10 June 2003Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Lindiwe Hendricks last week opened a R7-million pineapple processing plant in East London.Collondale Cannery is one of only two pineapple processing factories in South Africa, and has installed a plant with a new evaporator specifically imported for processing pineapple juice concentrate.South Africa accounts for six percent of the world’s pineapple production. The world market is dominated by Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Kenya.South African pineapples are traditionally less sweet and more acidic than those of its competitors. However, a blend between South African pineapple concentrate and that of the country’s competitors results in a sweeter product, but with the distinctive pineapple taste unique to the South African product.The new plant illustrates the value of investment in production capacity for export sales and job creation. The new Collondale plant incorporates the latest technology that will enable the company to up its production of pineapple juice concentrate by 50 percent. All of this will be exported, generating sales of R7-million per annum.As a result, the company can now run a full seven production lines from its factory and employ 55 additional people.The Eastern Cape benefits from the growing and processing of pineapples in the region because it is a labour-intensive venture. Collondale currently employs 297 people.Source: Department of Trade and Industry read more

31 March 2013 South Africa thrashed Ireland by 86 runs at the ICC Women’s World Twenty in Sylhet, Bangladesh on Saturday to set up a showdown against New Zealand on Monday which will decide whether or not the Proteas progress to the semi-finals. With their huge victory, South Africa improved their net run rate significantly. Most importantly, it is now better than the White Ferns’, which means a win would pull Mignon du Preez’s team level with the Kiwis on points, but above them on net run rate. The Proteas were expected to beat Ireland, who fell to their third loss in three outings, but the one-sided nature of the result was perhaps a little surprising.‘It was wonderful’ South Africa went into the game on the back of a hard-fought six wicket loss to Australia, so Proteas’ coach Hilton Moreeng was happy to see his side back on the winning track. “It was wonderful to see such a good fight back from the team today,” he said afterwards. “It’s always difficult to bounce back after a loss, having played so well against a team like Australia. “I’m very proud of their professionalism and character during this match. The batters did so well up front to set us up and our bowlers were just exceptional.”Good start Du Preez elected to bat and Lizelle Lee and Dane van Niekerk, who put on 163 without loss against Pakistan, again got the team off to a good start, posting 57 for the first wicket before Van Niekerk departed for 25. Lee fell for the innings’ top score of 43 with the total on 72 in the 14th over, but some clean hitting by Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus saw the run rate soar in the closing overs, with Tryon finishing undefeated on 35 off only 12 deliveries, with three fours and three sixes, while Luus ended on 29 not out from just 10 deliveries, with six fours.Irish innings Ireland, in reply, lost Clare Shillington in the first over, but then steadied their innings as wicketkeeper Mary Waldron and captain Isobel Joyce added 41 for the second wicket before Waldron was stumped by Trisha Chetty off the bowling of Marcia Letsoala for Ireland’s top score of 33. Joyce went on to make 15 and Melissa Scott-Hayward 14, but when she departed on 67, another victim of Lesoalo, the Irish innings folded, with the next highest scorer making only six runs. The absence of Cecilia Joyce because of an injury did not help either.Standout bowlers Proteas’ opening bowler Shabnim Ismail led the assault on the Irish batswomen, capturing an eye-opening 3 for 5 in her three overs, while Dane van Niekerk did her bit by picking up 3 for 10 in two overs of leg spin. Letsoalo, who made two important breakthroughs, finished with 2 for 23 in her three overs. read more

Shoplift suspects ram deputy’s vehicleTwo suspects on the run after allegedly committing a strong-armed robbery and attempted theft at one Winter Haven, Florida, Walmart were caught by Winter Haven police officers and Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies Tuesday.
 According to PCSO reports, 17-year-old Kyra Ploof, of Apopka, and 21-year-old Jamal White, of Orlando, were arrested and face numerous charges, including allegations of retail theft and battery, and battery at another Walmart store. The agency received a call before 3 p.m. Tuesday from the Walmart located at 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd. in reference to two suspects who were caught shoplifting by the loss prevention team.The Sheriff’s Office reported that according to Walmart personnel, White and Ploof tried to steal hoverboards, but were caught by anti-theft devices. After this, they allegedly then went to the electronics section, taking four streaming video devices. To conceal the stolen goods, reports say they perused the sporting goods section for a backpack.
When they tried to leave the store via the garden center, loss prevention personnel and four managers attempted to confront them. Ploof ran out to the parking lot, according to deputies, and White shoved one manager in the chest and struck another one.Ploof brought a grey Nissan Altima around and allegedly yelled to White, who ran to the car and got in, according to reports. A PCSO patrol deputy spotted the vehicle leaving the parking lot. Reports say the deputy tried to stop the car, but instead, the vehicle fled, causing a crash on U.S. 27 in the intersection, striking two other vehicles.
