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Originally published on Future Trends.
Welcome to another issue of our new India x Cleantech series! On a monthly basis, we are pulling news from across clean technology sectors in India into a single, concise summary article about the country.
Climate Policy & Carbon Tax
The Prime Minister’s Office is understood to have recommended that clean energy tax on coal consumption be removed. The recommendation was reported widely by several business dailies in the run-up to India’s union budget. However, no such announcement was made in the budget. India charges Rs 400 per metric tonne of coal consumption. The tax was first introduced in 2010 at Rs 50 per metric tonne of coal.
One of India’s largest renewable energy developers, ReNew Power Limited, has raised US$450 million through yet another green bond issue. The company is reported to have raised this amount at a coupon rate of 5.875% which is only marginally higher than the benchmark rate of Reserve Bank of India. The bonds have a maturity of five and a half years. Proceeds for the bond shall be used to set up new projects and refinance existing loans. Before this bond issue ReNew Power had raised around US$3 billion through various bond issues.
European asset management EQT Infrastructure and Singapore’s government investment firm Temasek Holdings have jointly floated a US$500 million renewable energy company. Named O2 Power, the company aims to have 4 gigawatts of solar and wind energy capacity through acquisitions and greenfield projects.
Amazon India will soon join a growing list of Indian companies to have electric vehicles in their delivery fleets. The company has announced that it is working with several EV manufacturers to procure 10,000 three and four-wheeler vehicles by 2025. These EVs are expected to be deployed in large cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Nagpur. A number of companies are working with manufacturers, including Euler Motors and Gayam Motors, to shift to electric vehicles for last-mile delivery of products. These include online grocery company BigBasket, food delivery companies Zomato and Swiggy, courier delivery companies Blue Dart and DHL and McDonald’s.
India’s Ministry of Industry and Public Enterprises has approved a subsidy for the installation of 2,636 electric vehicle charging stations across the country. The subsidy has been approved under the FAME program phase II. The charging stations shall be installed in 62 cities across 24 states and union territories. Around two-third of these approved stations shall have fast-charging technology. Last year, the ministry approved a subsidy for nearly 5,600 electric buses for various states.
The Indian government reported cumulative electric vehicle sales through November 2019 at around 280,000. Most of the EVs are battery-powered three-wheelers commonly used for last-mile connectivity in cities. Other categories of EVs, especially electric cars, are yet to grab a noticeable share within the EV space itself. Just 1,000 electric cars were sold in India last year. While automakers are coming out with new and affordable models, large-scale procurement is being driven largely by government companies. An income tax incentive introduced by the government last year for personal-use electric cars is yet to yield any substantial results.
MG Motors’ latest offering in the Indian market, an electric compact SUV, has been sold out before its formal launch. The company reported that it received over 2,800 bookings for the car even before it was formally introduced in the Indian market. The company has now been forced to halt all new bookings and will concentrate on delivery of 2,049 units to early adopters. It is worth noting that merely 1,071 electric cars were sold in 2019 in India. ZS EV competes with Hyundai’s Kona electric SUV.
Hyundai Motors India is contemplating launching a mass-market electric car for the Indian market following its bittersweet experience with the costly Kona electric SUV. Kona, launched in India in July 2019, delivers the longest range among all electric cars available in India. However, the car costs more than US$35,000 — not at all an attractive price point for the Indian market. Since Kona’s launch, Hyundai’s competitors — MG Motors and Tata Motors — have already launched cheaper models, albeit with shorter ranges. MG Motors ZS EV, starting at US$28,000, has seen much more demand compared to what Kona was able to generate. With the presence of automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai would do well to offer affordable mass-market models.
Renewable Energy & Batteries
Three major developers withdrew plans to set up 1.4 gigawatts of solar power projects secured in competitive auctions, citing regulatory delays. Acme Solar, Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital, and Azure Power cancelled their contracts with government-owned NTPC Limited to set up large-scale solar power projects. The projects were allocated to these companies through competitive auctions at tariff rates of around US¢3.6/kWh. Earlier, three other developers had cancelled 900 megawatts of capacity.
Indian Railways has announced plans to set up 1 gigawatt of solar power capacity and 200 megawatts of wind energy capacity. The Ministry of Railways, in a statement, said that 500 megawatts of capacity will be installed through rooftop systems atop railway stations. The balance of 500 megawatts will be land-based likely to be commissioned alongside railway tracks.
As per government data, between March 2015 and December 2019 India added 98 gigawatts of power generation capacity. 52% of this was based on renewable energy technologies dominated by solar power, which saw the addition of 30 gigawatts of new projects. Over the last five years, solar power capacity in India has increased 10 times to 33.7 gigawatts as of 31 December 2019. Fossil fuels (coal, diesel, and gas) witnessed the addition of 42 gigawatts of new capacity over the last five years. Coal was, understandably, the dominant technology, adding 41 gigawatts of net capacity with the retirement of several coal-fired power plants.
India witnessed a sharp rise in new coal-based power generation capacity last year, with dirty power plants accounting for 44% of the total new power generation capacity added in the country. The share is a huge increase from just 21% in 2017 and 25% in 2018. India’s power generation sector witnessed 7.8 gigawatts of net coal-fired generation capacity coming online in 2019. The share of renewable energy technologies in new capacity added dropped sharply following two consecutive years to rise. Renewable energy registered a share of 57% in new capacity added, down from 74% in 2018. Share of wind energy in new capacity held a share of 13%, unchanged from last year, while the share of solar power was down from 50% in 2018 to 44% in 2019.
Greenko Energy Holdings and ReNew Power secured 900 megawatts and 300 megawatts of renewable energy capacity in a first-of-its-kind tender issued by SECI last year. As per the conditions of the tender, developers are required to supply firm amounts of renewable energy throughout the day. Developers were required to bid separate tariffs for supplying power during peak and off-peak periods. Peak period constitutes 11 hours in a day. Greenko Energy Holdings has secured rights to develop 900 megawatts of capacity with a peak period tariff of Rs 6.12/kWh (US¢8.55/kWh) and an off-peak period tariff of Rs 2.88/kWh (US¢4.02/kWh). ReNew Power secured a capacity of 300 megawatts with a peak period tariff of Rs 6.85/kWh (US¢9.57/kWh) and an off-peak period tariff of Rs 2.88/kWh (US¢4.02/kWh). To meet the firm supply of 1.2 gigawatts, developers would be required to have a storage capacity of 3,000 megawatt-hours.
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a fresh tender calling for the installation of 1.2 gigawatts of solar power projects across the country. Participating developers can bid for a maximum of 300 megawatts of capacity, which is significantly lower than the threshold allowed in past tenders. SECI has offered a maximum tariff of Rs 2.78/kWh (US¢3.89/kWh).
Export-Import Bank of India has approved a line of credit worth US$75 million to Cuba to set up solar power parks in the country. The financing agreement has been signed between Export-Import Bank of India and Banco Exterior De Cuba. These funds shall be used for setting up a 75 megawatt solar power park in Cuba. As part of the agreement, Cuba shall source up to 75% of equipment required to set up the solar park from India.


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“In reality, we would not be here today if innovation wasn’t at the core of who we are.” – Regan Gallo, Operations Director and Industry 4.0 Project Lead, Certain-Teed Corp., Saint-Gobain
When asked to describe a company that’s more than 350 years old, the term innovative is not often one that comes to mind. However, Saint-Gobain has withstood the test of time by taking a strategic approach to boosting innovation. To move their business into the next 350 years, the company is focused on their customers and the products they will demand due to the impact of global paradigm shifts: digitalization, urbanization, resource scarcity and recycling, climate change, global economic growth, and new mobilities such as ride sharing, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
As described in a case study presented at the Manufacturing Leadership Summit by Regan Gallo, the company has developed a manufacturing-focused innovation initiative that has shown results. Saint-Gobain filed for nearly 400 patents in 2018, and one out of four products the company sells today didn’t exist five years ago. Not bad for any company, much less one whose first project was a seventeenth-century commission from Louis XIV for the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
In 2014 the company began to discuss ways that it could embrace emerging technologies and the industrial digital revolution and determined that it could lead much of its innovation efforts through manufacturing. With more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Saint-Gobain determined it was best to develop innovation efforts at a few selected sites that demonstrated a mix of the right culture and readiness. The focus is on establishing and developing best practices at these sites with projects that cover a wide array of the company’s product portfolio, with an eye toward rolling out the lessons learned across all manufacturing operations throughout the enterprise.
The company also promoted internal collaboration through its first ever North American Manufacturing Summit, a live event where the company’s manufacturing employees from North American sites came together to meet and share ideas.
Not forgetting external sources of innovation, Saint-Gobain also looks for mission-aligned startups they might be able to further develop, and has introduced an Essentials of Manufacturing career development program to embed college students into operations.
By keeping attuned to current and future challenges and developing both internal and external collaboration initiatives, Saint-Gobain is positioning itself for another few centuries in business.

