text:
China has emerged as a frontrunner in setting regulations to govern generative AI. Its new rules spell quite a challenge for companies to navigate and comply with.
In other news, it’s picket fences all around. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating OpenAI. Hollywood actors and writers are striking over (among other issues) AI’s impact. Civil rights groups are unhappy with the EU’s proposed AI Act. Google is being sued over data scraping. Amazon challenges the European Commission after being designated a very large platform. You get the point. Must be the heatwave.
Let’s get started.
Stephanie and the Digital Watch team
// HIGHLIGHT //
China unveils new rules for governing generative AI
When it comes to regulating generative AI – the cutting-edge offspring of AI that can produce text, images, music, and video of human-like quality – the world can be roughly divided into three groups.
There are those with little or no interest in regulating the sector (or at least, not yet). Then there is the group in which legislators are actively discussing new regulations (the EU is the most advanced; the USA and Canada fall somewhere in this group too). And finally, there are those who have enacted new rules – rules which are now part of the laws of the land, therefore legally binding and enforceable. One country belongs to the last group: China.
So what do the rules say?
China’s Provisional Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services (translated by OpenAI from the original text), which will go into effect on 15 August, are a more relaxed version of China’s draft rules. April’s release was followed by a public consultation. Here are the main highlights:
1. Services are under scrutiny, research is not. The rules apply to services that offer generated content. Research and educational institutions, which previously fell under this scope, are now excluded from these rules as long as they don’t offer generative AI services. We won’t attempt to define services (the rules do not); the exclusion of ‘research and development institutions, enterprises, educational and research institutions, public cultural institutions, and relevant professional organisations’ might be problematically broad.
2. Core social values. Content that is contrary to China’s core socialist values will be prohibited. The rules do propose examples of banned content, such as violence and obscenity, but the implementation of this rule will be subject to the authorities’ interpretation.
3. Non-discrimination. The rules prohibit any type of discrimination, which is a good principle on paper, but will prove extremely difficult for companies to comply with. Let’s say an algorithm manages to be completely objective: Where does that leave human bias, which is usually built into the algorithms themselves?
4. Intellectual property and competition. Utmost respect for intellectual property rights and business secrets are also great principles, albeit the rules are somewhat evasive on what’s allowed and what’s prohibited. (And whose secrets are we talking about?)
5. Pre-trained data. Data for training generative AI shouldn’t infringe on privacy and intellectual property rights. Given that these are among the major concerns that generative AI has raised around the world, this rule will mean that companies will need to adopt a much more cautious approach.
6. Labelling content. The requirement for service providers to clearly specify that content is produced by AI is already on tech companies and policymakers’ wishlist. Implementing this will require a technical solution and, probably, some regulatory fine-tuning down the line.
7. Assessments. Generative AI services that have the potential to influence public opinion will need to undergo a security assessment in line with existing rules. The question is whether Chinese authorities will interpret this in a narrow or broad way.
8. Do no harm. The requirement to safeguard users’ physical safety is noteworthy. The protection of users’ mental health is a tad more complicated (how does one prove that a service can harm someone’s mental well-being?). And yet, China has a long history of enacting laws that protect vulnerable groups of users from online harm.
Who will these laws really affect?
If we look at the top tech companies leading AI developments, we can see that very few are Chinese. The fact that China has moved ahead so swiftly could therefore mean one of two things (or both).
With its new laws, China can shape generative AI according to a rulebook it has developed for its own benefit and that of its people. The Chinese market is too large to ignore: If US companies want a piece of the pie, they have to follow the host’s rules.
Or China might want to preempt situations in which its homegrown tech companies set the rules of the game in ways that the government would then have to redefine. This makes China’s position uncannily similar to the EU’s: Both face the expanding influence exerted by American companies; both are vying to shape the regulatory landscape before it’s too late.
Digital policy roundup (10–17 July)
// AI GOVERNANCE //
Researchers from Google DeepMind and universities propose AI governance models
An Intergovernmental Commission on Frontier AI, which would build international consensus on the opportunities and risks of advanced AI, and how to manage them
A Multistakeholder Advanced AI Governance Organisation, which would help set norms and standards, and would assist in their implementation and compliance.
A Frontier AI Collaborative, which would promote access to advanced AI as an international public-private partnership.
A Multilateral Technology Assessment Mechanism, which would provide independent, expert assessments of the risks and benefits of emerging technologies.
Why is it relevant? First, it addresses concerns about advanced AI, which industry leaders have been cautioning about. Second, it aligns with the growing worldwide call for an international body to deal with AI, further fuelling the momentum behind this development. Last, the models draw inspiration from established organisations that transcend the digital policy sphere, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These entities have previously been identified as role models to emulate.
US FTC launches investigation into ChatGPT
The US FTC is investigating OpenAI’s ChatGPT to determine if the AI language model violates consumer protection laws and puts personal reputations and data at risk, the Washington Post has revealed. The FTC has not made its investigation public.
The focus is whether ChatGPT produces false, misleading, disparaging, or harmful statements about individuals, and whether the technology may compromise data security.
Why is it relevant? It adds to the number of investigations which OpenAI is facing around the world. The FTC has the authority not only to impose fines, but to temporarily suspend ChatGPT (which reminds us of how Italy’s investigation, the first ever against ChatGPT, unfolded).
Civil rights groups urge EU lawmakers to make AI accountable
Leading civil rights groups are urging the EU to prioritise accountability and transparency in the development of the proposed AI Act.
A letter addressed to the European Parliament, the EU Council, and the European Commission (currently negotiating the final text of the AI Act), calls for specific measures, including a full ban on real-time biometric identification in publicly accessible spaces and the prohibition of predictive profiling systems. An additional request urges policymakers to resist lobbying pressures from major tech companies.
Hollywood actors and writers unite in historic strike for better terms and AI protections
In a historic strike, screenwriters joined actors in forming picket lines outside studios and filming locations worldwide. The reason? They are asking for better conditions but also for protection from AI’s existential threat to creative professions. ‘All actors and performers deserve contract language that protects them from having their identity and talent exploited without consent and pay’, the actors’ union president said.
So far, the unions have rejected the proposal made by the entity representing Hollywood’s studios and streaming companies. This entity – the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents companies including Amazon, Apple, Disney, Netflix, and Paramount – said the proposal ‘protects performers’ digital likenesses, including a requirement for performers’ consent for the creation and use of digital replicas or for digital alterations of a performance.’
Why is it relevant? AI is significantly impacting yet another industry, surprising those who did not anticipate such a broad influence on digital policy. AI has not only disrupted traditional sectors but continues to permeate unexpected areas, underscoring its still-developing transformative potential.
‘Google has been secretly stealing everything ever created and shared on the internet by hundreds of millions of Americans. Google has taken all our personal and professional information, our creative and copy-written works, our photographs, and even our emails – virtually the entirety of our digital footprint – and is using it to build commercial AI products like Bard’.
Why is it relevant? First, given the similarities of the lawsuits – although Google’s practices are said to go back for a more extended period – a victory for the plaintiffs in one suit will likely result in a win against all three companies. Second, given the tech industry’s sprint ‘to do the same – that is, to vacuum up as much data as they can find’ (according to the FTC, quoted in the filed complaint), this also serves as a cautionary tale for other companies setting up shop in the AI market. (Speaking of which: Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, was launched last week.)
// ANTITRUST //
US appeals court turns down FTC request to pause Microsoft-Activision deal
The FTC’s attempt to temporarily block Microsoft’s planned USD69 billion (EUR61.4 billion) acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the creator of Call of Duty, has been dismissed by a US appeals court.
Why is it relevant? First, the FTC’s unsuccessful appeal might prompt it to abandon the case altogether. Second, the US developments may have influenced the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority’s climbdown in its opposition, which has now extended its deadline for a final ruling until 29 August.
// DSA //
Amazon challenges VLOP label
Amazon is challenging the European Commission’s decision to designate it as a very large online platform under the Digital Services Act, which takes effect on 25 August.
In a petition filed with the general court in Luxembourg (and in public comments) the company is arguing that it functions primarily as a retailer rather than just an online marketplace. None of its fellow major retailers in the EU have been subjected to the stricter due diligence measures outlined in the DSA, placing it at a disadvantage compared to its competitors.
Why is it relevant? Amazon is actually the second company to challenge the European Commission, after Berlin-based retail competitor Zalando filed legal action a fortnight ago. In April, the European Commission identified 17 very large online platforms and two very large online search engines. We’re wondering who is going to challenge it next.
Was this newsletter forwarded to you, and you’d like to see more?
18 July: The UN Security Council will hold its first ever session on AI, chaired by the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. What we can expect: A call for international dialogue on its risks and opportunities for international peace and security, ahead of the UK hosting the first ever global summit on AI later this year.
24–28 July: The Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) will hold its fifth substantive session next week in New York. Bookmark our observatory for updates.
‘The risks of AI are real but manageable’ – Bill Gates
AI risks include job displacement, election manipulation, and uncertainty if/when it surpasses human intelligence. But Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, believes we can manage these by learning from history. Just as regulations were implemented for cars and computers, we can adapt laws to address AI challenges.
There’s an urgent need to act, says OECD The impact of AI on jobs has been limited so far, possibly due to the early stage of the AI revolution, according to the OECD’s employment outlook for 2023. However, over a quarter of jobs in OECD member countries rely on skills that could easily be automated.