 No injuries were reported in this accident, according to the Sheriff’s Office.- Sponsor – The suspects allegedly did not stop and continued to flee, making a U-turn on U.S. 27. The PCSO said the duo then headed westbound on Cypress Gardens Boulevard, “purposely hitting the deputy’s patrol car,” according to the Sheriff’s Office release. The deputy pursued the vehicle and stopped the car with a PIT maneuver. Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
   [Source: The Ledger]Fraudster from old job steals from new jobAn Idaho Falls woman convicted of forgery has now pleaded guilty to larceny after she stole over $2,000 from her employer. Sierra Paige Snarr, 23, admitted to her supervisors that she stole money from Wells Fargo on 17th Street and Holmes Avenue on Dec. 1, 2016, according to court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com.Snarr was confronted with the fact that her cash drawer had significant sums of money missing since she started working at the bank in October 2016. Snarr told police she would take the money directly from the cash drawer and replace it with money from stolen cash deposits. She said she would take money deposited by The Dollar Tree because they made more than one deposit a day and it would make it more difficult for her to be detected.Wells Fargo terminated Snarr and bank managers told police they lost at least $2,500 as of result of Snarr’s criminal activity. According to court records, Snarr was convicted in April 2017 for forgery after committing credit card fraud at The Roadway Inn, her previous employer. She is also facing a burglary charge for an incident in February 2017.   [Source: East Idaho News]Retail recovery continues momentumThe “retail renaissance” continued its momentum this Thanksgiving Weekend, according to a new report from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) which found that an estimated 151 million people visited a mall or shopping center over the weekend. As consumers hunt for the best deals of the season, ICSC’s Thanksgiving Weekend Consumer Survey found that physical retail remains the hub of holiday shopping.ICSC found that 49 percent of shoppers spent more than in 2017, and 30 percent spent the same as last year. Gift-buying claimed the largest share of this spending, with shoppers spending an average of $227.70 on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. The shopping is not expected to stop on Black Friday, as adults surveyed planned to spend $189.90 on the Saturday and Sunday after the big day.“Black Friday kicked the holiday shopping season into high gear, driven by positive consumer sentiment and great deals from retailers,” said Tom McGee, President and CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers. “More shoppers visited their local mall or shopping center this year than last year, proving again that this holiday season is going to be strong and that consumers want to spend money on gifts for family and friends.”Omnichannel retailers, those with a physical and online presence, were overwhelmingly the preferred destination for holiday shoppers, capturing 88 percent of spending on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, demonstrating once again that having multiple options for consumers to take advantage of is a winning strategy.   [Source: BusinessWire]One jewelry store robber caught; one got awayState Police have made an arrest and had been searching for a second suspect in a jewelry store robbery. Police say as many as four suspects in two vehicles may have been involved in the heist. It all started around 9 p.m. Monday at the Jared jewelry store in Millcreek, Michigan. Police say two men used hammers to smash multiple glass cases and made off with a large amount of jewelry in excess of $200,000.Witnesses gave police a description of the getaway car – a red van stolen out of Detroit – seen speeding away. A few minutes later, State Police started a chase along I-90. It ended when the suspects crashed the mini-van along the interstate near East Springfield; no other cars were involved. Both people inside jumped out of the van.Police arrested one suspect, who has since been identified as Roderick D. Brown, 19, of Detroit. The other robber took off into the woods. Brown admitted to police that he and another man were responsible for the crime as he was taken to the hospital to be checked out for injuries from the crash, according to the criminal complaint.   [Source: Erie News Now]Shoplifter bites LP associateA Tallahassee woman is facing multiple charges for biting a loss prevention associate and stealing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from a local Belk store. Taylor Cullifer, 26, was arrested by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office on Monday. When officers arrived on scene, they talked with the loss prevention associate (LPA), who identified Cullifer as the suspect.The LPA showed deputies video surveillance of Cullifer putting several items in her purse, and the video surveillance also showed Cullifer taking hangers off of the items and placing the items in her purse. When the LPA asked Cullifer to come with him into custody, she began to resist and bit his hand as he was trying to arrest her. He told deputies that she had to be carried to the loss prevention office and was “kicking, biting, and resisting.”According to police documents, Cullifer’s purses contained several items of clothing and two watches that had not been paid for, totaling more than $1,000.  