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Canon-Axis deal done despite hedge-fund holdout
TOKYO—In a bid that industry analysts told Security Systems News is intended to get Canon to increase its $2.8 billion offer for Axis Communications, Elliott Management, a New York hedge fund, increased its stake in Axis to 10.91 percent and has not yet sold those shares to Canon.
Canon now owns 84 percent of Axis shares. On April 24, Canon extended the offer period a second time, from the original April 15 to May 5. Canon said it would neither extend the offer period again nor raise its offer price.
So, how does the hedge-fund holdout affect the deal? The deal is essentially done, Canon Global spokesman Richard Berger told SSN.
“With the settlement on April 15 for the 75.46 percent of the shares that had been acquired following the initial acceptance period, which concluded on April 1, Axis has already become a Canon subsidiary,” he said.
Berger echoed Canon Global CFO Toshizo Tanaka who recently said that Canon would like to own all Axis shares, but that there’s no rush.
“While it would have been preferable to obtain 100 percent of the shares, having a minority of the shares owned by other parties does not pose an obstacle to our strategy going forward,” Berger said.
He added that the “synergies are not affected by costs but rather lie in the opportunities going forward, we are confident that we will be able to realize the synergies of the deal. Furthermore, our plan has always been for Axis to remain an independent entity within the Canon Group. As such, we have no plans to integrate Axis.”
Elliott Management did not return a call from Security Systems News inquiring about its reason for increasing its stake in Axis.
Elliott Management has not publicly stated its intentions for increasing its stake, but an industry analyst contacted by SSN said it is an attempt to “get the price raised on all the shares.”
So why, if the deal is done and Canon is OK with waiting to obtain all shares, is Elliott Management’s 10.91 percent stake notable?
The industry analyst said that Canon cannot “squeeze out” or forcibly take over the remaining Axis shares if there is more than 10 percent outstanding.
Canon also is “not allowed to pay more for just the remaining stake in the company because that would represent a different share price and be unfair to shareholders that already submitted their shares,” the analyst said.
The company could pay more for those shares, but that would be down the road after a designated waiting period defined under Swedish law, reports said.
The bottom line, this analyst said, is that “Canon can own and control Axis, but Elliott would have a 12 percent minority stake and essentially the Elliott stake is marooned.”
Asked about the development, Axis GM Americas Fredrik Nilsson said he could not comment beyond saying: “Canon now owns the majority of the shares in Axis and will control Axis. Axis will be run as a separate legal entity reporting to Canon CEO in Tokyo. Additionally, Axis and Milestone will be run as separate legal entities.”
Increasing shares to more than 10 percent and holding out for a higher price is a common tactic for “activist investors” like Elliott Management.
Canon has taken its time acquiring full ownership of acquisitions previously, Reuters reported, citing a 2009 deal to acquire Oce, a Dutch print machine maker. Canon met “a challenge from Orbis Portfolio Management and [the deal] was only completed in 2012 after a squeeze out.”
What about the $2.8 billion price tag?
Imperial Capital’s Jeff Kessler reiterated earlier statements to SSN that Canon’s is a fair offer.
“The transaction is 29.7x enterprise value to EBITDA and also 43.5x earnings,” Kessler said. “There’s not another video company out there [valued like this],” he said.
Chinese camera manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua are valued at 18.8x EBITDA and 27x EBITDA, respectively. “And these are companies that are growing at 30 percent internally,” he added.
Kessler said, “Axis is facing headwinds with regard to the small- and medium-business market from Asian manufacturers [like Hikvision and Dahua].”
He called Axis “a great company with a great product and some of the best people in the industry … [but] its projected growth rate over the next several years is mid single digits in local currency.”
“We feel the price that Canon is offering for Axis is a fair price,” Kessler said.


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- Increase comes amid tough economic conditions and rupee depreciation
Hyundai-Nishat Motors on Wednesday jacked up the prices of its vehicles in the range of Rs400,000-500,000 amid tough economic conditions and rupee depreciation, according to dealers.
The new rates became effective from February 1, 2023.
The price of Elantra 1.6 and 2.0 variants has been jacked up by Rs400,000 to Rs5.699 million and Rs6.099 million, respectively.
Moreover, the popular crossover SUV Tucson AWD will now be selling for Rs7.899 million after a price hike of Rs500,000.
The company also increased prices of Tucson FWD, Sonata 2.0L and Sonata 2.5L by Rs500,000 each to Rs7.399 million, Rs8.649 million and Rs9.399 million, respectively.
The auto sector of Pakistan is witnessing a fresh round of price hikes by carmakers mainly due to recent rupee depreciation. The currency has depreciated by 23.8% against the greenback during the ongoing fiscal year.
In January, Indus Motor Company (IMC), the assembler and seller of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, increased the prices of its cars twice.
Earlier, Honda Atlas Cars hiked prices of its entire line-up, with the increase going as high as Rs550,000.
Pak Suzuki also increased its car prices between the range of Rs115,000 and Rs355,000, citing economic uncertainties and rise in cost of production.
NBP Funds research analyst Muqeet Naeem told Business Recorder that rupee depreciation is the main reason for the recent price hikes by automobile companies.
“Increase in prices will further slow down the depleting sales for the sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, the two-wheel segment of the sector is also seeing price increase from many players including Atlas Honda. On Tuesday, the company jacked up prices of its motorcycles by up to Rs30,000, which is applicable from February 1.
Pak Suzuki has also hiked the rates of its two-wheelers with the increase going as high as Rs25,000. The new rates are effective from February 1.


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North American Handmade Bicycle Show
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Selle Anatomica will be the official saddle of this year's North American Handmade Bicycle Show, and will be building saddles at the show.
The show is Feb. 26-28, at the Sacramento Convention Center in California.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Organizers say they have registered exhibitors from more countries than ever for next year's North American Handmade Bicycle Show, which will be held here Feb. 26-28.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BRAIN) — Early-bird rates for the 2016 National Handmade Bicycle Show, offering a $100 savings on any booth space, end this Wednesday, July 15.
Available booth spaces include 10x10, 10x20, 20x20 or New Builder Tables.
BOULDER, Colo (BRAIN) — Next year's edition of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show will return to Sacramento, Calif., where the show was last held in 2012.
The show's 12th edition will be Feb. 26-28 at the Sacramento Convention Center.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BRAIN) — The foot of snow that fell in Louisville last week may have complicated exhibitor setup for the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, but it had little impact on show-goers, with many exhibitors saying Saturday's attendance was the busiest they've ever seen.
2015 NAHBS AWARDS GROUPS AND CATEGORIES
RIDING DISCIPLINE DIVISION
Fully complete bikes, paint and component choices factor into the judging (aesthetic impact and correctness of the discipline)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BRAIN) — The North American Handmade Bicycle Show announced this week that Shimano has signed on as a sponsor for next month's show.
This year, Shimano is working with several bike builders to showcase the potential of their new e-bike electric assist system, Shimano Steps.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BRAIN) — For its 2015 edition in March, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show will introduce a new category, the Artisan Award, and a cyclocross race pitting framebuilders against one another.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BRAIN) — The 10th edition of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show wrapped Sunday with the naming of the Best of Show bike and the location of next year's show: Louisville, Ky.
NAHBS founder and president Don Walker, a Louisville native, said next year's show will be "huge."
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Custom framebuilder Mosaic Cycles will be auctioning a hardtail mountain bike to benefit The National Inclusion Project, a program that aims to reduce the barriers between children with disabilities and the world around them.
CHARLOTTE, NC (BRAIN) — Exhibitor registration has opened for the 2014 North American Handmade Bicycle Show, which is being held March 14-16 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
DENVER, CO (BRAIN) — Exhibitors at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show like to talk about the “family” of artisan builders, and in some cases the familial relationship is literal. The show floor at the Colorado Convention Center included father-son partnerships and a few husbands and wives.
DENVER, CO (BRAIN) — A record 200 exhibitors showed their wares at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show this weekend, and attendance was strong Friday and Saturday before being dampened somewhat by a strong snowstorm Sunday.
BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) — Bike shops in Colorado and Pennsylvania are gathering donated gear for the Afghanistan cycling team.
DENVER, CO (BRAIN) — The North American Handmade Bicycle Show recently set a record for registered exhibitors. The show, to be held in Denver from Feb. 22-24, had 185 registered exhibitors as of Jan. 29. That is 11 more than the previous record, set at the Austin show in 2011.


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December 21st, 2011
Facebook to Start Placing Ads in User News Feeds in January
By Cotton Delo
Facebook announced today that it will start featuring its “Sponsored Story” ads in users’ news feeds in January. The move will greatly increase the presence of marketers in Facebook, as well as provide new revenue for the social network months before its expected IPO.
Facebook currently restricts advertising to the right margin of the page. Adding ads to the news stream will increase their visibility, particularly for mobile users, though the ads won’t immediately appear on mobile phones.
Read more: http://bit.ly/uaPL4D


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Feb. 14 (Bloomberg) ----If participants in the base metals markets were looking to China for price direction clues, then the release Monday of bullish import data for January is certainly providing them.
As China officially overtook Japan to become the world's second largest economy, preliminary data provided by the General Administration of Customs showed China's copper imports touched a four-month high in January, narrowing the country's trade surplus and renewing confidence in the metal's near-term price prospects.
Copper rose 1.7% on the London Metal Exchange to $10,131 a metric ton, still shy of last week's record high of $10,160/ton but setting the tone for Monday's trading session. Yet while the data are positive, brokers and investors remain unconvinced that the rise in imports will be sustained because China's trade figures are typically very volatile at the beginning of the year due to distortions caused by the variable timing of the Lunar New Year holiday.
The data showed that China imported 364,240 tons of copper, copper alloy and semifinished products in January, an increase of 5.7% from December and a rise of 25% from the same month a year earlier.
The data confounded expectations for much lower imports given anecdotal evidence that physical demand was weakening and that the arbitrage--or difference between LME and Shanghai prices--didn't encourage trade.
"While the market has taken the import figure as a bullish sign, we remain cautious as the data are backwards looking and essentially reflect the market conditions, and expectations during the preceding couple of months, rather than the current picture," said Standard Bank's Leon Westgate.
Export data for last month haven't yet been released, and merchants and brokers active in China said it's possible the anticipated rise in exports will, at the very least, reduce the net import-export figure for copper, and could in actual fact lead to a lower net figure on the month.
The figure isn't expected to be released until next week, when the detailed import data are revealed.
The rises in exports comes as the soaring price of copper and the lack of easy financing has forced many Chinese investors who bought and stockpiled metal to sell it to merchants active in the region. Stocks in official exchange warehouses have also been steadily rising as material imported into China is now being re-exported to take advantage of the fact that LME cash prices are higher than future prices.
LME stocks are at six-month highs, with locations in the U.S., particularly St Louis and New Orleans, accounting for 68% of metal on warrant. But it's warehouses in South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, which account for about 24% of the metal, that have seen the biggest stock rises of late. Europe holds the rest of the metal.
Shanghai Futures Exchange and Comex exchange stocks are rising, while copper in bonded warehouses in China is rapidly increasing.
Opinions are divided over the outlook for copper and the other base metals. Barclays Capital said the base metals are now at a "crossroads," with market participants expecting a big pick-up in buying, and buyers seeing lower prices. "Something will have to give," Barclays added.
The bank--which expects copper to average over $13,000/ton by year-end--is anticipating a big increase in base metals demand amid a new found confidence in the sustainability of economic growth.
But others caution that copper is now due a correction.
Standard Bank's Westgate said the metal is at "the center of a battleground," with last week seeing over 63,000 lots trade on the LME's electronic trading system, for what resulted in only a $100/ton fall on the week. "Assuming an average copper price of $10,000/ton, well over $15 billion changed hands. A startling amount of ammunition has therefore been expended keeping copper above the $10,000/ton mark, suggesting a potentially violent reaction should positions start to be unwound," he added.