text:
During the first few weeks of release, Battlefield 2042 has been torn apart by critics and players alike, with this newest title also managing to become the lowest-rated in the franchise. While developers have attempted to fix numerous issues with the first major patch implemented last week, the start of the title’s first season is also introducing new content in an attempt to lure back players and improve its abysmal reputation. Following the standard model of regular content updates in seasons that last a few weeks each, Season One details are still few and far between–but DICE has finally dropped a few hints about what to expect when the new content drops in early 2022.
In an interview with GameSpot, DICE has revealed that a new map, called Exposure, is coming in the new season. Commenting that it will “take map design to a whole new level,” this could mean that the new addition will be more infantry-focused–something that the community has been asking for since the title was released on November 19. As with subsequent seasons, one new Specialist will be added to the game, along with new vehicles and weapons. None of these have been detailed quite yet, so it’s a waiting game to find out whether this will be enough to appease the masses.
Battlefield 2042 will see its first limited-time event later this month, bringing 64-player variants of Conquest and Breakthrough to PC, PS5, and Xbox SEries X/S. This will be the first time that PC and current-gen players can enjoy these smaller maps with lower player counts, though this is the default for last-gen consoles.
The Battlefield franchise is going through some major shake-ups, with Respawn Entertainment co-founder Vince Zampella taking the helm. Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto is also working on expanding the narrative, storytelling, and further character development.
Battlefield 2042 was released on November 19, 2021, on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The title has not been well-received, with a flood of negative user reviews uploaded on the day of its release and further decreasing sales.

domain: news


text:
by Stephen Schenck | January 21, 2015 12:37 PM
Microsoft's just getting things started with its Windows 10 event today, and while the company has lots of interesting announcements coming up (already teasing what sound like two new device types for a little later on), one of the early tidbits to emerge concerns an issue that's of key importance to anyone with an existing Windows device: what's the upgrade situation going to look like? We already knew that Windows Phone 8.1-running Lumias would be seeing the release of updates to Windows 10, but that's just a fraction of the device types that will make up the Windows 10 ecosystem: what ...
by Michael Fisher | August 23, 2012 6:11 PM
This was a big morning for Microsoft: it opened its first retail store in Boston (but not its first in New England), and it took the wraps off its first major logo revision in a quarter-century. That the company chose Beantown as the venue for such a high-profile announcement was doubtless no accident; Microsoft has been beefing up its presence in and around the city for the past few years, most notably in the form of its Microsoft Research branch in neighboring Cambridge, MA. Today's store announcement saw the company further shore up its relations with the greater Boston area, donating ...
Posts tagged with: windows 7


text:
Cargill Inc. will close its Memphis corn mill on President's Island, a facility that employs 440 employees.
Cargill, BASF and Novozymes are working on a bio-based source of acrylic acid for use in paints, plastics, fiber and superabsorbent diapers and hygiene products. Most acrylic acid is made from crude oil.
The team that includes researchers in Davis announced Monday achieving a milestone in producing acrylic acid from renewable materials.
Between the weather, unrest abroad and fluctuations in energy prices and the commodities markets, it’s been a year of extremes for the three agribusiness giants that are Minnesota’s largest privately held companies.
David Black, who was Monsanto's vice president of information technology, starts at CHS Oct. 6.
Eagle Ridge Partners has purchased a 354,000-square-foot office/industrial flex building leased to St. Jude Medical, Cargill and other tenants.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. announced Tuesday that it will sell its global chocolate business to Cargill Inc., a $440 million deal.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. announced Tuesday that it will sell its global chocolate business to Cargill Inc., a $440 million deal that includes the Ambrosia chocolate plant in Milwaukee.
The deal will add three new brands to Cargill's chocolate portfolio and six plants in North America and Europe.
More women are moving into corporate CEO roles, but some still opt to start their own businesses to become leaders. Either way, Wichita women have more opportunities than ever to run businesses.
A four-acre estate just northwest of Lake Minnetonka has been listed publicly for the first time in 20 years.
Gabe Juhnke and Rik Dubiel have been doing video production work under the Method Productions name for about eight years. Still, their move to Old Town this month represents something of a coming out.
Mark Isaacson joined Mosaic as chief phosphates counsel when it was spun off of privately held Cargill.
The West Canal Street land in Milwaukee that Lakefront Brewery Inc. was eyeing is back on the market with a $1.35 million asking price.
In addition to the 600 employees it cut at its Milwaukee slaughterhouse, Cargill Inc. will also begin cutting 169 jobs in Minnesota as it outsources its information technology services to an India-based firm, according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.


text:
JFX to Open World`s First Market for Tea Futures Contracts
13 October 2015 17:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-The Jakarta Futures Exchange (JFX) is planning to open a market for tea futures contracts in mid November this year. "The JFX will be the world's first futures exchange that trade futures contracts for tea," president director Paulus Lumintang said on Tuesday, October 13.
According to Paulus, the exchange has completed 99 percent of the necessary licenses to trade the commodity. What's left to do now is wait for an approval from the Indonesian Futures Commodity Trading Supervision Agency (BAPPEBTI).
"Everything is completed; the infrastructure and the industry actors are also ready," Paulus said.
Paulus said tea was selected under the basis that Indonesia has a different type of tea compared to other countries'. "Historically, our tea is number seven in the world; it has a different character," he said.
The tea market will be divided into two specifications: black tea and green tea. Paulus is targeting for the commodity market to reach Europe.
"We will have plenty of contacts with exporters to help distribute the market overseas," he said.
The members of this futures market, he said, will be under the auspice of the Indonesian Trade Association (API). So far, there are already ten members.
According to plan, the tea futures contract market will open in mid November. "We were aiming for the end of October, but, circumstances forced us to push the schedule back two weeks," he said.
MAYA AYU PUSPITASARI


text:
Royal Mail to increase first class stamp by 5p in April
Royal Mail announced on Friday that it will increase the price of a first class stamp by 5p to 46p next April.
A second class stamp will also rise by 4p, taking its cost to 36p, the company said.
The hikes mean that the cost of posting a large letter will increase by 9p to 75 for first class mail and by 7p to 58p for second class.
Cost: Royal Mail loses 6.4p on average on every stamped item it handles.
The move will add around 7p to the average household’s weekly spend of about 60p on postage.
Announcing the rises, Royal Mail said stamp prices for letters weighing up to 100g would still be among the cheapest in Europe.
The postal group said that in the last year it lost an average of 6.4p on every stamped item it delivered.
‘We have thought carefully about these increases as we are conscious of the difficult economic circumstances our customers are facing. No-one likes to pay more and we regret having had to take these tough decisions on pricing,’ said chief executive Moya Greene.
She added: ‘After these increases, we will continue providing
value-for-money as our prices will still be among the lowest in
The price of sending a standard parcel up to 2kg in weight will not change but will increase by 8 per cent for heavier items.
Most watched Money videos
- Range Rover races through the 99-turns of the Tianmen Road
- Should you buy a petrol or diesel car: Here's how to decide
- New Jaguar I-Pace takes on Tesla in race against the clock
- Tips to invest your Isa - and why it is worth doing
- Take a look at the brand new Jaguar I-Pace prototype
- Jaguar I-Pace prototype smart cones driving test in Geneva
- Big Money Questions: What is diversifying?
- Where are the best places to invest in 2018?
- Can emerging markets continue to climb? We ask a top manager
- Jack Whitehall stars in Jaguar I-PACE promotional video
- Big Money Questions: Does tax have to be so complicated?
- Why has the FTSE hit record highs and can they continue?


text:
Published: 12 January 2009
The revived, iconic Norton motorcycles has moved into its brand new premises at Donington Park – and MCN was there.
Brought back to UK by Midlands businessman Stuart Garner, Norton has plans for both an all-new range of Commando roadsters plus a line-up of rotary NRV racers – one of which will race in the 2009 TT in the hands of Michael Dunlop.
Read the latest on their plans in the new issue of MCN, out Wednesday 14 January.
Share and comment on this article ...


