text:
There was always going to be a cattle price correction after the steep rise experienced during Covid 19. The price graph below, from Pairtree’s Livestock Markets dashboard, shows the picture clearly. The big rise starts in January 2020 and peaks around May 2022.
What’s taken many by surprise, however, is the speed it has dropped since then, particularly in the past six months. As we write, the National EYCI (Eastern Young Cattle Indicator) sits at 566c – the same price it was at the start of the pandemic in Australia.
The Livestock Markets dashboard included in Pairtree PLUS subscriptions tells the story.
Click on image to enlarge. All other state prices and saleyards also available*.
We caught up with Tim Sullivan, Director of Endeavour Meats, whose company processes, trades and exports cattle and sheep to 30+ international markets, including China and Japan, and supplies premium branded cuts to big retailers including Harris Farm.
We asked Tim for his take on current cattle prices and what he thinks the future holds for Australian producers…
TIM: Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve seen the bottom yet but I’m optimistic about the future. It’s not just the correction we had to have – there are other factors at play here: confidence, inflationary pressure including interest rates, higher costs and a stagnant market.
Beef and lamb are among the more expensive proteins now with pork and chicken very competitive. The big supermarkets haven’t passed on the savings with beef and lamb which is very disappointing as that impacts demand. Consumers are still paying top dollar but that’s not getting to producers.
At the high end, white tablecloth restaurant, business has slowed and that’s had a knock-on effect all the way down. It’s not just the Australian economy – it’s the same across our key markets of the US, Japan and Korea.
I do think it’s going to get worse before it gets better – not because of climate conditions for us, just a lack of demand and a fairly stagnant market right now. Unfortunately, as the prices have corrected the cost of fertiliser, labour and everything else has increased.
It’s great that backpackers are coming back for other agriculture jobs, but there’s a limit to how many unskilled jobs there are at abattoirs, so the need for training and retaining skilled workers needs to be addressed so we can ramp up production when there’s increased demand.
The elephant in the room (and good news for us) is that the US sets the tone for beef prices globally and they’re coming off the back of a huge kill off after their drought. So they’ve been selling plenty of meat around the world at cheap prices but that’s coming to an end.
The party is over for them and we’re seeing big price increases there and that will take time to flow through. Japan and Korea will look to Australia as the US prices rise.
The US is at the opposite end of the cycle to us. During our drought we killed heaps of cattle and it’s taken us this long to restock. In fact, the MLA says our national herd will reach its highest level in 20 years by the end of the year.
I’m also optimistic that the new UK free trade agreement could play a big part in the next 10-15 years. Hopefully our grass-fed product will replace Brazilian product because of our lower tariffs there. That’s a longer-term goal.
I anticipate that by November, December it will turn around for Australian producers. The Northern Hemisphere eats much more red meat in their winter, so the demand will increase then.
I think the fundamentals for Australia are right for a very strong 2024 and even stronger 2025.
* Subscribe to Pairtree PLUS to access the latest livestock prices and indicators from
MLA & AuctionsPlus with the ability to select and graph prices for your chosen livestock type,
compare saleyards, and state or national averages in as much or little detail as you like.
Grain prices and futures from iGrain & Chicago Board of Trade also included.
Find our more about what Pairtree PLUS can do for your operation.
Please complete the form below and a member of our support team will be in touch shortly.
Sign up to our e-News and be the first to hear about Pairtree’s latest offers & news and receive fresh insights on new trends in Australian farming and agricultural technology.


text:
Top Chinese solar companies are likely to ride out pricing softness due in part to global market uncertainties, willing to suffer ASP hits to drive market share, according to an analyst citing conversations with several vendors.
April 4, 2011 – Top Chinese solar companies are likely to ride out pricing softness due in part to global market uncertainties, willing to suffer ASP hits to drive market share, according to an analyst citing conversations with several vendors.
Policy changes and uncertainty in Italy’s market has caused some short-term supply disruptions and pricing impact, but without much impact to Chinese Tier 1 suppliers, write Barclays’ Vishal Shah in a research note. In this environment, look for companies emphasizing lower costs and vertical integration (e.g. Trina Solar, Suntech) to benefit, with more vulnerability felt by higher-cost suppliers (e.g. ENER and other US/EU firms) that have higher exposure to spot demand (Tier 2). This should play out in 1Q11 numbers when they come out in a couple of weeks, he says — “tier 1 companies may still be able to meet/exceed consensus estimates while earnings of tier 2 companies that experience greater than expected ASP declines could fall short of expectations.”
Among his listed key takeaways from meetings in Asia:
Share, not profits. Tier 1 companies are more focused on gaining market share than on profitability, which creates a pricing-pressure environment for everyone. (Sound familiar for semiconductors?)
Pricing worries + verticality = better 2011. Chinese cell and module companies aren’t very confident on the outlook for volume or pricing, thanks in part to uncertainty in Italy. “That said, companies are bringing on new vertically integrated supply, have cost structures of ~$1.25/W or lower and are willing to lower ASPs to drive market share,” Shah writes. And so he thinks 2011 might actually have an upside surprise in demand, possibly exceeding his 21GW outlook.
Germany recovering, US flexible. Demand in Germany “is starting to recover,” now at €1.25/W ASPs. If ASPs were €1.05/W or lower, 2011 could look a lot like 2010 for Germany, he writes. And in the US, if ASPs get to $1.45/W or lower, demand could also surprise to the upside.
Poly prices steady. Pricing for polysilicon is still higher than a year ago (~$90/kg); some companies expect them to decline in the near future, but Shah thinks there won’t be a big correction until late 2011 or even 2012. Why? Poly demand is seasonally weakest in the first calendar quarter and tends to increase through the year. And just a $20/kg decline in poly spot prices translates to a ~$0.12/W cost structure reduction, “sufficient enough for companies to absorb $1.40-$1.45/W module ASPs” as the aforementioned demand trigger, he writes.

domain: news


text:
The iPhone 4 isn't even out of its box yet, but wannabe handset makers are already queuing up to take on Apple's latest.
Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha confirmed today that his company would be releasing a smart phone based on a new 2GHz Snapdragon processor before the end of the year.
Smartphones including the iPhone are currently limited to 1GHz but rumour has it that the Motorola offering will double the CPU speed, run the Android operating system and include "everything that is technologically possible in a smartphone today" according to Conceivably Tech.
Jha reckons that the days of the portable computer are numbered and that we'll all be ditching the notebooks and using smartphones in the very near future.
An anonymous source from Motorola also suggested that the forthcoming app phone would feature 720p HD video, a 5-megapixel plus camera, a Tegra GPU with hardware Flash acceleration and a gyroscope.


text:
Komori and manroland say nein as drupa trims show
Offset press manufacturers Komori and manroland Sheetfed have joined rival Heidelberg and pulled out of drupa next year, as the show itself cuts its duration, from 11 days to nine.
Both manroland and Komori cite the ongoing impact of Covid as the main reason for not attending the iconic event, while drupa says the cut in days is in anticipation of fewer visitors.
The postponed show is now taking place 20-28 April, but with three of the big five press manufacturers now absent. Of the other two, Koenig & Bauer, whose CEO is president of drupa, has committed itself to the show. RMGT (formerly Royobi and Mitsubishi) has not changed its position, although it has traditionally supported trade shows – it has been the only offset press manufacturer at PacPrint for the last two outings.
The loss of the manroland brand will be keenly felt in Germany, although manroland's booth has shrunk considerably since the company was bought out of administration by Tony Langley, whose antipathy to trade shows has been long known. For manroland, the withdrawal means it will not be able to show its new Roland 900 Evolution and Roland 700 Evolution Elite. The Roland 900 is in a market now down to two players since Heidelberg stepped out of large format presses, manroland battling it out with Koenig & Bauer.
Komori was due to have a bigger booth than manroland. It was planning to launch commercial sales of its Impremia NS40, the digital B1 sheetfed inkjet press based on the Landa nanographic inkjet technology. Komori would also have highlighted its Connected Automation workflow concept, and its range of sheetfed offset presses. It would also have been the first time folder manufacturer MBO would have been seen as part of Komori. Komori president and CEO Satoshi Mochida said “extremely unusual circumstances” had prevented it taking part in the rescheduled show.
Both companies will now run a series of live streamed events and regional open houses. The move to live streaming led one industry insider to quip that it would be quicker to travel to drupa and back and spend two weeks in quarantine than watch all the live streaming events planned.
The two companies follow Bobst, Xerox and Heidelberg in deciding to withdraw from participation. However, the organiser says it has a waiting list of would-be exhibitors to fill up the now vacant spaces at the extensive Dusseldorf showgrounds.
The reduction in length of drupa to nine days has been made in light of the impact of the virus in visitor numbers, say the organisers, but still giving time for exhibitors to have machines at the show. "Since we are currently assuming that fewer visitors from overseas will be able to travel to drupa 2021, we consider a reduction from eleven to nine days to be sensible in order to direct visitor flows more efficiently. At the same time, the duration of nine days ensures that running machines can still be shown, which is a unique selling point of drupa," drupa president Claus Bolza-Schünemann said.
For the show itself the organiser has instigated hygiene protocols which will see a different type of event. They include strictly enforced social distancing in the halls, limits on numbers, compulsory face masks, and no on-stand exhibitor parties.


text:
Frequency of drinking alcohol, not the amount consumed raises cancer risk in digestive system
December 9, 2021
A joint research team from Seoul National University Hospital and Samsung Medical Center discovered that the frequency of alcohol consumption statistically relates to the risk of cancer in the digestive system, rather than the amount.
The team concluded that drinking a small amount of alcohol every day raises cancer risk in the digestive system by 39 percent.
The study was conducted on 11 million people over 40 years of age, and without any diagnosed case of cancer during their national health examination conducted between 2009 and 2011.
Changes in health were observed until 2017.
The subjects were divided into groups based on the weekly level of alcohol consumption: non-alcohol consumers, mild alcohol consumers who consume up to 104 grams, intermediate alcohol consumers who take 105 to 209 grams, and excessive alcohol consumers who drink over 210 grams.
Excessive alcohol consumers drink more than three bottles of soju every week.
Medical authorities recommend that alcohol drinking should not exceed 210 grams per week.
The research team found that the level of cancer risk in the digestive system rises with higher consumption of alcohol from 1 for non-alcohol consumers to 1.28 for excessive alcohol consumers.
Drinking every day raises the risk to 1.39.
It was also revealed that those who drink five to seven shots of alcohol in a single round were 1.15 times more likely to suffer than nondrinkers.