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UK consumers most likely to jump ship on breached businesses
According to a recent study from PCI Pal, 41% of British consumers said that they would stop spending with a business or brand forever in the event of a breach. This compares to just 21% in the US.
The divergence in attitudes continues in their views of small businesses vs national companies. Over half of UK respondents felt that they could trust a local store with their data more than a national chain. On the other hand, only 47% in the US felt that they could trust a local business more than a national company, citing adherence to security protocols (28%) and cybersecurity investments (25%) as main reasons.
Public perceptions carry significant influence on the business landscape, and companies must build a reputation for security in order to win their customers’ hearts. As the world becomes increasingly cyber vigilant, consumers will start to think twice before placing their data in the wrong hands.
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There are plenty of "Services" offered in that world!
Saturday, June 12th, 2021
You will be able to experience Heart of the Woods on your Switch in July.
Wednesday, September 16th, 2020
Imagine the look on little Timmy's face when he opens his PlayStation 5 Digital Edition AND a physical copy of a launch title.
Monday, June 29th, 2020
Why is SEGA to blame for the continuing price secrecy of the PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X as we get closer to a Holiday 2020 launch? Read o
Wednesday, February 13th, 2013
About 60% of GameStop customers won't buy a console that blocks used-game sales, according to a survey.
Tuesday, February 5th, 2013
New week, new rumor.
Monday, September 17th, 2012
Well, ARE YOU? Let us know!
Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
How will the Wii U compare to its next gen competitors?
Tuesday, June 5th, 2012
Square Enix reveals Final Fantasy tech demo for 'next gen' consoles


text: Sales of previously owned homes declined in both December and January. But that isn’t all that surprising. Cold weather in much of the country, combined with the end of the year and the holidays often causes home sales to slow down. This year, however, with current inventory levels and affordability conditions, some worried that the slow sales pace may mean something more significant and could even lead to a disappointing spring season. But new numbers from the National Association of Realtors provide some relief, showing February sales rebounding 3 percent from the month before, with single-family home sales up 4.2 percent. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says increases in the South and West made up for slumping sales in colder areas like the Midwest and Northeast. “A big jump in existing sales in the South and West last month helped the housing market recover from a two-month sales slump,” Yun says. “The very healthy U.S. economy and labor market are creating a sizable interest in buying a home in early 2018.” More here.


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Nike has let it be known that the company will not be playing around with any of its employees who refuse to get themselves vaccinated as a protective measure for themselves and those around them during this ongoing pandemic. In fact, come this weekend, any employees who failed to get the shot will be getting a pink slip instead.
According to The Oregonian, the well-known sports apparel giant announced in October that it was implementing a company-wide mandate requiring all employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 unless they can show proof of a medical or religious exemption. And with that announcement came a deadline. Now, if employees aren’t vaccinated, they will find that on January 15, they are no longer employed with the company.
“You failed to complete the verification process and our records show that you do not have an approved (exemption),” an email reportedly sent out to all unvaccinated employees last week read. “As a result, you are not in compliance with the Policy and your employment is scheduled to be terminated on Saturday, January 15, 2022.”
So basically, Nike doesn’t give a damn about any anti-vaxxer’s feelings—either they get the shot or they go see if Reebok is hiring and less health-conscious.
And it isn’t just Nike. According to HighSnobiety, Columbia Sportswear, which, like Nike, has its headquarters in Oregon, will also be giving employees the boot if they have not complied with the company’s self-imposed vaccine mandate by February 1.
It’s worth noting that these are not government mandates. Anti-vaxxers love thumbing their noses at “big government” for implementing mandates some think are unfair and oppressive. (Some people want to be oppressed so bad they think measures to protect the public from a deadly virus is a form of fascism.) But Nike and Columbia Sportswear are privately-owned companies that have every right to make their own rules.
So if you want to work for them, you have to get vaccinated—that’s it and that’s all.
Just do it. (Y’all know I couldn’t help myself.)
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Daimler’s Tel Aviv Research Chief Weighs In on the Future of Cars
The journey towards a fully autonomous car is still far from over, says Adi Ofek, head of the automaker’s Tel Aviv research and development center
The vision of a fully autonomous, fully electric car, will not be realized anytime soon, according to Adi Ofek, the new chief of Daimler AG's recently inaugurated Tel Aviv research and development center.
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Ms. Ofek, 46, joined the management team at Daimler, Mercedes-Benz' parent company, nine years ago. She has since worked at top positions at the company's Far East branches, before returning to Israel to head the new operation.
“There are a million unresolved issues on the way to full implementation, both in electric and autonomous cars, like how to integrate them with regular cars on the road, and other questions relating to regulations and infrastructure and more,” said Ms. Ofek in an interview in her office at the new Mercedes-Benz center in Tel Aviv. This is what we are currently working on”, she added.
“In the future, the car will wrap the driver up in an ecosystem,” Ms. Ofek said at a Calcalist Tel Aviv conference in November. She further described how the future car will be able to greet passengers, after charging overnight and customizing the cabin to specific passengers according to their preferences and needs. “It will set the temperature, play appropriate music and drive itself to the office while the user goes about their business, relaxes or catches up on last-minute work,” Ms. Ofek said.
The cars of the future will be electric and move in automated fleets of robo-taxis, said Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center in Tel Aviv, last month. “Cars will basically become members of the Internet of Things and algorithms, predictive analysis and artificial intelligence, will ensure that our cars will move, for instance, like swarms,” Mr. Zetsche added.


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New Delhi: The ongoing farmers’ protest and their call to march to the national capital, which led to the sealing of the interstate Tikri border, have triggered panic among traders of Haryana’s Bahadurgarh and Delhi’s Bawana Industrial Area (BIA) who claimed to have incurred a loss of over Rs 20 crore during the 2020-21 farmers’ agitation.
The Tikri region in western Delhi and neighbouring Bahadurgarh are home to one of the largest footwear manufacturing sectors, with over 400,000 workers commuting daily to their respective workplaces. According to sources during the farmers’ protest in 2021, the industry suffered losses of over Rs 20 crore.
In addition to the footwear industry, the manufacturers, traders and industrialists at BIA, which accommodates various industries such as plastic granules, stainless steel, clothing, and nuts and bolts, are also concerned about potential business losses.
An industrialist told IANS that the ongoing farmers’ protest has resulted in increased manufacturing costs, as suppliers often need to take alternative routes to deliver their products. “It seems like we are again going to bear a loss this time. We have hardly recovered from the previous loss and now again farmers are likely to come here at the border. The sealing of the (Tikri) border has already triggered panic among traders and workers,” he said.


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The RAM Schaumburg will be releasing the 5th and final 2016 installment in their Side Note Series this Saturday, 11/5. This beer will be a 10.8% ABV Imperial Stout Barrel Aged with Cocoa Nibs, Dried Chilies and Canella with Vanilla added called Meh-He-Coco. Sales will begin at 11am and these 650ml bottles will be $15 each with a limit of 2.
Destihl is preparing to release the next installment in their Metallurgy Sour Collection, Apple. This will be a 5.9% ABV Sour Ale with Apple added released in a 500ml bottle. This beer, as with the Pear release early this year, will be aged for a year in stainless steel. #Metallurgy #Destihl
It could be a coincidence or it could be very timely, but Church Street is preparing to release a new 6.8% ABV Milk Stout called Holy Cow. #HolyCow #ChurchStreet #GoCubs
Baderbrau is currently canning their 6%ABV nnfiltered hoppy light lager, Blizza! #Baderbrau
Maplewood is in the process of bottling their newest beer, Dark Saison. This is a Farmhouse Ale with Cranberry. It sounds like a good Thanksgiving Beer! #Maplewood #DarkSaison
BuckleDown is releasing a new batch of their Barrel-Aged Blackberry Belgian, Awkward Exchange. This is a Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale with 90 gallons of Blackberry Juice and aged in Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels for seven months.
Mikerphone will be bottling Vinyl Frontier Batch #2 tomorrow. This is 8% ABV Double IPA with Lactose, hopped with El Dorado. #Mikerphone #vinylfrontier
Pipeworks will be releasing two new collaborations in the coming weeks. The first is a collab with Toppling Goliath called Double Creature Feature. This will be a 9% ABV Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA with honey, habanero peppers, and pineapple juice.
The other new collab is with Freigeist and Local Option and will be a Kolsch brewed with mesquite honey and hemp seeds, fermented on oak, called Long Hair Affair.
350 Brewing is releasing 100 bottles of their Backwoods Stout, Death Rides An Armadillo, on October 30th. This is a small batch stout brewed with Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, and Black Strap Molasses. #350Brewing #DeathRidesAnArmadillo
Like Minds is releasing their first Reserved bottle this Saturday, 10/29 at 11am at their brewpub in Milwaukee. This 150 750ml bottle batch will be their Barrel Aged Charred Citrus Sour, dry-hopped with Amarillo. #LikeMinds