text:
India’s monsoon season is not just a meteorological phenomenon; it’s an economic event with far-reaching implications, particularly for the country’s gold market. While the connection between weather and gold prices may seem surprising at first, it’s a critical factor in understanding the dynamics of gold demand and its impact on the global market. In this blog post, we will delve into how India’s monsoon season affects gold prices and why it matters to investors and enthusiasts alike.
The Importance of India in theMarket
India is a powerhouse in the world of gold consumption, second only to China. What makes India unique in this context is that approximately 60% of the country’s gold demand comes from rural areas. Gold holds a special place in Indian culture and traditions, often seen as a symbol of prosperity and financial security. For many Indians, it’s not just a luxury item; it’s a form of savings.
The Monsoon Season and Agricultural Prosperity
The monsoon season in India typically runs from June to September, and it plays a pivotal role in the country’s agriculture. Approximately 70% of India’s annual rainfall, crucial for crops, reservoirs, and aquifers, is delivered during this season. A bountiful harvest resulting from a good monsoon season can have a direct impact on gold demand.
As Joe Cavatoni, a market strategist, points out, a good monsoon season can lead to strong economic outcomes for rural areas. Farmers, having reaped the rewards of a successful harvest, often use their surplus income to invest in gold. This historical trend of increased gold purchases in the late third to fourth quarter has a noticeable impact on global gold prices.
The Festival Season and Gold Buying
The end of the monsoon season also marks the beginning of the auspicious festival season in India. This period sees a surge in gold buying, not only for jewelry but also for coins and other forms of investment. These festivals, rooted in religion and culture, drive immediate physical demand for gold, a unique dynamic compared to other countries.
In addition to festivals, India’s peak wedding season from October to December further boosts gold demand. Weddings are grand affairs in India, and gold is an essential part of the bridal attire. Therefore, gold buying during this season is another significant driver of demand.
Jewelry Consumption as an
Jewelry consumption is the largest source of Indian gold demand, with substantial purchases recorded in the first half of 2023. Will Rhind, CEO of GraniteShares, highlights that gold jewelry in India isn’t merely a fashion statement; it’s a means of wealth preservation. Many rural Indians lack access to traditional banking systems, so they turn to gold as a secure way to store their wealth.
Challenges to Gold Demand
Despite the positive impact of a good monsoon season, there are challenges that can dampen gold demand in India. One of these challenges is high gold prices denominated in rupees. When gold prices reach all-time highs, it becomes more challenging for consumers to maintain their previous buying pace. Consequently, consumer purchases may decrease or become more selective.
The World Gold Council’s second-quarter report shows that Indian gold jewelry consumption fell by 8% during the quarter due to record-high gold prices. However, a robust economic backdrop has supported demand, albeit at a lower level. Additionally, the Indian government’s decision to ban 2,000-rupee notes during the second quarter provided a short-term boost to gold demand.
The Role of Monetary Policy and Inflation
The Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy also plays a significant role in influencing gold demand. Like central banks in Western countries, the RBI has raised interest rates to combat inflation. Inflation has a direct impact on consumer spending, including gold purchases. Therefore, Indian consumers are closely watching the RBI’s stance on interest rates, as any rate cuts could stimulate gold demand.
Furthermore, global monetary policy, especially that of the United States Federal Reserve, can affect investor interest in gold. Changes in interest rates and the overall direction of central banks can influence the price of gold, ultimately impacting consumption in India.
India’s monsoon season is far more than just a meteorological event—it’s a catalyst for change in the country’s gold market. A good monsoon season leads to prosperous agricultural yields, which, in turn, drives up gold demand. Combined with the festival season and wedding season, this period is a crucial driver of gold consumption in India.
However, challenges such as high gold prices and inflation can impact the level of demand. As investors and enthusiasts watch these dynamics unfold, they must consider not only the weather but also global economic factors and monetary policies that can influence India’s gold market and, subsequently, gold prices worldwide.
Author：Com21.com，This article is an original creation by Com21.com. If you wish to repost or share, please include an attribution to the source and provide a link to the original article.Post Link：https://www.com21.com/monsoon-magic-analyzing-the-impact-of-indias-rainy-season-on-gold-prices.html


text:
Kroger and Microsoft Create Futuristic Grocery Store: Kroger and Microsoft join forces to bring the ease of online shopping to grocery stores. Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, remodeled two stores to test the new features, including “digital shelves” that can display ads and change prices on the fly, plus a network of sensors that track products and help customers. Kroger could eventually roll out the cloud-based system it developed with Microsoft in its 2,780 locations.
The alliance is the latest example of how large American retailers implement technology to modernize the often tedious ritual of buying food and keeping up with Amazon, which is hell-bent on taking a bigger share of the $ 860 billion food retail market. from the country. For Microsoft, the deal helps bolster its cloud business, which lags behind Amazon but has found customers like Kroger and Walmart who are reluctant to line Jeff Bezos’ pockets. Kroger also hopes to sell the technology to other retailers, possibly opening up a new revenue stream with higher profit margins than selling groceries.
“Together we can create something that separately we couldn’t,” Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen said in a joint interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
In the test store, 10 minutes from Microsoft’s headquarters, a little more than half of the shelves were converted to digital displays that light up with a custom icon when customers reach for an item they put on the wish list. Kroger in-app purchases. Black and white devices in the shape of an ellipse that looks like a cross between a camera and a smoke detector were mounted on the ceilings to calculate data and monitor in case a product runs out. Temperature sensors were installed in a meat gondola that automatically tells workers if it gets too hot, helping prevent the roughly $ 10,000 worth of meat inside from being ruined.
Must Read: Greatpeople.me
Microsoft’s artificial intelligence software can predict shopper age and gender, data that will allow firms like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Kraft Heinz to tailor ads to particular customer segments. Kroger also plans, with the user’s permission, to more specifically target products and advertisements to their preferences.
Kroger isn’t the first major retailer to entrust valuable data and tasks to Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. Macy’s, Walmart, and the European company Ahold Delhaize also used the platform. Check Krogerfeedback.pro for more Kroger updated news.


text:
Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider reboot set to release early next year will include a multiplayer mode, Official Xbox Magazine confirmed today in a tweet.
The publication's February 2013 issue, which hits stands on Jan. 8 and will be available to subscribers tomorrow, will feature hands-on impressions and new details on the multiplayer modes.
Yesterday All Games Beta pointed out that UK retailer GAME had listed Tomb Raider with multiplayer as a feature, citing specific details on the characters players can participate as.
"Survive as a Team: Play a variety of multiplayer modes as Lara's Shipmates or Yamatai's Scavengers," reportedly read the text.
- Sony agrees to $15M settlement in 2011 data breach class action
- Dwarf Fortress will crush your CPU because creating history is hard
- No skin thick enough: The daily harassment of women in the game industry
- Launching Civilization: Beyond Earth
- Indigenous groups seek games company to tell endangered stories


text:
By Jeremiah Owyang, with co-contributor Ryan Brinks
Drones come in many shapes and sizes, and are coming to a front door near you. Retail, logistics, and the way we shop and consume will never be the same.
We call this trend the “Autonomous World” when robots are able to augment, supplant and replace human workers at greater efficiency. It’s happening in all walks of life, industries and sectors, but the one area that will be most impacted will be the retail and logistics space. Earlier this month, I was a keynote at Etail, where over a thousand retailers were present to learn about how on-demand workers and autonomous drones will impact their business models.
Ford is electrifying its most popular vehicles to make them even more capable, productive and fun to drive.
Happy New Year!
As we kick off 2017, at Ford, we’re also looking further into the future. The era of more affordable electrified vehicles is dawning, and we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make people’s lives better by changing the way the world moves.
Could Uber be figuring out that sometimes it’s actually better to seek permission first rather than forgiveness later? Don’t bet on it. But if that is the case, the news that the company has backed out of its controversy-ridden, permit-free deployment of self-driving cars in San Francisco would mark the start of Uber’s humility learning curve (The Guardian).
Uber maintained that it needed no permits since the tech it was testing in 16 vehicles wasn’t truly autonomous: A human driver was always present, and the system was more like the kind of autopilot Tesla already offers in its cars. The company stuck to its “We don’t need no stinking permits” stance even after videos surfaced of the vehicles running red lights and bicyclists complained about a bike-lane blind spot that Uber acknowledged. So the DMV revoked the test vehicles’ registrations.
Comma.ai is a startup that set out to build autonomous driving tech for hackers and hobbyists. In October, when regulators sent stern warnings to founder George Hotz — known for his exploits cracking iPhones and PlayStations — he shut down the announced product. But now he’s reviving it as an open-source effort (The Verge).
Yesterday, the code for self-driving software called Open Pilot, along with plans for complementary hardware called Comma Neo, went up on Github. Like so many open source projects, this one doesn’t provide a finished product; it’s more a framework for makers to build on. Right now, Comma’s tech works only with selected models of Acura and Honda vehicles — and only at certain speeds. At the start, at least, it will take a special kind of open-source true believer to turn the wheel over to collaboratively developed software. But longer term, Hotz says he’s laying the foundation for a kind of Android for self-driving cars.
Trader Joe’s, the cut-price gourmet grocer, is known for paying and treating its workers better than a lot of other retailers. We always assumed that explained the good spirits the staff there usually displays. A New York Times story suggests that the smiles and friendly chatter are more of a job requirement — and at least one worker is complaining to the National Labor Relations Board that he was fired for being too negative.
Company enforcement of an upbeat vibe is nothing new, of course. Sociologist Arlie Hochschild long ago dubbed the practice “emotional labor,” and it takes a toll on employees, not only because it’s exhausting but also because it erodes workers’ sense of personal integrity.
It’s hard to tell how widespread the problem is at Trader Joe’s, or whether the issue the Times airs is simply a problem with a single poorly managed outlet. One salient point: Trader Joe’s started in sunny Southern California, but the labor problems it’s beginning to face are emerging in the scrappier Northeast.


text:
The consumer prices in Poland edged up 0.1 percent from a month earlier in December 2022, easing from a 0.7 percent gain in November and slightly below market estimates of a 0.2 percent rise. source: Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS)
Inflation Rate MoM in Poland averaged 1.61 percent from 1989 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 76.70 percent in January of 1990 and a record low of -0.90 percent in July of 1995. This page provides the latest reported value for - Poland Inflation Rate MoM - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Poland Inflation Rate MoM - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on January of 2023.
Inflation Rate MoM in Poland is expected to be 0.50 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Poland Inflation Rate MoM is projected to trend around 0.60 percent in 2024 and 0.40 percent in 2025, according to our econometric models.