text:
US motor vehicle safety regulators have opened an investigation into a Tesla model after getting two complaints that the steering wheels can come off while being driven.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the probe will look into Tesla’s Model Y SUV after the cars were delivered to customers in both cases with a missing bolt that holds the wheel to the steering column.
In one complaint, an owner said he was driving with his family on a major highway in New Jersey when the steering wheel suddenly came off – five days after the vehicle was bought.
Prerak Patel said: “It was horrible experience, I was driving back from mall with family and in middle of freeway steering wheel fell off.”
He added that there were no cars behind him and no injuries, and he was able to pull over toward the central reservation.
At first, a Tesla service centre gave Mr Patel an estimate of $103.96 to repair the problem. The service centre apologised in what appear to be text messages posted on Twitter.
Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department, has been contacted for comment.
When Mr Patel wrote that he had lost faith in Tesla and asked for a refund, the service centre removed the charge and wrote that Tesla doesn’t have a returns policy, but he could contact the sales and delivery team.
Mr Patel said he was later given the option of keeping the car or getting it replaced with a new one, which he chose to do.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the investigation covers an estimated 120,000 vehicles from the 2023 model year.
It comes as US safety regulators said on Wednesday that a Tesla that crashed into a fire truck in California last month killing the driver and injuring a passenger, as well as four firefighters, is suspected of operating on one of the company’s automated driving systems.
The latest NHTSA investigation adds to a long string of problems that Tesla is having with the US road safety agency.
In the past three years it has opened investigations into Tesla’s ‘autopilot’ driver-assist system crashing into parked emergency vehicles, and problems with suspension systems.
At least 14 Teslas have crashed into emergency vehicles while using the autopilot system.


text:
Article prepared and edited by Fairuzeta Hj Md Ja'afar and Natasha Keasberry
Four postgraduate students, Maylenie Ling Muhd Tony Ling (PhD candidate from Biology), Muhammad Zulfadliudin Bin Hj Jali (Masters student from Biology), Dk Radhiahtul Munirah Pg Sarabuddin and Nursyahidah Alawiyah Binti Idris (both Masters students from Chemistry), under the supervision of Dr. Fairuzeta binti Haji Md. Ja’afar (lecturer in Chemistry) from the Faculty of Science (FOS) were awarded a scholarship to participate in a food value chain (FVC) intensive course held at Kasetsart University in Thailand from 29th January until 11th February 2017.
The food value chain intensive course was organised by the ASEAN food industries human resources development association (AFH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan and Japanese private companies and aims to create highly-skilled human resources in the area of agriculture within the ASEAN community.
The two-week intensive course consisted of seminars on in-depth knowledge on the impact of technology on the food value chain, covering topics from mechanisation of agriculture on the producer level, adding value to products by packaging and processing, product distribution logistics and marketing to consumers. The lectures provided first-hand knowledge and insight from well-known and established Japanese companies on the various stages and processes of bringing produce to the consumers from the farm to the table.
Within this intensive course, students also participated in workshops where they were asked to present material on what they have learned. In the first workshop, participants were tasked to pick a crop which is unique to their home country, current challenges facing its large scale production and how using the advanced technologies would solve the stated problems and benefit the country. The Bruneian team’s chosen crop was the rumbia tree, from which the local produce, ambulong, was made from. The students proposed mechanised technologies and GPS-assisted smart farming techniques which could improve ambulong production and its potential benefits to Brunei. This presentation was awarded first prize, competing against representatives from the Philippines, Cambodia, Lao, Thailand and Indonesia, and received very favourable feedback from the judge, Prof. Mikio Umeda, the Chief Executive Advisor of the Agricultural Operation Division from Yanmar Co. Ltd.
The Bruneian team presentation on how robots could help the farming of ambulong, a local produce made from sago trees (Metroxylon sagu roxb.).
FOS students were awarded first prize for their presentation on how robots could help the farming of ambulong, a local produce made from sago trees (Metroxylon sagu roxb.). Prize was awarded by Prof. Mikio Umeda, the Chief Executive Advisor of the Agricultural Operation Division from Yanmar Co. Ltd.
The intensive course also aimed to introduce Japanese culture to participants. A few lectures focused on the Japanese corporate culture, challenges Japan are facing due to its aging population and even understanding Japanese foods. The Bruneian team also participated in a sushi decorating workshop.
On the final day of the course, each team from each country was asked to give a 20 minute presentation highlighting all the things they have learned from the course and what knowledge can they bring to their home country. The Bruneian team’s presentation entitled, “Food-Value-Chain (FVC), where does Brunei fit in?”, gave a brief introduction on Brunei, the challenges facing the agricultural industry, how the insight from the Japanese companies experiences could improve agriculture and possible action plans to implement in Brunei. This presentation was awarded first prize, with the judges commending the team’s presentation skills and attributed their success to their ability to present relevant data and information in an easy-to-follow manner.
The participants gained invaluable insights from established Japanese companies and gained possible collaborative partners which could directly or indirectly help their respective research areas or employment prospects.
The final presentation entitled, “Food-Value-Chain (FVC), where does Brunei fit in?”, was awarded first prize against competitors from Thailand, Lao, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines.


text:
Recently, Swatch, a famous watch brand won a lawsuit filed in 1st Civil Court for Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights of Istanbul against şikayetvar.com, a third party platform that compiles and posts consumer complaints online.
Swatch argued that some of the products that consumers complained about were counterfeit Swatch watches.
Swatch alleged that its logo was used without permission on the şikayetvar.com website and the result has been to tarnish its reputation leading to the lawsuit filed for trademark infringement, requesting 20,000 liras (roughly $3,660) in non-pecuniary damages.
“Some of the complained products are not related to us. We were not allowed to use our right to reply to comments because of the obligation of a paid membership. The defendant has been acquiring illegally by using the Swatch brand and logo in an unauthorized manner,” the complaint stated.
A cease and desist letter was sent to Şikayetvar Bilişim to remove the unauthorized logos from their website but no result was seen.
The defendant claimed that Swatch created a corporate account on its website that costs 3,400 Turkish Liras (around $620) annually adding that the use of Swatch brand and logo is not out of place.
The 1st Civil Court for Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights of Istanbul ruled on the unauthorized use of the Swatch brand and ordered the defendant to pay 10,000 liras (around $1,830) in damages.
“When the decision is finalized, it will be unprecedented. From now on, the defendant firm will not be able to use corporate logos on its website. With this ruling, companies will have the right to respond to complaints free-of-charge,” said Eray İnceoğlu, a lawyer for Swatch.
In reaction, the defendant company’s lawyer said that the decision is not acceptable to them and would be appealed.


text:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly-profound effect on the entertainment sphere, as social distancing guidelines have made going to a concert, a stage show, or the movie theater not plausible. A large number of blockbusters have been forced to rethink their release strategy or delay their films entirely, especially as movie theaters still haven't reopened on a major scale. According to a new report, one of the biggest theater chains, AMC, will be gearing up to open stateside very soon. Late Wednesday night, AMC sent an email to customers (via The Verge), chronicling the company's plans to reopen.
This will include AMC reopening more than 100 theater locations starting August 20th, with a plan to continue to reopen locations "such that about two-thirds of our theatres across the country should be open no later than September 3." That is conveniently the date that Christopher Nolan's Tenet is expected to open in theaters in America, after opening in some international markets the week before. Disney and Fox's The New Mutants is also scheduled to open a week prior, on August 28th. The chain will also be offering screenings of Back to the Future, Beauty and the Beast, Black Panther, Bloodshot, Ghostbusters, Goonies, Grease, I Still Believe, Jumanji: The Next Level, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
Of course, this doesn't provide an indication of which theaters will reopen when, as the company stresses that it is based on local restrictions, writing that “the remaining AMC locations will open after we get further clearance from state and local authorities that it is safe to do so." When customers come to an AMC location, they can also "expect continuous extra cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas,” a "significant" limit on seating capacity, and that hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be widely available.
All AMC staff and customers will also be required to wear masks, a decision that comes after AMC CEO Adam Aron was controversially quoted as saying that a mask policy was "not necessary".
“We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” Aron explained back in June. “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example.”
What do you think of AMC's plans to reopen its theaters amid the COVID-19 pandemic? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!


text:
Where: MIT Media Lab, 5th floor
This week, Clark Moody, a senior developer at Blockchain, will be demoing their API and giving a hands-on run-through of how to make a basic Blockchain webapp. Blockchain, the world’s most popular bitcoin wallet, blockchain explorer, and API provider, builds innovative products that makes using bitcoin safe, easy, and secure for all users.
Clark joined the Bitcoin community in early 2011 and built a successful market data website before building the technology behind the ZeroBlock trading platform. He has degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University with expertise in space robotics.
7:00: Overview of bitcoin for beginners
7:15: Clark’s Blockchain API demo
8:00: Food arrives. Eat, hack, and mingle!
—The StartLabs Team and MIT Bitcoin Club


text:
(Bloomberg) — CI Monetary Corp. ideas to spin off its U.S. wealth-administration device following an growth fueled by dozens of acquisitions.
Most Browse from Bloomberg
The firm will sell as much as 20% of the company via an preliminary community featuring and will file a prospectus with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission later on this 12 months, in accordance to a assertion Thursday. Toronto-primarily based CI reported it will use the proceeds to pay back financial debt. The shares acquired as substantially as 3.5%.
“We’re accomplishing this for strategic factors,” Main Govt Officer Kurt MacAlpine explained in an interview.
Examine extra: Canada’s CI Money to Purchase Some Eaton Vance Belongings
CI has sought to capitalize on surging demand from customers for financial tips by obtaining smaller sized rivals. The U.S. prosperity enterprise, which opened a Miami office last yr as a base of operations, built much more than 30 acquisitions considering that entering the current market in 2020. It promptly ramped up belongings, which will total about $133 billion soon after all of those people deals are finished, in accordance to the assertion.
While the firm strategies to remain an lively purchaser, it expects the tempo of discounts to gradual, MacAlpine explained. Last 12 months was especially energetic “as a lot of business house owners were searching to transact in advance of pending tax variations,” he reported.
CI plans to carry on escalating its prosperity administration small business organically and through mergers and acquisitions, the CEO stated.
(Updates share get in next paragraph.)
Most Go through from Bloomberg Businessweek
©2022 Bloomberg L.P.