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HONG KONG, May 7 (Reuters) - Shares of Giordano International Ltd fell as much as 16 percent to their lowest in more than three years after the Hong Kong-based casual wear chain operator warned of a sharp drop in first-half profit for 2014.
The stock dropped to HK$4.34, its lowest since March 2011. The shares steadied at HK$4.44 at 0309 GMT, still down 14 percent. That compares to a 0.96 percent fall in the benchmark Hang Seng Index.
Giordano said late on Monday it expects to record a significantly lower profit attributable to shareholders for the six months ended in June 2014 as consumer demand in greater China continues to weaken and the recent decline of the Chinese yuan is impacting profitability.
Reporting by Donny Kwok; Editing by Matt Driskill


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Target takes aim at mobile pay market
Target is taking a page out of Kohl’s book and simplifying the process of separating shoppers from their money, Recode reports. (Did we really just use that page/book cliche?)
The mobile payment world is a swirl, with Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, CurrentC (is CurrentC still a thing?) and a host of others. But Target, like Kohl’s, is jumping in with its own thing for a particular stratum of customer — holders of Target’s Redcard.
Recode points out that some of the details of the Target scheme remain unknown. Will it be part of the popular Cartwheel app? Will it integrate coupons and Target offers?
One of the big selling points of Kohl’s program, called Kohl’s Pay, is that it tracks all the deals and promotions that a shopper is eligible for and calculates the price a shopper pays in one fell swoop — or swipe.
Kohl’s Ratnakar Lavu talked at the recent NRF Big Show about how Kohl’s is intrigued by Apple Pay, Android Pay and the like, but that there are complications with integrating promotions with third-party systems.
The store’s mobile payment program, which is available only to Kohl’s cardholders, is a raging success as it is, he added.
“The feedback is fantastic,” Lavu told Jason Del Rey, of Recode, from the conference stage. “We make it more seamless, compelling and engaging because we control the end-to-end experience.”
Yes, the program is currently targeted at the retailers’ best customers (those with the Kohl’s card). But Ratnakar is convinced that the enthusiasm will spread.
“I actually think it will turn our average customer into our best customer,” he said. “Our average customer will also learn about the benefits of it and we’re hoping that they will become the best customer.”
The key to this whole space-race-like rush to mobile payments is in something Lavu said — “control the end-to-end experience.” More than at any time before, retailers are turning their attention to the customer experience, both online and in-store. In fact, ideally, it’s all one experience.
While retailers are still interested in attracting new customers, they are gaining a deep appreciation for keeping the customers they have. Retaining customers, of course, is much cheaper than attracting a new one, something a business needs to do over and over if it’s not hanging on to the fans it has.
Sears continues to fight the good fight
Yes, Sears is struggling, but it’s not giving up. The retailer is looking to the future with experiments such as its deployment of artificial intelligence to help shoppers find the right tires and the right time and place to have them installed.
Retail Dive reports that the venerable department store has teamed up with IBM and Watson to offer a script to those shopping for tires. Those who choose to engage with the technology, will be asked a set of programmed questions to help get at which tires are right for them.
While the Sears program is a relatively limited application of the technology, it does point to the growing importance of machine learning in retail. As the Retail Dive piece says:
“AI capabilities such as machine learning and natural language generation and processing have tremendous potential to to bring quicker and more personalized service and response to just about any app that relies on conversation and customer interaction — which of course means just about any retail app you can think of.”
There are less flashy, but more comprehensive uses of artificial intelligence and natural language processing being used by many retailers, of course, though Retail Dive points out that many retailers have a ways to go to reach a point where they are taking full advantage of available technology.
It would seem that it’s only a matter of time before retailers pick up their AI game. After all, it appears that in retail, AI is where the rubber meets the road.
Ulta powers growth with unique experience and unique products
Ulta Beauty continues to kill it.
Its stock shot up nearly 40 percent in 2016, Bloomberg reports. It’s opening stores as others are closing them and its buzz is off the charts.
The cosmetics seller has taken what many say retailers must do — provide differentiated experiences and differentiated inventory — and executed nearly flawlessly to become the belle of the ball. (Come on. Not only corny, but borderline sexist.)
CEO Mary Dillon has purposefully made the store less “Amazon-able,” as Fortune put it, by stocking items that aren’t available at the online giant.
As important, as Bloomberg points out, Ulta has turned a trip to its stores into a happening. There are selfies (which shoppers can use to “try out” makeup) eyebrow tweezing, consultations and styling. So, why not make a day of it.
The Ulta story would seem to show that customer experience is not simply the latest shiny object for retailers to chase. Creating a memorable experience works.
We’re not making this up.
A real Big Mac attack
OK, we’re not proud of it, but there was a time that rarely a day went by that the BRRR didn’t indulge in a Big Mac. Yes, we lived to tell about it — and, through some effort, weaned ourselves from the fast-food treat.
And now this: McDonald’s is unleashing a Big Mac ATM that will cough up free Big Macs in return for an automated Twitter endorsement from the Big Mac eater, the Boston Globe reports.
We’re safe for now — and we know you’re glad to hear that — because the BM-ATM is all the way across the country from where we are. The cutting-edge, fast-food technology is rolling out in Boston’s Kenmore Square.
It will operate during lunch-time hours and it’s not an experiment to see whether McDonald’s can get rid of all the pesky people it takes to run the world’s largest peddler of hamburgers.
Micky D’s officials say getting the machine out there is a marketing ploy. No! And in fact the Big Macs it will dispense aren’t regular, old Big Macs, but all-new items called Mac Jr. and Grand Mac. (The Mac Jr. sounds suspiciously small. We’d go with the Grand Mac, which sounds suspiciously large.)
Anyway, to stick with our customer experience theme, the technology strikes us as an attempt to create a unique customer experience while also getting rid of some of the pesky people it takes to run a restaurant.
As the Globe points out, other food service outfits have turned to automation — something called Eatsa of San Francisco takes orders on iPads and delivers food to a cubby that a diner picks up without dealing with humans.
And the BRRR has to say it’s been tempted to try a nearby pizza place where the pies are made by robots. Pie in the sky? Maybe
By the way, any idea what to tip a robot?
The cost of Super Sunday just went down
If you’re sitting in front of the TV for Super Bowl LI rather than heading to Houston for the high holy day of U.S. sports, consider yourself lucky.
Take that extra $4,925 and get yourself something pretty.
The NRF says total SBLI spending will be $14.1 billion, which is a lot of dough, but not as much as last year, when retailers raked in $15.5 billion on the big day.
(Source: The National Retail Federation)
The federation did not speculate on the reason for the decline. About as many people as last year were expected to watch the game — 188.9 million. So, that’s not it. Food prices are likely to be a little higher this year, which of course doesn’t explain a drop in spending.
Maybe it’s the match-up: New England Patriots vs. the Atlanta Falcons this year; Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers in 2016.
Whatever the reason, the NRF had a bunch of cool statistics beyond the spending figures as a result of a survey it conducted with Prosper Insights & Analytics. A sampling:
- Of the 76 percent of those surveyed who said they’d watch the game, 80 percent said they’d be buying food and drink for it.
- Based on the survey, 11 percent will be buying team gear and 8 percent will be buying new TVs. Good excuse as any, we guess.
- Forty-five percent of those polled said they’d host a party, which, when you think about, leaves the other 55 percent available to attend Super Bowl parties.
- When it comes to why people watch, 43 percent say they like the game itself; 24 percent watch for the commericals; 15 percent just want to hang out with friends; 12 percent want to see the halftime show and 6 percent apparently forgot what the question was.
Quote of the week
“This is just another cog in the supply chain that they’re putting under their control, as well as creating new revenue streams.” — John Haber, CEO of Spend Management Experts, to the Wall Street Journal regarding Amazon taking a bigger role in trans-Pacific shipments.
Mike Cassidy is BloomReach’s storyteller. Reach him at firstname.lastname@example.org; follow him on Twitter at @mikecassidy.


