Is there any question that Artificial Intelligence, or “AI”, is going to play a huge role in the future? The short answer is no- it’s already playing a large part today, so let’s delve into this new tech and look at how it is benefiting the energy sector and what we can expect to see from this AI phenomenon in the not so distant future.
If you are like me- someone who has drunk much more than one coffee in your life, you might be interested in pondering this question: Why do you think the multi-billion-dollar global coffee industry can be a losing business for the growers, whose hands till the land from where coffee starts?
In fact, if you drink 2 cups of coffee a day for one year, you’ll be spending more than the annual income of the coffee farmer in a developing country. To help present to fellow North American coffee drinkers this huge disparity between the farmer and the other key players across the coffee value chain, take a look at the infographic below.
Considering that North America is the biggest coffee consumer in the world, we can make a big dent by supporting the fair trade advocacy that ensures farmers get paid properly. Take a look at the infographic again. It describes how coffee is made from the farm to the mill, to the roasting plant and all the way to the consumer. Here are some of its highlights that show the bigness of this industry:
– 100 M people depend on coffee for livelihood; 25 M of which are farmers
– The U.S. spent 18 B for coffee yearly, equivalent to Bosnia’s GDP
– Coffee is the second most globally traded commodity after petroleum
For the Silo, Alex Hillsberg Web Journalist
Supplemental- How North Americans can help the #fairtrade program
http://financesonline.com/cherry-to-cup-the-economics-of-coffee/
http://financesonline.com/why-fairtrade-should-matter-to-you/
Everyone says they want innovation in their organization, but when an ambitious employee offers it to a Boss or CEO, for example, the idea is often shot down, says Neal Thornberry, Ph.D., faculty director for innovation initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School in California.
“Senior leaders often miss the value-creating potential of a new concept because they either don’t take the time to really listen and delve into it, or the innovating employee presents it in the wrong way,” says Thornberry, who recently published “Innovation Judo,” (www.NealThornberry.com), based on his years of experience teaching innovation at Babson College and advising an array of corporate clients, from the Ford Co. and IBM to Cisco Systems.
Thornberry outlines a template for innovation that works:
1 Intention: Once the “why” is answered, leaders have the beginnings of a legitimate roadmap to innovation’s fruition. This is no small task and requires some soul searching.
“I once worked with an executive committee, and I got six different ideas for what ‘innovation’ meant,” he says. “One wanted new products, another focused on creative cost-cutting, and the president wanted a more innovative culture. The group needed to agree on their intent before anything else.”
2 Infrastructure: This is where you designate who is responsible for what. It’s tough, because the average employee will not risk new responsibility and potential risk without incentive. Some companies create units specifically focused on innovation, while others try to change the company culture in order to foster innovation throughout. “Creating a culture takes too long,” Thornberry says. “Don’t wait for that.”
3 Investigation: What do you know about the problem? IDEO may be the world’s premier organization for investigating innovative solutions. Suffice to say that the organization doesn’t skimp on collecting and analyzing data. At this point, data collection is crucial, whereas brainstorming often proves to be a waste of time if the participants come in with the same ideas, knowledge and opinions that they had last week with no new learning in their pockets.
4 Ideation: The fourth step is also the most fun and, unfortunately, is the part many companies leap to. This is dangerous because you may uncover many exciting and good ideas, but if the right context and focus aren’t provided up front, and team members cannot get on the same page, then a company is wasting its time. That is why intent must be the first step for any company seeking to increase innovation. Innovation should be viewed as a set of tools or processes, and not a destination.
If you’re gonna ‘demo’ your idea you better have practiced and perfected your routine before showing your boss-
5 Identification: Here’s where the rubber meets the road on innovation. Whereas the previous step was creative, now logic and subtraction must be applied to focus on a result. Again, ideas are great, but they must be grounded in reality. An entrepreneurial attitude is required here, one that enables the winnowing of ideas, leaving only those with real value-creating potential.
“Innovation without the entrepreneurial mindset is fun but folly,” Thornberry notes.
6 Infection: Does anyone care about what you’ve come up with? Will excitement spread during this infection phase? Now is the time to find out. Pilot testing, experimentation and speaking directly with potential customers begin to give you an idea of how innovative and valuable an idea is. This phase is part selling, part research and part science. If people can’t feel, touch or experience your new idea in part or whole, they probably won’t get it. This is where the innovator has a chance to reshape their idea into an opportunity, mitigate risk, assess resistance and build allies for their endeavor.
7 Implementation/Integration: While many talk about this final phase, they often fail to address the integration part. Implementation refers to tactics that are employed in order to put an idea into practice. This is actually a perilous phase because, in order for implementation to be successful, the idea must first be successfully integrated with other activities in the business and aligned with strategy. An innovation, despite its support from the top, can still fail if a department cannot work with it.
For the Silo, Neil Thornberry.
Neal Thornberry, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of IMSTRAT, LLC a consulting firm that specializes in helping private and public sector organizations develop innovation strategies. A respected thought leader in innovation, Thornberry is a highly sought-after international speaker and consultant. He also serves as the faculty director for innovation initiatives at the Center for Executive Education at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Thornberry, author of “InnovationJudo:Disarming Roadblocks & Blockheads on the Path to Creativity”, holds a doctorate in organizational psychology and specializes in innovation, corporate entrepreneurship, leadership and organizational transformation.
If you’re just starting your own company, then it’s understandable that you’ll be very busy at first. After all, you have so much to do to nurture and grow your business. But sooner or later (preferably sooner), your startup needs to take advantage of the services of a top-notch energy consultant.
Here are some compelling reasons why you should use an energy consultant right away.
1. Size doesn’t matter. Maybe you think your company has to grow bigger first before you can enjoy the benefits of energy consulting. But that’s not entirely true. Even a small company can enjoy huge advantages when an energy consultant is on board.