text:
Thu, Mar 19th 2009 8:30am
The UK released its "Digital Britain" report a couple of months ago, and it was derided not just because it was very vague, but also because it caved to the interests of the recording industry. The extent to which that's the case is slightly staggering. The British government has now released some details on part of the plan that would create a "Digital Rights Agency" -- a government-backed industry body to tackle file-sharing. The government says that the group wouldn't have any enforcement power, but that it could be "backed up by legislation." That sounds an awful lot like giving the copyright cartel the ability to set the rules on what people can do online, which will certainly only benefit them, and not the public -- just in case you wondered whose "rights" a Digital Rights Agency would seek to protect. The justification for such an approach is pretty appalling. The report says that consumers' attitudes towards content has changed, and that they're not willing to accept limitations on how and where they access it. Smart businesses would see this as an opportunity to change their business model and create new products and services that fit consumers' changing attitudes. But instead, the likes of the recording industry go looking to government to get a legal stick with which to beat customers to fit their outmoded business models.
If you liked this post, you may also be interested in...
- UK Schools Experiment With Police-Style Body Cameras To Tackle 'Low-level Background Disorder'
- After Passing Worst Surveillance Law In A Democracy, UK Now Proposes Worst Anti-Whistleblowing Law
- First Look At UK Piracy Alert System: Mostly Benign, Except ISPs Are Requesting Filesharing Software Be Removed By Clients
- UK Police Spy On Journalists At Small Town Paper, Gather One Million Minutes Worth Of Call Data
- UK Train Operators Plan To Charge Passengers Using Their Biometrics


text:
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said today the BP oil blowout has not had an adverse affect on the quality of seafood sold at local restaurants and stores and that consumers should not shy away from eating it.
"If they're worried about their Gulf coast shrimp, they shouldn't be," Castor said today at Bama Sea Products, a seafood wholesaler in St. Petersburg. "They can rest assured that the seafood in the restaurants and the local fish markets is safe to eat."
Castor said there is a perception that seafood from the Gulf is not safe to eat because of the gargantuan oil spill, and that perception needs to be dispelled.
She said Gulf seafood is among the most tested and inspected in the world, while most of the seafood sold in the United States is imported and uninspected.
Bama Sea Products, 756 28th St. S., employs more than 100 people and features display cases full of tilapia, salmon, mahi-mahi and other fish.
Mike Stephens, son of business's owner, said that once the BP rig exploded in April off the coast of Louisiana, customers started stockpiling seafood, driving up prices. Shrimp, for instance, spiked from roughly $3.50 to $5.50 a pound, he said.
Prices are coming down, however. Although Bama Sea Products' business has remained on an even keel with no layoffs, Stephens said he has noticed a drop in demand, which brought about the drop in prices.
Florida seafood businesses have fared much better than those in other states closer to the spill, such as Louisiana, where consumers have avoided buying fish at events such as the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Still, there is the fear consumers in the Sunshine State might shy away from fish in droves, Stephens said. If they do, Castor said, that could have dire consequences for the economy, especially commercial fishermen who rely on stable prices for a profit.
Castor thinks BP should cough up $10 million to $25 million to pay for an advertising campaign urging people to eat Gulf seafood. That could come from the $20 billion escrow account set up to handle claims or money BP has been spending in advertisements to burnish its corporate image, she said.
BP has already provided the state $25 million to help tout its tourism industry.


text:
- More than 35 van drivers from delivery firm Hermes Group participated in virtual reality (VR) training allowing them to see road use from the perspective of bikers and other drivers, Ford of Europe announced Nov. 28.
- The "WheelSwap" training, developed by Ford and London-based firm Happy Finish, is part of Ford's "Share the Road" initiative. The initiative aims to promote road safety and prevent collisions between cyclists and drivers, which are a common problem in European cities, Ford said.
- Drivers took the training at one of Hermes' London depot locations. According to Ford, 88% of participants agreed the training would encourage them to change their behavior.
Talent development executives operating in industries that involve vehicle use may not be aware of how eager their employees are to use VR. Research commissioned earlier in 2019 by customer experience platform Genesys found 81% of drivers and transportation providers surveyed were interested in VR and augmented reality training.
Hermes and Ford aren't the first to create such a use case, however. Staffing firm Hamilton-Ryker developed mobile VR forklifts to train employees in a "simulated work setting" that removed the costs and risks of training on real machines.
Another benefit of VR safety training is that it can improve retention of information, according to research published in September by The Human Factors Research Group at the University of Nottingham. Researchers in the study said workers who went through multisensory VR training showed a greater sense of urgency and greater long-term retention of information than those whose training involved only audio and video components.
VR as a training tool has entered the mainstream of learning and development in recent years in part due to adoption by large employers like Walmart. The retailer pledged to introduce the technology to all of its U.S. stores after an initial test showed a 10 to 15% increase in training test scores. A report from The Wall Street Journal revealed that Walmart has even tied VR skill assessments to promotions to mid-level manager positions.


text:
Canada’s federal government is rejecting the Senate’s amendments to the pending marijuana law that industry sources said would make it harder for legal recreational marijuana to overtake the black market.
The Senate’s version of the Cannabis Act was approved with almost four dozen amendments. While the ruling Liberal government will accept the bulk of the changes, the most controversial ones are unlikely to make the final bill.
Amendments the Liberal government plans to reject include:
- Requiring parliamentary approval of new cannabis products (presumably including edibles and infused).
- Prohibiting “brand stretching” – the use of cannabis brand elements that are not on packaging or accessories.
- Making public the names of shareholders who hold more than 5% of any class of shares of a cannabis company.
- Giving regulators the authority to cap THC potency for certain products.
- Allowing provinces to ban home cultivation.
“From a business perspective, it’s great for the industry. Businesses wanted to see pushback on a number of things,” he said, predicting the law will be approved by the end of next week.
The House of Commons is expected to vote on the updated measure – with the controversial amendments removed – in the coming days. Then it heads back to the Senate, which will choose between acquiescing to the House’s changes or further debate.
Matt Lamers can be reached at email@example.com
To sign up for our weekly Canada marijuana business newsletter, click here.


text:
Get a detailed look at this upcoming colorway of the Jordan Future.
Jordan Brand is getting ready to drop a few new colorways of the Jordan Future. One of those is this ‘Wolf Grey’ pair. Set to drop at select Jordan Brand accounts overseas this weekend, expect to see them hit stateside later this summer. Stay tuned to Kicks Deals as we will post information regarding their US release when it becomes available.


text:
WHERE TO WATCH
LA Clippers Gamify the Viewing Experience with New AR Tech
October 18, 2018
The LA Clippers are launching a new augmented reality viewing experience. Alyssa Julya Smith was at the Staples Center with the CEO of Second Spectrum, the company behind the technology.
BREAKING: U.S. Supreme Court Rules President Trump Must Turn Over Tax Returns to NY
Jul 9, 2020
A Digital Beauty Counter in the Palm of Your Hands; Artificial Intelligence Meets Pool Safety
On this episode of 'Cheddar Innovates': A new report shows that the growing pile of electronic waste is growing, and hit a new record of 53 million tons last year alone; The latest app that lets users 'try-on' makeup from their phone; Coral Drowning Detection Systems CEO explains why artificial intelligence is making waves when it comes to pool safety systems; A look at CuriosityStream's all new four-part series, 'The Curious Mind.'
Nov 18, 2019
New AR App Lets Users Record, Edit, and Explore 3D Spaces
Ubiquity6 has taken a major step forward in the augmented reality industry. It's launching its first product, dubbed Display.land that will allow people to capture, edit and explore 3D worlds, all from their smartphone. Anjney Midha, co-founder and CEO of Ubiquity6, joined Cheddar to discuss.
Apr 23, 2018
The Power of "Unity"
Unity Technologies is a video game, VR, and AR development company that powers some of the world's most popular games. Jon Steinberg sat down with CEO of Unity Technologies John Riccitiello to discuss how the gaming development community has grown tremendously and the different fields, like scientific research, that Unity is expanding into.


text:
Japan’s Sega Sammy Creation Inc says it has installed its standalone electronic gaming machine “Baccarat Maximum Fortune” at MGM Cotai, the latest Macau property of MGM China Holdings Ltd, and which opened in February.
“We are excited to introduce to long-time fans of baccarat, a new style of baccarat, and to also bring in new fans” to the game, said Takahiko Jindo, Sega Sammy Creation vice president, in prepared remarks in a Tuesday press release. It did not mention how many units of the product were installed at the property
“We plan to expand this product in Macau and across Asia this year,” he added, referring to placements.
According to the release, players of the product can view the prior game results generated by the machine immediately, by pressing an “Action Button” during bet time, even if they have not yet personally placed any bets via the device.
Asian baccarat players – who often like to wait for what they perceive as a trend or pattern regarding baccarat game results before making a wager – can then bet via the product “at their desired timing”, noted the manufacturer.
After a bet is placed, and the virtual cards are dealt on the screen, a virtual, digital “card squeezing” function is also enabled, mimicking the action on a live-dealer baccarat table.
Sega Sammy Creation – which supplies equipment to regulated Asian markets including Macau and late last year announced it had been approved as an equipment supplier in the Nevada market in the United States – was established in June 2013, as part of Japan’s Sega Sammy Group. The parent’s interests include the manufacture of pachinko and pachislot machines for the Japan market, and the production of digital home entertainment products. The group also develops and operates theme parks and resorts.
Sep 19, 2018Nowadays, millennials, people who were born in the 1980s or...
Aug 16, 2018Food and drink have been heavily marketed as part of Macau...
Jun 27, 2018Macau’s gaming law needs to be amended in order to...
Nov 15, 2018Macau’s Chief Executive, Fernando Chui Sai On (pictured), delivered on Thursday the local government’s policy address for 2019, but the city’s leader provided no guidance regarding what...
"I am not going to speculate on what the [casino licence refreshment] tender requirements would be. I have full confidence and faith in the Macau government to treat everyone fairly"
Wilfred Wong Ying Wai
President and chief operating officer of Macau-based casino operator Sands China