text:
Qualcomm has announced a new chipset for their Always Connected PCs platform partnership with Microsoft. The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 is the successor to last year’s Snapdragon 835 that was also used for Windows 2-in-1 laptops.
Always Connected PCs are made to go against Apple’s iPad Pro. They are meant to provide the portability of a tablet, but with enough size and performance to act as a decent-performing Windows laptop.
The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 is basically a modified Snapdragon 845 — which is one of the best chipsets found on smartphones today.
Just like its brother, the Snapdragon 850 chipset has 30% better performance, 20% longer battery, and 20% faster data speeds when compared from its predecessor. It is also made from the same 10nm process.
One of the chipset’s highlight features is that it is always-on and it doesn’t need to be completely shut down when not in use. It can do that without hurting the battery too much. This mimics the experience you’d have from a traditional tablet — but on a Windows 10 laptop.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 SoC comes with an octa-core Kyro 385 processor clocked at 2.96GHz. It’s partnered with an Adreno 630 GPU, and Quick Charge 4+ technology.
It is also rigged with a Snapdragon Z20 LTE modem, WiFi ac, WiFi ad multi-gigabit, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Qualcomm said that the new Always Connected PCs equipped with Snapdragon 850 chipset will arrive just in time for the holiday season later this year.


text:
Nigel Evans has welcomed today’s news that the UK's inflation rate, as measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), fell to 2.2% in October from 2.7% the month before.
Speaking from Westminster, Mr Evans said:
“This drop in inflation is good news. Inflation has been rising faster than wages for some time and to see a significant fall is good for families in the Ribble Valley and across the UK.
“I think that normal people just want to see their hard earned money going a bit further allowing them to buy a few more items or indeed to try and put a little aside.
“If we continue to get growth in the economy and inflation remains at a manageable level then, slowly but surely, I hope families will begin to see a difference.”


text:
At a glance
- Changing retail landscape offering new opportunities
- Although new and more complex risks are arising
- Zurich’s insight and high service levels are helping brokers protect their customers
Nowhere has the digital revolution had a greater impact than on Britain’s high streets. Changing consumer behaviour and the tough economic climate has seen some of our most familiar shops disappear.
The demise of Woolworths, Comet, as well as a myriad of smaller retailers, has left the number of empty units across the UK at an all-time high. According to the British Retail Consortium, almost one in eight shops on Britain’s high streets and malls now lay vacant. This is no retail apocalypse, though – but rather a period of change. For savvy operators, this transformation has brought with it huge opportunity.
(Source: British Retail Consortium (BRC) (May 2013))
John Lewis, one of the standout retail successes of recent years, is even planning to expand on the high street. By moving strategically since 2008 to become a multi-channel retailer, its investment in technology and drive to duplicate its enviable customer service record online has resulted in 27% of all John Lewis online sales now using its ‘click and collect’ service.
And in 2011, it was the first UK retailer to introduce free wi-fi in its stores – adapting to the trend of consumers to ‘showroom’ whereby customers are encouraged to check products in store but then buy their wares online. ‘Hybrid’ operations such as this – a integrated high-street and online business model – may be the future.
New markets, new opportunities
Both smaller independents and large retailers have benefited immeasurably from online distribution and social media, allowing businesses to reach, sell and service new markets across the world.
To be resilient and remain competitive, larger corporations and SMEs alike have kept their focus resolutely on customers as they’ve plunged into this multi-channel world.
As consumers, our level of choice is unprecedented: we can get what we want, when we want it and, increasingly, choose from new payment systems, as well. Retailers are making this convenient and consistent for us, at every customer touch point we use.
Why use Zurich?
With its established relationships with major retailers and their brokers, Zurich has the professional and regional insight – as well as the technical underwriting expertise – to competitively cover the major causes of loss and the risk that customers face, with its high-levels of broker service.
For the latest retail insurance products from Zurich, visit BrokerZone.
But adapting to these changes has not been easy and retailers now face a growing complexity of risk, which they can’t afford to overlook.
Inadequate cover for new services
A growing focus is on differentiating the high-street experience and offer. New shop concepts, such as ‘dark stores’ designed for internet shoppers, temporary ‘pop-ups’ and ‘try before you buy’ are a new breed with a different approach to retailing and altered policy needs.
For larger companies which hold customer information and payment details online, hacking or loss of data is a huge risk, especially for online only operations. The balance between public and products liability is also impacted as e-tailers tend to have higher product risks but lower public or theft risk. Stock cover is always crucial, and liability for online retailers is a specialist, complex area.
But with their greatest business threats being continued economic stagnation, rising operating cost pressures and inadequate cash reserves, brokers need to be proactively checking they are still properly covered. For instance:
- Product / service diversification can affect insurance coverage as businesses may diversify beyond current policy level coverage. Retail insurance may not include e-tailing.
- Market diversification (e.g. exports) can open up new exposures, for instance, in terms of different product liability regulation
- Changing operating models, such as shifting to a “contract worker model” or new approaches to shift work, can lead to new risks and employers’ liability exposures
The changing payments market is another area of risk. The British Retail Consortium’s Cost of Payment Collection Survey 2012 revealed that corporates faced average charges of 38p per credit and charge card transaction – 25 times more expensive than cash.
Payments in cash were down 10% year on year, credit and charge cards down 3.4%, but debit cards up 3.2%. Compare that with the growing area of non-cash, non-card payments, which includes PayPal and will in future incorporate growth areas of mobile wallets and the expanding mobile payments market. In 2012, they accounted for 5% of transactions but 4.5% of costs.
A need for broker advice
The ongoing transformation of our high streets – Retail Futures 2018 predicts a further 22% decline in high street shops in the next five years – and the corresponding rise of “e-tailing” gives us tangible evidence of the challenging dynamic between opportunity and risk.
While the successful retailers prove there’s life online and on the high street, brokers and insurers must work together to give customers the comprehensive protection and guidance they need in this period of transformation.


text:
Coupon-clipping may be an old-fashioned habit, but it’s enjoying a lengthy renaissance.
One website that tracks consumer habits around the world says searching for deals will be one of the top 12 consumer trends this year.
In fact, where it used to be embarrassing, perhaps, to be looking to save a buck, it’s now extremely popular. One woman said customers cheered her when she paid $60 for $350 worth of groceries, according to an article on theledger.com.
Coupons have been a trend for the past 40 to 50 years. Now the big difference is that they’re readily available. People have a wallet full of paper coupons and more on their phone.
Researchers say the trend is not just because of the economic downturn, either. It’s partially due to retailers who have made deal-searching a fun thing, and not just about saving money.
Couponing is good for retailers, too, because it helps them collect data on their customers. Then, they can market specific deals to those consumers. Coupons also build customer loyalty.
And yet, with daily deals and online retailers offering coupons, there’s a challenge for retailers: how to keep people from stacking coupons upon coupons. Retailers need a sophisticated in-store POS system that keeps consumers from stacking coupons and instead limits coupons to the way they were meant to used — on only a few items.
Source: The Ledger, March 2012


text:
Govt waives off import duty on Remdesivir and its raw materials amid Covid-19 surge
The central government on Tuesday waived off import duty on antiviral drug Remdesivir and its raw materials for over six months to encourage domestic pharmaceutical companies to ramp up its production and reduce its cost amidst the rising demand for the treatment of Covid-19 patients.
“The Central government, on being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to do, hereby exempts the goods [Remdesivir and its raw materials]... when imported into India, from the whole of the duty of customs leviable,” said a finance ministry order issued late night on Tuesday.
According to the order, Remdesivir active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), beta Cyclodextrin (SBEBCD) used in the manufacture of Remdesivir and injection Remdesivir have been exempted from import duty up to October 31, 2021.
“In line with PM @NarendraModi's priority to ensure affordable medical care for COVID-19 patients, imports of Remdesivir API, injection and specific inputs have been made import duty free. This should increase supply and reduce cost thus providing relief to patients,” commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said in a tweet.
As the country battles the second wave of Covid-19 cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening addressed the nation and urged citizens to stay home. He directed states to resort to a lockdown only as the last option.
"I urge states to use lockdown only as a last resort," PM Modi said, adding that they should try their best to avoid lockdown.
For the sixth straight day, India reported over 200,000 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday. The infection tally currently stands at 15,321,089 including more than 13 million recoveries, more than two million active cases and 180,530 deaths.


text:
Apple Butter Festival held at the Waterville Firehall
Oct 13, 2018
"An Apple Butter Festival will be held on Saturday, October 13th, and Sunday, October 14th, from 9am to 7pm both days at the Waterville Firehall, 11009 Route 44 in Waterville. Apple butter will be for sale. There will be live music, craft vendors and good food."