Earlier that day, Cullifer was issued a trespass warning by LCSO from the entire Tallahassee mall property, which included Belk’s.   [Source: WTXL27 News]LP associate pepper-sprayedA Wilmington, Delaware, woman was charged with assault and robbery on Wednesday, after police say she pepper-sprayed a loss prevention associate (LPA) who saw her put merchandise in her bag. Sharnagia Watson, 23, was at the Christiana Mall Macy’s department store with another woman around 5:40 p.m., Master Cpl. Michael Austin of Delaware State Police said.She tried to hide merchandise in a bag and leave the store without paying, but an LPA noticed. When the LP associate confronted Watson, she sprayed him with pepper spray, Austin said. He still managed to hold Watson until Christiana Mall police arrived, but the woman she was at the store with ran away. Watson was arrested and charged with second-degree robbery, second-degree assault, third-degree conspiracy, and shoplifting. She was released on an $11,000 unsecured bond.   [Source: Delaware Online] Stay UpdatedGet critical information for loss prevention professionals, security and retail management delivered right to your inbox.  Sign up now read more

The Loss Prevention Foundation’s 2nd annual Swing for Certification golf tournament will be held Monday, June 10, at Coyote Hills Golf Club in Fullerton, CA. The sold-out tournament with 116 participants and 20 volunteers is held to raise funds for the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF) and for the Bob MacLea LPQ and LPC scholarships to benefit LP professionals wanting to advance their careers.The foundation is accepting applications for the MacLea Scholarships now through September 1, 2019. The online application requires a one to two paragraph essay on how the recipient plans to use the knowledge they obtain from the course to further their career and personal development.“Swing for Certification would not be possible without our amazing sponsors,” said Terry Sullivan, LPC, president of the foundation. “Thanks to their generosity, we will be able to distribute numerous course scholarships and provide funds for the LPBF. We are so appreciative of their ongoing support and dedication to the Loss Prevention Foundation.”- Sponsor –   Stay UpdatedGet critical information for loss prevention professionals, security and retail management delivered right to your inbox.  Sign up now read more

Piles of data, piles of dough, right? Not so fast. Despite an increasingly urgent, broad range of needs around processing data juggernauts, we’re seeing just as many startups go *poof* when it comes to turning Big Data into Big Money. Or Mini-Money, for that matter.Data-driven startups should know by now that out of the gate, transforming data into cold hard cash requires a lot more than just showing up with a great team and a great idea. A holodeck would be ideal, but until we live in the future, we found one useful analysis that breaks down steps to filling up your bank account with data – and our translation of his model for wider application. Two years ago, Google Chief Economist Hal Varian was telling us that one of the sexiest (his term) future jobs was going to be related to statisticians wrangling data. No one disagreed, as stacks were piling up and a variety of needs were emerging, but what seemed to be missing were the connections between data and desire: crafting complex scaling into commodity, and connecting producers and consumers of data in harmonious, profitable and hopefully long-term relationships.It’s no surprise that in the time since Varian’s opining (2008), we’ve seen oodles of small startups setting their sights to capitalize on Big Data. And now, we’re learning from their failures. But Big Data doesn’t need to be the place bright startups go to die. After a number of startup breakups with El Data Grande, Pete Warden came up with a tangible analysis of what the path is from stacks to riches. How To Turn Data Into Money is one way to approach a complex topic in a landscape of changing tools, and it’s well worth a look. He describes the process of identifying how to make data turn a profit. Warden reinforces the notion that we’re still in the early days of really knowing where the ‘big wins’ are with Big Data.The overall issue is this: From the outlay, many startups are going to be sitting on a large bucket of data but won’t be in a position to imediately know where the monetization sweet spot lies. As Warden suggests, they will have to go through a series of processes that enables them to zero in on how to provide the maximum amount of value by iterating in partnership with their customers/users.Warden begins with suggesting the first step might be to summarize the data and provide simple graphs. This allows everyone, your customers and your own team, to really understand what the data might show.As feedback is obtained from this initial process, key metrics and other indicators can be focused on in reports. This will begin to allow you to answer specific questions that will (hopefully) be of value to your customers.It’s no surprise that your customers, once identified, are going to be where you go for answers to their needs. Iterating your business in response to working with your customers – which is always valuable no matter what vertical you are in – will ultimately bring you to a point where you can provide business intelligence and actionable recommendations for your customers based on what they are already doing with the data.Being able to point out specific trends, suggestions and points of