text:
AI is revolutionizing the way we buy media and it is transforming the way we plan, sell, and purchase advertising . With the help of AI, marketers can now optimize their media buying strategies for maximum return on investment (ROI) and gain better insights into their target audience . In this article, we will explore how AI is impacting media buying strategies and the potential benefits it offers.
The Future of AI in Advertising and Media
Take a quick look around the tech ecosphere and you’ll find it packed with AdTech and MarTech start-ups all vying to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) – each one hoping to deliver increased advertising views, engagement and revenues on our interactions with the devices and platforms we use every day .
AI is transforming the way we buy media and it is driving the future of advertising and media . AI-powered tools can help marketers understand their target audience better and make more informed decisions when it comes to buying media . AI can also help marketers measure the impact of their campaigns and optimize their media buying strategies for maximum ROI .
Kaveh Cope-Lahooti, senior data protection consultant at Gemserv, points to fears over people’s individual privacy, and issues around political advertising on social media . While these are valid concerns, AI can also be used to protect user privacy and ensure that ads are not targeted at vulnerable people.
The Benefits of AI-Driven Media Buying Strategies
Many will argue AI can’t match a human’s storytelling and empathy – arguably right, but also possibly wrong . If you asked AI to write a screenplay or Netflix series it might struggle vs an experienced human screenwriter, but AI can still be used to enhance creativity .
Wayne Coburn, its director of product, analytics and AI, believes the tech can offer “the creation of brand-customer bonds” . Wilson explains: “While media buying has become heavily commoditised and automated, the last bastion standing is the creative process . With the ability to predict behaviours and accurately assess sentiment, AI gives marketers an opening to build empathy-first campaigns .”
Contextual advertising will allow brands to engage with consumers within their universe of interest, while protecting brand safety at the highest level .” White explains: “By the time everyone is aware of them, the competitive advantage to act on that information is lost .
How AI is Impacting Media Planning, Selling & Buying
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role in industries of all kinds, and, naturally, advertising is among them . AI is one of the largest tech advancements currently impacting media planning, selling, and buying, and is arguably the single most important innovation currently shaping the industry landscape .
For those working in the media buying, selling, and planning spaces, AI brings with it big potential and plenty of benefits . As such, AI plays a distinct role in different areas of the ad market, including media planning, selling, and buying .
Media planning can be a laborious task, but AI offers a lot of compelling opportunities . AI solutions can help marketers identify and target the right audiences, as well as automate the process of creating and deploying campaigns. AI solutions can also learn and adapt as conditions shift, making it much easier to optimize the media sales environment before closing deals .
While AI works in a few different ways, it’s the most prevalent in the programmatic space – and for good reason . Programmatic media buying is a form of automated media buying that uses AI to buy and target ads in real-time. Programmatic media buying is faster and more efficient than traditional media buying methods, and it allows marketers to reach their target audiences more precisely.
AI can accomplish a lot of objectives across many different functions within the advertising space, offering a potential wealth of advantages . AI can help marketers identify the best times to launch campaigns, optimize their budgets, and measure the success of their campaigns . The first significant use of AI came just seven years ago, in 2013, with an ability to organize content creation .
More Accurate Budgeting The bottom line matters to every business, including those working in the advertising market . AI can help marketers manage their budgets more effectively and accurately, allowing them to make the most of their investments. AI can also help marketers identify the best times to launch campaigns and optimize their budgets for maximum ROI .
Why Media Buying and Advertising is Ripe for Artificial Intelligence
There’s a reason transparency is such an important topic of discussion throughout the industry. AI can help marketers ensure transparency in the media buying process, as well as ensure that ads are not targeted at vulnerable people. AI can also help marketers understand their target audience better and make more informed decisions when it comes to buying media.
How AI Can Work
AI learns differently from the way humans do — if you apply it to the media buying process, it will learn from your past what media combinations will affect you and by how much . With so many new platforms available and decisions needed in today’s media-buying process, neither the advertiser nor the media agency knows where money is being spent . There are thousands of decisions and outcomes that a media agency needs to take into account when buying media .
Transparency Through Artificial Intelligence
Though years away from complete maturity, artificial intelligence has already infiltrated our lives . AI can create a new future for how media agencies buy media for their clients — but it only happens if marketers can wake up . By incorporating AI into the media planning stages, everything can be reported by the computer, keeping the process transparent and open .
As a direct response to the report, JPMorgan Chase sent shockwaves throughout the industry when it became the first big brand to hire a team of auditors to examine its media agency . The process of creating media plans hasn’t changed for decades, but the decisions that need to be made have seen astronomical growth . In order to bounce back from the scathing report and win back trust, media agencies will need to adopt new technologies like AI and old methods like transparency .
AI is revolutionizing the way we buy media and it is transforming the way we plan, sell, and purchase advertising . AI-powered tools can help marketers understand their target audience better and make more informed decisions when it comes to buying media . AI can also help marketers measure the impact of their campaigns and optimize their media buying strategies for maximum ROI .
AI is also helping marketers ensure transparency in the media buying process, as well as ensure that ads are not targeted at vulnerable people. AI can also help marketers identify the best times to launch campaigns, optimize their budgets, and measure the success of their campaigns.
The potential of AI to revolutionize media buying strategies is immense and marketers should take advantage of this technology to optimize their media buying strategies for maximum ROI . With AI, marketers can gain better insights into their target audience and make more informed decisions when it comes to buying media.


text:
"Tighten your safety belt" is the bottom line, David Bronner told the 9th Annual Alabama Commercial Real Estate Conference in Tuscaloosa January 30.
Bronner, the CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, isn't the first one to paraphrase Bette Davis in summing up the global economy, but he did detail some specific jolts to expect in the ongoing bumpy night.
Office markets this year could reach the depths of the early 1990s, with national vacancy rates as high as 19 percent, said Bronner. He described the Birmingham market as "on hold," compared to the "vast difference" of continued expansion in Montgomery and Mobile. In Mobile, the RSA recently bought out of bankruptcy court an old, 34-story downtown office building for $6.75 million. In Montgomery, RSA recently cut the ribbon on a new $190 million office building 80 percent occupied by the RSA. Currently 9.8 percent of RSA assets are invested in real estate, said Bronner, who directs most of that allocation.
Compared to the predictable crater in industrial growth nationally, Alabama will have supplier warehouse growth hived around "mother bee" plants such as ThyssenKrupp and the KIA and VW assembly plants.
Forget about retail until at least 2011 or 2012, said Bronner. A possible exception: the $135 million Grand River mixed-use development announced by Daniels Corp. in 2007 for a site near the Bass Pro Shops complex in Leeds.
Apartments will fare well in Alabama, which will benefit from new industries and a "big plus with foreign industry employees, because most do not qualify for mortgages."
As for hotels -- in which the RSA has invested substantially -- "We are probably in store for a shock," said Bronner, "but it should not be as bad as after 9/11/01."
One of his biggest concerns for the economy as a whole, said Bronner, is the level of the "most toxic" loans -- collateralized debt obligations. "I thought 45 days ago the loans were about $40 trillion to $45 trillion. I was wrong. They are in excess of $55 trillion," said Bronner. The silver lining: That CDO poison is largely in the residential market, with "little securitized debt" in commercial real estate.


text:
The board of Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT III Inc., a publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trust co-sponsored by Phillips Edison & Company and Griffin Capital Company, has suspended the company’s public offering on June 14th pending a review of strategic alternatives.
The board claims that the suspension is in the best interests of the company and its stockholders in order to evaluate potential strategic alternatives and, if appropriate, recommence the public offering.
The REIT has also suspended its distribution reinvestment plan and share repurchase program, and all future distributions will be received in cash.
Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT III invested primarily in grocery-anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers leased to a mix of national and regional retailers selling necessity-based goods and services in what it deems as strong demographic markets throughout the United States.
The REIT’s registration statement for its initial public offering was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2018. Griffin Capital Securities LLC serves as the dealer manager for the offering.
As of the first quarter of 2019, the company’s portfolio consisted of three properties. In November 2018, the company formed a joint venture with Northwestern Mutual and contributed its ownership interests in three grocery-anchored shopping centers in exchange for $41.3 million in cash and a 10 percent ownership interest in the Joint Venture. Northwestern Mutual made an initial capital contribution of $42.6 million in cash in exchange for a 90 percent ownership interest in the joint venture.
During the private placement offering that launched in October 2016, the REIT raised $57.7 million, while the public offering raised approximately $2.5 million, as of the first quarter 2019.


text:
With 1 in 30 of the old £1 coins estimated to be counterfeit, operators hoped that the new £1 would bring more security to the industry’s ‘golden coin’. For a moment this looked in doubt, but the Royal Mint quickly reassured the potential counterfeit was merely a misprint.
The reportedly forged example of a new £1 coin is in fact the result of a production glitch, the Royal Mint has admitted, after studying images of the coin.
Last week a charity worker claimed he had found a fake version of the new £1 coin, described by the issuing authority as “the most secure” in the world.
Roy Wright believed his partner was given the counterfeit coin in change when shopping at a Co-op store in Surrey after he identified little differences with the original one.
“The coin is completely different and is more rounded around the edge,” Wright told the Sun. “There is clearly space between the engraving lines, it’s a different size, the Queen’s head is to the left, and there is no detail of the head of the thistle – it’s just a blob. The stem of the coin has got no detail on it, there are a lot of things wrong with it.”
Wright added that the coin was heavier and had no hologram, distinguishing itself from the Royal Mint’s official design.
The implications of a widespread forgery of the new £1 would spell trouble for an industry that endearingly labels it as the ‘golden coin’, however the issuing authority responded to the claim, saying it hasn’t had further reports of fake 12- sided coins, but that the small variances are likely the result of a manufacturing glitch.
“We are not aware of any counterfeits entering circulation but welcome the public’s caution,” the Royal Mint commented. “The organisation produces around five billion coins each year, and will be striking 1.5bn new £1 coins in total. As you would expect, we have tight quality controls in place, however variances will always occur in a small number of coins, particularly in the striking process, due to the high volumes and speed of production.”
Numismatist Dominic Chorney of coin dealer A.H. Baldwin & Sons agreed with the Mint’s assessment of a ‘mis-strike’, telling The Telegraph the clue lay in the fact that multiple elements of the coin are out of alignment. “The coin appears to be a ‘mis-strike’, meaning it is a genuine coin which has become misaligned during the striking process,” he said.
Previous printing errors have led to coins becoming sought-after, fetching prices far above their face value, which has also been the case for more than 200,000 trial coins issued to amusements manufacturers and other businesses in preparation for the official release.
Despite the Royal Mint making clear that these coins don’t have legal tender status, and have no redeemable value, collectors are now eager to get their hands on them.
There are also penalties on businesses for losing possession of their trial coins, which may be part of the reason why bidding for the trial coins on eBay is starting at between £150 and £250, with some selling for up to £6,000.