text:
Sono-Tek Corporation (OTC BB: SOTK) announces that it is featured in an article in Chief Executive Magazine's September/October 2014 print issue and online at http://chiefexecutive.net.
The article, “Cloudy with a Chance of Rain-Making” describes how cloud computing can help small- to medium-enterprises (SMEs) go global. Dr. Christopher L. Coccio, Sono-Tek’s Chairman of the Board & CEO, is featured prominently in the article, and believes that well thought out use of cloud computing can give smaller companies significant global advantages.
Within the article, Dr. Coccio said, “You need to apply your business judgment to investments in any area, including IT, and evaluate the people you have to see if something has a good, gut feel. A lot of what CEOs do is based on gut.”
To read the article in its entirety, visit
For more information about Sono-Tek, visit the company’s Website at www.sono-tek.com or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Sono-Tek is the world leader in the development and application of liquid ultrasonic atomization technology into nozzle systems and spraying and coating application systems. Compared to conventional pressure spraying methods, the company’s ultrasonic nozzles do not clog, reduce liquid usage, waste, and environmental impact while achieving much more precise, uniform, thin film coatings. Sono-Tek is continually developing new applications for its unique technology, replacing wasteful practices in a world that is growing ever more environmentally sensitive. For more information, visit the company at www.sono-tek.com.


text:
Bluegame’s latest jewel, an unconventional multihull poised to succeed once again, lands at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023. READ ALL
At the Salone Nautico di Genova Bluegame lines up its entire fleet, including the new 2023 models with which the brand enters the world of multihulls. READ ALL
At the Cannes Yachting Festival Bluegame unveils the world première of BGM75 and BGH, two vessels that will revolutionise the nautical world. READ ALL
From May 31 to June 4, Bluegame will participate in the upcoming Venice Boat Show to be held in the picturesque setting of the Venice Arsenal, together with Sanlorenzo. The Ameglia shipyard will once again attract attention and it will do so not only with its highly distinctive vessels, but also through its choice to […]
Once again this year, the shipyard from Ameglia sets sail for the Maiorca Island, carving out its space as a protagonist within the stand of the Sanlorenzo Group from April 27th to 30th. Following the success of the premiere of the flagship of the fleet in the United States, the BG72, Bluegame will exhibit three […]
From 27th to 30th of April Bluegame will take his BGX range to Singapore Yachting Festival inside Simpson Marine stand, exclusive brand ambassador of Sanlorenzo group in Asia. BGX70 and BGX60 are having a great success in Asia and are waiting for you to discover their crossover soul.
After the success of the U.S première presentation held in Miami, the BG72 will take place at the upcoming Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 23rd through March 26th. The show has grown to become one of the biggest yachting events in the United States. Here the multi award winning model and flagship of […]
From March 11th to 14th, we’re proudly taking part in the 2023 Mirabello Flute, the first exhibition in Italy exclusively dedicated to luxury tenders. A 4 days show at Porto Mirabello in the La Spezia gulf, where curious and experts will find out specs and charisma of our BG42 and BG54, the two yachts of […]
Bluegame docks in Miami on the wave of success. After a period of great innovation, the Ameglia shipyard will participate at the Miami International Boat Show from 15 to 18 February. READ ALL
The most ambitious Bluegame project: not a simple chase boat, but the first foil-equipped multihull completely powered by hydrogen propulsion. A concept boat that will flank the New York Yacht Club American Magic during the 37th America’s Cup to be held in Barcelona in 2024. The future is here and it’s called BGH.


text:
Here is the full list of winners too.
The partnership will see Sony's children's entertainment label Magic Star create and produce music to support Lol Surprise product.
"This year’s biggest trends underscore the ongoing impact of the pandemic on play."
All states and territories rose in January, except Queensland.
"2021 is a big year of exciting new products and global expansion."
The lockdown restrictions will lift at midnight tonight.
Safe? Unsafe? This is what the research says.
The OCC Pop Up will take place at the Sydney Showground on the 6th and 7th of March.
The technology is described as being "similar to the ‘self-service’ radar speed check, which reminds drivers on Australian roads to slow down."
"I’m confident in Ed’s ability to further our child-first mission."
The initiative forms part of the brand's 50th celebrations.
"Many small businesses are not aware that correctly registering their interests can save them a world of pain in the long run."


text:
If you unknowingly stumbled upon the Pope Francis hubbub outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at on Wednesday afternoon, you’d think everyone in DC was a devout Catholic.
But this wasn’t just because of the electricity of the public, waiting with bated breath for the popemobile to zoom down Monroe Street, Northeast. No. On every street corner, spaced ten or so feet from each other, were overzealous vendors, looking to peddle pope shirts, pope tote bags, Vatican flags, and issues of the Washington Post with his holiness on the front page. Two shirts for $25. Discount deals on extra large tees. A free American flag with every copy of the Post.
Of all the merchants selling pope-related merchandise during Pope Francis’s visit to DC, Muhammad Mashee had perhaps the most complicated feelings. Mashee, who lives in Philadelphia, was selling Deer Park water out of a cooler near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday and debating with customers about religion.
Mashee is a Muslim, and he said embracing a business opportunity as rare as a visit from the Pope can be difficult if your religion doesn’t believe in his legitimacy in the first place.
“From a Muslim perspective, we believe that there’s only one creator,” says Mashee. “He created every human being to worship him, and no one shares any divinity with [God].”
Mashee’s sales tactics differed significantly from those of the other vendors, who were more aggressive in approaching pedestrians on the sidewalk to negotiate prices. One seller even followed a woman—clutching what appeared to be every kind of Pope memorabilia available under her arm—down multiple blocks on Monroe Street, Northeast, trying to persuade her to buy a shirt emblazoned with Francis’s smiling face and some inspirational text.
Mashee, though, stayed put at his perch on the corner of 8th and Monroe streets, waiting for customers to come over themselves and, if they were inclined, argue about religion.
“We’re always going to disagree,” he says. “They’ve got their beliefs. I’ve got my beliefs.”
Mashee is originally from the DC area and says he travels all over the country for business, selling merchandise at events like the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Olympics and jazz festivals. He plans to return to the District in October for the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March rally.
He usually doesn’t limit himself to selling just bottled water; Mashee claims he will retail items including oils and incense if the situation calls for it.
“I’m versatile,” he says.
But on Wednesday, water was the best he could do without taking a pro-Catholic stance.
“[I’ll sell] whatever item at the time won’t violate my religious beliefs,” says Mashee.


text:
Ulta And Mary Kay Collected Customer’s Facial Biometric Information Without Prior Consent
Beauty companies Ulta and Mary Kay are accused of illegally collecting and keeping their customers’ facial photographic information without asking for prior permission in a recent class action lawsuit.
Beauty Industry Titans Violate Illinois’s Biometric Protection Statute
Plaintiff Fiza Javid sued Ulta after the company allegedly used its official site and other beauty-related programs to collect their customers’ facial photos without obtaining prior consent.
Fiza shared that Ulta utilizes its different tools ranging from their official website to the Glam Lab software the company first launched more than four years ago.
Ulta used Glam Lab to let its customers virtually try out how they would look with make-up using the software’s smart technology.
It has come to the point that Ulta officially acquired the Glam Lab software and improved it for it to become more advanced. Now, it is reported that Ulta customers can not only try out their looks with make-up on, but they can also use Ulta’s Glam Lab to see what they would probably look like with different hair colors and the like.
Meanwhile, complainant Marvalace Garrett contended in the latest litigation that Mary Kay uses their websites to scan and store site visitors’ facial biometric data without the owners’ express consent.
Garrett argued that the acts conducted by the two make-up companies are equal to violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act or BIPA in effect in the state of Illinois.
Class Action Brief
Both class actions filed by Fiza Javid and Marvalace Garrett shared similar arguments – that the two companies failed to properly inform their customers of the collection of their facial data and how they are going to be used and maintained.
The Ulta And Mary Kay BIPA Class Action Lawsuits are seeking to implicate the two beauty companies for their alleged violation of consumer’s privacy rights as guaranteed by Illinois’ BIPA.
As of writing, the details of the class action lawsuits are still scarce, but the two are demanding Ulta and Mary Kay to pay up for the damages and each count of violation perpetrated.
Both Javid and Garrett are looking to form separate Class groups that are aiming to represent affected Illinois customers of both Mary Kay and Ulta.
About The Defendants
Ulta and Mary Kay are the two beauty companies involved in the latest set of litigations filed in an Illinois court.
Touted as the United States’ largest retailer for beauty and personal care products, Ulta is known to offer a large variety of products catering to a wide demographic on their stores and online shop. The company has more than a thousand locations spread across the country. Ulta tallied revenue of more than $4 billion in 2016 per publicly available records.
On the other hand, Mary Kay is a beauty-centered multi-level marketing company founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash. According to online reports, Mary Kay is the world’s sixth-largest networking company, with sales amounting to more than $3 billion in 2018.
Editor’s Note on Ulta And Mary Kay BIPA Class Action Lawsuit 2021:
This feature reports on the two separate legal cases filed against beauty industry behemoths Ulta and Mary Kay after both allegedly violated Illinois’s BIPA when they gathered their customers’ facial biometric information without asking for their consent.
Case Name(s) & No.(s): Fiza Javid v. Ulta Beauty, Inc. and Marvalace Garrett v. Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc.; Case Nos.: 2021-CH-03109 and 2021-CH-03124, respectively
Jurisdiction: Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois Chancery Division
Products/Services Involved: BIPA
Allegation(s): Mary Kay and Ulta have transgressions against the law for collecting, storing, and using their customer’s biometric information without prior authorization.
What are your thoughts on this piece? Please send us a message by clicking the ‘Contact Us’ button below! We’d love to hear back from you.
Suggested Article: Shutterfly BIPA Settlement 2021.


text:
3 women charged with shoplifting
EVESHAM - Three New York City women are accused of stealing nearly $5,000 in merchandise from several stores in the township.
Dora Chuquillanqiu, 48; Flor Maria Guevara, 58; and Jennifer Puza-Chuquillanqiu, 25, all of Queens, were charged March 30 with shoplifting and receiving stolen property, police said Wednesday.
The three were taken into custody at 12:40 p.m. at the Gymboree on Route 73 after a store employee called authorities to report a theft.
An investigation revealed the women had stolen $1,360 worth of merchandise.
A search of their car produced merchandise stolen from Carter's, Coldwater Creek, Dress Barn, Justice Clothing for Girls and Pottery Barn Kids. The total value of the items was about $3,000.
All of the merchandise was returned. The women were released pending court action.


