledge the situation without appearing to leverage it for profit purposes. McDonald’s, for example, splitting their golden arches or other companies like Volkswagen and Coca-Cola splitting their brand logos to support social distancing might cause some to see these actions as more of a gimmick rather than meaningful support. High-end retailers also have to balance advertising aspirational products when many Americans have lost their jobs or been furloughed.
What advice would you offer to mom-and-pop retailers who are trying to hang on during this desperate time?
Don’t try to be everything to everybody, and really take the time to understand your core customers and what their expectations are for your specific products and services. Make sure your employees are keenly aware of great customer service during this time. Also consider your product assortments and how you can connect with your customers online in a unique way and make your products compelling enough to buy. Having both a brick-and-mortar location and online presence will certainly be of great benefit. Most importantly, don’t give up. Customers will always remember great service, which can be a positive interactive experience in the store, a personal email to your customers or fast and free shipping. All of it matters right now.
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In the United States, people over 50 are often stereotyped as complacent, set in their ways and extremely loyal to their preferred brands, but a new study released Tuesday by Omnicom communications firm Ketchum found that the opposite is true.
Ketchum conducted an online survey of 1,000 Americans over the age of 50 for “WonderLust,” a study that discovered those over 50 seek enriching experiences and feel an awakened sense of curiosity.
In fact, the study revealed that after turning 50, 73% of people learn new things because they are personally interested, rather than feeling obliged to do so. More than half of those surveyed said achieving goals energizes them.
“As we grow older, our sense of wonder is reborn,” said Karen Strauss, partner, chief strategy and creativity officer at Ketchum. “We seek self-improvement, spiritual connections, service to community and new experiences, all with an energized sense of purpose.”
Travel is a large motivator to get out and explore, with 60% of participants saying they want to journey to places they’ve never visited. While 61% said their travel is motivated by an urge to learn about new cultures, 59% said it’s because they want to try things they have never done before.
But men and women over 50 differed in their descriptions of how they want to travel. Fifty-seven percent of men said they would choose to travel with their spouses, whereas the majority of women, 57%, said they would prefer to travel with other women.
Strauss said that the 50-plus consumer is rarely understood. “We are often stereotyped as complacent, gray elders on park benches or decrepit Luddities struggling with technology,” said Strauss. “There is scant marketing or media that doesn’t make people 50-plus feel old or bad.”
Lately, advertisers have been mostly concerned about reaching millennials, leaving behind a significant percentage of the population, Americans over 50, said Strauss, who is co-lead of the agency’s Ketchum 50+ unit, which specializes in marketing to that consumer segment.
“The marketing folly of neglecting us is clear; with mortgages behind us, we are buying five times more new cars than customers 18-34, accounting for 80% of luxury travel spending, and buying more than 40% of all Apple computers,” she said. “We are valuable to any company’s bottom line—and yet we are marginalized, misrepresented, or ignored. It makes no sense.”
Today there are an estimated 108.7 million people aged 50 and over in the U.S., according to AARP. By 2017, Nielsen predicts this age group will make up half of the U.S. population and control 70% of disposable income.
Through the research, Ketchum identified 10 ways brands can inspire this large demographic. This includes, “feeding the hunger to learn,” bringing women together to connect, offering novel travel experiences and giving more opportunities to do public service. Participants said community events, podcasts, concerts and humorous movies are activities that engross them.
“Older adults do not accept being miscast or taken for granted,” said Strauss. “And they are comfortable discarding brands that fail to speak to them.”
This story was first published by Campaign.


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Tel Aviv-based BioCatch has launched a “New Account Fraud Detection” solution which uses behavioral biometrics to detect, in real- time, when fraudsters use stolen /synthetic personal information to create a new account.
Trustwave security and compliance solutions experts are set to deliver
multiple briefings at “Black Hat 2010” in Las Vegas, July 28 through 29.