text:
Kendrick Lamar is celebrating 10 years of good kid, m.A.A.d city a special 10th anniversary edition.
The upcoming release will feature a new cover art that sees the minivan in the original cover now set against a pure black background, however the specifics of the tracklist — including any previously unreleased or brand new tracks — were not revealed. The record will also be released as a double LP pressed on black vinyl with the alternate album art.
good kid, m.A.A.d city served as K-Dot's sophomore studio album and featured guest appearances and production from Drake, Dr. Dre, JAY-Z, Jay Rock, Anna Wise, MC Eiht, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, Hit-Boy, Scoop DeVille, Jack Splash and more. The concept album went on to peak and debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and gave the rapper his first few GRAMMY nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album in 2014.
Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city 10th anniversary edition is available for pre-order now on on the Interscope webstore and is scheduled to release October 21.
In case you missed it, check out Lamar's SNL medley performance.
Ads Links by Easy Branches
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services Domain Authority 66 www.easybranches.com/contribute


text:
ProgrammableWeb tracks the latest API news to keep you on top of the API economy
Searching: No Search Term , Filtered By Category: "Plugins", Category: "Analytics", Category: "Advertising"
Gartner predicts the IoT is the most hyped technology currently in development, and we’re still far away from widespread adoption.
Affectiva launches API to read emotional reactions to advertising. Particle Clicker game wins CERN hackathon, aims to turn people on to physics.
Splunk Cloud promises developers that access to its big data analytics service running on the Amazon Web Services cloud will always be available.
Ad tech company AudienceScience has launched an API that will help the advertisers using its demand-side platform more easily access ad inventory that can be purchased programmatically.


text:
Feb 26, 2018
Market share and profit growths in a tough environment point to the Group’s exceptional, industry-leading performance.
- Diluted headline earnings up 14.2% to 525.2 cents a share
- Trading profit up 5% to R4.104 billion
- Turnover up 6.3% to R75.823 billion
- A 13.9% higher dividend of 205 cents a share
The Shoprite Group produced an industry-leading performance in the 26 weeks to 31 December 2017 with growth in turnover, profit and market share.
- Pieter Engelbrecht, Chief Executive
This helped offset a 0.4% decline in turnover of Non-RSA supermarket operations, measured against an exceptional prior year increase of 32.3%.
The Group’s 1 451 South African outlets, which generated 81% of supermarket sales, continued to lead the industry with their superior supply-line infrastructure, on-shelf availability and customer-centric focus.
Checkers’ sharpened focus on high income group customers contributed to the Group’s overall 0.44 percentage point increase in market share, which proves its resilience in less favourable periods.
The flagship Shoprite chain, with its focus on middle and lower-income consumers, remained fully exposed to the effects of a strained economy, and sales increased by a creditable 6.2% under the circumstances.
Usave performed exceptionally well, as did the Furniture and Franchise divisions.
Non-RSA supermarkets, spread across 14 countries, had a challenging six months.
Supermarket sales in Angola were down 9.5% in local currency (against prior year growth of 155.4%), reflecting last year’s exceptional performance, a drop in internal inflation of 17.3 percentage points across the Non-RSA operations and a more competitive landscape.
Nigeria’s turnover growth in local currency was 9.3%, hampered by import restrictions and forex shortages in the country. Zambian operations, however, are starting to show positive growth, with sales up 4.5% in local currency.
Expansion in Africa continues with a planned entry into Kenya before the end of 2018, where weakened competitor positions have opened a window of opportunity, to strengthen the Group’s presence in East Africa.
Engelbrecht pointed out that while in the prior year, Non-RSA operations did much better than the South African operations, “this year reflects an inversion of the trend and validates the strength of our strategy which includes geographical diversification and the extraction of value across all operations and brands.”
The Group opened a net 158 new stores in the past 12 months and at end-December was trading from 2 811 outlets, employing more than 148 000 people after adding 4 254 jobs in the reporting period.
Renewed consumer confidence, political developments and the strong rand point to the potential for improvements in sales and profitability.
Sales in the Non-RSA business will remain under pressure in the coming months, as currency weakness, low commodity prices and forex shortages continue to hamper economic growth in most territories. The Group is committed to each and every territory in which it operates, and continues to look for growth opportunities across the continent.


text:
By Megan Singh
January 30, 2015 | By Megan Singh |
A look at the road to success for an entrepreneur who puts the “cool” in travel insurance.
The New York Times
May 26, 2016
April 29, 2016
Los Angeles Times
March 22, 2016
March 15, 2016
Chris Harvey, CEO and Co-Founder of squaremouth.com, has created a business culture that has resulted in his company being awarded as Tampa Bay's 2013 Best Place to Work.
© Copyright 2017 | Chris Harvey


text:
A new Overwatch 2 Lego set has been delayed as the Lego Group reviews its business relationship with gaming publisher Activision Blizzard.
A spokesman for The Lego Group told Burke Phanetics that it was “concerned” about the progress made by Activision Blizzard in improving its workplace culture in the wake of reports of abuse and other conflicts within the organization. ” Is.
It said: “We are currently reviewing our partnership with Activation Blizzard to address the ongoing allegations regarding the workplace culture, especially the treatment of female colleagues and the creation of a diverse and inclusive environment. In view of the concerns about the progress being made for. “
As the Lego Group is reviewing, it has chosen to delay the launch of its new Lego Overwatch 2 set. Earlier, it was scheduled to go on sale on February 1.
GameSpot has contacted Activision Blizzard in an attempt to get more details.
The Lego Group appears to be one of the first large companies to discuss details of its working relationship with Activision Blizzard and to make product changes in response to its many controversies. For its part, Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently said that the company has changed “how we do certain things” with the company, although the executive declined to give details.
As far as Overwatch 2 is concerned, Activision Blizzard recently announced that it, along with Diablo IV, will be delayed, leading to a sharp drop in the company’s share price. Activision Blizzard also recently acknowledged that it is seeing “increased market competition for our skills and high-end volunteer business” in the context of lawsuits and investigations against the company over sexual harassment and discrimination against women. Furthermore, CEO Bobby Kotick said that Activision Blizzard “will continue to face challenging and negative media attention.”
For more, see Activision Blizzard and the full timeline of the California lawsuit.
Gamespot can earn commissions from retail offers.


text:
When it brings in the bucks for an otherwise dumb movie that probably would've floundered at the box office.
Making the most of its limited theatrical release – and the flag waving, see this movie if you love America sentiments – Seth Rogen’s The Interview earned $15 million from online sales, while bringing in another $2 million at independent cinemas showing the movie since Christmas.
According to Sony Pictures, the comedy was "rented or purchased online more than 2 million times" during the first four days of its release.
The Interview has been the center of controversy ever since the cyberattack on Sony studios last month. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, The Interview seems to be benefiting from all the fuss that has been created around its somewhat pseudo political subject matter.
The comedy revolves around two journalists, James Franco and Seth Rogen, who score an interview with Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, before being recruited by the CIA to assassinate him.
Recommended: Kim Jong Un Wants To Go To War Over A Movie
The movie's planned Christmas Day release, rumored to have been the reason behind the Sony cyberattack, was subsequently canceled after the hackers issued terror attacks threats.
However, the massive public outcry that followed brought a lot of attention to the movie from all over the world – something it might not have been able to achieve had the hackers not intervened. As a result, the demand for the movie shot up incredibly, leading some independent chains to show it and a massive online groundswell of renting, buying and streaming the flick.
The result: Somehow, all that good/bad publicity paid off and The Interview became Sony’s most successful online release ever.
"Through Saturday, Dec. 27, including all of its online distribution platforms, The Interview has been rented or purchased online more than 2 million times," read a statement from Sony Pictures. "Total consumer spending through Saturday for The Interview online is over $15 million."
While $15 million falls short of the expected opening the $44 million movie was initially expected net, The Interview is still undoubtedly a tremendous video-on-demand success story.
Experts now consider it as “a test case for simultaneous VOD and theatrical release” – which is an unbelievable achievement considering how ridiculously stupid the film actually is.


text:
According to some in the industry, Apple will no longer include the Lightning input in its next models, offering a completely cordless phone. The company has gotten us used to a wireless life, especially with this year’s models.
The charging ports on our smartphones have constantly changed over time. While the current standard is USB-C, tech giant Apple preferred USB-C Lightning cable over USB-C in its models. Of course, Apple only used its own cables.
Here, according to the latest claims, Apple is considering removing this item. We can see with the naked eye that wireless charging technology has become widespread in recent years. As a result of this popularization, Apple plans to launch a phone without a charging hole. The strongest support for this claim is that Apple brought back MagSafe.
Completely cordless phones come:
The wireless charging system in Apple’s iPhones has been made more efficient this year with MagSafe. Users can place their phones on the charging point with complete accuracy. Following MagSafe, according to many in the industry, a wireless future for the iPhone is now certain.
The charging port on iPhones isn’t just used to charge the phone, of course. In addition to charging, we use the input on the iPhones for data exchange and for headphones. But Apple has already developed AirDrop, iCloud, and wireless headphones that could provide a wireless future for it in the future.
Apple’s MagSafe is creating a new habit among people with the iPhone 12. Thanks to a more reliable wireless charging method, iPhone users have less need for Lightning input and are increasingly accustomed to wireless charging.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will launch a flagship smartphone without charging input in 2021. So Apple’s next models will come with a structure that can be used completely wirelessly, the analyst said. The cordless phone isn’t just Apple’s target, of course.