text:
Nigeria has launched the Ownership Reward Programme with combined discounts of over 70 per cent and free value-added services for customers.
The company’s resolve to compensate customers for their loyalty over the years is to ensure that Kia owners enjoy the most pleasurable driving experience at a pocket-friendly cost.
Customers’ evolving needs to keep their cars in shape at an affordable cost and enjoy a hitch-free ride despite the years of usage of their Kia are the basis for this year’s Kia Ownership Reward Program (KORP), the company said.
The programme, Kia Nigeria said, was aimed at offering greater value, convenience, and support to customers who have owned KIA from a month to nine or more years.
Kia Nigeria Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Tatpati said: “It offers waivers ranging from 15 per cent to 25 per cent on service cost and up to 50 per cent discount on aggregated parts like audio, engine, and transmission assembly, among others. These discounted offerings are premised on the years of Kia ownership, as it progressively reduces the cost of maintenance based on the years the car has been in operation. KORP is set to substantially bring down the cost of maintenance as Kia vehicles get older. Weaved into the underlining exceptional service delivery of Kia Nigeria’s aftersales service, the program will provide greater value for our customers.
“Following the success of the launch of this programme in 2019, its wide acceptance and the satisfaction it brought to our customers, we’ve deemed it necessary to even take it to a whole new level by increasing the discounts up to 70 per cent for our customers.
“This will further foster ‘peace of mind’ in our customers and affordability to engage them meaningfully and ensure an enjoyably hitch-free driving experience with their Kia regardless of the age of the vehicle. The huge discounts and free value-added service are what make the KORP a unique program in the industry and continuously drive customer satisfaction to its peak. This programme is set to reward customers throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.”
The KORP delivers a more fulfilling experience for old Kia owners with discounted pricing and exceptional service delivery. Service and parts pricing flexibility and the undying resolve of Kia Nigeria to roll out customer-driven initiatives that match customers’ active lifestyles are hallmarks of the KORP.
The programme is Kia’s way of saying thank you to old customers for their continued trust while servicing at the accredited service centre.


text:
Now Apple files for iWatch trademark in Mexico, Taiwan, and Turkey
Just yesterday word spread through the technology sphere that Apple had filed for an iWatch trademark in Japan. The news seemed to give some limited credence to earlier rumors that Apple had filed for the same iWatch trademark in Russia. Now, less than 24 hours after that Japan trademark surfaced, trademark registrations for iWatch have appeared in Mexico, Taiwan and Turkey, according to MacRumors.
As I wrote yesterday, a trademark registration does not mean the imminent arrival of Apple's fabled smartwatch. However, the fact that Apple is registering iWatch in countries across the globe does now seem to strongly suggest that work on the device is well underway and we may see it early next year. But only time will tell.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Software Updatesmore updates
- Fantastical 2.1 for iOS adds new snooze, search and notification features
- ExpanDrive 4, more services and faster sync
- Apple adds iTunes Extras to Apple TV
- Spotify updates with new iPhone controls in time for summer BBQs
- iTunes U update will bring course creation and student discussion to iPad app
- Dropbox for iOS update adds new setup and file management options


text:
Bud Light gets ball rolling for Super Bowl with QR code-enabled sweepstakes
Budweiser is gearing up for next year?s Super Bowl game with a retail promotion and sweepstakes for its Bud Light brand that includes QR codes to drive entries.
The Super Bowl earlier this year was a prime example of the growing role that mobile is playing in brands? marketing strategies, with mobile ads, second-screen experiences and applications all playing a part. The new Bud Light campaign for next year?s Super Bowl shows that QR codes are likely to be a key strategy.
?There are several touch points from print to mobile: email, text, social and QR codes being the most prevalent,? said Marci Troutman, CEO of SiteMinis, Atlanta.
?With QR codes and QR code readers becoming more familiar to the public, this entry point to mobile becomes more valuable and will continue to grow to drive engagement as brands recognize the need for a consistent content management process,? she said.
?Sweepstakes are a great way of adding an interactive component to a brands traditional advertising, which does these four things: extends the time spent with the brand by the consumer, gives customers an opportunity to get involved with the brand, allows the brand to leverage more cost effective engagements, and an extremely effective and measurable channel to continue the brand engagement.?
Ms. Troutman is not affiliated with Budweiser. She commented based on her expertise on the subject.
Budweiser did not respond to press inquiries.
Mobilizing fan experiences
In the Super Bowl XLVII promotion, Bud Light is giving customers a chance to enter a sweepstakes and win a trip to the Bud Light Hotel in New Orleans and tickets for the Super Bowl XLVII game. Customers can enter on the Bud Light Facebook page or by scanning a QR code found on promotional materials at retail locations.
For the Super Bowl, Bud Light is transforming a hotel in downtown New Orleans into a fan experience where parties and events will be held during the week leading up to the game.
The promotion also includes a tie-in with EA Sports Madden Bowl.
Second screen experiences
Bud Light is also holding an open casting call that will give one Facebook fan the opportunity to become the official Bud Light Hotel Facebook correspondent. Applicants can submit their videos on the Bud Light Facebook page, where fans can ?Like? their favorite videos through a special tab.
The Super Bowl earlier this year has been touted as the first ?second screen Super Bowl,? with about 60 percent of viewers using their phones during the game, per Ms. Troutman.
There was also a lot of texting, because this is what went most naturally with the broad reach of a Super Bowl ad, per Brennan Hayden, executive vice president and chief operating officer at WDA, East Lansing, MI.
"This year you are likely to see more tablet and smartphone tie-in simply due to the march of market penetration those platforms are experiencing," Mr. Hayden said. "But you will see predominantly texting, with an ever increasing amount of QR codes as well.
"One simple thing is that a QR code campaign nearly guarantees that you have smartphone users, with the engagement and content consumption patterns that go along with that," he said.
Chantal Tode is associate editor on Mobile Marketer, New York


text:
Estée Lauder has launched a 180-degree augmented reality (AR) campaign on Snapchat to launch its Luxury Fragrance Collection.
Snapchatters will be able to explore the inspiration, olfactive notes and mood-boosting properties behind four scents from the new collection: Tender Light, Sensuous Stars, Dream Dusk and Infinite Sky. To access the experience, users open the app and click on the campaign icon in their Lens carousel, or open Snapchat and scan the Snapcode. Finally, the user can swipe-up to seamlessly purchase the collection at esteelauder.co.uk.
For Estée Lauder, this is the latest in a series of AR campaigns that engages its target audience of Gen Z and Millennials on Snapchat. The brand first started trialling AR Try On with Snapchat in September 2020 with its Advanced Night Repair launch. Since then, it has run several Virtual Try On AR campaigns including Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-In-Place, and Futurist Hydra Rescue SPF45 foundations.
“Augmented reality has proven to be a successful strategy for Estée Lauder to engage with Gen Z and Millennials who are both willing to experiment with, and then purchase, beauty and fragrance products through Snapchat - with engagement results exceeding platform benchmarks,” said Nicola Casey, Marketing Director Estée Lauder UK & Ireland. “We love this latest campaign that creates a truly innovative and immersive experience for the user, transporting them to a world where they can experience the emotions of each hero fragrance.”


text:
Apple Rating Reiterated by Cowen and Company (AAPL)
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)‘s stock had its “positive” rating restated by equities researchers at Cowen and Company in a research report issued on Monday, Analyst Ratings Net reports.
The analysts wrote, “We believe Apple’s supply chain is seeing incremental positive revisions as iPhone demand (particularly 5S) remains elevated post product launch. We continue to believe street estimates are likely conservative as iPhone demand remains solid. Cowen estimates for iPhone are ~36MM in September Q and ~56MM in December Q and, based on our work in Asia, we feel good about these above-Street numbers. At the same time, we believe that Apple is likely seeing some ramp issues with new parts (camera module, fingerprint sensor) which will likely cause 5S supply to remain constrained potentially through year end. While FQ1:14 (Dec) should be a strong Q for both iPhone shipments and gross margin, we feel that initial indication points to a strong drawdown for the supply chain in the March Q and component shipments, at this stage, look to us to be down materially.”
Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Analysts at Jefferies Group upgraded shares of Apple from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note to investors on Monday. They now have a $600.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $425.00. Separately, analysts at BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Apple from $480.00 to $508.00 in a research note to investors on Friday. They now have an “outperform” rating on the stock. Finally, analysts at Global Equities Research raised their price target on shares of Apple to $725.00 in a research note to investors on Monday, September 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating, forty-one have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Apple has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $558.84.
Shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) traded up 1.77% during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $491.595. 6,055,476 shares of the company’s stock traded hands. Apple has a 52 week low of $385.10 and a 52 week high of $652.79. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $486.4 and its 200-day moving average is $449.0. The company has a market cap of $446.6 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.04. Apple also saw unusually large options trading on Friday. Investors acquired 222,696 call options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 235% compared to the average volume of 66,383 call options.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $7.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.28 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $35.32 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $35.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $9.32 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up .9% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Apple will post $39.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.
In other Apple news, SVP D Bruce Sewell unloaded 12,314 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $489.17, for a total value of $6,023,639.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 10 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,892. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) designs, manufactures and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, and portable digital music players, and a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications.
Get Analysts' Upgrades and Downgrades via Email - Stay on top of analysts' coverage with Analyst Ratings Network's FREE daily email newsletter that provides a concise list of analysts' upgrades and downgrades. Click here to register now.