friction (contextual to your data’s domain) should be of great value and something your current and future customers will be willing to pay for.Finally, Warden touches on how your shiny data should be presented – dashboards are commonplace, but clearly we’re in very early days in this space. What’s important to remember is that what’s being built here is a combination of product and consultation. If you need an initial framework to begin tackling the problem Warden’s post works as a great framework, but given that Big Data could be about anything, you will need to consider your domain space, the nature of the data and your own expertise to be able to know whether this will work for you.What we do know is that this space is going to be competitive (and rapidly changing) and remaining nimble will ultimately be crucial to success or failure.How To Turn Data Into Money (petewarden.typepad.com)Image via the USGS Data Dictionary. Why Tech Companies Need Simpler Terms of Servic… Related Posts Tags:#Analysis#start 8 Best WordPress Hosting Solutions on the Market A Web Developer’s New Best Friend is the AI Wai… violet blue Top Reasons to Go With Managed WordPress Hosting read more

Hello Intel vPro Community!I’m going to talk to you today a little bit about how to use Windows Powershell to set Intel vPro power profiles. I’ll provide a quick bit of background first on what power profiles are, and why you’d want to be able to set them with Powershell.Intel vPro power profiles are nothing more than a setting in the Management Engine that tells the AMT chip when to be powered up, and when not to be powered up. In some cases, you may want vPro to be inactive during sleep states, or after the computer has lost power (eg. UPS failure).In my case however, I want vPro to be always active. This is problematic, because Microsoft Configuration Manager’s implementation of a provisioning server doesn’t give you the option of setting the active power profile. Instead, during provisioning, ConfigMgr sets the active profile to whatever index “5” is. You’ll actually see this in the amtopmgr.log file on your OOB (Out-Of-Band) service point during the provisioning process.Because ConfigMgr decides the default power profile during provisioning, I’ve decided that I wanted to change it. Because Windows Powershell is an awesome automation tool, and because Intel’s AMT Developer Toolkit (DTK) offers a .NET library that I can use in Powershell, I figured that I would figure out how to do it!——————–You might remember my last post on how to use Powershell to connect to an AMT device. The process basically involves loading the aforementioned .NET DLL from the DTK, and then establishing a connection to the device. I didn’t really get the opportunity to show you how to do a whole lot with it after making the connection though, so that’s the purpose of this post! Let’s go ahead and take a look at a few lines of Powershell code, so you can understand the retrieval, and setting of power profiles.————————————————-# In my last Powershell script, I used the $amtdevice variable# to reference the AmtSystem .NET object. We’ll assume at this point# that you have already connected to the AMT device based# on my last article.$amtdevice# By using the .NET Reflector tool, we can see that the AmtSystem# object has a property called SecurityAdmin, which returns an AmtSecurityAdmin# object.$AmtSecAdmin = $AmtDevice.SecurityAdmin# The AmtSecurityAdmin object has a method called GetPowerPackages().# After examining this data type in .NET Reflector, we can filter for only the two# properties we want to see, the profile ID, and its Name. We’ll use the Powershell# Select-Object cmdlet to filter this data.$AmtSecAdmin.GetPowerPackages() | Select-Object -Property ID,Name# You should get some output looking something like this:# 12834f94-10fb-dc4f-968e-1e232b0c9065 Desktop: ON in S0# ab0086a1-7f9a-424c-a6e6-bb243a295d9e Desktop: ON in S0, S3# acab8672-b496-e248-9b9e-9b7df91c7fd4 Desktop: ON in S0, S3, S4-5# 4dcd327b-be6b-8943-a62a-4d7bd8dbd026 Desktop: ON in S0, ME Wake in S3# 46732273-dc23-2f43-a98a-13d37982d855 Desktop: ON in S0, ME Wake in S3, S4-5# baa419c5-6f6e-4d8d-b227-517f7e4595db Desktop: ON in S0, S3, S4-5, OFF After Power Loss# ede30bd6-c504-462c-b772-d18018ee2fc4 Desktop: ON in S0, ME Wake in S3, S4-5, Off After Power Loss# Once we have a listing of the power profiles available on the AMT device# we can get the one that we want, and then set it. Since I always want my# AMT device active, no matter the system’s power state, I’m going to choose# “Desktop: ON in S0, S3, S4-5″ which is index 2 (in a zero-based collection).$TargetPowerProfile = ($AmtSecAdmin.GetPowerPackages())[2]# Now that I have a variable referencing the target power profile, I will set the# profile on the AMT device. The AmtSecurityAdmin object has a method called# SetActivePowerPackage() that takes one parameter: the power profile we have# a reference to.$AmtResult = $AmtSecAdmin.SetActivePowerPackage($TargetPowerProfile)”Setting power profile to $($TargetPowerProfile.Name) resulted in $AmtResult!”##### End Setting Power Profile ###### Let’s also take a quick look at how to get some basic information about# the AMT device’s provisioning data. We can figure out if IDE-R, SoL, and the# WebUI are enabled. We’ll use the AmtGeneralInfo object for this.# Get a reference to the AmtGeneralInfo object$AmtInfo = $amtdevice.Info# Write out the current configuration settings”SOL Enabled: $AmtInfo.SerialOverLanEnabled””IDE-R Enabled: $AmtInfo.IdeRedirectEnabled””WebUI Enabled: $AmtInfo.WebUiEnabled”————————————————-I hope this helps get you on your way to doing some cool Powershell / vPro automation! Let me know whether or not this helps you in your endeavors Trevor SullivanSystems EngineerOfficeMax Corporation read more