2. Unbiased advice. Since an energy consultant isn’t really part of your company, you can get independent advice. You won’t have to worry about getting recommendations and findings from your employees or departments which may or may not be biased.
3. Energy usage patterns. Every company has its own patterns of energy usage. Some days and time frames will see a very heavy use of energy, while during other times there may not be a lot of energy use at all. Your energy consultant can then identify these times as part of their examination, and that can eventually help your company become more energy-efficient.
4. Alternative energy sources. Your energy consultant will have the necessary knowledge and experience regarding other ways of powering your business. Your company can get a comprehensive analysis regarding your possible use of these energy sources.
5. Using green energy. Many businesses today focus on being environmentally friendly. It’s not just right for the world, but it’s also right for your business as you can include your use of green energy as part of your marketing plan. When your company can help reduce carbon emissions, you can make your place and your neighborhood healthier, while it also boosts the reputation of your company.
6. Regular advice. Your energy consultant may be asked to come in on a regular basis. Because of this, your company may keep current on the latest developments regarding the use of renewable energy. This means you’ll learn about new technology and changes in alternative energy laws. Also, your energy consultant can fine-tune your use of alternative energy and also make sure that your renewable energy system is running at peak efficiency. For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff.
“You pay your money, as the saying goes, and you take your chances.” says Falkowitz, CEO of Area 1 Security. “More and more these days, it seems like this ‘policy’ is the rule rather than the exception, in everything from health care insurance to the commuter parking lot. Even though you’ve paid for the product or service, no one’s really responsible for some reason when you suffer damages while consuming whatever it is you bought. Or worse yet, you somehow find that whatever you bought doesn’t really do what you bought it for. And there’s an asterisk somewhere in the fine print to explain why. Unfortunately, nowhere is this more prevalent than in today’s cybersecurity industry.”
Despite the billions spent on cybersecurity we continue to suffer the most debilitating and expensive breaches imaginable, and some that cannot be imagined under any circumstances. Yet experts predict the worst is still to come. Cybercrime has moved from data theft and website defacement to a trajectory that includes data manipulation, data loss and eventually, if something is not done to change the economics of being a bad guy on the internet, threats to the stability of society itself.
“Cybersecurity companies seem to be content to collect their millions with the caveat that they can’t really offer protection in exchange,” continues Falkowitz. “Their customers likewise collect mountains of data on their customers and are appropriately contrite when that data is stolen or misused but the apology is not accompanied by compensation. Even the government can’t protect itself, or its citizens even if they’re attacked by another nation-state.”
The excuses and the explanations are familiar: Cybersecurity is too complicated. Hackers are too clever. Attacks are unprecedented.
“Nonsense. Every bit of it.” says Falkowitz. “Cybersecurity is no more complicated than hundreds of other things we do routinely, from sending astronauts into space or open heart surgery. Hackers are human, just more persistent about how to fool the rest of us. And attacks are based on the same tried and true methods—phishing—they’ve been using for decades.”
Oren J. Falkowitz is the co-founder and CEO of Silicon Valley’s Area 1 Security. Oren held senior positions at the NSA and United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) where he focused on Computer Network Operations & Big Data and is a predominant cybersecurity industry thought-leader committed to keeping high-level national security conversations relevant. For the Silo, by Jennifer Vickery.
Supplemental- What exactly is phishing?
“Digital Serbia” is the non-profit private partnership initiative launched by Ringier Axel Springer Serbia and leading tech companies. Its mission is to focus on improving the framework and ecosystem required to enable tech entrepreneurship and digital innovation in both industry and education in Serbia. The founding members of the initiative are Infostud, Microsoft, Nordeus, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Ringier Axel Springer, Seven Bridges, Startit, Telekom Srbija and Telenor.
“Digital Serbia” has been established as an association, bringing leading technology, IT and telecommunication companies together to drive digital innovation for Serbia and for its people. The Steering Committee of “Digital Serbia” will be made up of representatives of the founding companies. The Committee will be headed by Branko Milutinović, CEO and co-founder of Nordeus.
All of the association’s activities will be directed towards setting up an improved framework and investment climate to encourage technological entrepreneurship, innovations in the Serbian IT industry and a better level of digital literacy and education in the digital economy. Companies who want to participate in the realization of this goal, and to contribute to Digital Serbia, are invited to join.
“Digital Serbia” has been launched following the success of “digitalswitzerland”, and builds on the efforts of digital hubs such as London, Tel Aviv and Berlin, which joined the digital tech and innovation bandwagon early on.
Jelena Drakulić-Petrović, General Manager of Ringier Axel Springer Serbia and founder and initiator of the Digital Serbia Initiative: “Technological development brings unprecedented change at a high speed. Innovation in business and education helps to increase productivity. It allows for new solutions in the development of products and services. As a media company, we believe in the importance of enhancing digital innovative strength in Serbia, as this will be the driver that helps to create new jobs and grow our business. With “Digital Serbia”, we are seeking to unlock the vast potential we envisage for the Serbian economy and its people.”
Branko Milutinović, CEO and co-founder of Nordeus: “Thanks to digitalization, success can now be boiled down to its essence: creativity, know-how and professionalism. This is our opportunity. Together, we will work hard so Serbian innovations and success stories may develop from a stronger foundation and gain more attention. That’s why our decision to invest in digital education and tech entrepreneurship is so important to the future of our entire community.”
“Digital Serbia” will provide basic information and support to innovative companies, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in the IT sector, on how to operate in these areas, and will provide assistance to companies and society in establishing contacts through various forums and fairs. In addition, “Digital Serbia” will actively participate in identifying and addressing legal restrictions that slow down the development of e-Business in Serbia, and will provide active support for technology startups.
The website www.dsi.rs has been launched with detailed information about the initiative.