text:
Wedbush’s Dan Ives reveals the whisper number for Tesla deliveries
Wedbush Securities managing director discusses his forecast for Tesla stock and reacts to a GM chip shortage warning on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
German regulators announced a recall on 59,000 Teslas on Sunday after reportedly discovering a "software glitch" in the vehicles.
The recall pertains to Tesla models Y and 3, though it is unclear how many of the 59,000 affected vehicles are registered in Germany, according to Reuters. The country's road traffic agency says the glitch impacts the car's ability to contact first responders in the event of a serious accident.
The recall is only the most recent in a spate of tech issues for Tesla this year. Musk's company has had to recall more than 700,000 vehicles since April, many of them more than once.
The green energy company hasn't been the only car manufacturer to suffer large recalls, however. Ford announced a recall of 350,000 of its vehicles in mid-May.
TESLA RECALLS 130K VEHICLES DUE TO OVERHEATING TOUCHSCREENS


text:
After the initial success of the first-generation AirPods, reputed KGI Securities' analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple is set to launch upgraded AirPods in the second half of 2018. The Cupertino giant already hinted the new development by showcasing a new AirPods charging case at the iPhone X event in September. The new AirPods are reported to have a smaller quartz component.
As reported by 9to5Mac, Kuo predicted that Apple will address the supply constraints of battery rigid-flex PCB, and will double the shipments of its AirPods by next year to more than 26 million units. The analyst also reportedly stated that the first quarter results would beat the usual sales fall compared to holiday seasonality.
Kuo didn't reveal any changes that would accompany the new Apple AirPods in 2018. However, he stated that a smaller quartz component will be a part of the upgraded model. As we mentioned, the analyst claimed that the new AirPods will be unveiled sometime in the second half of 2018.
At its iPhone launch event in September, Apple previewed a new AirPower wireless charging pad that can charge an iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X alongside an Apple Watch and AirPods. The unified wireless charging pad is set to hit stores in the US in early next year. The new AirPods charging case that was unveiled at the September event was also supposed to join the AirPower charging pad next year. However, it would now make more sense for the company to launch the new case alongside the upgraded AirPods later next year.
Earlier this year, an NPD Group report claimed that Apple's AirPods are leading the market of wireless earbuds in the US by capturing 85 percent of share. The report also mentioned that over 900,000 units of wireless headphones were sold in the country since the start of 2017.
Offerings such as Samsung's IconX, Doppler's Here Plus, and Nuheara's IQbudz also exist in the market to counter AirPods. However, Apple's growing ecosystem is beating the competition and making its native wireless earbuds the market leader.


text:
Financial Institutions and Creditors are Subject to Identity Theft Red Flag Legislation January 1, 2008 with a Mandatory Deadline of November 1, 2008
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- With only ten months to be in compliance with Section 114 of FACTA (Fair and Accurate Transactions Act), also known as the "Red Flag Rules," financial institutions and other creditors are scrambling to create a written plan for detecting and responding to transaction patterns and practices that could be signals of identity theft.
"We created this website, (http://www.redflagrules.net)" said Scott Smith, NXG co-founder and President, "to boil down the requirements of the Red Flag Rules into an easy to access format, and more importantly to provide practical insight on how to meet the requirements."
The joint task force consisting of regulators for both banks and credit unions, along with the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Trade Commission put the final requirements of Red Flag on the fast track when it passed the final rules on October 31st. Its purpose is to create a national standard for organizations who manage customer accounts, requiring them to proactively look for evidence of identity theft and to act quickly to prevent or lessen the damage to consumers who may be victimized. They must also have a written plan for how they will detect each Red Flag and, when detected, how they will respond. This includes notifying the customer if any risk of identity theft is present.
For consumers this is an important step forward to defend against identity theft. For financial institutions and creditors it places additional responsibility for finding identity theft squarely on their shoulders. However, by finding identity theft earlier, and taking proactive steps to stop the damage, it should lessen financial losses to these organizations. According to a February 2007 Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report, $49 billion dollars was lost to identity thieves in 2006.
Just weeks after the final regulations were announced on October 31st, NXG launched http://www.redflagrules.net to provide a quick resource for organizations that fall under the umbrella of the Red Flag Rules. In addition, NXG provides a look at what a "Best in Class" solution to Red Flag might include.
"We know what is under the covers," said Scott Smith. "At http://www.redflagrules.net we provide guidance on how to select a services provider so you will end up on the right side of compliance as it happens. And more is coming."
About NXG Strategies, LLC
As an independent consultant and one of the nation's pioneers and
foremost authorities in the field of identity theft and corporate risk
mitigation, NXG Strategies is the only company in the country that has
built remediation programs from the ground up and yet remains independent
of any solutions provider. For more information about NXG Strategies, LLC
visit http://www.nxgstrategies.com and http://www.redflagrules.net.
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
|SOURCE NXG Strategies, LLC|
Copyright©2008 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


text:
For working moms, coronavirus can take a toll on careers -- Increased childcare duties during the pandemic usually falls on mothers, forcing them to sacrifice jobs and income.
1 day agoZuckerberg on Breonna Taylor's death: No one "held accountable" -- America's criminal justice system "needs to be changed," Facebook CEO tells employees in remarks about Taylor's death.
1 day agoSocial Security's 2021 increase may be among smallest ever -- Projected 1.3% bump would come after Social Security benefits have lost almost one-third of their buying power.
1 day agoHousing shortage fuels rising cost of homes in America -- The median price of a townhouse, home or condo soared above $300,000 for the first time over the summer.
1 day agoAs fossil fuel jobs falter, renewables come to the rescue -- "People don't realize it, but there is a 100% renewable revolution going on right underneath our feet."
1 day agoWill COVID-19 kill the holiday shopping season? -- With economy still fragile, many Americans are expected to keep a lid on spending this year.
1 day agoCompany to pay $60 million for deceptive pelvic mesh marketing -- C.R. Bard failed to inform women of "serious and life-altering risks" related to permanent pelvic mesh devices.
1 day agoApple temporarily drops App Store fee for online events -- Tech giant suspends its 30% charge for businesses that use the company's app platform to sell online events.
1 day agoSome sparkling water brands have PFAS chemicals, study finds -- PFAS, sometimes called "forever" chemicals, aren't federally regulated and may have adverse health effects.
2 days agoJustice Department seeks immediate ban on WeChat in U.S. -- The Trump administration claims the Chinese-owned messaging service is a threat to national security.
1 day agoBerkeley poised to ban junk food in store checkout aisles -- California city may become first in U.S. to prohibit displays of unhealthy snacks for shoppers waiting to pay.
1 day agoRacism has cost the U.S. $16 trillion, Citigroup finds -- Quantifying the economic impact of racial inequality shows the steep toll it takes on America's growth.
3 days agoGoogle's owner to pay $310 million to settle misconduct claims -- Ex-Google executive Andy Rubin, who had been accused of harassment, got a $90 million severance payment.
1 day agoCoronavirus and the housing market - CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger helps explain how coronavirus is impacting the housing market and how some sectors may actually be showing positive signs despite the pandemic. Sep 23 - 04:05
2 days agoTikTok "Benadryl Challenge" prompts FDA warning on overdoses -- Agency cites reports of teens hospitalized or dead from misuse of allergy medication in an attempt to get high.
1 day agoApron company's "Wake Up & Fight" masks become a call to action -- COVID-19 forced Ellen Bennett to reinvent the way she runs her kitchen wear business. Her new mantra: "Do less better."
9 days agoThe artists here aren't retiring, they're inspiring -- You won't find any "old fogies" at Fogue Studios in Seattle. The artists here aren't retiring, they're inspiring.
10 days agoChewBox is reimagining food delivery as a "vehicle of social justice" -- Celebrity chef Roy Choi and the ChewBox team are merging tech with the spirit of generosity to help restore hope in Los Angeles' marginalized communities.
16 days agoPreserving history during a pandemic -- He demos old barns and structures and turns them into something beautiful - one piece of reclaimed wood at a time.
1 month agoBookstore owners urge readers to go "beyond the book" -- The bookstore said it has championed black authors and stories of the African diaspora for 13 years.
3 months agoMore Americans are working into old age -- A growing swath of seniors are working beyond 65, with many needing to supplement their paltry retirement savings.
9 months agoHow gig economy workers can save for retirement -- Several types of plans are available, but figuring out which one is right for you can be confusing, so here's some help
1 year agoWhen delaying your Social Security benefits pays off -- The impact of your age when you begin collecting benefits can be more financially significant than you think
1 year agoClaiming Social Security too early costs Americans $3.4 trillion -- Only 4% of retirees claim the benefit at the optimal time. Everyone else is losing out on $111,000 per household
1 year agoHardship withdrawals from your company's 401(k) -- The rules for hardship withdrawals are strict and the costs of taking money from your future retirement can be sky-high
1 year ago


text:
While virtual reality (VR) content creators are using the medium for serious documentaries, sports or action pieces, the one genre which has barely been covered is comedy. One company doing something different is PAVR Media which is behind comedy experiences like Teleportaled, Passport to Adventure and Sunsets for Sale. Now has released five 360-degree videos for a series called Front & Center.
Front & Center is a standup series with each video featuring a different comic doing a 7 to 8 minute set. They’re Todd Glass, Whitmer Thomas, Sara Schaefer, Joe DeRosa and Johnny Pemberton.
As with all of PAVR Media’s 360-degree videos there’s a couple of ways viewers can enjoy the experience. Via PC the 360-degree videos can be viewed via a compatible browser and controlled with a mouse or the WASD keys on YouTube, On smartphones its even better as through the YouTube app you’ll be able to use a Google Cardboard or similar head-mounted display (HMD).
One of the videos can be seen below, to see the rest head on over the PAVR Media’s YouTube channel for the rest. VRFocus will continue its coverage of PAVR Media releases as new ones are announced.


text:
Butler Enterprises is excited to announce its newest store opening, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, at Butler Esplanade on Tuesday, October 26th.
Butler Enterprises is excited to announce that the popular women’s retailer, Athleta, is coming to Butler Town Center. The new Athleta location will be 2850 SW 35th Drive, Suite 10, Gainesville, FL, across from The Cheesecake Factory and next to Anthropologie. The store aims to open in mid-November.
Buff City Soap offers a high-quality alternative to commercial soap products riddled with harsh chemicals, detergents, sulfates, and animal fats. By focusing on transparency of ingredients and processes, Buff City Soap is disrupting the consumer goods industry. Their delightfully scented, plant-based, and preservative-free soaps are hand-made in each local shop.