Get away from the hustle bustle of daily life this month, and prepare to be pampered at the region’s best spas and wellness centres. From relaxing Swedish massages that soothe tired muscles to herbal oils trickling down your back at Ayurvedic centres, and from rigorous workouts to sessions on healing,Get away from the hustle bustle of daily life this month, and prepare to be pampered at the region’s best spas and wellness centres. From relaxing Swedish massages that soothe tired muscles to herbal oils trickling down your back at Ayurvedic centres, and from rigorous workouts to sessions on healing with music, Punjab’s wellness centres have varied options to keep your body and mind in good health.Hotel Cabbana Spa and AyurvedaThis spa offers a wide range of beauty treatments- and there’s also reflexology and shiatsu, which work on the body’s acupressure points to balance the body’s energy. Set in lush, sprawling 17 acre premises, the Cabbana Spa is the one-stop-shop in the state for a complete spa experience. With a selection of treatment rooms, friendly staff and a variety of options for massage therapies, Cabbana is bound to leave you spoilt for choice. The services offered here include a beauty salon, a health bar and an outdoor Jacuzzi for your postmassage relaxation needs.Highly skilled therapists and personal trainers offer bespoke therapies and health programmes. Choose from therapies like marma abhyanga, deep tissue sport massage and Indian head massage. While marma abhyanaga therapy stimulates the energy centres of the body with synchronised strokes; deep tissue massage is customised according to your needs and it promises to relax sore muscles and it is sepcially recommended for sportsmen. The bestseller, however, is the Indian head massage that improves blood circulation to hair follicles, which helps stimulate hair growth.We recommend: Indian head message and marma abhyanga.Expert touch: All therapists are trained in-house for a few months before they go onboard.Where: Phagwara-Jalandhar Highway, NH-1.Cost: Rs 5,500- 9,500.Tel: 01824 505060; hotelcabbana.comUSP: Experienced masseurs, beauty booster, energiser packages and health programmes.-Puja RainaadvertisementSpa at IstaA sense of peace fills the air as soon as you enter Ista. From the white uniforms of the staff to ample natural light and lots of greenery, everything at the Spa at Ista is perfect, making for a calm and tranquil environment. Spread across the first floor of the hotel, it offers a bouquet of Ayurvedic as well as international treatments apart from yoga and meditation sessions.Inspired and created by IHHR Hospitality Private Limited (the group behind the world renowned Ananda in the Himalayas), the Spa at Ista is recreating its magic in the bustling city of Amritsar. The gorgeously carved stone motifs make the space look extremely rich and beautiful as well. Before any treatment starts, the feet of the client are washed and then an aarti is performed. This is followed by mantra chanting by the masseurs. This ritual is believed to calm the senses. When at Ista, the Shirodhara treatment is a must try. Three litres of lukewarm ghee are poured in an even stream on your forehead, which is followed by steam and a hot shower. This helps you reach a blissful and meditative state. Other favourites here are aromatherapy and crystal therapy. Choose from invigorating, detoxifying or spice-blended oils, which are applied using lymphatic and pressure point massage techniques for aromatherapy. The crystal therapy works on your chakras (centres along the spine) to achieve equilibrium and balance.We recommend: Shirodhara, aromatherapy, facials and crystal therapy.Expert touch: All the masseurs are trained at The Ananda Spa Institute, Hyderabad.Where: Ista Hotel, GT Road Amritsar. Cost: Rs 1,500 onward.Tel: 0183 2708888; istahotels.comUSP: Treatments offered in a luxurious setting with the added draw of welltrained therapists.-Ekta MarwahaQuan SpaHead to Quan Spa if you’re looking for a customised spa treatment that can enhance both your wellness and beauty quotients. Located just three kilometres from the city centre, Quan Spa offers its guests an oasis of healing and rejuvenation. A Chinese word meaning “the source of pure water”, Quan draws on the restorative properties of water and natural products sourced from sea minerals.The stress starts melting away as soon as you step out of the elevator and walk into the aroma oils-infused spa section. One can either indulge in the specially-crafted Ayurvedic treatments like abhyanga, shirodhara and spice bundle or try out Oriental and European deep tissue massages. A unique concept here are the “Quan journeys” that use theraputic oils which provide relief to your sore muscles. Or you can also indulge in the ‘indoceane journey’, which is a three-step relaxation treatment. Another highlight is their mer and sens ritual, which helps you unwind with aroma therapy oil blends. If you’re interested in experiencing the effects of the ancient herbs and timeless treatments, then try the kumkumadi therapy.We recommend: Saffron facials and vichy shower.Expert touch: All therapists are trained in-house by experts from reputed spa academies.Where: JW Marriott, Sector35, Chandigarh. Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards.Tel: 0172 3955677; marriott.comUSP: The ‘Quan journeys’ that use theraputic oils to provide a body renewal experience.-Monita SharmaadvertisementStrands Salon and Spa Treatments take a whole new dimension when they are being administered at this fast growing spa chain in India. The biggest selling point here is the vast variety of treatments on offer.Strands, in association with L’oreal and Matrix, offers a vast number of skin, hair, spa and beauty treatments by trained experts from L’oreal, Matrix, Aroma Treasure, Krylon and H2O. Take your pick from 11 types of body massages apart from a variety of body scrubs and packs. Some of the more popular packages here include the Bali discovery tour (Balinese massages), Chocolate Spa and the Wine Spa. Be sure to try the volcanic earth clay, which is a refreshing body mask treatment. It is great for those with tanned skin and other common skin problems. Your body will be re-mineralised, detoxified and energised with the application of the clay mask.Their facials are also popular and can help resolve problems like pigmentation, ageing, and wrinkles. They also have specialised masseuses for acute cervical and back problems.We recommend: Virtual earth clay ritual.Expert touch: All therapists are diploma holders and trained from reputed spa academies.Where: SCO 421-22, Sector 35-C, Chandigarh. Tel 0172 4248006; SCO 233, Sector 20, Panchkula.Cost: Rs 1,000- 5,000.Tel: 0769 6707742; strands.inUSP: One of the few spas to have special masseuses for acute cervical and back problems.-Puja RainaCleopatra Day SpaWhat started as a hotel spa in 2003 has become a chain that spreads beyond the Tricity to Jalandhar, Mumbai and recently, Delhi. Cleopatra Day Spa, housed in Hotel Bella Vista wants to take the concept of spa to a new level.Done up in earthy colours with Buddha motifs all around, the music, ambience and mild aroma of lemongrass is instantly soothing. As you choose your spa treatment, the experts analyse your skin to tell you about your skin texture and the kind of products required to keep it healthy. Agarwal personally monitors the treatments and often gives a tip or two to suggest the right diet for you. The highlight here is the one-and-a-half hour body polish ritual that opens the pores and breathes life into your skin, giving it a perfect sheen. Brides-to-be can indulge at their outlet in Sector 44, Chandigarh which is a three floor Bridal Spa. The bangles hanging from the ceilings and colourful duppattas running from one end of the spa to the other set a creative wedding ambience.We recommend: Body polish ritual and facials.Expert touch: The staff is trained at Cleopatra’s academy in Jalandhar.Where: Hotel Bella Vista Sm-8, City Centre, Scetor 5, Panchkula.Cost: Rs 1,500 onward.Tel: 0172 506 4848; cleopatradayspa.comUSP: Personalised treatments followed by a skin mapping session and a dedicated Bridal Spa.-Ekta MarwahaadvertisementForest Spa, Kikar LodgeA two hour bone-cracking drive from Chandigarh takes you to a beautiful private forest reserve that makes the journey worth the effort. The Kikar Lodge, spread over 1,800 acres allows you to pamper yourself at the fully functional Ayurvedic spa that is being run in conjunction with Kairali. Be sure to try their hotseller, akhada malish-a traditional oil malish given by a masseur from a local akhada. No fancy and fragrant oils are used for this massage. In fact, pungent mustard oil is used because of its therapeutic properties. “The idea behind introducing this in the spa menu was to promote Punjabi culture,” says Amrinder Singh Chopra, CEO, The Kikar Lodge. After your massage, there is the steam room to look forward to; from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the property through huge glass windows.We recommend: The akhada malish.Expert touch: The spa has two trained Ayurvedic practitioners from south India along with a traditional Punjabi malishwala.Where: Village Kangar, Nurpur Bedi District Ropar. Cost: Rs 300 to Rs 1,500.Tel: 01887 252218; thekikarlodge.comUSP: One of the best destination spas that offer soothing treatments amidst lush green forests.-Ekta MarwahaPuneet’s Dance and Fitness HubWhen you walk into Puneet’s Dance and Fitness Hub, you will find the usual dance or exercise forms missing. Don’t be surprised if you see a yoga class being conducted on hip hop beats. That’s Yogahop for you. Puneet Jewandah, the owner of the hub whose passion lies in dance aims to offer dance workouts that are designed to alleviate the tedium of exercise and combine fun tunes with common asanas. She herself experienced her first Yogahop class at Asia Fitness Convention 2010 in Bangkok. While Yogahop promises to heal muscles and increase your heart rate, this is not the only innovative workout that Puneet has in store for you. There’s bhangra aerobics too. The lively, foot-tapping rhythms of Punjabi folk find a place in her dance and fitness regimen.Quality is something Jewandah doesn’t compromise on. Therefore, she doesn’t enroll more than 15 students in each class. Hailing from an army background, Jewandah was among the few Indians who performed at the closing ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.We recommend: Bhangra aerobics.Expert touch: Jewandah is a certified teacher and fitness expert from New York. The other instructors are trained by her.Where: 34C, Chandigarh; puneetshub.comCost: Rs 2,000 onward.USP: The only fitness centre to offer bhangra aerobics, Zumba, power yoga and Bollywood dancing.