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Homes are getting smarter and insurers want to ride this wave of enchantment!
The smart home market is expected to be north of $121 billion by 2022, with a projected growth rate of 14% between 2016 and 2022. Lighting control, home security & access control, HVAC control, home healthcare, entertainment systems, and smart kitchens, are the prime movers of the connected-home movement. Innovators are marching ahead to make smart homes a reality, where enchanted objects secure your home, alert you to any fire or water leaks, conserve energy and help you stay connected with your loved ones. As consumers enrich their dwelling experience through smart gadgets, insurers are exploring this opportunity to both increase the revenue, and gain greater control over the claims.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that about 1 out of every 15 US homeowners’ insurance policyholder files a claim each year. For insurers, smart consumer homes could lead to a smarter and better bottom-line, and drive up consumer satisfaction ratings.
- Averting a claim incident: The continuous stream of real-time data, can help in predicting and averting possible failure events — an averted incident translates directly to savings in settlements.
- Efficiency and better underwriting: The barrage of new data can help insurers better their risk-analysis models, and ease the process of claims handling.
- A smoke detector capable of alerting the fire department could save a carrier $35,000 in average home insurance payouts.
- Business Insider Intelligence estimates that IoT devices that track drivers’ habits in real-time, could save auto insurers $45 billion over the next five years.
Customer Adoption Trends & Concerns
A recent PWC survey found that over 80% of American internet users are aware of smart home technologies, and 26% already own at least one smart home device.
However, there are hurdles that need to be overcome to make smart homes the norm. There are the ‘expected’ concerns about inter-operability and seamless integration of the connected devices. And then, there are more serious issues that concern data privacy and consumer protection.
For some ‘is my thermostat is compatible with the new motion sensors in the market?’ could be an important consideration, but most consumers will likely be more concerned with the prospect of losing their privacy, or breach in home security in the event of an unauthorized hack or intrusion.
Smart homes meet blockchain
Smart home device applications built on centralized client/server architecture, may suffer from vulnerability and distributed denial of service attacks. Blockchain promise transaction immutability, and can keep the smart home network in sync to deliver a unified, seamless experience to the end-user and to stakeholders. Feeding the IoT device data to private blockchain, will allow the device data and state to be updated across the network. The distributed ledger will ensure secure role-based access, transaction verification, disputes resolution, and accountability. Smart contracts can be written to define the role, responsibilities and liabilities for each of the stakeholders.
Industry Standards & Alliances
Earlier this year, several tech giants and startups came together to form the ‘Blockchain IoT protocol initiative.’ The consortium includes technology leaders such as – Cisco, Foxconn, Bosch, Ambisafe, BitSE, Chronicled, ConsenSys, Distributed, Filament, Hashed Health, Ledger, Skuchain, and Slock.it, amongst others. The primary objective of this consortium is to develop a shared IoT blockchain protocol that can connect everyday IoT gadgets to the internet, and address issues related to integration & interoperability.
Leading European insurers and reinsurers launched the ‘Blockchain Insurance Industry Initiative (B3i)’ in October 2016 to explore the potential of the distributed ledger technology. The initiative started with five members, and has since grown to 15 members. The consortium wants to explore how blockchain can streamline paper work and reconciliations for (re-) insurance contracts; and accelerate information and money flows, while greatly improving auditability
Enabling smart homes is going to be a big business opportunity for insurers, and not just only for device manufacturers and technology companies. Leading insurers have already jumped on the smart home bandwagon, with many pairing up with system integrators/ providers to offer discounted installation and monitoring fee. Insurance, an industry that’s driven and consumed by data, IoT and blockchain, can offer tremendous value through robust real-time data preservation, visibility, transaction sanctity and immutability.
Not just the homes, insurance is also getting smarter, and their customers – enchanted!
More from Amit Chopra
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Updated 4th June 2021.
LATEST INDONESIA COVID-19 NEWS:
- Social restrictions across Indonesia are extended through to 14th June 2021. This means that schools remain closed, shops and restaurants are required to close by a certain hour and businesses have limited capacity. Restrictions vary for each region. See more info below. Source.
BALI REOPENING 1ST JULY
- Rumours have been circulating for months about the reopening of Bali. The date of 1st July (coincidentally the same date as the Phuket reopening) has been earmarked as the day when the island will reopen to international travellers.
- The reopening was announced by the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, at the Arabian Travel Market last month in Dubai. He also suggested that, along with Bali, several other places, such as Bintan and Batam would serve as ‘locomotive’ destinations with which to kickstart tourism in the country. Source.
- Right now, however, the reopening of Indonesia has not been made official and travel requirements have not yet been released by the government. We do not yet know which countries Bali would open to and if those travellers would have to be vaccinated and/or if they would have to quarantine. In other words – don’t book that flight just yet!
PROPOSED CHANGES TO INDONESIAN QUARANTINE
On 17th May 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Health sent a recommendation letter to the Indonesian Government’s COVID-19 Task Force recommending the following changes:
- Visas for nationals of India or South Africa to be suspended until further notice.
- Any foreign national who has travelled to India or South Africa within the past 14 days will not be allowed entry to Indonesia.
- There will be a 14-day hotel quarantine for any Indonesian national who has travelled to India or South Africa in the past 14 days.
- There will be a 14-day hotel quarantine for any foreign citizen who has travelled to the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, USA, UK or Saudi Arabia in the past 14 days.
- Any foreigner whose nationality is not mentioned in the above list (point 4.) will still have to undergo a 5-day quarantine in a government approved hotel.
- Indonesian nationals who are not travelling from any of the countries mentioned in the above list (4.) will have to undergo a 5-day hotel quarantine, followed by 14 days of further quarantine in their home.
At the moment, these are only recommendations from the Indonesian Ministry of Health and there has been no official statement from the government announcing these changes. We are checking the news daily and will update this article as soon as we hear fresh information on whether or not these suggestions will be implemented. You can see the official letter from the MOH below:
Disclaimer: COVID-19 travel restrictions are changing daily. The following information reflects South East Asia Backpacker’s current understanding of the rules. We work hard to update this information as often and accurately as possible. However, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. We strongly advise you contact the embassy of the country you are visiting for the latest information.
Indonesia Travel Restrictions (June 2021)
Can you travel to Indonesia right now? SUMMARY:
No. Indonesia is currently not allowing any non-Indonesian nationals to enter the country until further notice. Exemptions to this include diplomats on official business, holders of Indonesian residency cards, foreigners who are travelling for official business, humanitarian aid, essential work or other essential reasons. You must have official permission to travel from the relevant government department.*
INDONESIAN BUSINESS VISAS:
Despite not officially being allowed to travel, some foreigners are finding ways to enter Indonesia. In recent months, many foreign nationals have applied for the Single-Entry B211 Business Visa (also known as the Social Cultural Visa) which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 180 days. The visa, which is expensive to obtain, must be arranged by a travel agency and you will need to be sponsored by an Indonesian company. If you believe that you have grounds to apply for the visa, check out the very helpful Facebook group: Visa & Immigration Indonesia.
Before you enter Indonesia, you will need to:
If you are able to obtain a valid visa (for one of the reasons mentioned above), you will still need to:
- Carry a health certificate confirming a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of your departure to Indonesia.
- Complete the Indonesian eHAC registration (Indonesia Health Alert Card) and supply the QR code on inspection at the airport in Indonesia.
- Have a COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport.
- Quarantine in a specified hotel for five days. After this, you will have another COVID-19 test, which, if negative, will allow you to leave quarantine.
All travellers to Indonesia from abroad (foreign and Indonesian) must quarantine for five days in a hotel upon arrival. Citizens of India, the Philippines and Pakistan must quarantine for 14 days.
(Important: For the time being, you will still have to quarantine even if you are fully vaccinated. Currently, there is no difference in terms of the quarantine period between vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.)
International flights are currently only flying into Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Manado. You must choose your quarantine hotel in your city of arrival. The hotel must be paid for by the traveller and costs average around $100 US per night depending on the hotel. See our recommendations for the best Jakarta Quarantine Hotels here.
It is compulsory to wear a face mask in public places across the country, whether indoors or outdoors. Fines will be imposed on anyone who breaks this law.
See here for recommendations on the best face masks for travel.
Internal Travel Restrictions in Indonesia:
- Restrictions are in place on social activity and movement until 14th June 2021. Source. While the restrictions are slightly different in each region, depending on the number of COVID-19 cases, across the country schools are closed, shops and restaurants are required to close by a certain hour (usually 9 pm) and there are limits on the number of employees allowed to work in buildings (50% capacity).
- While some sources suggest that a spike in COVID-19 cases is on the way due to illegal travel during the Islamic holiday, Eid-al Fitr, the country is holding back on any further lockdown. Source.
- Schools are planning to reopen in July. Source.
- Those wishing to travel between cities or states must take an RT-PCR test before travelling by air, rail or sea. This requirement is not the case for those travelling by bus or private vehicle, though it is encouraged. Source.
Entry into the neighbouring country of Malaysia (via Borneo island) is currently prohibited.
Hotels and guesthouses:
Hotels and guesthouses remain open for business, although many have been forced to close due to lack of custom. Social distancing measures and mask-wearing are being applied to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Public services and activities are currently restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Shops, bars and restaurants are currently operating at 50% of their normal capacity. There are restrictions on public gatherings.
On the ground traveller reports:
I’m in Komodo, Labuan Bajo. It’s beautiful, very free, most places, like shops restaurants and coffee shops are open and there is some tourism. Tourists can enter Indonesia on a business visa which is easily obtained via a visa agent, you find those online. A 5-day quarantine is mandatory in a hotel as you arrive but after that, you can travel all over Indonesia but need a rapid test (very cheap) if you’re changing regions. Komodo diving is better even than before with very few people in the park! – Christan, 15th May 2021.
I’m currently in Bandung, West Java, previously Bali. You can travel domestically but there has been a travel ban during these last few weeks and Bali extended it another week to prevent large scale travel towards the end of Ramadan month. – Cherie, 15th May 2021
I’m in Bali. It’s great. Not great for people who rely on tourists though. Loads of westerners living here. – Mark, 14th May 2021
- Facebook Group: Visa & Immigration Indonesia.
- Overseas Security Advisory Council.
- UK Government Foreign Travel Advice.
- US Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia.
- Indonesia COVID-19 Task Force website.
- The Humanitarian Data Exchange
South East Asia Backpacker Newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest travel news. Be the first on the plane when travel opens up.