Delivered by members of “SpiderLabs” security team at Trustwave
responsible for incident response and forensics, penetration testing and
application security, and security research. David Byrne and Charles
Henderson will deliver “GWT Security: Donât Get Distracted by Bright
Shiny Objects,” which will look at common vulnerabilities in Googleâs
Web Toolkit (GWT). Nicholas Percoco and Jibran Ilyas will present
“Malware Freak Show 2010,” which will expand upon their initial Malware
Freak Show presentation delivered at DEFCON 17. Steve Ocepek and Charles
Henderson will deliver “Need a Hug? Iâm Secure,” which will look at the
ways manual penetration testing can help an organization protect their
environment from 0-day attacks, as well as more common vulnerabilities
like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
Analysis from Frost & Sullivan indicate growth in the
contactless smartcard market. The market earned revenues of $408.9
million in 2005, and estimates this to reach $1,636.2 million in 2011.
Experts credit this growth largely in part to the e-passport segment
and intensified interoperability efforts. Use of the application is also
implemented in contactless micro-payments, mass transit applications, &
mobile payments. However,this growth has raised questions regarding
electronic security. Experts therefore are advocating the promotion of
awareness that contactless smart cards are implemented in a highly
secure method and can be relied on for secure transactions in payment.
Frost & Sullivan’s consulting company has been partnering with clients to
support development and innovation for more than 40 years.
A new report suggests that government and micropayment applications are boosting contactless smart card market growth. The study by Frost & Sullivan also found that the market earned revenues of $408.9 million in 2005 and is projected to reach $1.6 billion in 2011. The e-passport segment made big strides as interoperability efforts intensified, impelled by a heightened sense of urgency for more secure and sophisticated travel documents. However, the increasing use of contactless smart cards in payment, transit and ID raises questions from privacy and human rights advocate groups owing to the lack of and understanding about the technology and the confusion between RFID tags and contactless smart card. Frost & Sullivan says vendors and government agencies should initiate greater efforts to promote awareness and demonstrate that contactless smart cards can be implemented in a highly secure method and can be relied on for secure transactions in payment, health and identification.


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A new Poundland store is set to open in the former Tesco site in Broadstairs this week. The new 4,000sqft store has been designed to offer 'customers a wide range of items at prices to help offset the impact of higher inflation'.
The new store, on High Street, is set to officially open on Saturday (September 10) at 9am. The store will employ 18 full and part-time colleagues.
The shop will offer Poundland’s core range, including groceries, household products, health and beauty, stationery, toys and batteries, as well as a selection of chilled and frozen foods and snacks.
It will also sell a wide range of Poundland’s PEP&CO clothing for the whole family. As well as womenswear, menswear and kidswear, it feature PEP&CO Home items from the latest 2022 ranges including storage options, faux plants, ornaments, photo frames and bathroom accessories.
The new investment in the new town centre store marks a vote of confidence in Broadstairs and Kent. It follows the opening in August of the Poundland store at Marshwood Close Retail Park, Canterbury.
Poundland director of retail, Darren Kay, said: “Our new Broadstairs store is in a fantastic location, right in the heart of the town, and we think local residents and visitors will love it. Whether customers are at home or on holiday, we’ll offer them the amazing range and value they’ve come to expect from Poundland and which is more important than ever while people’s budgets are under so much pressure.”
The new Broadstairs store will complement Poundland’s existing network of stores in Kent, including Ashford, Margate, Deal, Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and Swanley.


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The heated battle between Apple and Adobe Systems over Flash may get a bit more interesting, as reports of a Flash alternative being developed by Apple begin to surface.
The technology, called Gianduia, was introduced by Apple last summer at its World of WebObjects Developer Conference, according to an AppleInsider report. Gianduia is described as being “a client-side, standards-based framework for rich Internet apps.”
Apple has apparently been using Gianduia in several of its retail support applications, including services such as the One to One program, the iPhone reservation system, and the Concierge program for Genius Bar and Personal Shopping reservations.
“We know from painful experience that letting a third-party layer of software come between the platform and the developer ultimately results in substandard apps, and hinders the enhancement and progress of the platform,” said Jobs in his letter.
Adobe subsequently said it would abandon future development of the technology.
Google employees were given free Nexus One phones at a company party Friday night, and the Internet went into a tizzy. Reports surfaced later in the weekend that this device was the long-awaited Google phone, the company’s answer to Apple’s strategy of controlling the hardware, software, and distribution model with the iPhone, rather than the partner-oriented strategy of developing the guts of the operating system and letting partners each put their own stamp on the finished product.