Also building on the success of “digitalswitzerland” is the initiative “Digital Poland”, which will be launched on June 1, 2017 in Krakow during the Impact Conference (www.impactcee.com). The initiative will be supporting digitization for the economy, supporting education and the legal system around issues relating to digitization and innovation, and helping companies in Poland to transition from offline to online. For the Silo, Fouzia Hussain.
About “digitalswitzerland”
digitalswitzerland is a joint partnership between businesses, public authorities and the scientific community, which wants to shape Switzerland as the leading international hub for digital innovation. digitalswitzerland is already active in a wide range of fields such as knowledge transfer, education, start-up ecosystems, and political framework conditions. The association includes more than 70 of the most renowned companies and organizations as well as innovative locations throughout Switzerland. The initiative was launched in 2015 by Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier AG. More info can be found at www.digitalswitzerland.com
About Ringier Axel Springer Media AG
Ringier Axel Springer Media AG was founded in 2010 by the Swiss Ringier AG and the German Axel Springer SE. The company operates in the growth markets of Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with a broad range of media services, comprising more than 165 digital and print offerings. The company’s registered offices are in Zurich and it employs a total of about 3100 employees.
Back in 2017, eBay Canada and Kijiji Canada launched a test to bring increased visibility to Canadian eBay inventory: eBay listings for certain items located in Canada were integrated into search results on Kijiji – the #1 classifieds site in the country. Kijiji buyers were given the opportunity to connect with relevant eBay inventory, and eBay sellers were able to gain exposure to Kijiji’s more than 16 million unique monthly visitors.
Listing Ads Served Within Listing Ads
This inventory integration project was part of ongoing global efforts to create synergies across eBay Inc.’s businesses.
Canadian eBay sellers were asked to keep the following in mind regarding the inventory integration test:
#1. It was a test. We were adjusting listing integration parameters based on a variety of criteria – including Kijiji buyer behaviour and eBay listing performance – to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience for eBay sellers and Kijiji buyers. This test would evolve based on our learnings.
#2. The test was small-scale. Only one or two eBay items were shown in any given Kijiji result set, and only for selected searches.
#3. eBay sellers did not need to do anything at the time. eBay listings for inventory located in Canada were automatically made eligible for exposure in Kijiji search results. There was no opt-in process required; there were no additional fees required; and there were no account settings that needed to be adjusted.
Fast forward to today- if you are a Kijiji Canada user you may be surprised by how many eBay ads are now served as the test is now a permanent fixture. For the Silo, Russ Patterson, COO and Director of Product Management, eBay Canada.
Supplemental- Collectibles market has been hit hard.
Mr. Thrifter: eBay vs craigslist vs kijiji vs Amazon – Where should I sell my stuff?
Ontario is offering a new and convenient way to buy alcohol products by introducing online sales through LCBO.com.
Starting today, LCBO consumers can buy online up to 5,000 different products from across Canada and 85 other countries. Customers can choose to have their order sent to an LCBO store of their choosing for pick up, free of charge, or choose to have it delivered directly to their home, anywhere in Ontario.
Ontario beverage alcohol producers will have access to greater “virtual” shelf space, which increases their reach to consumers who may not always have access to their product in their local store. This is the government’s latest step to expand options for buying alcohol, including the sale of beer in grocery stores last December, cider this June and the arrival of wine this fall.
Today’s e-commerce launch strengthens LCBO’s ability to generate revenue for Ontarians and continue to fund key public services such as health care and education.
Ontario is expanding access responsibly. In partnership with Canada Post, the LCBO will ensure that online orders are only handled by and delivered to adults of legal drinking age. Ontario is also developing a comprehensive alcohol policy to support the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol.
Supporting more choice and convenience for consumers, while improving opportunities for businesses, is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUOTES
“This exciting launch of LCBO.com gives consumers greater choice and convenience while increasing opportunities for Ontario’s dynamic beverage alcohol producers. LCBO’s new e-commerce platform will continue to maintain a high standard of socially responsible distribution, while helping Ontario’s wine, beer and spirits businesses grow and create good, well-paying jobs in communities throughout Ontario.”
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
“Online shopping at LCBO.com enables us to offer a convenient customer experience in a changing marketplace. This e-commerce platform draws on our local and international supplier relationships and buying power, efficient supply chain and extensive store network– bringing our customers across Ontario better access to a world of products. This new virtual LCBO store is a natural extension of our in store shopping experience.— George Soleas, President and CEO, LCBO
QUICK FACTS
§ Up to 5,000 individual products are now available online, including exclusives beyond the LCBO’s current catalogue. The total could grow to more than 16,000 over time.
§ Consumers can have Canada Post deliver products securely and responsibly directly to their home anywhere in Ontario for $12 per order plus tax. They can also have them shipped free for pickup at any of the LCBO’s 655 stores. A $50 minimum applies to online orders.
§ The LCBO had another record year in 2015–16, with sales of $5.57 billion, up 6.8 per cent year over year. It paid a dividend of $1.935 billion to Ontario, an increase of $130 million.
§ Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Québec Premier Philippe Couillard and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark recently committed to greater choice, convenience and expanded access to wines produced in their provinces through online ordering.
§ The Premier’s Advisory Council on Government Assets stated in its final report that it strongly supports the LCBO’s e-commerce launch because it will improve consumer choice.
LEARN MORE
§ The LCBO’s news release and backgrounder on online sales
§ The LCBO’s commitment to responsible retailing and consumption
§ Ontario’s programs supporting responsible consumption of beverage alcohol
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Disponible en français
L’Ontario lance un service de vente en ligne via LCBO.com
Des produits du Canada et de 85 autres pays au bout des doigts du consommateur
NOUVELLES
L’Ontario offre un moyen nouveau et pratique d’acheter des produits alcoolisés en offrant un service de vente en ligne via LCBO.com.