text:
Yesterday I wrote about Apple ramping up its production of the upcoming 15-inch MacBook Air, and yes, many are excited about it. It's not just because the new Air will come with a roomier 15-inch display and the legendary Air battery life. Excitement is building because rumors suggest the 15-inch Air will be speedier and more powerful.
Rumors have been swirling since leaks revealed Apple bought up all of TSMC's initial run of 3nm chips, and many are now speculating the next generation MacBook Air will come packing these powerful, efficient chips. With WWDC 2023 just two months away, you may want to hold off on buying that new MacBook Pro because the 15-inch Air could give you pro-level performance at a far lower price.
Why you may want to wait
Although many rumors have Apple cornering the 3nm chip market and rapidly building out a system that will feature the more efficient and powerful chipset, recent words should excite those needing a new laptop even more.
According to our friends at Digital Trends, several recent rumors and a story in China Times suggest that the chipsets will feature TSMC's latest 3nm N3E node, rumored to be even more potent than the N3 node 3nm chips first produced. The N3 node 3nm chips may be used in Apple's Bionic 17 iPhone chips, and the more potent N3E will be used exclusively in MacBooks featuring the M3 chipset.
We are just hypothesizing here, as we never know exactly what Apple has planned. The Castle Walls of Cupertino remain mostly impenetrable, with most leaks coming from suppliers rather than internal leaks. However, if the rumors are true, purchasing a MacBook Pro now seems like a bad idea with a more powerful chipset on the horizon.
With WWDC coming June 5 and Apple fanatics' fingers crossed for the launch of Apple's AR/VR ski goggles, I believe the bigger story would be the launch of a far more powerful and efficient MacBook Air that will rival the company's MacBook Pro's and blow away the Windows competition.
Save money, wait till June, and buy the newer M3 MacBook Air powered by a 3nm chipset. That would be the smarter move, especially since, at this point, Apple is only competing against itself since I can think of at least five reasons MacBooks are better than Windows laptops.


text:
NEW DELHI: HMD Global, the company which holds the license to manufacture Nokia branded smartphones, is all set to launch its latest Nokia 3.4 smartphone. The company is expected to launch the smartphone soon in the UK. However, ahead of the official launch the price and specifications of the upcoming smartphone surfaced online.
As reported by Nokiapoweruser, the upcoming Nokia 3.4 will be priced at GBP 129.60 (roughly Rs 12,700). It is said that the company will launch the 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage variant. The report also added that the smartphone will come in three colour options -- Purple, Grey and Blue.
According to the report, the Nokia 3.4 will sport a 6.52-inch HD+ display with 720x1600 pixel resolution and 20:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. The device will pack 3GB of RAM and 32GB internal storage. Users will also be able to add more storage to the device by inserting a microSD card.
The Nokia 3.4 will feature a triple rear camera setup which will consist of a 13MP main sensor accompanied by 5MP and 2MP image sensors. The report also claims that the smartphone will house an 8MP front camera for selfies. The Nokia 3.4 will be backed by a 4000mAh battery and will sport a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Recently, HMD Global launched the Nokia 125 and Nokia 150 feature phones in India. While the Nokia 125 is priced at Rs 1,999, the Nokia 150 is priced at Rs 2,299. Both handsets are available from both offline retailers as well as online.
Available in Charcoal Black and Powder White colour options, the Nokia 125 comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display. It is powered by a MediaTek processor and offers 4MB RAM and 4MB internal storage. On the other hand, the Nokia 150 offers a 2.4-inch QVGA display and packs a 1020mAh battery. It runs on the Series 30+ operating system and runs on a MediaTek processor with 4MB RAM and 4MB storage.


text:
Wild Mountain Chocolate Stories. Glen Davies: The Man Behind the Chocolate!
Launched only last year at the first Invermere farmers’ market of the 2017 season, our superior quality, ethical production, and innovative streamlining, is making a pretty big ol' ooey gooey chocolate mark – and quickly! – on the region and the rapidly emerging bean to bar methodology of chocolate making.
New Product Launch: Caffe Mocha Bar!
If you were at the most recent Invermere Farmer's Market chances are you've already seen – or tasted!! – this delectable new introduction to our ro...


text:
New research has quantified the size of the gap between the forecast and actual earnings of start-ups presented by entrepreneurs to potential investors.
Three prominent Indigenous women speak about one of the biggest social movements in the world and how it matters in Australia
New research shows people are often influenced by their beliefs and predictions about the likelihood of others' actions, and less so by the anticipation of regret.
Governments are scared of appearing business ‘unfriendly’ if they intervene in the gig economy and big companies are using this to their advantage, say experts at UNSW Sydney
Marketers and business managers benefit from knowing why weather may be associated with increased consumption and how this process may differ across men and women.
Here's what the research tells us about what wears us out, what renews us, and how to feel more refreshed in 2021.
There are two very different options when it comes to the future of knowledge work, but UNSW Business School experts say it is up to us to move towards the future we want.
These are our most-read business and law stories of 2020.
While Australia responded relatively quickly towards minimising the spread of COVID-19, we're not out of the woods just yet.
Market design is playing an increasingly important role globally in creating new forms of value and carving out new markets such as spectrum auctions, says UNSW Business School.


text:
Important Update: Out of an abundance of caution in response to COVID-19, the venue for New Venture 50+ has canceled public events including our bootcamp. We will be rescheduling the event and will alert applicants of new dates and a location as soon as they are available. For more information about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention please visit the NYC Department of Health website.
If you’re a woman age 50 and up and you have an idea for a new business, this brand new boot camp is for you.
We’re partnering with WE NYC at the Department of Small Business Services on a program specifically designed for women over 50. FastTrac NewVenture 50+ is an intensive, twice-a-week course that will take you from idea to action plan in ten sessions over six weeks.
The program teaches participants how to refine their business concepts, draft a strong business plan, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to launch a profitable small business. Apply now through Feb. 26, 2020 to be part of the first cohort, launching in March.
The course is a response to a new report from New York City Economic Development Corporation that highlights many of the financial and workforce challenges this demographic faces.
FastTrac NewVenture 50+ will run three cohorts in 2020. The first one will be held at the NY Genome Center beginning March 19, 2020. The twice weekly sessions, led by Ventureneer president Geri Stengel, will teach participants the fundamental skills to launch a business.
The sessions will also feature guest speakers who will share their insights on starting an enterprise. Interested? Learn more and apply here.


text:
'A Moon Shaped Pool' is available on rival services, Apple Music and Tidal
The band’s ninth album, and first since 2011, was made available online on Sunday (May 8) and will be released physically on June 17. It is currently streaming via Spotify’s rivals, Apple Music and Tidal. Pitchfork reports that it was also briefly available via Google Play, but has now been removed.
Responding to the absence of the album from its service, a representative for Spotify told Billboard: “Radiohead’s new singles ‘Burn the Witch’ and ‘Daydreaming’ are already available on Spotify, and we look forward to making the rest of A Moon Shaped Pool available on Spotify as soon as we can.”
The band’s frontman Thom Yorke made headlines in 2013 by calling Spotify “the last desperate fart of a dying corpse”. That year saw Yorke and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich remove their music from Spotify.
Yorke has said of Spotify: “I feel like as musicians we need to fight the Spotify thing. I feel that in some ways what’s happening in the mainstream is the last gasp of the old industry. Once that does finally die, which it will, something else will happen. But it’s all about how we change the way we listen to music, it’s all about what happens next in terms of technology, in terms of how people talk to each other about music, and a lot of it could be really fucking bad. I don’t subscribe to the whole thing that a lot of people do within the music industry that’s ‘well this is all we’ve got left. we’ll just have to do this.’ I just don’t agree.”


text:
Polka dots, love hearts and lipstick nails are all set to trend this Valentine’s Day as searches rise for #ValentinesNails ahead of the holiday.
New data from online beauty retailer Justmylook analysed Google search data to reveal the most popular Valentine’s Day nail designs that are predicted to be big this year.
Unsurprisingly, red and pink are the two colours which came out on top, but which nail art trends are clients expected to be asking for as their 2024 Valentine’s set?
Polka Dot Nails
The data revealed polka dot nails as the top trend to look out for over the next few weeks, with search volumes for the nail art look rising a huge 484%.
Love Heart Nails
Unsurprisingly, love hearts will be taking over for Valentine’s Day, with a 98% increase in searches over the past month.
Not to be confused with the product, lipstick nails refer to the nail shape, with a slanted free edge reminiscent of a lipstick bullet.
Many are searching for sky-inspired nails, as they look for designs incorporating dreamy cloud shapes. For a Valentine’s twist, reach for pink hues as you create your design.
The most popular Valentine’s nail trends for 2024
If those trends haven’t given you enough inspo, these are the top searched Valentine’s Day nail looks to suggest to your clients.
|Valentine's Day Nails
|Search Volume Increase
|Polks Dot nails
|Love Heart nails
|Red and pink nails


text:
Downtown Grand Rapids’ very own The Intersection in 2016 reached the top 25 in ticket sales for club concert venues worldwide.
Chick-fil-A Inc. seems relentless in its desire to secure a location near Knapp Street and East Beltline Avenue on Grand Rapids’ northeast side.
American sculptor Beverly Pepper, 94, is giving her print and drawing archives covering nearly seven decades of work to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
The 2017 West Michigan Area Show is now accepting submissions from local artists until Jan. 23.
One of Grand Rapids’ latest restaurants, The Sovengard, is taking a cue from the New Nordic movement — with a Scandinavian-influenced, local, “hyper-seasonal” menu despite cold climates for farming much of the year. Revue sat down with Chef Patrick Conrade and founder Rick Muschiana to see how the experiment is faring.
A Roundup of Openings, Closings and other Local Business News
Holland-based New Holland Brewing Co. and Los Angeles-based Pabst Brewing Co. have announced a deal aimed at increasing New Holland’s sales and distribution.
© 2019 Serendipity Media, LLC