text:
The Faribault Woolen Mill Co. weaves a rich history into its products
Long noted for its high-quality woolen blankets, the Faribault Woolen Mill Co. has nearly 150 years of history — and an archive to prove it. The company's vault stores antique blankets from various eras, including one that ventured to France and back during World War I, surviving the trenches in a soldier's backpack.
Surviving international competition proved trickier for the company, which was nearly lost to history — before being saved by it. in 2009, the plant ceased operations. The equipment was slated to be sold to a textile maker in Pakistan. Then along came the Mootys.
"Chuck and I were looking for something to take on that would be meaningful," says Paul Mooty, now the company's president. His cousin Chuck, now the CEO, had recently played that same role for Edina-based international Dairy Queen.
An initial tour of the plant convinced Paul of its historical value. "Even though the place was kind of an awful-looking site," he says, "you knew it was special."
The company, it turned out, had been the oldest manufacturing business in Minnesota, having started in 1865 (the year the Civil War ended) and operating at its current site along the Cannon River since 1892. The cousins decided to restore the historic plant, about a mile outside Faribault's quaint downtown. In the summer of 2011 the business reemerged as a fully integrated textile manufacturer.
Today its products are sold nationwide, and business partners include major hotels, retailers, and even cruise lines. In addition to wool blankets, it makes throws, scarves, and iPad and coffee cup sleeves. It's sold about 100,000 blankets and throws to J.C. Penney alone, and the employee count has jumped from five in July 2011 to about 80 now.
Without a doubt, the company's inspiring made-in-America story gives it a feel-good marketing edge, but the Mootys know quality is still paramount. As before, products from the mill are above all durable. "There's something about the story that adds to the products. Everybody likes a story," says Paul, "but at the end of the day, you have to have a quality product, something that lasts."


text:
FT.COM web app http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Financial Times Web App for mobile devices is becoming very popular. Even more popular than the native apps in the case of iPad and iPhone.
Guardian posted that currently the FT web App is enjoying 350000 people have access the mobile site.
"350,000 people have used the web app now, and more than half of them have bookmarked it to their homescreens, In the first week, we saw more traffic coming from the web app than from the native app, and that has been sustained: the traffic to the web app far exceeds traffic to the native app."according to Rob Grimshaw, managing director of FT.com.
FT is preparing an Android version of the app (when I visited the site there is already an app for Samsung Galaxy Tab) and Blackberry is to follow. (This is abain bad news for RIM, a financial news site is preparing the Blackberry version of the app last says a lot about RIM).
I am a fan of web apps as you are not bound by device manufactures whims and do not have to pay the mafia fees to be on App stores.
Following are some benefits of FT.com web app:
- Web browser access – No app store download needed
- Automatic enhancements – No need to visit an app store for the latest version
- Reading offline – The latest edition is automatically stored for offline access
- Speed – Improved performance on most connections
- Greater range of content – Including video on iPhone


text:
IT professionals told about agricultural industry digitalisation
The Congress on the Agriculture Industry Digitalisation is taking place within the 26th Agroprodmash international exhibition. It is held by CROC IT Company jointly with EXPOCENTRE AO with the support of Digital Economy ANO.
Market leaders and representatives from the industry's largest companies discuss key trends in the digitalisation of the food industry and share their experiences of implementing advanced digital solutions.
In his welcome address to the congress, Alexey Vyalkin, Director General of EXPOCENTRE AO, expressed confidence that "the forthcoming discussions will be of practical significance for industry professionals and participants in the equipment, machinery and ingredients market for the food and food processing industry".
At the official opening ceremony, EXPOCENTRE's First Deputy Director General Sergey Selivanov thanked CROC IT Company for choosing Expocentre Fairgrounds as the venue for the congress and noted the importance of digitalisation for the development of the exhibition and congress industry, among other things.
"At EXPOCENTRE, we pay considerable attention to digitalisation," said Sergey Selivanov, "we introduce new digital services and new CRM systems to increase the efficiency of interaction with clients.
The conference participants were also welcomed on behalf of the organisers by Alexander Eder, Business Development Director for Agribusiness at CROC IT, and Elena Volkovskaya, Marketing Director of this company and Head of the Digital Marketing Laboratory, who moderated various sessions and roundtables at the conference after the opening.
The conference opened with a panel discussion on "Digitalisation of transport logistics and its role in food exports". As noted by experts, the modernisation of the logistics system and the creation of intelligent logistics systems in producers' and transporters' companies play an increasingly important role in the growth of export flows. Such systems are a reliable internal platform for development. Participants of the conference discussed trends and challenges of digitalisation of logistics, and major market players shared their practical experience of implementing and using innovative solutions in logistics.
The Panel on Measures to Support Digital Projects in the Food Industry discussed key measures of state support for digitalisation of food industry enterprises. Experts provided an overview of the agricultural industry investment market and spoke about the successful experience of vegetable producers in terms of launching successful investment projects.
In addition, the conference talked about IT start-ups that have proven their effectiveness in the food industry, and ecosystems for end-to-end digital processes to build the foundation for digital business transformation.
Press Service, EXPOCENTRE AO


text:
The trio of Inderes analyst Atte Riikola, CEO of the Stock Exchange Foundation Sari Lounasmeri, and Actian portfolio manager Juuso Kenkkilä discussed which company on the Helsinki Stock Exchange should be on investors’ radar this year. Kenkkilä emphasized that one’s vision must change as the world changes and mentioned Orion as a company to watch due to its recent growth in profits. Lounasmeri was torn between defensive and cyclical companies, highlighting specific industries and companies within both categories. On the other hand, Riikola highlighted small technology companies on the Helsinki Stock Exchange as interesting, mentioning one by name.
The trio also discussed the decline in stock market momentum and the prospects for the earnings season, considering factors such as the recession’s impact on results and the outlook for dividends. The Market Council will also consider where the rise in the Helsinki Stock Exchange that started last fall has gone. The broadcast was hosted by Minna Karkkola, a journalist of Uuu Suomen.
In addition to their discussion on investing and finance, the trio also touched upon various health and fitness topics during their broadcast. They debunked common fitness myths, discussed balancing fitness with healthy eating habits, and highlighted the benefits of herbal tea supplements for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and achieving fitness goals.
Overall, this article highlights not only investment insights but also tips for maintaining overall health and wellness through a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition.


text:
March 18, 2020
With races canceled and running groups disbanded during the COVID-19 outbreak, it can be hard to find motivation to stay active.
To help runners feeling lost during the coronavirus pandemic, Philadelphia Runner is offering a challenge that supports social distancing but at the same time can help the running community feel connected.
To participate, go on a run alone, try your best to push yourself to set a personal record and then share your results and a photo to social media.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn't currently have any specific guidelines on outdoor exercising during the coronavirus pandemic, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and others when you're outside running:
• Keep a distance of about 6 feet from others when in public.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick or not feeling well.
Also, Philadelphia Runner suggests bringing your phone on a solo run and letting someone know where you're heading. If you opt to run with a partner, still make sure to keep apart the recommended 6-foot distance.
Those who join the PR Solo Challenge and post through Sunday, March 22, have a chance to win prizes. Philadelphia Runner will pick six winners at random, three from Facebook and three from Instagram. Prizes include two $100 gift cards to their online shop, two $50 gift cards to their online shop and two half-zip sweatshirts.


text:
Cyberpunk 2077 has become a controversial topic to discuss since its release on December 10 last year, with its 'fall from grace' hitting major news networks around the world. After hitting a record-breaking 1 million concurrent players on Steam, CD Projekt Red's futuristic RPG is now struggling to maintain 225,000 users less than 4 weeks after the game was released.
A fall in player base is to be expected of course, with previous games such as The Witcher 3 seeing a similar drop in users – though this took three months to occur.
For PC players at least, these numbers dropping at such an alarming rate are an interesting gauge for the satisfaction level of the gamers who purchased Cyberpunk 2077, and the potential future of the game itself.
- Cyberpunk 2077 best upgrades explained
- How to make Cyberpunk 2077 play better with just two simple fixes
- Check out all the best graphics cards to upgrade your gaming PC
Well that was quicker than expected
It's easy to understand why we're seeing such a dramatic fall in players when you look at the game issues documented by players across both PC and consoles, with bugs and hardware limitations rendering the game unplayable for some and unsatisfactory for many. A massive drop-off in player numbers is typical in video game life cycles and isn't news in itself, but the speed at which we're seeing gamers abandoning the game should concern CD Projekt Red.
With recent history providing examples of games like Marvel's Avengers and Anthem struggling to retain a player base, it's not hard to see why developers should be looking to providing optimized products with replayable content.
Whilst not directly comparable as Cyberpunk 2077 is a single-player open-world game, consistent player numbers are important for future longevity developments like DLC and expansions.
The developer is currently working on a host of patches and bug fixes, and has already promised refunds for unsatisfied PS4 and Xbox One players after having admitted to not paying enough time on the version for the previous generation of consoles. CD Projekt Red's diminished reputation may be a factor in the decline in players, so fixing the game to a better standard is keep to win back the trust that had previously fueled the years-long hype surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 prior to its release.
We're hoping to see the issues ironed out over the coming weeks so that CD Projekt Red can salvage the situation and deliver a game that can be enjoyed by players across both PC and consoles. For now, we will continue to try and ignore the NPC's T-posing in clubs and V's pants disappearing during a gun fight.
- Check out our full Cyberpunk 2077 review
Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech.
Jess is a former TechRadar Computing writer, where she covered all aspects of Mac and PC hardware, including PC gaming and peripherals. She has been interviewed as an industry expert for the BBC, and while her educational background was in prosthetics and model-making, her true love is in tech and she has built numerous desktop computers over the last 10 years for gaming and content creation. Jess is now a journalist at The Verge.