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PUTRAJAYA: Suraus at shopping malls as well as R&R or rest and recreation stops along major highways will reopen tomorrow, says Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“Many have complained that the suraus at shopping malls are still closed, so tomorrow they will be opened,” he said during his daily briefing here today.
Ismail said that stalls that operate at these R&Rs will also be allowed to resume business.
He said that restaurants, premises that sell food, hawker stalls as well as convenience stores will be allowed to operate until midnight, beginning tomorrow. However, social distancing must be enforced and good hygiene maintained.
Currently, such premises are allowed to operate until 10pm.
Ismail also said that zoos will be allowed to reopen tomorrow, although they have to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Meanwhile, he said police arrested and remanded 94 individuals for flouting the conditional movement control order. Seventy-seven compounds were also issued.
A total of 266 investigation papers have been opened by police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission over fake news related to Covid-19.
Of the total, 179 were still being investigated, and 30 brought to court. Eleven individuals were given warnings, while 18 had pleaded guilty.
Ismail also said that 15,023 individuals were being quarantined at 147 centres nationwide.
Checks by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), he said, found that 317 construction sites had not been adhering to the SOPs and had been issued a warning.
Twelve sites were also ordered to shut down.
Fake or not? Check our quick fake news buster here.


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MLB teams reported to spring training just days ago, and there’s already a controversy brewing through the locker room.
There’s been no sign stealing or HGH use, but there’s literally a problem in the locker room because it’s got everything to do with the uniforms.
Sportwear juggernaut Nike is behind the newly designed uniforms, but Fanatics actually manufactures them.
You’d think Nike, with more than 50 years in the outfitting industry and decades of producing professional uniforms, would have no problem stepping up to the plate for the MLB, but it turns out the new Nike Vapor Premier jerseys haven’t been well-received.
“I think that the performance wear might feel nice, but the look of it is like a knockoff jersey from T.J.Maxx,” one pitcher told The Baltimore Banner. “Whatever they are, they aren’t that great. I don’t enjoy them, really. They get the job done. But I’m more concerned for the position players, because they’re — it’s a really thin material. So the only thing these things may — may — have over last year’s stuff is they’re slightly more breathable. And, honestly, I’m going to trade that in all day, every day, for the jerseys and pants we had last year. I’m not a fan of them, and I think that’s pretty much the consensus, too.”
Nike touts that the new technology developed over several years is meant to “improve mobility, moisture management and fit, while keeping sustainability in mind.” And if you’ve ever worn anything Dri-fit, you’d understand that the uber-thin and light material is usually great for sweat-wicking and not allowing moisture to build up.
Despite the hate, Nike says the material is made of 90% recycled yarn, is stretchier, and helps the jersey dry 28% faster.
But fans don’t care too much about the performance aspect and are focused on the appearance, showcasing a thinner material that’s so see-through you can see players’ jerseys tucked into their pants and crotch shots no one asked for.
A side-by-side comparison shows a more wrinkled back on the jersey, a lowered MLB logo, and smaller jersey names.
Nike says they were well received when players sported them during last year’s All-Star game, and they consulted with over 300 players on the new design. So it looks like, much to fans’ dismay, they’re here to stay.
See below how social media is reacting to uniforms.


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For many avid gamers, Xbox, Wii and Playstation are some of the go-to sources when it comes to high quality video games. However, the future of these game consoles might just become bleak if a game-enabled Apple TV enters the market. At least that is what Nat Brown, Microsoft Xbox co-founder, fears.
In his personal blog entitled â??Stupid, Stupid Xbox,â? Brown penned that Apple can easily dominate the video game market, should it decide to integrate gaming capabilities to its Apple TV set top box. When that happens, game developers would just jump on-board, which could become the end of Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.
Lack of platform for Indie developers
Brown pointed out that the most critical problem that Microsoft faces is the lack of a versatile developing ecosystem that will provide small or independent game developers to create games for Xbox without the need for expensive equipment.
Brown goes on saying that Microsoft developer programs charges its console developers $10,000 annually for membership and for games to be published on its platform, not to mention they require the filing of a ton of paperwork, with Microsoft having the power to take over a game. These things, in turn, makes it nearly impossible for small and independent developers to embrace the platform.
Apple could just be ready to catch
According to Brown, the area where Microsoft is lacking is actually where Apple could come in and dominate. Apple is already a games competitor even if it has not yet made Apple TV a game platform or a console. In fact, the tech giant already has a viable system available where developers can publish apps with great ease. That means, game developers would only need for Apple to make a game-enabled TV and they would no doubt take the plunge to make games for Apple. Brown even pointed that he would be the first person to write apps for Apple TV because he knows he will make money when that happens.
Of course, Brown is not the only established name in the console gaming world to gripe over the potential impact that Apple will make if it moves on and develops a game-enabled TV. In January, Gabe Newell, software engineer and co-founder of Valve notes that Apple is, in fact, the biggest challenge to the PC and console gaming industry’s future. He noted that Apple could easily roll the console industry once it moves to the living room.
It should be noted that Apple TV currently does not support gaming applications and lacks the necessary hardware to power up such as software. However, as cheaper hardware is more accessible, the ability of Apple to reinvent its products and, of course, the company’s interest in entering the television sector, Brown and Newell’s fear might just happen. Hopefully, before that time comes, the console gaming industry would be able to figure things out. Otherwise, it might face its end.
This article was written by Ericka, a freelance writer whose interest lies in writing posts related to technology. She is also a regular contributor for aerial installations Edinburgh specialist, Moving Pictures.
Image courtesy ofÂ photoraidz / freedigitalphotos.net[shareaholic app="share_buttons" id="4703992"][shareaholic app="recommendations" id="4704000"]


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Britannia Industries is planning to increase prices of its products marginally in the third quarter of the current fiscal (Q3FY20) to tackle the slowdown which has taken a toll on the growth of its sales in value terms. The growth in sales of the company had halved in terms of value as a result of slowdown. Besides, marginal price increase, the company would also go for cost optimization.
Britannia Industries, one of the India’s biggest brands of the country. More-than-a-century old Britannia has launched big brands in FMCG Segment. The company is expanding its customer base by launching new products and renovating existing ones.


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After hearing detailed arguments from pharma giants Novartis and Cipla, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved its judgment on a dispute over the manufacturing of the drug Indacaterol, used for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Novartis holds the patents for the Indacaterol maleate salt as well as the manufacturing process for the drug, which is sold in India as an inhalation powder and inhaler under the trademark name of “Onbrez’ through Lupin since 2010.
Earlier this year, Cipla started manufacture and sale of Indacaterol powder and sale under the name “Unibrez”. The firms changed the name of the product to “Indaflo” after orders from the court in November on a plea of trademark infringement by Novartis.
Novartis has now approached the Delhi High court to permanently restrain Cipla from manufacturing Indacaterol in any form and selling it in India. Novartis has also sought damages and payment for infringing the patented pharmaceutical product.
Cipla in its reply filed before the court of Justice Manmohan Singh has argued that the medicine sold by Novartis is too expensive and is sold only to government hospitals and is therefore not easily available to the public. Cipla also filed a representation before the ministry of commerce department of industrial policy and Promotion, to revoke the exclusive patent rights granted to Novartis, claiming that Novartis was not working the patent in India. Novartis argued that there was no obligation on the firm to manufacture the drug in India.
It has also said that Cipla was “trying to commercialise” the drug and use the formula which had been developed after Novartis had spent huge funds in its R&D.
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines


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Using silver-based ink, ordinary inkjet printers are laying down circuits on paper, heralding more versatile electronics that hobbyists will thrive on
Circuits laid down on paper by inkjet printers will make electronics more creative and versatile – and easier
"IMAGINE printing out a paper computer and tearing off a corner so someone else can use part of it." So says
Hodges, along with
Kawahara says the idea is perfect for the growing maker movement of inventors and tinkerers. Hobbyists will be able to test circuit designs by simply printing them out and throwing away anything that doesn't work. That will reduce much of electronics to a craft akin to "sewing or origami", he says.
Kawahara and Hodges say the idea also fills a gaping void in the capabilities of 3D printers, which can print the casing for a gadget but not the printed circuits that go inside it. Research on 3D printing conductive elements inside structures has not yet reached a level of sophistication for it to be useful.
"Designing a printed circuit board is not a trivial thing at all. So many people talk about 3D printing an iPhone, when all you can actually do is print a few limited components of one," says
The ink used by Kawahara's team is a silver suspension recently developed by
The moisture sensor the team has printed is meant for use on plants (see picture). It detects rainfall with one circuit and soil humidity with another, transmitting its readings via a printed Wi-Fi antenna. Hodges has printed paper wiring to connect the switch, LED and battery of a 3D-printed flashlight.
In addition, the team has shown off more complex inkjet-printed circuits, with microprocessors and memory chip connectors. In principle, these could be used to create paper-based computers that would continue to work even when broken into smaller pieces. JÜrgen Steimle at the
If silver-based inkjet printing can be made affordable, Hodges says it will be a natural follow-on to Bare Conductive's hand-drawn and paintable circuitry. Kawahara goes further: "In 20 years you really will be able to hit 'Print' and make yourself a mobile phone". n
Bare Conductive is a
Now the firm wants to add audio output to its cards – and future interactive packaging – using a circuit it calls a TouchBoard. The size of a playing card, it features a simple to use Arduino processor and an MP3 chip that plays music, stories and sound effects when someone taps the painted-on, conductive buttons. A Kickstarter campaign to build TouchBoard is about to be launched.
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57% of workers believe they are more productive when working from home than in the workplace.
Only 12% report that it makes them more distracted, and just five per cent say it has a negative effect on their productivity, according to a study by CartridgePeople.com.
There's still 100% of the article to go - plus lots more!
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The Ransomware virus was developed by hackers and is evolving everyday to look more and more authentic.
Data Systems Technology Solutions and their partner, Datto, shared the latest findings regarding Ransomware with numerous Central Texas companies Tuesday.
"A virus that is hitting a lot of local businesses as well as business across the country, both small and medium, that encrypts all the company's data and it demands ransom," President of Data Systems Technology Solutions Gus Welter said.
Hackers send emails that look normal, but with just one click a whole company's system can lock down and all of its data be gone. The only way to get that data back is to pay a ransom, and even then the hackers may not give back access.
"It's a very costly virus both to the businesses as well as to their customers because not only can it lead to money that people have to outlay to get their data back, but it also leads to a lot of downtime which impacts companies locally," Welter added.
Downtime is the period of time from the moment the data is encrypted to when a company is able to secure a backup which could be anywhere from hours to days or even weeks.
Datto and Data Systems Technology Solutions urge Central Texans to incorporate their backup to and secure data within 15 minutes to save valuable time and money.
One business owner who attended today's event said he learned quite a bit and now wants to change to Datto's backup system so he can...
Donny Hunter/Certified Identity Protection Adviser
"Always go back Pre-Ransomware time because most of them, I have been using a file based, and what I learned was that, that doesn't help you in the area of Ransomware. You need an image based backup system," Certified Identity Protection Adviser Donny Hunter said.
Welter later added while a backup may seem costly at first to business owners like Hunter, it is nothing in comparison to what the virus can do... shut down a business, demand thousands of dollars in ransom for data you may or may not get back.
Copyright 2017 KXXV. All rights reserved.