Just two months ago, Google’s Andy Rubin rolled his eyeswhen asked about an analyst report picked up by TheStreet.com that said Google planned to pursue this exact strategy. He said Google had no plans to make its own hardware–which is one thing since smartphones are almost exclusively manufactured by contractors in China and Taiwan–but he took a further step in spending about 10 minutes arguing why it would be a bad idea for Google to design its own phone and sell it outside of carrier channels.
That line of thinking resonated with many who follow Google and the mobile industry. After all, Google’s stated goal for Android ever since the project was revealed in November 2007 was to create an “ecosystem” of multiple phones that would help improve access to the mobile Internet. And Google seemed to finally reach that goal this year, with over a dozen phones in the wild and more promised from some of the world’s leading phone makers and wireless carriers.
But if the reports are correct, Google is about to make a radical departure from that strategy. And Google’s new course would take it down a path that could sow distrust among the company’s Open Handset Alliance partners, who must now be wondering if they’re about to get into a marketing war with one of the tech industry’s richest companies.
Katie Watson, a Google representative, said on Sunday that the company has confirmed nothing about its plans for the Nexus One, described as a “dogfooding” experiment for internal testing by the company in a blog post Saturday.
In the rush to anoint the Nexus One as the Google Phone, it’s quite possible that the tech industry glossed over the fact that Google already sells Android phones, albeit on a limited basis. For quite some time, registered Android developers have been able to buy completely unlocked versions of the G1 and the T-Mobile MyTouch3G (also known as the Google Ion) for $399.
If Google plans to sell the Nexus One directly to consumers, will it insist upon using its brand as the lead brand, rather than the “With Google” branding found on the back of many Android phones? Will it blast the airwaves during the NFL playoffs in January to trumpet the arrival of the Nexus One, perhaps just in time for the Super Bowl? And how will that affect partners such as Motorola and Verizon that have sunk so much money into promoting the Droid, only to see rumors of a Google Phone leak out at the worst possible time: the height of the holiday shopping season?
It will sell the Google Phone online and unlocked, so you’ll need to buy your cellular service separately. The entire user experience is designed by Google, according to the WSJ. It may resemble the HTC Passion, pictured.
- Hardware: HTC
- Specs (according to Jason Howell): Capactive touch screen, on screen keyboard only, thin, scroll ball, and animated desktop wallpaper
- Launch date: Rumored January 2010
- Tweets describe it as “an iPhone on beautifying steroids.”
- Google designed the entire user experience
- Google will sell the phone online, unlocked
- Google is “dogfooding” the Google Phone and has given it to employees all over the world to test it.
Will you have interest in buying a Nexus One? Let me know in the comments.
After two long years (or more) of fits and starts and more than a little rejection, Dell is finally rolling into the smart phone business, for real this time.
The details are a little thin, but at least we have a picture or two (see right): The Dell Mini 3 will use the Android operating system and clearly features an iPhone-like touchscreen design. The catch: You won’t be able to get one here, at least not at first. The Mini 3 is a device intended exclusively for carriers in China and Brazil at launch.
Dell hasn’t released any detailed specs on the phone, although rumors based on leaked prototypes of the device claim that it’s largely in line with other iPhone competitors on the market. An early version of the Mini 3 was even said not to include 3G connectivity at all, but Dell has confirmed that that spec has been upgraded, at least in Brazil. It would have to be in order for the phone to be made palatable in the large markets where Dell is entering.
In lieu of knowing much else about it, I have to say the pictures of the phone actually look pretty sexy. (I’m deeply curious about how much it weighs, however.) I’d love to try one out, and there’s really no reason the handset shouldn’t be made available in the U.S. at some point down the road. One rumor even says AT&T will get the phone — or one like it — in 2010. If not, expect gray market importers who specialize in overseas electronics to bring a Mini or two into the country at some point… though probably at a hefty price.