À compter d’aujourd’hui, les clients de la LCBO pourront acheter en ligne jusqu’à 5 000 produits du Canada et de 85 autres pays. Ils pourront faire livrer leur commande à un magasin de la LCBO sans frais, ou encore directement à leur domicile n’importe où en Ontario.
Les producteurs ontariens de produits alcoolisés auront accès à des rayons « virtuels » plus vastes, ce qui leur permettra d’atteindre des consommateurs qui ne trouvent pas toujours leurs produits dans le magasin de leur quartier. Il s’agit de la toute dernière mesure prise par le gouvernement pour élargir les options en matière d’achat de produits alcoolisés, qui comprennent la vente dans les épiceries de bière depuis décembre dernier, de cidre depuis ce mois de juin et de vin à compter de l’automne prochain.
Le lancement du service de vente en ligne renforce la capacité de la LCBO de générer des revenus pour la population de l’Ontario et de continuer à financer les services publics clés, dont les soins de santé et l’éducation.
L’Ontario élargit l’accès de façon responsable. La LCBO s’associe à Postes Canada pour s’assurer que les commandes en ligne sont traitées et livrées par des adultes en âge légal de boire. De plus, l’Ontario établit une politique détaillée en matière d’alcool pour appuyer la consommation sûre et responsable d’alcool.
Offrir plus de choix et de commodité aux consommateurs, tout en améliorant les possibilités pour les entreprises fait partie du plan économique du gouvernement, qui vise à favoriser l’essor de l’Ontario et à concrétiser sa principale priorité, à savoir stimuler l’économie et créer des emplois. Ce plan en quatre volets consiste notamment à aider plus de gens à obtenir et à créer les emplois de l’avenir en élargissant l’accès à des études collégiales et universitaires de haute qualité. De plus, le plan permet le plus important investissement de l’histoire de l’Ontario dans l’infrastructure des hôpitaux, des écoles, des routes, des ponts et des transports en commun et investit dans une économie sobre en carbone guidée par des entreprises innovatrices, à forte croissance et axées sur l’exportation. Enfin, le plan aide la population ontarienne active à bénéficier d’une retraite plus sure.
CITATION
« Le lancement de LCBO.com est un événement réjouissant qui donne aux consommateurs plus de choix et de commodité tout en accroissant les possibilités pour les producteurs dynamiques de boissons alcoolisées de notre province. La nouvelle plateforme de vente en ligne de la LCBO maintiendra une norme élevée de distribution socialement responsable, tout en aidant les producteurs ontariens de vin, de bière et de spiritueux à prendre de l’expansion et à créer de bons emplois bien rémunérés dans toute la province. »
— Charles Sousa, ministre des Finances
« LCBO.com nous permet d’offrir aux consommateurs un service de vente en ligne pratique sur un marché en évolution. Cette plateforme tire parti des relations que nous entretenons avec nos fournisseurs locaux et internationaux, de notre pouvoir d’achat, de notre chaîne d’approvisionnement efficace et de notre vaste réseau de magasins, afin d’offrir aux consommateurs ontariens un meilleur accès à une myriade de produits. Ce nouveau magasin virtuel de la LCBO est un prolongement naturel de l’expérience que nous offrons dans nos magasins. »
— George Soleas, président-directeur général, LCBO
EN BREF
· Jusqu’à 5 000 produits individuels sont maintenant offerts en ligne, y compris des articles exclusifs ne figurant pas dans le catalogue actuel de la LCBO. À terme, le total pourrait atteindre plus de 16 000 produits.
· Les consommateurs peuvent faire se livrer les produits de façon fiable et responsable par Postes Canada directement à leur domicile, n’importe où en Ontario, au coût de 12 $ la commande plus la taxe. Ils peuvent aussi recevoir leur commande sans frais dans l’un des 655 magasins de la LCBO. Un minimum de 50 $ s’applique aux commandes en ligne.
· 2015-2016 a été une nouvelle année record pour la LCBO qui a enregistré des ventes de 5,57 milliards de dollars, soit une augmentation de 6,8 % d’une année sur l’autre. Elle a versé un dividende de 1,935 milliard de dollars à l’Ontario, ce qui représente une hausse de 130 millions de dollars.
· Kathleen Wynne, première ministre de l’Ontario, Philippe Couillard, premier ministre du Québec, et Christy Clark, première ministre de la Colombie-Britannique, se sont récemment engagés à offrir plus de choix et de commodité ainsi qu’un meilleur accès aux vins produits dans leurs provinces grâce au service de commande en ligne.
· Dans son rapport final, le Conseil consultatif de la première ministre pour la gestion des biens provinciaux a indiqué qu’il appuyait vivement le lancement du service de vente en ligne de la LCBO parce qu’il offrira plus de choix au consommateur.
POUR EN SAVOIR PLUS
§ Communiqué et document d’information de la LCBO concernant le service de vente en ligne
§ Engagement de la LCBO envers un service de vente au détail et une consommation responsables
§ Programmes de l’Ontario favorisant la consommation responsable d’alcool
Both Celine Dion and Puff Daddy have vastly reduced the prices on their mansion homes, featured this week at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
“Celine Drops Price on Florida Water Park Home” Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer Celine Dion and her manager husband, René Angélil, built their dream Florida home on Jupiter Island in 2010. The location offered the privacy the hard working couple wanted to relax with their children and friends and they designed an estate around a series of water features and outdoor sports activities that, along with pristine beachfront, took full advantage of the Florida sunshine and Atlantic Ocean breezes. But even for celebrities who seem to have achieved it all, life can throw curve balls.