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Get Alerts »
When the state-based insurance exchanges open next year under "Obamacare," many Americans should finally have access to affordable insurance. But millions of others will most likely be left out in the cold and remain uninsured.
Not everyone's a winner under "Obamacare." In fact, the uninsured in some states won't benefit at all.
Protests continue outside the Market Basket store in Biddeford despite an ultimatum from the company demanding employees return to work.


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North America’s Major League Baseball has agreed a sponsorship deal with soft drinks brand Snapple.
The two-year partnership covers the 2018 and 2019 MLB seasons, and names Snapple as the official tea and juice drink of the league.
Snapple will benefit from marketing and activation rights across MLB special events including All-Star Week, the postseason and World Series. A baseball-themed product will also be offered for a limited time.
In addition, baseball-focused ‘Snapple Facts’ will be placed underneath bottle caps, while Fanatics, MLB’s official e-commerce partner, will create a special merchandise offer to be found on select Snapple products.
Snapple will be granted the use of official MLB logos, the collective use of club marks, and jewel event marks in all communication and marketing campaigns. Snapple will also have point of sale and advertising rights to activate, the right to use league marks on the labels of products, and the chance to organise sweepstakes and consumer promotions.
Noah Garden, MLB executive vice-president of commerce, said: “We continually seek out new ways of connecting with our great fans and teaming up with the creative team at Snapple is allowing us to try some unique ideas in the retail space. They are already proving to be good partners and 2018 should be a fun season with them.”


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Last week, we announced the first few headline names for our GDI London conference.
We are delighted to announce that Tinder, Facebook and Paktor will all speak at the next GDI conference on 28th September.
Brian Norgard, the Chief Product Officer of Tinder, will be speaking at the industry event, our third annual London conference.
Joining the company in January 2015 as Head of Revenue, Norgard and his team have turned Tinder into a top 10 grossing app, while also helping to conceive of some of Tinder’s most successful features such as the Super Like, Tinder Boost and forthcoming Likes You.
The Tinder exec will be joined at the conference by Facebook’s Enno Joensson, the fantastic lead speaker from this year’s Audience with Facebook event, and Alex Tam, Business Developer Director at Southeast Asian dating leader Paktor and the CEO of its GaiGai division.
The one day event will take place at The Grange, St Paul’s in London on 28th September, with early bird tickets priced at £180.
We will be announcing full details about the event in the next few weeks, but you can buy your early bird tickets now by clicking the link below.


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Blog: S&N - Une biere, s'il vous plait?
Olly Wehring | 11 August 2006
Scottish & Newcastle this week posted a set of healthy results partly thanks to robust beer sales in the UK - but for all its success domestically, several questions remain across the English Channel.
The brewer has moved to revamp its local on-trade sales force and ramp up marketing investment in France in an attempt to drive sales. However, S&N again saw volumes in the country fall during the first half of the year while fierce price competition again put pressure on revenues.
The strict enforcement of drink-driving laws in France and a weak economy in recent years has hit alcohol consumption in general. However, in a country not renowned for its beer drinking - beer consumption stands at just 35 litres per person - it’s clear that brewers in France suffer acutely when the demand for booze falls.
As you’d expect, as market leader in France, S&N is confident that it can turn things around. It says changes to its sales network servicing France’s bars and restaurants, as well as investment behind its more premium brands, has started to pay off.
Didier Lefèvre, the head of S&N’s French arm, Brasseries Kronenbourg, believes spending more on marketing the company’s premium brands and on innovation will help revitalise sales.
“The beer market in France has not totally developed but, again, the name of the game is segmentation and innovation,” he said in London this week.
To back this up, Lefèvre pointed to rising sales of “super-premium” brand Grimbergen and the initial success in France of innovations that have proved popular with UK drinkers - the fruity Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc and the Super Chilled fonts (dubbed in Super Fresh in France).
S&N chief executive Tony Froggatt was even more bullish about the prospect of turning around the business in France. Low beer consumption, he said, was an “opportunity” to grow attract French drinkers back to the market “with the right concept”.
“Ultimately, there are a lot of people in France who are lax users of beer or have never tried beer - we see it as an opportunity,” Froggatt insisted.
But for all the talk, it’s clear that tough challenges lie ahead. The brewer has already started talks to sell its Champigneulles brewery and last year laid off around 70 workers at its Obernai site, but getting costs down in a mature market is a relatively straight-forward business compared to driving sales.
While S&N has managed to turn around its UK business, encouraging the historically reluctant French to drink beer is another matter entirely.
S&N has a strong domestic business, a buoyant position in Russia and has carved out shrewd positions in India and China. But, if the French would only drink more beer, then the brewer would really be able to compete with the big beer boys.
Would the thought of working in a morgue stop you from drink driving? ...
You would be forgiven for thinking that the US cider boom is over. Sales growth of as much as 90% in the past few years has shrunk to double figures. ...
The drinks industry could do more to benefit from new technology. ...
The soft drinks world is abuzz today over what an executive shake-up at PepsiCo might mean to on-going speculation over CEO Indra Nooyi's successor....
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- Global Scotch whisky insights - market forecasts, product innovation and consumer trends
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Matthew Kenney Cuisine will soon launch a Japanese Sushi pop-up called Woodblock, which will operate out of BAIA. Woodblock is a collaboration between celebrity chef Matthew Kenney and Kyle and Tracy Vogt, that is set to open on August 1.
RELATED: Matthew Kenney to Open Plant-Based Italian Restaurant in San Francisco
Want even more vegan news, food, and lifestyle content? Subscribe to VegOut LA Magazine or VegOut NYC Magazine!
While the BAIA team is excited to serve San Francisco with plant-based Italian food, there is a strong demand for vegan sushi and Kenney intends to address it. Woodblock, a plant-based Japanese concept offering a select assortment of sushi rolls along with vegetables and bowls, will present innovative variations on traditional dishes. A few of the highlights include Asparagus Tempura,Truffle Explosion Roll (with cucumber, marinated shiitake mushrooms and truffle aioli), Spicy Tuna Roll (ahimi, cucumber, and avocado) and a Katsu Curry Bowl.
Woodblock will be available for takeout and delivery for a limited time. The address is 300 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102.


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An important customer base of intercepted Snapchat pictures and video tutorials has become launched by online hackers who may have been collecting the data files for a long time. Surprised customers of well known chitchat community forum 4chan are referring to the get into as “The Snappening,” noting this is way bigger in scale compared to the iCloud hacks that recently targeted celebs.
Underground picture buying and selling Snapchat hack chatrooms have already been filled in current weeks with hints that anything large was approaching. Yesterday it finally showed up: One third-get together Snapchat buyer app has become collecting each and every picture and video clip document delivered by means of it for a long time, offering online hackers usage of a 13GB collection of Snapchats that customers thought have been deleted.
Customers of 4chan have delivered electronically the data files, and they are at present during this process of producing a retrieveable data base permitting people to research the taken images by Snapchat username. The data base of Snapchat data files published online was managed on viralpop.com, a fake competition web site that set up malicious software on the computers of customers seeking to get involved. That website has been stopped and taken off-line, even though countless people already have delivered electronically the collection of Snapchats.
One news record claims that the hacked thirdly-get together Snapchat buyer was Snapsave. The most popular Android app allowed customers to maintain Snapchat pictures and video tutorials, which immediately remove when viewed through the recognized Snapchat app. However, Snapchat’s enhanced security resulted in the app at some point discontinued operating, because the organization started out encrypting pictures and video tutorials.
Yet an unknown picture investor contacted Company Insider to tell us that the website impacted was really SnapSaved.com. The services acted being a website buyer for the Snapchat app that allowed customers to get pictures and video tutorials, and help save them online. What its customers did not understand was that the website was quietly collecting exactly what passed by means of it, holding incriminating Snapchats over a website host, with all the usernames of senders attached.
We don’t know if the thirdly-get together Snapchat buyer, regardless of whether Snapsave or SnapSaved, was made with the purpose of intercepting images. It might have been the situation that online hackers reached the hosts of one of the sites, that have inadvertently kept the data files, and rehosted the listing online. Snapchat customers state that the collection of pictures has a large amount of youngster porn, such as many video tutorials delivered between teens who thought the data files would be instantly deleted right after watching. 50Percent of Snapchat’s customers are teens older between 13 and 17.
Snapchat has a poor historical past when it comes to the security of users’ data. In 2013 security researchers stated that it absolutely was possible to get the phone variety of any Snapchat user through the app. 4.6 thousand usernames and phone numbers leaked out online on New Year’s Time, and the organization was compelled to apologise. In Feb. 2014, online hackers used Snapchat to send out pictures of fruit shakes to countless people.
Snapchat informed Brown that these emails have already been jumping across the earlier few days. “It’s mainly instances when a person has your e-postal mail address and pass word and will get in on the try,” an anonymous Snapchat spokesman informed Hard wired. “We’re not finding any proof of brute-push strategies.” Snapchat is wanting to plug the leak. In the meantime, website customers might want to alter their passwords. The spokesman also suggested folks to step away from thirdly-get together programs that ask for your Snapchat username and password.
Snapchat is regarded as the typical Internet marketing program employed by folks worldwide and the primary reason for this particular software utilization is it is cost free. Youngsters have especially turn out to be dependent on this software software and here is the major reason for parents to concern yourself with them obtaining included into unwanted routines by means of Snapchat hack app. In order to prevent any of that and spy on Snapchat. You will definately get usage of every Snapchat information without having losing out anything at all by means of protected online control panel provided by the company. It is easy to look into the emails and you could sign in towards the panel by means of any computer, tablet pc or mobile gadget where ever you are.