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A VerySpatial Podcast Shownotes – Episode 625 29 August 2019 Catching up on the news. Click to directly download MP3 Topic: Danish officials reviewing court cases due to location bug Greenland…? Developers criticize Apple over changes to location is iOS 13 2nd GPS III launched Iceland mourns its first glacier lost to climate change Amazon […]
Frank continues the conversation about the link between ethics and geospatial
A VerySpatial Podcast Shownotes – Episode 624 14 August 2019 Open Source, open access, open data, open standards, open…ness. Click to directly download MP3 Topic: Open Source, open access, open data, open standards, open…ness 15 years of OSM HOTOSM & GIS Corps support requests for recent events QGIS 3.8 QGIS MacOS signed installer OGC 3d […]
In this video, Frank talks about the connection between Geography and D&D.


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ible Tech. Will Reveal the First Air Purifier with Built-in Earphones around the World at CES 2022
2020 & 2021 are the years of uncertainties with Covid-19 affecting the world at large. Due to this pandemic impact, people begin to show great concern on air-related topics. ible Airvida family, certified wearable ionic air purifiers using unique Breathing Pathway Eco Ion Technology to purify surrounding air, has sold over 300,000 units worldwide. Based on the experience, ible Tech. will launch a brand new air purifier Airvida E1 – the first air purifier with built-in earphones around the world – at CES 2022. Through this brand new concept air purifier, users can purify the surrounding air while enjoying music, by noise-cancelling earphones. Airvida E1’s innovation has made itself win the 2021 Good Design Award (Japan), and it will be further revealed and introduced at CES 2022, #61423 / S10, Venetian Expo Level 1, from January 5 to January 8.
ible Airvida family, since 2016, is famous for its coronavirus, PM2.5, pollen, allergen, and bacteria removal ability. Through ible’s unique Breathing Pathway Eco Ion Technology, Airvida will produce negative ions around user’s face which rapidly attach the coming virus and particles and turn them into bigger and heavier chunks to fall into the ground. Refer to the customer reviews in Japan Rakuten, Airvida not only gets a 4.5 out of 5 ratings, but also makes 97% hay fever sufferers feel improved. In addition to 2021 Good Design Award, Airvida family also earns Innovation Awards at CES 2020 and the Symbol of National Quality (SNQ) Epidemic Prevention Category for 2019 & 2020 (Taiwan).
Airvida E1 can generate up to 6 million negative ions/cm3 around the user’s facial area every 0.6 seconds. By the mechanism mentioned previously, it can effectively reduce inhalable airborne coronavirus, PM2.5, pollen, allergen, and bacteria. Airvida E1’s APP can provide instant PM2.5 & pollen information according to user’s location. It can also remind users to turn on air purifying function or adjust the level of the negative ions when needed.
Airvida E1 weighs only 42 grams and is comfortable to wear for hours. The battery life can last for more than 8 hours when turning on both air purifying and earphone functions. Without listening to music, it will largely increase to more than 30 hours. Airvida E1 can also be put on its own stand, which allows users to use as a desktop air purifier even in the office.
Welcome to visit us at CES 2022, #61423 / S10, Venetian Expo Level 1 and experience the fresh air with music brought by Airvida!
The visiting time is as the following,
10 am – 6 pm PST, January 5, 2022
9 am – 6 pm PST, January 6, 2022 – January 7, 2022
9 am – 4 pm PST, January 8, 2022
ible Airvida Is Recognized by StartupBlink (UNAIDS)’s Coronavirus Innovation Map
2020 is a year of uncertainties which Covid-19 substantially disturbed the whole world. It can be observed that people paid more and more attention on their health and safety. ible Airvida, the smallest air purifier over the world, applies ible’s unique Breathing Pathway Eco Ion Technology which can make its negative ions stay around user’s face. Equipping with outstanding efficacy, Airvida can protect users from airborne allergens, virus, bacteria, PM2.5, and VOC.
Airvida was certified by leading labs such as SGS, Kisato Research Center for Environmental Science (Japan) and Japan Far Infrared Rays Association (JIRA) for a series of testing results incuding PM2.5, pollen, VOC, and bacteria removal tests. Regarding the virus test, Airvida was also certified by US leading institutions – Microchem Laboratory. The result proved that Airvida can reduce 96.31% airborne virus in just 60 seconds!