Though René had successfully fully recovered from a bout of throat cancer in 1999, it reoccurred in 2013 when he had surgery for another malignant throat tumor. Dion announced in 2014 that she would suspend her performances indefinitely due to her husband’s worsening health. In August of 2015, she resumed her Las Vegas residency at Caesar’s Palace, but lost René to cancer in January 2016 and her brother only two days later. The couple and their three children had made the Las Vegas bedroom community of Henderson their home while Dion was performing at Caesar’s Palace. She returned to the stage on February 23rd for the first time since René’s death and paid tribute to his memory and their life together in her first performance.
Their Bahamian-inspired Florida oceanfront estate was first put up for sale in 2013, the year that René was re-diagnosed, for $72.5 million. Over a period of time with no buyer interest, the price was cut to $62.5 million and recently reduced to $45.5 million.
Among many five-star features, the 5.5-acre beachfront property’s centerpiece is the 500,000 gallon water park highlighted by a slow-current lazy river connecting two pools, bridges and a twisting water slide. There is also another pool located beachside. The two-story, 10,000-square-foot main residence has five bedrooms with a second-level wraparound terrace with ocean views and multiple main level terraces. The luxurious master suite walk-in closet has automated carousels for quick access to shoes and clothing at the touch of a finger. The open-plan main level is light and airy in keeping with the subtropical climate. There are also two separate four-bedroom guest houses, tennis house, simulated golf range, pool house and beach house. Celine’s Jupiter neighbors include Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, and Palm Beach is just a few miles down the road.
Now settled in Nevada at least until the end of her Caesar’s Palace residency in 2019, Celine has stepped up her effort to sell her resort estate by engaging a new brokerage and lowering the asking price. Fenton Lang Bruner & Associates in Jupiter Island holds the listing.
“Puff Daddy’s New Jersey Mansion” Whether called Puff Daddy, Puffy, P. Diddy, or his real name Sean Combs, the Grammy-winning rapper, actor and businessman is frequently in the news, whether for his recordings, his charity or his clothing line. Most recently, he has signed on as Pharrell Williams’ team adviser for season ten of “The Voice.” Listed as number one by “Forbes” as the wealthiest hip hop artist of 2015 with an estimated net worth of $735 million, Sean has reduced the price on his New Jersey mansion several times, now at $7.89 million.
Combs purchased his elaborate 3.25 acre estate in Alpine in 2004 for $6 million. Built in 1999, the home has all the glamour and amenities expected in the home of one of America’s most popular celebrities. The 8,000-square-foot home has six bedrooms, six baths, foyer with double staircase and expansive formal rooms with walls of glass filling the interior with light. The basement is the activity heart of the home with its own kitchen, wet bar, home theater, an aquarium and another bedroom with full bath. There is also an indoor basketball/racquetball court and a fully equipped gym with full bath. Outside is a swimming pool with waterfall, putting green, a lighted tennis court and a six-car attached garage. Originally, Sean put the property on the market in 2011 at $13.5 million. Without a buyer, he pulled it from the market and relisted it again in 2015 at $8.5 million. Again with no buyer, he has once again dropped the price to $7.89 million. The listing agency is Sotheby’s International in Alpine, New Jersey. For the Silo, Terry Walsh.
Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more famous, spectacular and celebrity homes and real estate news.
Dear Silo,
For the next month, North Americans will be celebrating and honoring women and their journey throughout history. But it’s also important to look at what’s in store for the future. Right now, more than 9 million women own a business in the U.S.A. alone. It’s all part of a change in tide as women gain more power in the workplace. But this shift has not come easy.
I should know. While I earned millions in the male-dominated industry of RV sales, my climb to the top has been tough. At my first owner’s meeting, they told me to “go home and bake cookies.” Instead, I pushed forward to outsell and out-service all the competition. I decided to stay at the office and build an empire, while paying someone to bake cookies for me.
The “good ole boys” network in the RV industry conspired to keep me out. But I learned to operate in a man’s world, carving out my path to success. Like other women, I have rewritten the rules and redefined the business climate, proving that any woman can succeed in any industry, regardless of gender boundaries.
My life story reads like a bestseller, complete with plot twists and shady characters. I’m a single mother who never completed high school. Early on in my career, a trusted father-figure mentor betrayed me, and on top of that, I was stabbed 21 times and left for dead—a steady dose of stress that should have put me out of commission before my 30th birthday.
While my drive and passion have helped me move forward, there were women in our history that broke down barriers for us all. Look at Lillian Vernon, the CEO of a mail-order empire. Or Debbi Fields, who went home, baked cookies, and made millions.
It was very early on in my life that was met with major hurdles, and many female entrepreneurs in American history will tell you the same. It was “sink or swim, and sinking wasn’t an option. What will keep you going is an inner drive, an inner hunger to prove to yourself and others that anything is possible. Yes, you will encounter many obstacles, but you can always find a way to move around the obstacle. And that’s the key to success.
My advice to any woman out there looking to succeed in business is to maintain your passion. . If you’re just starting out in the workforce, your mentality should be “work to LEARN,” not “work to EARN.” That way, you can get everything you need to be successful in a business of your own.
Remember that failing at one venture can help you become a millionaire, and don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. Becoming an unstoppable entrepreneur is all about doing things differently and finding those untapped areas of opportunity. Look at Oprah Winfrey, a media maven who constantly finds new endeavors to strengthen her brand.
Similarly, I have found ways to not only sustain, but also grow my business while my competitors are shutting their doors. Instead of solely relying on RV sales, I started to examine ancillary revenue sources, including an RV rental business, creating an in-house interior design team, and offering customized RVs for every industry, including mobile hair salons and spas, boutiques, and even chiropractor’s offices.
Right now in America, it is an amazing time for women to grow and expand professionally. We must appreciate our new opportunities, and never be afraid to find our entrepreneurial spirit. This Women’s History Month, let’s appreciate the past and charge into the future. For the Silo, Gigi Stetler -author Unstoppable! Surviving is Just the Beginning.