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The Dead & Company concert that was postponed due to John Mayer’s emergency appendectomy have been rescheduled for February 26th . Tickets for the original show will be honored at this newly announced 2018 date. Should ticketholders choose to seek a refund, they will be available at point of purchase.
Fresh off their highly acclaimed summer tour, DEAD & COMPANY has added a fall leg to its 2017 tour beginning with two shows at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Nov. 12 and Tuesday, Nov. 14, and running through Friday, Dec. 8, at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.
The celebrated group features original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir alongside singer/guitarist John Mayer, Allman Brothers’ bassist Oteil Burbridge and Fare Thee Well and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Continuing in the tradition of the Grateful Dead, the group draws from the Dead’s vast catalog of songs and is taking the iconic music catalogue to new heights.
The inaugural Dead & Company tour, in the fall of 2015, kicked off with two sold-out shows at the legendary Madison Square Garden, which Billboard dubbed as "magical,” followed by three highly successful U.S. tours. Dead & Company is “potent enough to enrapture the faithful and convert the skeptical” (Boston Globe).


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“Five years after the Wall Street meltdown, the agency that protects consumers finally has a confirmed chief.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 66-34 to confirm Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The bureau was created after the financial crisis with a mandate to protect the public from abuses that helped lead to the Great Recession.
However, much of the financial industry has opposed the bureau’s creation, and Republicans have used a filibuster for nearly two years to prevent Cordray from getting the confirmation. The bureau needs a director to regulate some financial industries.”
“Republicans had been demanding Obama to agree on structural changes to the consumer bureau which would have weakened the bureau’s powers.”
Protecting consumers and regulations in the same article?!
Thanks to taxpayers the markets have been restored quite nicely, thank you.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau‘s mission statement says it all:
“Our mission is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products.
Above all, this means ensuring that consumers get the information they need to make the financial decisions they believe are best for themselves and their families—that prices are clear up front, that risks are visible, and that nothing is buried in fine print. In a market that works, consumers should be able to make direct comparisons among products and no provider should be able to use unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.”
This tears at the very heart of many business models!


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As many of our readers know Pharrell Williams will be the first male in a handbag campaign for Chanel coming out in April. Well, that’s not all the singer/producer turned “fashionisto” has in store. From collaborations with Adidas to G-Star Raw, we would have to say this guy is pretty busy.
Williams and G -Star RAW are joining forces to commemorate the 3D G-Star icon. This meeting of the minds is not surprising considering that Williams is the Head of Imagination for G-Star.
Via High Snobiety:
“For Spring/Summer 2017, Pharrell Williams and G-Star RAW are reinterpreting the 3D G-Star icon that celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016, courtesy of the new G-Star Elwood X25 campaign. The project is in turn a translation of unrestrained self-expression captured in 25 prints, curated by Pharrell and drawing inspiration from original checks, camouflages and traditional patterns from all over the world.
‘The 25 prints are an expression of true creativity,” says Pharrell. “They give the wearer the freedom to choose for themselves, and by doing so, empower them to decide who they want to be and what they want to wear.’
To showcase the collection, we find Williams and model/artist Marte Mei van Haaster in a vibrant industrial and pastoral scenario, further bringing the spirit of the campaign to life.”
G-Star’s website describes the collection as the original 3D Denim in 25 daring prints. “With check, came and traditional motifs from the world over, each print has been handpicked by Pharrell Williams and layers with references, straight from the G-Star archive.
We’ve shown you a few of our favorite looks from the collaboration now head over to G-Star’s website and tell us your favorite prints.


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Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) September 28, 2005
Kansas City based Schloegel Design Remodel Inc. is a recipient of the 2005 American Business Ethics Award, recognizing the companyÂs commitment to ethical practices in its everyday operations, philosophies and in response to crises and challenges. The award, sponsored by the Society of Financial Service Professionals and Guardian Life Insurance Company, will be presented at its Financial Service Forum 2005 in Phoenix.
President and founder Jake Schloegel said the award couldnÂt come at a more appropriate time, given the current spike in construction costs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. ÂThe increased cost of building materials has definitely forced many remodelers to pass on some of those costs to their clients,Â he explained. ÂHowever, as with any industry, there will always be less-than-reputable businesses taking advantage of the situation. This award emphasizes the value of good business ethics, and itÂs a message I am eager to share with my peers.Â
Schloegel says that now, more than ever, consumers should carefully choose a contractor when considering a home remodeling project. He offers the following advice:
Â Obtain three references of projects similar to yours and ask them about quality of work, final price vs. estimate, service record, problems and timeline.
Â Find out how long the contractor has been in business, where the contractor does its banking, whether the contractor is a member of any trade organizations and the names of three suppliers.
Â Ask for a sample contract to see what is/isnÂt included, how disputes are resolved
and the payment schedule.
SchloegelÂs design staff and project managers are all certified by the National Association of Remodeling Industry NARI), which has launched a relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The NARI / NRF Hurricane Relief Effort is a collaborative effort between NARI and its charitable arm, the National Remodeling Foundation (NRF).
ÂIt is important to recognize those companies that exemplify a strong commitment to both business excellence and the highest standard of civic and social responsibility,Â said Anthony J. Domino, Jr., CLUÂ®, ChFCÂ®, MSFS, president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals. ÂThe Business Ethics Awards are an important reminder that doing right and doing well are not mutually exclusive in todayÂs business world.Â
Schloegel Design Remodel is one of Kansas City's oldest and most trusted remodeling contractors. SDR specializes in older home renovation and suburban remodeling of kitchens baths and entire homes. SDR was founded in 1980 by Jake Schloegel. For more information, visit http://www.remodelagain.com.


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Cahoot recalls debit cards
Blames it all on Visa
Abbey National's Internet bank, Cahoot, has had to recall all its customers' Visa cards after they failed to work in supermarkets and shops.
All current cards will be cancelled at the end of this month and new ones will be issued. According to a Cahoot spokesman - no stranger to enormous cock-ups - the company knew about this problem at launch and sent emails to those that were "potentially affected". It hasn't had any complaints, apparently. Oh, and the problem lies with Visa, but poor ole Cahoot bravely accepts that it has to sort it out.
Bunkem. Another Internet bank, another bleedin' cock-up. Why don't we all just give up on the online banking idea now and go back to visiting the local branch? Cahoot should know better - when it launched its servers crashed horribly and it was left with Egg on its face - oh no, hang on, that's another Internet bank that has completely failed to produce even a good level of service... ®


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OnePlus is likely to bring a bunch of Nord products in 2023, and probably most of them will take place in mid-year. In the current scenario, we are hearing the launch rings of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, which is likely to make its debut on the consumer platform in July this year.
As per the latest inputs revealing, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 hearsay to step on the global stage with the Nord 3 handsets and launch in July 2023. While the company has not made any confirmation on this matter, there are some chances for this speculation to become a reality.
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Why So? A reason behind this assumption is- OnePlus still has several Nord products in its bag to unveil on the user ground. After the flagship Cloud 11 event, the company came into rumors of conducting one more conference for cost-effective devices. (Read More HERE)
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On the flip side, the tech maker also said that they will make a huge comeback in 2023! Thus, we could find a new product summer launch event in June or July this year, with the OnePlus Nord 3, Nord CE 3, and the Lite version.
In addition to the launch tweaks, we also got our hands on the fresh specs details of OnePlus Nord CE 3 devices. Accordingly, these key points are slightly different from the earlier ones. The external source points out that the OnePlus has some changes in its plan and will bring better-equipped internals for Nord CE 3. Although the earlier leaked specs were for the Lite variant.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 may sport a 6.72-inch AMOLED screen with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Further, it will install an octa-core Snapdragon 782G processor to speed up the performance of the device, and a 5000mAh battery with 80W charging support.
Besides, the company will add a triple-camera setup at the back end of the device including a 50MP (IMX890) primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. Meanwhile, the selfie lens will be 16MP.
Other additional elements will comprise an in-display fingerprint sensor, 8GB/12GB RAM, and 128GB/256GB of internal storage.


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The Canadian government has released a report that says that airships could be the most efficient way to bring needed goods to remote areas of northern Canada. Plus, the airships can be used for reacting to natural disasters because the airships can carry a lot of tonnage but don’t require complicated infrastructure.
One company, Solar . . . → Read More: Things Are Good: Airships Might Help Connect Northern Canada