text:
In a first, USL pips Pernod Ricard in premium segment
United Spirits (USL) has outpaced Pernod Ricard in the premium segment of India’s alcohol beverages market for the first time ever in the last fiscal.Diageo-owned USL grew 13.
Diageo-owned United Spirits outperforms Pernod Richard in premium segment
Pernod Ricard, which only sells premium and semi-premium brands, ma...
Cheers to that: India’s booming alco-bev industry seeing women breach the male bastion
Women’s presence in the industry is also bringing abou...
'CEOs Need To Be Accountable For Diversity In Cos'
Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer, Diageo India, and Ips...
Diageo asks Centre for policy reforms in states for spirits industry
Stressing on the need for a 'stable and simplified policy regime', the spirits maker also said there is a need for a comprehensive regulatory reform for the sector.
Women Inc Budget wishlist: Tax-free healthcare equipment, reforms to promote ease of doing business
With expectations riding high, top bosses have their wishlists ready for Nirmala Sitharaman.
Highway ban hangover cured, Indian whisky joins party
India does not have a dominant indigenous liquor similar to baiju in China or Russian vodka, the market is dominated by locally produced IMFL.
Indian mania for top shelf booze upends a teetotalling culture
Spirits have been a part of Indian culture since ancient times, notably in the form of an alcohol distilled from molasses, byproduct of the subcontinent’s abundant sugarcane.
We as women, must also be our own glass ceilings: Naina Lal Kidwai at ET GBS
Ladies at the top talk women in the business at ET GBS: We should be proud to be called ambitious.
Buy United Spirits, target Rs 2050 : Kunal Bothra
Buy United Spirits Ltd. at a price target of Rs 2050.0 and a stop loss at Rs 1840.0 from entry point
Diageo aims to work with government to correct perils of alcohol misuse: Abanti Sankaranarayanan, USL
We absolutely believe that consumers must decide for themselves. It is a matter of individual choice whether they want to drink or not and we equally respect both choices.
United Spirits says prohibition give rise to other social ills
"A huge body of evidence - both globally and in India - shows that prohibition is not an effective tool to address alcohol misuse."
Over 500 job losses due to liquor ban in Bihar: United Spirits
Elaborating on the impact of the step, she said: "USL had four bottling facilities namely in Hatidah, Salson and Ara and a sizable salesforce. These 500 plus people have lost employment."
Everything starts and ends with ambition: Abanti Sankaranarayanan
Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Strategy and Corporate Affair Officers, Unit...
Everything starts and ends with ambition: Abanti Sankaranarayanan, United Spirits
If you look at the general discourse around women in corporate India, you just see so many more platforms, you see awards and lots of recognition.
Smirnoff hangover adds to Diageo’s Indian woes
The British behemoth's largest selling trademark Smirnoff vodka dropped 28% in volume sales, declining to 6.15 lakh cases from 8.5 lakh cases in FY15.
SABMiller writes down Rs 2,000 crore of its investment in India
The alcoholic beverages industry in India is heavily regulated, with excise and other taxes forming an important source of revenue for state govts.
Diageo's former MD Abanti Sankaranarayanan heading new verticals at USL in renewed growth push
"The top end of the market is where Diageo has always played strong, and we want to put our arms around with unique capabilities of luxury marketing."
Diageo launches road safety programme in India
Around 80 per cent of road traffic deaths occur in middle-income countries, which account for 72 per cent of the world’s population.


text:
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Cold mornings are forecast for most of the week, which means extra time spent warming up your car. Just make sure you are in it when it's running.
"Criminals are opportunists and when they see an opportunity to steal a car, they're going to take advantage of it," said Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez.
Overland Park police have seen a rise in stolen cars this year compared last. In 2013 there were less than 20 "running" cars stolen. This year it's nearly doubled and there are six weeks of the year left.
"I know the temptation is there, it's cold out, you want to keep the car running, but I really advise against it," explained Chief Donchez.
When the cold weather settles in, or even if it hits for just a few days, Overland Park police brace for stolen vehicle calls. More often than not, the cars are taken from driveways or right in front of the owner's house.
Most of the time thefts happen on a weekday and between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Prime days, hours and locations for people warming up the car before going to work or school.
The best options, bundle up or pony up.
"You can always sit there and run it for a while and then it's warmed up, then shut it off or buy the remote start. I know that's not an option for a lot of people, obviously there's a cost factor involved, but all of those options are better than option of having your vehicle stolen." said Chief Donchez
Many cities have ordinances against leaving a car running while it's unoccupied. In Overland Park the fine is $90.


text:
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) recently announced that it will start testing Project Ara -- its "modular smartphone" which lets users swap out hardware components like Lego blocks -- in a pilot program this year in Puerto Rico.
The unique device, which Google acquired and retained through its purchase of Motorola Mobility, allows users to build their own custom smartphones. This means that consumers can fully control the price to performance ratio of their phones by buying cameras, processors, batteries, speakers or other modules separately from various manufacturers. When the pilot program launches, Google plans to launch 20 to 30 different modules for early adopters.
Project Ara is certainly a unique take on the smartphone, and one that could appeal to tech enthusiasts and hobbyists. Unfortunately, the device also makes very little logical or financial sense for Google.
Why Google wants to make modular smartphones
The idea of modular computing isn't new. Desktop owners have swapped out PC "modules" -- processors, sticks of RAM, hard drives, and graphics cards -- for decades. Upgrading individual parts keeps costs down and extends the life of a device.
But as devices became smaller, they became harder to upgrade as their components became intertwined. For example, upgrading the processor or RAM on smartphones and tablets simply can't be done by consumers without voiding their warranties.
Google previously stated that it plans to launch Project Ara in emerging markets, since the base unit -- which only includes a frame, touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi module -- will only cost $50. Customers then buy the additional parts they need, so those with higher budgets can build beastly devices, while those with less money can build more spartan ones. Meanwhile, it will tether both low-end and high-end customers to its Android ecosystem.
Why Google's approach doesn't make sense
Unfortunately, that strategy neglects a key issue -- the plunging prices of smartphones.
Last June, Indian manufacturer Celkon launched a $50 Android smartphone. Two months later, Mozilla teamed up with Indian company Intex to launch a Firefox OS phone for $33. Earlier this month, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) launched the Lumia 435, its cheapest Windows Phone ever at $81. Google itself launched Android One, an initiative which aids the development of $100 Android smartphones for emerging markets.
However, customers who buy a $50 base Project Ara phone must buy several additional modules simply to match the specs of one of those low-end devices, which could make Ara phones much more expensive than their regular, non-modular counterparts. The reason is simple -- logic boards with embedded modules (camera, CPU, RAM) installed are generally cheaper than the sum of the individual components.
Moreover, the current smartphone upgrade cycle is heavily influenced by carrier contracts. Customers are now used to upgrading their phones to the newest devices every one or two years instead of simply swapping out the processor or camera.
Overestimating the geek appeal
Lastly, Google could be overestimating the appeal of DIY smartphones.
For example, Steve Jobs built Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) modern business by simplifying products that other companies invented -- MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets -- into user-friendly ones that "simply worked." With the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, Apple turned niche products into mainstream ones that even your grandparents could use, while "upgrading" devices became a simple matter of buying the new one with the higher number.
With Project Ara, Google turns Apple's strategy upside down by deconstructing a simple product into more complicated pieces. This might seem exciting to people who like to tinker with gadgets, but it can confuse and alienate mainstream consumers.
A fun but flawed experiment
Project Ara seems like a fresh take on the smartphone, but I seriously doubt that it will be remembered as much more than a flawed experiment in mobile design. The price of Ara's individual modules will prevent it from competing against emerging market devices, while the complicated nature of picking out individual modules could frustrate less tech-savvy consumers.
Project Ara might gain popularity among a niche group of enthusiasts, but that likely won't be enough to convince Google -- which exited handsets by selling Motorola Mobility to Lenovo (OTC:LNVGY) last year -- to launch the modular devices worldwide.


text:
Chevys, Acapulco restaurants owner files for bankruptcy
RM Restaurant Holding Corp., owner of the Mexican restaurant chains Chevys, El Torito and Acapulco, sought bankruptcy protection from creditors saying the U.S. economic slowdown led to a decline in sales.
The Cypress-based company, with 178 restaurants, listed assets of $272.2 million and debt of $249.9 million in a filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del. Sun Capital Partners Inc. and Farallon Capital Management own stakes in the company, according to court papers.
“Coinciding with the broader economic downturn in the U.S.” the restaurants “have experienced fewer dining guests,” Chief Financial Officer Richard P. Dutkiewicz, representing affiliates including Real Mex Restaurants Inc., said in a filing. Sales fell to $478 million in 2010 from about $553 million in 2008, he said.
A $34.6 million loan represents the largest unsecured claim against the company, according to court papers. Wilmington Trust NA is the administrative agent for the loan. Blue Cross of California is listed as the largest trade creditor, with a $1.1 million claim.
RM Restaurant has restaurants in a dozen states from New York to California, as well as Japan and Turkey.
Your guide to our new economic reality.
Get our free business newsletter for insights and tips for getting by.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.


text:
Labour's Shadow immigration minister has clashed with supermarket giant Tesco over claims made by a senior MP about recruiting foreign workers.
Chris Bryant is set to highlight the activities of Tesco in a speech attacking "unscrupulous employers" who recruit cheap labour from Eastern Europe.
In a speech tomorrow, he will claim the supermarket moved its distribution centre to Kent where a "large percentage" of the staff are from the eastern bloc, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
More top news
South African anti-apartheid leader Ahmed Kathrada has died at the age of 87.
Cyclone Debbie has made landfall in Australia, battering the Queensland coastline with winds of up to 163mph (263km/h) and heavy rains.
Travel vaccinations, gluten-free foods and omega-3 supplements may no longer be available on the NHS under major cost-cutting plans.