Due to its outstanding virus removal capability, Airvida was recommended by Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, R.O.C.) to StartupBlink (UNAIDS, under the United Nations) and soon be recognized on their Coronavirus Innovation Map. The purpose of this Innovation Map is to introduce creative new technologies to help those people who suffer from coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to the honor by StartupBlink, Airvida earned the 1st place on epidemic prevention category at 2019 & 2020 SNQ ceremony. SNQ (Symbol of National Quality) is the national biomedical certification in Taiwan (R.O.C.); It requires scientific evidences as well as formal examination reports to be verified by most influential experts from various professional fields.
According to a study from University of Cincinnati, the penetration rate of virus to a surgical mask is from 21% to 85%. It demonstrates a fact that the protection provided by surgical mask itself is not enough. During the pandemic, Airvida can work with surgical mask and act as an additional layer of protection to prevent people from virus. That is the reason why Airvida can be TTA’s only one recommendation of wearable air purifier to StartupBlink. Sincerely, both ible and TTA hope this new technology can help more people fight against the terrible COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus Innovation Map can be referred as the following link: https://coronavirus.startupblink.com/innovations/ible-technology-inc
ible Airvida has been awarded first prize again at the 2020 SNQ Awards! (Symbol of National Quality)
SNQ is the highest level award of national biomedical certification in Taiwan (R.O.C). The award is strictly audited by the most influential experts to ensure that consumers can have access to the most effective, safe and healthy products.
SNQ recently announced the winners of 2020, it is no surprise, ible Airvida has won first prize again in the epidemic prevention category. Ible Airvida’s exclusive innovative design and a number of international safety certifications is favored by the reviewers.
The experts and judges of SNQ particularly appreciate the innovative spirit of the ible Airvida M1, which meets the market’s demand for wearable products. As the world’s lightest wearable air purifier, it can release 100 times more negative ions than a forest waterfall in the facial area, reducing particulate matter and harmful substances potentially inhaled by users.
Simultaneously, Airvida M1 provides a series of complete empirical data reports and possesses the scientific supports from SGS, JAIRA, FIA, and KRCES, proving high efficacy of air cleansing and the safety of produced substances. During the 2020 epidemic, ible Airvida provides consumers with an effective and relieving method of protection.
ible Airvida is the lightest wearable air purifier which is invented and manufactured in Taiwan. Besides from obtaining patent licenses from multiple countries, Airvida also passed the certification from FCC and CE, proving its complete safety of generated electromagnetic waves, ozone, and electric current. The product team did not only win first place at the Singapore SLINGSHOT innovation contest, it also won the CES INNOVATION award in the USA. ible Airvida is currently fast-selling in more than ten countries, such as Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and France, providing international consumers with an extra protection method aside from masks during this epidemic era!
ible Airvida wins Innovation Awards at CES 2020
CES is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It is the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. CES 2020 showcased more than 4,400 exhibiting companies, including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology. Within 4 days, more than 170,000 attendees from 160 countries – including the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers – were attracted to this exhibition where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed.
As a leading wearable air purifier company, ible was actually the first-time participant in CES. However ible Airvida series was recognized by the industry’s professional judges and proudly won “Innovation Award” at CES 2020. This glorious recognition ascribes to ible’s unique “Breathing Pathway Eco Ion Technology”, generating numerous negative ions in very short time and effectively make the airborne particles, including PM2.5 (99.9% removal rate), allergens, pollen, and bacteria (>90% removal rate) drop to the ground and thus reduce the possibility of those particles being inhaled.
ible Airvida series are the smallest air purifiers in the world, yet equipped with solid functionality to purify the air surrounding human face. By creating 2 million negative ions/cm3 in every 0.6 second, those negative ions can rapidly attach closing airborne particles, turning them into bigger & heavier chunks and thus falling to the ground. Through this mechanism, ible Airvida can reduce PM2.5, pollen, allergen, and bacteria in which users breathe.