Ontario is raising the general minimum wage from $11 to $11.25 per hour, effective October 1, 2015. Minimum wage rates for jobs in special categories such as liquor servers, homeworkers, and students are also increasing at the same time.
The increase is the result of recent changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) that tie minimum-wage increases to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). This was recommended by the Minimum Wage Advisory Panel in its final report last year.
Increasing the minimum wage in a fair and predictable manner is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
“Our government has taken politics out of minimum wage increases while ensuring wages for Ontario workers keep pace with inflation and businesses have time to prepare for payroll changes. This puts more money in people’s pockets, gives our businesses predictability and helps build a more prosperous economy, while ensuring a fair society for all.”
– Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour
QUICK FACTS
Disponible en français- Contacter le Silo, si vous souhaitez lire ceci en Français
The ICE Totally Gaming exhibition returns to London in the UK next month, but it’s a huge event for the industry worldwide where innovation comes to the fore and the future is literally paraded in front of our eyes. The three-day event offers conferences, seminars, networking and much more from companies around the world, and, of course, Canada is represented.
There’s a reason why the reach of Totally Gaming is so vast, as it encompasses online casinos, sports betting, social gaming and street gaming amongst other areas, bringing together the best minds and freshest technology into one place. Last year there were 23,506 attendees from 156 countries, and although Canadians represented just 0.93% of that, the fact that 218 of us (yes, I did the math) were willing to make that trip shows just how important it is to the industry, even over 6,000km away.
But why is that trip worthwhile, and will 2015 be value for money if you’ve got vested interests in gaming, technology and the business behind it? With the amount of knowledge on offer for the ticket price, I’d have to say yes.
ICE Totally Gaming 2014 Recap
This year’s seminars – which are all free to attend – include information on emerging and growing markets such as Bitcoins and Cryptocurrencies, expert knowledge from the likes of the International Masters of Gaming, and informative start-up workshops which can help build networks with mentors and even open business-to-business dialogue. You can pitch your own business to ICE to get some floor time, and there are heads of industry there that make it a must for anybody with an idea or a business plan, or even just a desire to make it in the field.
One of the seminars sure to be a big hit is the aforementioned Bitcoins and Cryptocurrencies offering, with notable industry figures taking to the podium for various sessions. As the world of money online is constantly changing, arming yourself with knowledge is one of the best weapons. Jon Matonis, board director of the Bitcoin Foundation, will open things up and delve into why cryptocurrencies have been so well adopted. Further to that, you can learn about risk management, boosting business, regulation and more. Having all this information in one place would be invaluable.
It’s not the only one sure to instill potentially revolutionary ideas on the attendees, however. The workshops and mentorship for start-ups feature some successful names already well embedded in the gaming industry, who will be dispensing advise on getting your business of the ground and, more importantly, keeping it afloat. Martyn Evans of Unboxed Consulting talks lean start-ups, Phil Smith of Joelson Wilson will discuss the merits of London for a new business, and there are more workshops for crowdsourcing, licencing and finances. For more details on all of these information-packed seminars, you can look here.
Leading companies like IGT choose the event as a premiere for their freshest ideas, and the big internationals make sure it’s a part of their calendar. “ICE is a really good opportunity,” said The Bright Group’s Raif Oymen, who will be exhibiting after travelling all the way from Australia.
If you have to be at the forefront of emerging technology and know where the cutting edge of the gaming markets is then it should be a key date in your calendar. Even more importantly, if your career aspirations or business future relies on the gaming sector then there won’t be a bigger, more beneficial way to spend three days in the whole year.
Supplemental- Mapping the Future of Gaming
Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/T1U8i7OU2I
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 They’re smart to avoid debt.
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Only use charge card when you can pay entire debt completely before you are charged interest.
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Great info… Thanks for sharing..
Equality=Peace @angrigarisangri 13h
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Yes to #bitcoin!
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Smarter than my generation then.
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 We know not to be caught in the credit card trap. Only use it as a cash replacement card, not for debt.
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 like a smart wallet just pass the wallet and charge from your credit or debit just pick with your phone….
BrokenHearted @patientfailure 12h
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Stupid. You’re spending decisions should never change based on your form of payment.
Patrick B @sportbikeguy00 12h
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Credit & debts of any kind should be avoided,my motto is if you can’t pay cash for it,save up or forget it.
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Never used a credit card in my life. Only used credit for commercial purposes.
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 I’m a baby boomer and cut all mine 19 years ago and never missed them
CynicalPolitico @IndyinTX31 11h
“@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/sAw87n1GDt”()
FatNoMore™ Fitness @FNM_Fitness 10h
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Either buy cast or use paypal. Credit cards are just a disaster waiting to happen #ParentWillAgree
@DaveRamsey thoughts? “@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/kcL0lgMyzP”
@CNNMoney That’s great!! You never know what’s left or how big your debt is and will never get out once you start. Real paper money #future
Declan Martens @DeclanMartens 9h
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 hey that’s us! @Malicious_Tea
They use mom/dad?! “@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/f1jlE2zlAq”
HogsAteMySister @hogsatemysister 9h
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Which is easy to do when you still live at home…
@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 It’s true. No card for me. Living within my means
The Epitomy Of An♈️ @ErnieBlanco63 8h
@CNNMoney With the job market being so rocky it’s a smart move.
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 they don’t know how to use a CC to maximize the rewards and cash back. Learn how to use credit.
@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 One of the smartest things of the new millennium that they can do.
@CNNMoney I’d like to not have a credit card. But it’s pretty much required for building credit.
Liesel Rickert @le_rickert3 6h
Ive been wanting 1, but can’t decided bc of 2 factors here RT “@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl ”
Queen’s Park, Toronto – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the Liberal government to end the fire sale of the province’s natural resources in the spring budget.