-Ekta MarwahaMoksha Himalaya SpaBefore the summer heat takes its toll on you, head out for a weekend of complete relaxation away from the dirt and grime of the city at the Moksha Himalaya Spa in Parwanoo, just an hour away from Chandigarh. The 62-suite wellness sanctuary is well equipped with yoga and meditation rooms where guests can practice under expert supervision.The main draw here though, is their luxurious spa. Set in the lush Shivalik valley, at the base of the Himalayas, this spa offers elaborate rituals that are a great way to detox your body as well as provide muscular relief and relaxation. Try the three-hour Moksha signature journey in which local garden herbs are used to massage your body, followed by a bath in tea blends and a deep tissue massage with hot herbal ball compress. Other highlights include outdoor heated infinity lap pools, infrared sauna, Ayurvedic treatments rooms, a trendy nail bar, hair salon, and Thai massage stations.We recommend: Moksha Signature Journey.Expert touch: Experienced therapists, all trained by renowned spa academies.Where: Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, Parwanoo. Cost: Rs 5,000 onward.Tel: 086790 32340; mokshaspa.comUSP: A luxurious spa experience in a beautiful, private sanctuary of wellness in Shivalik valley.Burn GymBarely two years old, Burn Gym has revolutionised the concept of gymming in Punjab. Spread over 7,500 square feet, it is not just the largest gym in Panchkula but also the biggest in the Tricity.Brainchild of Pankaj Kasrija, the health and fitness club provides state-of-the-art gym and spa equipment for the region’s wellness enthusiasts. The selling point here is the idea that created a health club where all sorts of services could be availed of under one roof. With people working out to the tunes of Punjabi pop music, the energy levels inside the gym are quite high. From yoga and pilates to kick boxing and abs workouts- you name it and you can get it here. What’s unique is their concept of Burn Olympics- a holiday package or spa voucher given to the person who loses the maximum weight.The gym has more than 12 trainers who are always ready to assist you. A nutritionist is there to suggest the appropriate diet chart for you. For those who want to snack on titbits while working out can feast on protein shakes and low-calorie sandwiches at Abdiets cafe, a tiny health cart, right outside the gym area.We recommend: The personal training sessions, which chart a holistic wellness plan.Expert touch: All certified health trainers are hired by the gym. Their spa boasts of 12 fully trained masseurs.Where: Sector 11, Panchkula.Cost: Annual membership is priced between Rs16,000-Rs 23,000.Tel: 09780612000; burngym.inUSP: One of the few gyms with a health cafe that offers protein shakes and low-cal dishes.-Ekta MarwahaHeadmastersThis spa is proof that true luxury isn’t always damaging to your wallet. Spread over a whopping 20,000 square feet across four levels, Headmasters is one of Asia’s largest salon-cum-spas. With simple but chic interiors and plenty of natural light, the ambience soothes you instantly.From the plethora of massages offered, Cloud 9 is particularly recommended. A 60 minute full body massage followed by fifteen minutes on the hot floating water bed, it surely sets your worries floating away. Follow this with a steam and hot shower, and you are rejuvenated for the day.And while you pamper yourself in their most luxurious rooms, your children can spend time at a special salon created for them. They can either go for a cool haircut, attend a story telling session or hang out in the play area with seats designed as rockets and fighter planes.We recommend: Cloud 9 therapy.Expert touch: Each therapist is trained in-house.At: Sector 8 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. Cost: Rs 1,500-15,000.Tel: 9988880327.USP: Free organic juices, tea and coffee and other refreshing drinks at the juice bar in the spa.-Ekta MarwahaSeven Seas Spa “The Seven Seas spa” brings together, Ayurveda, Oriental therapies, mineral exquisites from the dead sea and various western spa therapies. The spa follows the traditional massage therapies and is completely a no-machine zone.Their in-house experts are friendly and helpful; they recommend treatments and give post massage consultation as well. Before undergoing any spa treatment, the customer undergoes a clinical check-up, where their medical history is examined and the most suitable treatment is recommended. In addition to the spa, they also have a well-equipped Oxygym. The elaborate set-up here offers several fitness facilities-a multispeciality gym, a poolside spa, an aqua pool plus a variety of other services ensuring that there is something for everyone. Well-equipped with the latest fitness equipments, Oxygym offers all kinds of cardio and advanced weight training facilities under expert supervision.We recommend: Shirodhara.Expert touch: All therapists are diploma or degree holders and also undergo in-house training.Where: Hotel Mountview, Sector 10, Chandigarh. Cost: Oxygym Membership for Rs 32,000; Treatments for Rs 1,000 onward.Tel: 0172 4670640-41.USP: Green surroundings; a spa and a swimming pool along with the gym provide an edge.-Monita Sharma read more