text:
Bob Chapek, CEO of Walt Disney, confirmed a big chance for the company to enter sports betting. Well, as they analyze this move, it looks ironic for the company that establishes its name by offering fairy-tale-themed movies. Linking gambling into its company name might probably take customers far from the brand.
However, Disney’s company is seeing any significant advantages of making the move into the industry.
Disney’s Reason Behind Moving into Sports Betting
In an average, Americans generally wagered an amount that estimatedly cost $3 billion. This is for sports betting alone sometime in October 2020.
Due to almost 53% of revenue coming from sports betting yearly, the company is really enticed to get into it. Aside from that, here are the other reasons why Disney is moving into the gambling world.
- The gambling industry might have an advantage in the alteration of the regulatory status. This is because of the permission of legalizing sports betting during the year 2018.
- Basically, the company is also the owner of the most famous sports network ESPN. Well, there is already an established relationship between this network and the leading sportsbooks which would be profitable for Disney company.
- It generally revolves around the consumers. Disney’s consumers fall under the younger ones which will actually create sports fans as time roles on.


text:
Caruso Affiliated announced that British fast-fashion chain Topshop will be coming to the Grove. Topshop, the beloved British store, will move into the 25,000 square foot space currently occupied by Banana Republic. The plan is to open in time for the 2012 Holiday Season -however, that date could push to as late as February 2013.
Banana Republic – an original 10-year tenant at The Grove – will be moved into a smaller space in the complex.
Topshop is projected to have the potential to see sales in the $35 Million per year range. The Grove location will be their first West Coast location and only Los Angeles location for the foreseeable future.
Huffington Post – Topshop To Los Angeles: British Fast-Fashion Chain Is Coming To The Grove
Los Angeles Times – Topshop to Open First Los Angeles Store at The Grove


text:
You didn’t return any results. Please clear your filters.
Sustainability is effectively becoming table stakes for any new brand, according to the CEO and founder of Farfetch, who has been addressing related issues at the online luxury marketplace.
What Farfetch is doing
Send colleagues a link to this content.
To send to more than one recipient, put a comma between email addresses.


text:
Public-private joint ventures will reduce the price of eggs, he hopes
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim hopes that the price of eggs will be reduced through public-private joint ventures so that every person in the country can consume eggs.
"To build a prosperous nation, we are trying to reduce the price of eggs. It is one of the most nutritious foods...it increases immunity and antibodies," he said while addressing a discussion marking the World Eggs Day at a city hotel on Friday, said a press release.
Department of Livestock, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch and Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) jointly organized the event, with the theme “Eat Your Egg Today and Every Day”.
Also Read - Eggs and chicken got more expensive this week
The retail price of layer chicken eggs is Tk105-115 per dozen while local (Deshi) chicken eggs are Tk180-220 per dozen.
Due to the high price of eggs, many lower- and middle-income people are struggling to afford one of the basic food items.
The discussion was presided over by BPICC President Moshiur Rahman while Secretary of the ministry Raunak Mahmud, Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr Sheikh Azizur Rahman, and FAO Bangladesh Representative Robert D Simpson and BPICC Vice President Shamsul Arefin Khaled, among others, were present.
Professor Dr M Shawkat Ali of Poultry Science Department of Bangladesh Agricultural University and Chief nutritionist of BIRDEM Hospital Shamsunnahar Nahid Mahua presented the keynote papers.
Leave a Comment


text:
Space Systems Loral Launches a New Satellite and a New Era of Manufacturing With Partially 3D Printed JCSAT-110A
JCSAT-110A, formerly known as JCSAT-15, was launched into space in December 2016 at the request of Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, a leading satellite operator responsible for most of the country’s paid broadcasting and satellite communication services. The original JCSAT-110 was getting old, so the new satellite was designed to replace it and is expected to last for at least 15 years. This week, Space Systems Loral (SSL), the California-based manufacturer of JCSAT-110A, announced that the satellite has completed its in-orbit testing and is performing as expected.
That’s not the biggest news, though – SSL has also confirmed that JCSAT-110A is equipped with the first antenna tower that the company designed using additive manufacturing and other advanced design and manufacturing methods. The JCSAT-110A launch was also the launch of a new manufacturing era for SSL, which will continue to use advanced design and manufacturing technology in its three-decades-old 1300 Series Satellite Platform.
“SSL is an innovative company that continues to evolve its highly reliable satellite platform with advanced technologies,” said Dr. Matteo Genna, chief technology officer and vice president of Product Strategy and Development at SSL. “Our advanced antenna tower structures enable us to build high performance satellites that would not be possible without tools such as 3D printing.”
The antenna tower installed on JCSAT-110A was designed using a methodology called strut-truss, which has now become the standard for SSL spacecraft, and consists of 37 3D printed titanium nodes and more than 80 graphite struts. Currently, SSL has 13 other strut-truss structures in various stages of design and manufacturing, which will result in the use of hundreds of 3D printed titanium structural components per year.
According to SSL, the use of 3D printing has allowed for an average reduction of 50 percent in both mass and schedule for large, complex structures like satellite antennae. The cost saved by additively manufacturing large structural assemblies is much greater, the company states, than that saved by optimizing individual parts. SSL, which has been in business for more than 50 years, specializes in the design and manufacture of satellites for television, broadband Internet, mobile communications, Earth observation and other functions.
“We would like to thank our customer, SKY Perfect JSAT for partnering with us on this important satellite manufacturing advance,” said Paul Estey, executive vice president, Engineering and Operations at SSL. “This breakthrough in satellite design is an example of SSL’s holistic approach to new technologies and its teamwork with satellite operators that need to maximize their satellites’ capability.”
SSL isn’t alone; many satellite manufacturers have been turning to 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing techniques recently, including major corporations like Boeing. Not only does 3D printing reduce manufacturing costs and time, it has the ability to create more lightweight parts and assemblies – and when it comes to anything going into space, weight equals money. JCSAT-110A was a pilot program, of sorts, but since it was launched into orbit, SSL has completed assembly and testing on several other strut-truss structures and plans to further expand its additive manufacturing program – as well as other advanced manufacturing and design technologies – in the near future. Discuss in the SSL forum at 3DPB.com.[Images: Space Systems Loral]
You May Also Like
JEOL Unveils New Electron Beam Metal 3D Printer
The metal 3D printing industry is experiencing serious waves. If it isn’t new entrants introducing unprecedented quality, then it’s stalwarts unveiling unprecedented numbers of lasers, while bound metal printing begins...
VELO3D Going Public Will Take Metal Powder Bed Fusion to New Territory
Over the last six months, the additive manufacturing industry has been riding a wave not seen in a decade. In March, the rumors that VELO3D—one of the youngest companies in...
Dream 3D Printing Mergers & Acquisitions: What if Henkel Acquired…
Inspired in part by the SPAC mergers of VELO3D with Jaws, Markforged with one, and Rocket Lab with Vector Acquisition Corporation, as well as the acquisition of EnvisionTEC by Desktop Metal, and...
Q4 2020 Market Data from SmarTech Analysis Signals Rebounding Metal 3D Printing Segment
SmarTech Analysis, the leading market research firm for the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, has published its latest data for its “AM Market Data Service”. This covers Q4 and the complete...
View our broad assortment of in house and third party products.


text:
B Corporations, a way of certifying businesses’ positive impact on employees, communities, and the environment, have been around for nearly 15 years. The presence has naturally been stronger in the USA where the certifying body, B Labs, originated, however there has been a global surge in interest in recent years. The number of Certified B Corporations around the world has grown by nearly a third in the last 18 months, with around 3,500 companies currently certified in 74 countries.
A testament to the growth seen in the UK – where B Corp assessments were introduced in 2015 – is the Old Bank NOMA, a space run by creative studio Standard Practice out of a building development in Manchester. This year it became the city’s first B Corp ‘hub’, home to a number of brands that are Certified B Corps or B Corp Pending, including Blossom Coffee.
Launched earlier this year by Andy Farrington and Josh Clark, Blossom Coffee was built with B Corp principles baked in from the outset, with its status currently pending. As outdoor and climbing enthusiasts, the pair drew inspiration from brands like Finisterre and Patagonia – both Certified B Corps – and knew that when it came to Blossom Coffee, they would look into the B Corp model as “a foundation for building the business.”
“I do genuinely believe that the movement is growing quite a lot in the UK, even the last year or so. It’s becoming a much bigger thing,” says Farrington, who has observed an uptick in customer interest around Blossom Coffee’s business practices. “We’ve noticed massively people pay a lot more attention to what we’re doing environmentally, more so than what our offering is, which is quite interesting.” He says the same goes for social media too and has been surprised to see social posts about donating to local initiatives gaining far more traction than any about a new coffee variety.
We are now in a world where customers are becoming more ethically conscious – particularly in light of events this year, which have shifted collective focus to community-minded initiatives and behaviour. Meanwhile many brands have been scrambling to show (some more meaningfully than others) that they are socially and ethically engaged, and in this instance, the B Corp logo acts as a simple marker of a company’s ethical and environmental credentials. Farrington suspects that the presence of B Corps will continue to grow, and for knowing customers, the B Corp logo may well supersede symbols like organic or Fairtrade, particularly in the F&B sector, as those certifications don’t account for employee practices.