Nowadays the air quality deteriorates day by day, however ible Airvida series – including L1, M1, and C1 – can offer perfect solutions for outdoor activities such as exercises, bus/public transportation, or long staying at office/school. ible Airvida series are all certified by professional laboratories, including SGS, Japan Association of Ion Research, and Far Infrared Association (Japan), for their air purifying ability. Besides, ible Airvida series also comply with CE, European regulations on ozone and radiation safety. With consistent effort to improve air quality and family health, we truly believe that ible is your best and most reliable choice.
The related news can be referred as the following.
ible Airvida wins Silver Awards at 2019 SNQ (Symbol of National Quality)
ible Airvida C1 wearable air purifier was certified by SNQ national quality and earned “Silver Awards” on epidemic prevention category at 2019 SNQ ceremony. SNQ is the national biomedical certification in Taiwan (R.O.C.); it requires scientific evidences as well as formal examination reports to be verified by most influential experts from various professional fields. As such when any product is verified by SNQ standards, it is definitely recognized as safe and effective to consumers. ible Airvida C1, designed specifically for child in 2019, is thus proved to be a safe and effective epidemic prevention product. Moreover, this award highly recognizes ible’s effort on improving air quality and child health in recent years.
ible Airvida air purifier can consistently generate 2 million negative ions/cm3, 100 times of the amount concentrated by a natural waterfall, around your face in every 0.6 second. With ible’s unique “Breathing Pathway Eco Ion Technology”, those numerous negative ions can efficiently make the airborne particles, including PM2.5 (99.9% removal rate), allergens, pollen, and bacteria (>90% removal rate) drop to the ground and thus reduce the possibility of those particles being inhaled.
ible Airvida series are all certified by professional laboratories, including SGS, Japan Association of Ion Research, and Far Infrared Association (Japan), for their air purifying ability. On top of that, ible Airvida series also comply with CE, European regulations on ozone and radiation safety.
Considering the growing air pollution issue, ible Airvida series are undoubtedly the perfect solutions for outdoor activities such as exercises, jogging, bus/public transportation, or long staying at office/school, etc.
ible Tech. wins “Winner of Sectors” prize at SLINGSHOT 2019
Every year in Singapore, the most disruptive and innovative technologies take the spotlight at SLINGSHOT, the hottest deep tech startup pitching competition in Asia. At SLINGSHOT 2019, the world’s most promising startups across six industry tracks – from manufacturing, logistics and transportation, to urban solutions, consumer products & services – competed for more than S$2 million in prizes in front of a judging panel comprising high-profile investors, corporates and industry experts.
During one week of pitching and competition with 2,400 worldwide teams, ible Tech. was selected to grand final round and at the end won “Winner of Sectors” prize from consumer products & services sector. Thanks to ible’s wearable air purifier series, Airvida – Its unique design, air-purifying effectiveness, and cutting-edge creativity, are the 3 main reasons which caught jury’s attention and finally won the prize.
PM2.5, hay fever and allergens are critical issues for our daily life. ible Tech., the leading air purifying technology company, will continuously develop the purifying technology to make our loved ones better.
The related news can be referred as the following.


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United Airlines Moves Cargo Around the World in Cargo and Passenger Planes
If you’ve been wondering who is filling commercial jetliners these days, we have the answer: some brave travelers and a whole lot of cargo.
United Airlines has played a vital role in helping keep the global supply chains stable during the COVID-19 pandemic by flying needed goods not only in its cargo planes but what are normally passenger planes as well.
In addition to current service from the U.S. to Asia, Australia, Europe, India, Latin America and the Middle East, United has added cargo-only flights to Dublin, Paris, Rome, Santiago and Zurich.
“Air cargo continues to be more important than ever,” explains United Cargo President Jan Krems. “This network expansion helps our customers continue to facilitate trade and contribute to global economic development and recovery. I’m proud of our team for mobilizing our cargo-only flights program that enables the shipment of critical goods that will support global economies.”
Since United Airlines began the program on March 19, more than 2,400 cargo-only flights have transported more than 77 million pounds of cargo.
Meanwhile, despite a three-year-old blockade on air, land and sea travel imposed on Qatar by its neighbors Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, Qatar Airways claims its share of the passenger and air cargo market has grown significantly over the past three months.