Kochi, Oct 24 (PTI) Sri Lankan Naval Ship (SLN) Sayura and Suranimila arrived here today on a four-day visit during which they will undertake exercises with Indian Naval ships off Kochi coast.During the visit, various professional and social interactions have been planned at the Southern Naval Command.The Commanding Officers ofSri Lanka NavalShips called on the Chief of Staff Southern Naval Command R J Nadkarni, a Navy release said.Other planned interactions during the stay of the Lankan ships include exchange of visits by specialist officers and personnel from both the naviesas well as sports interactions, it said.SLNS Sayura is an Offshore Patrol Vessel, while Suranimila is a Fast attack vessel (Missile) commanded byCaptain Prasanna Amardasa and Captain P Vithana USP, respectively.”The SLN ships will undertake exercises with Indian Naval Ships off Kochi before setting course to Sri-Lanka,” the release added. PTI TGB VS KIS MVV read more

Jamaica’s global services sector (GSS) is poised for further buildout over the next five years under a special programme being initiated by the Government, with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan funding support totalling US$15 million. Story Highlights Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke; and the IDB’s Chief of Operations, Adriana La Valley, on Thursday (January 24), signed a loan agreement at the Ministry to undertake the Skills Development for Global Services Project. The initiative, to be executed by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), will focus on upskilling and preparing persons working in the industry for high-end jobs, in particular, and strengthening Jamaica’s institutional capacity to attract new GSS investments. Jamaica’s global services sector (GSS) is poised for further buildout over the next five years under a special programme being initiated by the Government, with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan funding support totalling US$15 million.Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke; and the IDB’s Chief of Operations, Adriana La Valley, on Thursday (January 24), signed a loan agreement at the Ministry to undertake the Skills Development for Global Services Project.Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke (left), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Chief of Operations, Adrianna La Valley, shake hands after signing a loan agreement for the IDB’s provision of US$15 million for the Skills Development for Global Services Project. The signing took place at the Ministry’s National Heroes Circle offices in Kingston, on Thursday (January 24). The initiative, to be executed by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), will focus on upskilling and preparing persons working in the industry for high-end jobs, in particular, and strengthening Jamaica’s institutional capacity to attract new GSS investments.The Global Services Sector comprises activities in business process outsourcing (BPO), which has expanded significantly in Jamaica; information technology outsourcing (ITO), which is being done on a small scale locally; and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO).It is anticipated that further GSS expansion in Jamaica will generate a significant number of additional jobs, while repositioning Jamaica to capture a greater percentage of the global market.This is expected to bolster Jamaica’s engagement in the fourth industrial revolution – Industry 4.0 – which is characterised by engagements and inputs such as robotic process automation, telemedicine, and smart home appliances.Dr. Clarke said the Skills Development for Global Services Project is a “very strategic initiative” by the Government in targeting a sector that is “showing tremendous growth and where tremendous opportunities exist”.He said it is intended that the initiative’s implementation “will have tremendous impact on the industry and catalyse its deepening and growth even further”.Dr. Clarke noted that Jamaica’s GSS has recorded rapid growth in recent years, particularly in BPO and ITO, which currently employ some 32,000 persons.He further pointed out that 57 per cent of the significantly higher number of jobs generated in 2015 and 2016 were within the sector.The Minister said based on industry developments, this is expected to increase to 40,000 persons within the next year “and within another two years or so, that number should increase to 50,000”.For her part, JAMPRO President, Diane Edwards, said the agency is proud to be executing the project, which she described as a “critical lynchpin and stepping stone to creating a vibrant digital sector in Jamaica”.Noting that only a handful of the 60-plus firms providing information technology-enabled services are local entities, Ms. Edwards said JAMPRO “wants to see more Jamaican companies established in this space, offering world-class IT consulting services, managing contracts for global companies, creating new apps to solve regional and international problems and analysing market data”. Meanwhile, Ms. La Valley described the project as a “groundbreaking process” that represents the “first stepping stone towards transforming the way we do business in Jamaica”.“The Government of Jamaica has been successful in establishing and consolidating the IT-enabled services sector. This [project] marks the beginning of a new Jamaica ready to ride the digital wave and move forward,” she added.Training under the project will be administered by HEART Trust/NTA, which will also be a part of the Global Services Sector Skills Board (GSSSB) being established to ensure that the training programmes will be filling the needs of the private sector.Representatives of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and Business Process Outsourcing Industry Association of Jamaica will also sit on the Board. read more