“It’s outrageous that the Liberals are selling off our natural resources at rock bottom prices when the province has a record $11 billion deficit,” says Schreiner. “The people of Ontario deserve their fair share of the province’s resource wealth.”
Mining, aggregates and water taking are all important parts of doing business in Ontario. But these activities also have costs in terms of remediation, decreased resource availability and loss of natural heritage, farmland and biodiversity. The costs of extraction should not be borne by taxpayers.
Ontario has the lowest effective mining royalty rate in Canada. In 2010 and 2011 the province’s mining industry extracted metals and minerals valued at $17 billion but only paid 1.4 per cent ($250 million) for these resources.
The average Canadian rate for the same period was 5.6 per cent.
Ontario only charges 11.5 cents/tonne for aggregate extraction. Quebec charges 50 cents/tonne. The province’s water-taking levy for industrial purposes is only $3.71 per million litres.
“It’s crazy that the government charges $3.71 per million litres for water taking, while a 500 ml bottle of water often costs $2.99,” adds Schreiner. “There is something wrong with this math, and I’m going to push this government to stop allowing resource companies to rip us off.”
The GPO recommends the 2014 budget include:
* An increase to the levy for aggregates from 11.5 cents per tonne to a minimum of 50 cents per tonne, which is equivalent to the levy in Quebec. Over time, the levy must be set at a rate that provides the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of the Environment and municipalities with the revenue they need to cover all costs associated with aggregate extraction and rehabilitation.
* An increase in the water-taking levy for phase one industrial and commercial purposes from $3.71 per million litres to $13.71 per million litres. The ministry should commit to a review of the water taking levy to expand prescribed users and establish a cost recovery rate.
* An immediate increase in mining royalties to the Canadian average of a 5.6% return on gross revenue with plans to increase the rate of return to 10%.
These changes would immediately increase government revenue by approximately $830 million dollars per year and by $1.4 billion when fully implemented. For the Silo, Amy Watson.
Government Working on Made-in-Ontario Plan
Premier Kathleen Wynne announced today that the Right Honourable Paul Martin has agreed to serve as Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance. Mr. Martin will work with the government on a made-in-Ontario solution to enhance retirement income security for the people of Ontario.
The announcement followed a meeting between the Premier and the former Prime Minister, where they discussed the urgent need to help hardworking people build a more secure retirement. As federal finance minister, Mr. Martin played an instrumental role in the 1997 federal-provincial agreement to reform the CPP. These reforms were critical to ensuring the plan would be financially sustainable.
Helping people retire with dignity and security is part of the government’s economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
QUOTES
“I want to thank Paul Martin for taking on this role as Special Advisor. Together, I know we will help protect Ontario’s hardworking people in their retirement with a made-in-Ontario solution that is viable, responsible and puts people first.”
–– Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario
“I am pleased that Paul Martin has agreed to act as Special Advisor on retirement income to the government of Ontario. After the federal government failed to agree to enhance the CPP, our government announced that we will move ahead with a made-in-Ontario solution to enhance retirement savings in the province. Paul Martin will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience as we work towards ensuring that future generations have a more secure retirement.”
–– Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
QUICK FACTS
LEARN MORE
Read Securing Our Retirement Future: Consulting with Ontarians on Canada’s Retirement Income System
Ontario is taking steps to provide vulnerable consumers with protection against unfair business practices of some companies that offer debt settlement services.
As part of the province’s continuing commitment to strengthen consumer protection, the Ontario government intends to introduce legislation that, if passed, would impose new rules for debt settlement services, including:
Banning companies from charging upfront fees for debt settlement services.
Limiting the total amount of fees consumers are charged.
Requiring clear, easy to understand contracts.
Establishing a 10-day cooling-off period, providing consumers more time to consider their agreements.
Allowing the licenses of non-compliant companies to be revoked.
These proposed reforms would help protect the rights of consumers and are part of the new Ontario government’s commitment to building a strong economy and a fair, safe and informed marketplace.
QUOTES
“Ontario consumers need to have confidence that they’re getting what they pay for when purchasing debt settlement services. We’re going to introduce legislation that would protect some of our most vulnerable consumers from being taken advantage of, at a time when they need the most help.”
— Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services MPP Pickering-Scarborough-East
“Ontarians work hard for their money. Why just give it away to a company that is going to take your up-front fee but not actually settle with your creditors? I’m pleased the Ontario government is strengthening protections for consumers looking for help from debt settlement companies”
— Gail Vaz-Oxlade, financial writer and host of “Til Debt Do Us Part”
QUICK FACTS
Ontario is joining other provinces like Alberta and Manitoba that regulated companies offering debt settlement services.
There are currently 22 companies and 38 credit counselling providers offering debt settlement services in Ontario.
The average consumer debt in Ontario is more than $25,000 per person.
LEARN MORE
Read more about how the Ontario government protects consumers who use companies that offer debt settlement services. www.sse.on.gov.ca
Protect yourself against scams and fraud.
ontario.ca/consumer services
Disponible en français
Hello Silo, I think this is a very, very important non-partisan political issue.
I believe it is imperative to get the word out to all Canadians.
I hope The Silo will give it some publicity.
It is about the Canada-China Treaty Agreement.
This is a letter I got from Elizabeth May after I sent an eletter to Mr Harper.
“Thank you for your interest in the Canada-China Investment Treaty. Although Stephen Harper prefers to keep Canadians in the dark about this Agreement’s grave implications for our sovereignty, security, and democracy, I am hopeful that we can force the issue into daylight. Your letter proves that you recognize the seriousness and urgency of what is about to take place behind our backs.
While the Canada-China Investment Treaty will likely be our most significant treaty since NAFTA, Stephen Harper plans to sign it into law as early as November 2nd, 2012, without any public consultation, any consultation with First Nations, any Parliamentary debate, or even a single vote in the House of Commons. I do not accept such blatant disrespect for either the will of Canadians or for our democratic institutions.