“Qatar can be proud that it is home to not only the Best Airline in the World but also the current largest passenger airline, the largest cargo airline and the Third Best Airport in the World,” states a company release.
The Middle East countries cut diplomatic and trade ties with Doha and imposed the blockade on June, 5, 2017, because Qatar allegedly supported “terrorism” and was too close to Iran. Calling the blockade “illegal,” Qatar rejects the claims and says there was “no legitimate justification” for the severance of relations.
Build Streamlined Logistics with Route Optimization Algorithms


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Unlike its forebear, the Vive Cosmos had a very shaky start in 2019, never rising to the same heights whilst struggling against rivals Oculus Rift S and Valve Index. But HTC Vive has continued to roll out improvements for the headset, the latest arriving this week, unlocking more PC performance.
Vive Cosmos has received several updates to ensure a smooth virtual reality (VR) experience such as an upgrade to DirectX 12 for NVIDIA GPUs which the company claim: “gives your computer’s CPU an average of 15-20% improvement.”
Latency is always a concern when it comes to VR, if it’s poor then a videogame is likely to get uncomfortable. So the update has: “optimized frame timings offering 10% better latency.” VR content should also look a little better because HTC Vive: “refactored our runtime which improves your computer’s graphics processing by 10%.” All of which should mean a better VR experience even for lower-end VR-capable machines.
And to top this all off, the Vive Cosmos has seen a new chaperone to passthrough behaviour introduced. This will reduce interruptions so there’s less chance of losing that feeling of immersion whilst still maintaining a safe room-scale area.
HTC Vive’s collaboration with the OpenXR standard means that developers can get under the hood and play. “We are releasing beta access to OpenXR, offering you an opportunity to let your imagination turn to action. OpenXR support will also be coming to Vive Wave later this year,” notes the Vive team.
The standard Vive Cosmos with its inside-out tracking, modular faceplate and funky motion controllers currently retails for £699 GBP and comes with a 2-month Viveport Infinity membership. There’s also the Vive Cosmos Elite for £899 which does away the inside-out tracking in favour of the external Steam Lighthouse Base Stations and the normal Vive controllers.
There’s a possibility that 2021 may even see a new Vive headset appear. Early last year the company unveiled its Project Proton concept which showcased two designs. For all the latest HTC Vive updates, keep reading VRFocus.


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YouTube could be testing a three-strikes policy for ad blocking (Update)
- YouTube is apparently testing a three-strikes policy for people who block ads on the platform.
- The policy would eventually see users barred from watching videos.
- The company has since confirmed the test in a statement to Android Authority.
Update: June 30, 2023 (3:15 AM ET): YouTube has now confirmed that it is indeed testing a three-strikes policy for ad blocking on its platform. You can read more details, including how it works, over here.
Original article: June 29, 2023 (10:40 AM ET): YouTube requires users to pay for YouTube Premium if they’d like an ad-free experience, but some users have bypassed ads by using third-party apps or ad blockers instead. Now, it looks like the video platform is testing a way to fight back.
Redditor Reddit_n_Me apparently came across a new three-strikes popup menu while watching YouTube on their PC with AdBlock enabled (h/t: WinFuture and GameStar). Check out the captured screenshot below.
The popup menu in the screenshot suggests users will be barred from YouTube viewing after watching three videos with an ad blocker enabled.
“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback will be blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled,” reads an excerpt of the screenshot. The service presents users with two buttons, prompting them to either allow ads in their ad blocker or letting them buy YouTube Premium.
For what it’s worth, none of us at Android Authority saw this popup menu on our computers while using an ad blocker. It’s unclear if the type of ad blocker has an effect, but I didn’t see the menu while using uBlock Origin.
Will this policy make you buy YouTube Premium?
We’ve asked Google for confirmation of this three-strikes feature on YouTube, as well as whether it’s a test and exactly how it will work. We’ve also asked what this policy would mean for the Google accounts of offending users. We’ll update the article accordingly if they get back to us.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Google is tightening the noose on circumventing YouTube ads. This comes a while after the popular and unofficial YouTube Vanced app was shut down following a legal threat by Google.