Sadly, in addition to the anti-democratic process to approve this Agreement, it is the actual content of this investment deal with which I am most concerned. For the first time in Canadian history, the Canada-China Investment Treaty will allow investors (including Chinese state-owned enterprises such as CNOOC or Sinopec), to claim damages against the Canadian government in secret, for decisions taken at the municipal, provincial, territorial or federal level that result in a reduction of their expectation of profits. Even decisions of Canadian courts can give rise to damages.
Realizing what the Conservatives were attempting to do, in secret and without debate, and realizing that we will be bound by this destructive Agreement for up to 31 years once it is ratified, on October 1st, 2012, I made a request in the House of Commons for an Emergency Debate to allow Canada’s democratically elected Members of Parliament to study the implications of the Canada-China Investment Treaty.
Although my request for an Emergency Debate was regrettably denied, we have not given up and are continuing to pursue all available options to stop the treaty’s approval. Given what is at stake, we hope that you will join us.
In addition to the tools found on our Canada-China Investment Treaty campaign site at http://www.greenparty.ca/stop-the-sellout, I urge you to push back against this sell-out of our sovereignty, security, and democracy, and help to educate Canadians by talking to your friends and neighbours, writing letters to the editor in local and national newspapers, calling in to talk radio shows, and filling up the comment boards of news website.
Crucially, this is not a partisan issue, and it is only by coming together to stand up for Canada that we will succeed in stopping this agreement.
Stand up against the sellout to China | Green Party of Canada
www.greenparty.ca
On September 9th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement with China, theCanada-ChinaInvestment Treaty. The agreement was kept from the Canadian public and Parliament until September 26th, 2012, when it was quietly made public, tabled in the House of Commons. No press release. No technical…. Jackie Davies
Follow-up Letter from Mrs. Davies
The Canada-China Investment Treaty is a threat to our national integrity, environmental values, and our autonomy.
And, it is now legal for it to happen without any debate in our nation’s Parliament.
It is the biggest trade deal since NAFTA (1994).
What it will allow is this: Chinese companies (including state-owned enterprises) will be able to sue Canada over decisions that can limit or reduce their expectation of profits. China could claim damages against Canada for decisions at the municipal, provincial, territorial or federal level. Even decisions of our courts can give rise to damages.
It contains the same damaging clauses as NAFTA which are right at this very moment eroding away our Canadian resources and autonomy.
In an email she sent out, Elizabeth May says:
“On November 15th, US-incorporated firm Lone Pine Resources announced its intentions of suing the Government of Canada under the North American Free-Trade Agreement’s infamous Chapter 11. Over what? Quebec’s decision to impose a moratorium on all oil and gas exploration activities in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
By announcing the moratorium, Quebec not only made the right decision (the GPC is the only federal party calling for a moratorium on any oil and gas exploration and/or development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence), but it set the standard for every other province. The decision was made by elected officials and with overwhelming support in the population. Every Quebecer still had the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion in mind. Lone Pine argues the decision was “arbitrary”. I say it was not.”
And so do I and thousands upon thousands of other Canadians.
This is not theoretical. This is happening right now with private US corporations. I shudder to think what would happen if Chinese Communist Party-controlled enterprises had this kind of power over our democratic processes.
For more information on what you can do about the Canada-China Investment Treaty
go to this link http://www.greenparty.ca/stop-the-sellout/action
By the way, Green Leader Elizabeth May won top honours at tonight’s 2012 Parliamentarian of the Year Awards, an annual event organised by Macleans’ and L’Actualité. The MPs themselves voted in eight categories to select the winners.
“I am so honoured to receive such an enormous award from my colleagues in the House.” She is the first woman and first Green Party member to win the award.
Jackie Davies
*The Silo is a non-partisan online and print publication. The opinions expressed in Letters to the Silo are not necessarily those of the Silo/Mith Media. We welcome all input and encourage informed debate
Startup Weekend is a global event where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their idea, find some teammates and work on creating a company for only 54 hours. The teams’ aim is to create a minimum viable product (MVP) at the end of 54 hours and pitch it to a panel of judges mostly comprised of investors and business people themselves. The first Startup Weekend Peel was organized by the RIC Centre in Mississauga and held at Sheridan College’s Hazel McCallion Campus .
According to the organizers, almost 90 participants signed up for the event and roughly a third of the participants pitched their idea on the first night. Out of all the pitches, only 11 teams got voted to continue to the next level. The whole of Saturday was spent mostly working on the company and listening to the wonderful talks provided by the mentors.
Sunday, October 21st was “the Pitch Day”. The 11 final teams presented what they had worked on over the weekend, provided an insight where they were at, what their next steps would be and what their “ask” was. Only 10 minutes were allotted per team, which included the presentation, MVP demo and the Q & A portion with the judges. Out of the 11 teams, Carddrop bagged the Grand Prize.
Carddrop http://carddrop.me instantly adds full profile information to any phone’s contacts from any location without the use of an application or “app” With a simple scan or tap, multiple e-mails, phone numbers and even a profile photos are supported.
Carddrop took home the following prices:
$1000 Cash Prize by PointClickCare
$500 Training Certificate by VentureStart
$100 from 1st Customer by Silicon Halton
Free video coverage by SwitchVideo
3 hours of consulting by Candybox Marketing Inc.
—
Elaine Dalit is a new contributor to the Silo and is a Realtor based in Mississauga, Ontario. She’s passionate about real estate, heritage, arts and tech startups. She blogs at www.whatsinthehood.com and www.homesbylainey.ca
Supplemental- https://www.thesilo.ca/its-not-up-to-government-to-act-as-an-investment-banker-to-support-some-businesses/ http://riccentre.ca/2012/10/get-your-business-cards-ready/
