Latest news with #Rubik'sCube


Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Hungary showcases Rubik's cube in Seoul
Hungary is showcasing Rubik's Cube to the Korean public through the "Rubik 80/50: Fifty Years of Magic' exhibition from May 29 to August 12. Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Hungarian Ambassador to Korea Istvan Szerdahelyi said that the Rubik's Cube is more than a clever toy: it is part of Hungary's cultural heritage — a symbol of creativity, curiosity and the power of human imagination. 'For half a century, it has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the globe," Szerdahelyi said, citing the exhibition as a spirit of discovery and as a bridge between Hungary and Korea. According to Rhee Jong-kook, executive vice president of the Korea Foundation, the exhibition marks two important milestones: the 80th birthday of Hungarian architect Erno Rubik and the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking invention, the Rubik's Cube. 'Conceived in 2024 to commemorate these anniversaries, it traveled three cities before arriving here at the KF Gallery. It celebrates the enduring spirit of creativity and exploration and the universal joy of problem-solving,' Rhee said. 'One special aspect of this exhibition is archival content and cube installations created by faculty and students of Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design,' underlined Rhee. Rhee highlighted the university's legacy in experimental design and the Rubik's Cube as a symbol of creativity and interdisciplinary thinking. 'Just as the Rubik's Cube connects people across generations and cultures, we hope this exhibition strengthens the bond between our two nations (South Korea and Hungary),' Rhee said. sanjaykumar@


Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
From humble beginnings to real estate business: The journey of Perth Home Brokers CEO Nitesh Jha
Buying a home can feel like solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded—frustrating, confusing, and seemingly impossible. But for Nitesh Jha, cracking the code of real estate was just the beginning. With a genuine mission to help first-time home buyers, he has built Perth Home Brokers into a haven for bewildered buyers. NJ: I started Perth Home Brokers to simplify the home-buying process for Australians, especially first-home buyers. I realised there was a gap in the market for a service that genuinely prioritised the buyer's needs, giving transparency and support throughout the process. This motivated me to establish a company that guides clients through purchasing a home and provides them with the best possible deals. NJ: One of the biggest challenges was establishing credibility in a competitive market. Building trust with clients and industry partners was important as a new company. At first, I focused on creating solid relationships with builders and financial institutions to offer our clients the best deals and services. Another challenge was dealing with the regulatory aspect of the real estate industry. For this, I invested time in understanding the legal requirements and making sure our services complied with all necessary regulations. This attention to detail helped us avoid potential pitfalls later on. NJ: Perth Home Brokers has grown massively, and we have expanded our services and partnerships to better serve our clients. One of our significant milestones was securing partnerships with over 40 builders and offering packages in more than 100 land estates. We have also developed comprehensive guarantees, which set us apart from other real estate companies. These guarantees offer clients peace of mind, knowing they are getting the best value for their investment. NJ: We at Perth Home Brokers understand that buying a home for the first time can be daunting, so we have tailored our services to meet the unique needs of first-time home buyers. Our house and land packages are designed to be accessible, offering low or no-deposit options that make it easier for new buyers to enter the market. NJ: We at Perth Home Brokers pride ourselves on offering services and guarantees that truly benefit our clients. We provide a one-stop shop for all their home-buying needs, saving clients time and reducing the stress of purchasing a home. For instance, our zero-deposit contracts make it easier for buyers to secure their dream home without the burden of a large upfront payment. We also offer exclusive access to lots in certain estates, providing clients with options unavailable elsewhere, thanks to our builder guarantees. We provide unbiased advice and comprehensive comparisons of builders' offerings, helping clients choose the best option. NJ: Of course. Our builder guarantees are designed to give clients confidence and peace of mind when selecting a builder. We work with many builders and provide detailed comparisons of their offerings, including inclusions, exclusions, and special promotions. Additionally, our service is unbiased, meaning we have no incentive to steer clients toward a particular builder. This way, clients receive honest advice that is in their best interest. NJ: First-time home buyers in Perth face many challenges, including rising property prices and high mortgage rates. The competitive market means that first-time home buyers often have to compete with investors and other buyers, which can drive prices up further. NJ: We emphasise providing our clients with expert financial advice and support. Our partnerships with Finance365 and Integrated Finance WA allow us to offer various financial services. Additionally, our team is committed to providing personalised guidance so clients feel confident and informed throughout the process. We offer tools like mortgage and rent calculators to help clients evaluate their financial readiness for homeownership. NJ: I remember a young couple who came to us feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of buying their first home. They were unsure of their financial situation and worried about finding a home within their budget. We worked closely with them to understand their needs and financial capacity, guiding them through securing a low-deposit loan. With our help, they found a house and land package that suited their needs and budget. The joy and relief they felt when they moved into their new home were incredibly fulfilling. NJ: Focus on understanding your clients' needs and providing them with genuine value. The real estate industry can be so competitive, so it is crucial to differentiate yourself by offering services that genuinely benefit your clients. Building solid relationships with industry partners is also needed, as these partnerships can provide you with the resources and support to succeed. Also, be prepared to face challenges and setbacks along the way. Finally, never lose sight of your passion and purpose — these forces will keep you motivated and guide your entrepreneurial journey. NJ: The Australian real estate market is changing so fast. For now, we will continue to monitor market trends and adjust our offerings accordingly. This includes exploring new partnerships and expanding our range of house and land packages to offer more options to our clients. We also focus on enhancing our financial services, providing clients with more solutions that meet their needs. Nitesh Jha of Perth Home Brokers proves that quality service and a solid foundation of hard work are the only things more valuable than a prime location in the housing market. As he continues to build upon his legacy, he guarantees that the dream of owning a home is within reach for more Australians. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!


India Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Google starts teaching employees how to use AI to better align with new business priorities
Google is updating its employee training programmes to focus almost entirely on artificial intelligence (AI). The company has revamped its wide-ranging internal education platform, Grow, with AI-related content to help employees integrate modern tools into their everyday work. The transformation is reportedly part of Google's effort to align internal learning with core business to CNBC, Google has overhauled its decade-old Grow platform to reflect the company's new AI-first strategy. The platform was previously known for its eclectic mix of courses, ranging from personal finance to 3D printing and even Rubik's Cube solving for Googlers. The report suggests that employees who had signed up for non-AI courses were informed earlier this year that those sessions would be cancelled and have an active learning culture with numerous in-house courses tied to company priorities, along with generous educational reimbursement,' a Google spokesperson told CNBC in a statement. 'We're refreshing Grow to help employees find the most relevant learning opportunities.' The change in learning content also signals a broader shift in Google's internal priorities. Grow, Google's online career training platform, once featured 500,000 course listings and was viewed as a valuable benefit. However, now Google believes many of these courses are now 'not relevant to the work we do today,' according to an internal memo sent to course creators. Only sessions aligned with 'business priorities' will remain available, says Google. Programmes that don't contribute directly to the bottom line are being phased AI-focused transformation is also seen as part of broader cost-cutting efforts. Over the past year, Google has laid off thousands of employees across several departments and slashed benefits, including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes—moves driven partly by internal efficiency goals and external political pressures. Anat Ashkenazi, the Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet (Google's parent company), had previously stated that the company could 'push a little further' on cost reductions. Ashkenazi during her debut in the earnings call last year said 'there is an aggressive roadmap ahead for 2025.' With AI now at the centre of its product development—from Search to Workspace and Cloud—Google's internal operations are reportedly being realigned accordingly.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Q1 Earnings Recap: Hasbro (NASDAQ:HAS) Tops Toys and Electronics Stocks
The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let's take a look at how toys and electronics stocks fared in Q1, starting with Hasbro (NASDAQ:HAS). The toys and electronics industry presents both opportunities and challenges for investors. Established companies often enjoy strong brand recognition and customer loyalty while smaller players can carve out a niche if they develop a viral, hit new product. The downside, however, is that success can be short-lived because the industry is very competitive: the barriers to entry for developing a new toy are low, which can lead to pricing pressures and reduced profit margins, and the rapid pace of technological advancements necessitates continuous product updates, increasing research and development costs, and shortening product life cycles for electronics companies. Furthermore, these players must navigate various regulatory requirements, especially regarding product safety, which can pose operational challenges and potential legal risks. The 4 toys and electronics stocks we track reported an exceptional Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts' consensus estimates by 2.4% while next quarter's revenue guidance was in line. Thankfully, share prices of the companies have been resilient as they are up 6.8% on average since the latest earnings results. Credited with the creation of toys such as Mr. Potato Head and the Rubik's Cube, Hasbro (NASDAQ:HAS) is a global entertainment company offering a diverse range of toys, games, and multimedia experiences for children and families. Hasbro reported revenues of $887.1 million, up 17.1% year on year. This print exceeded analysts' expectations by 14.8%. Overall, it was an incredible quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts' EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates. 'Hasbro's Playing to Win strategy is delivering in a challenging environment. We're outperforming today and building for tomorrow through disciplined execution, standout partnerships like our extended Disney agreement, and future-focused bets that are already paying off,' said Chris Cocks, Hasbro Chief Executive Officer. Hasbro achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth of the whole group. The stock is up 26% since reporting and currently trades at $66.32. Is now the time to buy Hasbro? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free. Known for the creation of iconic toys such as Barbie and Hotwheels, Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) is a global children's entertainment company specializing in the design and production of consumer products. Mattel reported revenues of $826.6 million, up 2.1% year on year, outperforming analysts' expectations by 4.4%. The business had an exceptional quarter with a solid beat of analysts' EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 14.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $18.59. Is now the time to buy Mattel? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free. Making a name for itself with the BarkBox, Bark (NYSE:BARK) specializes in subscription-based, personalized pet products. Bark reported revenues of $115.4 million, down 5% year on year, falling short of analysts' expectations by 9.9%. It was a mixed quarter as it posted a solid beat of analysts' EPS estimates but a significant miss of analysts' adjusted operating income estimates. Bark delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 29.3% since the results and currently trades at $0.96. Read our full analysis of Bark's results here. Boasting partnerships with media franchises like Marvel and One Piece, Funko (NASDAQ:FNKO) is a company specializing in creating and distributing licensed pop culture collectibles. Funko reported revenues of $190.7 million, down 11.6% year on year. This number met analysts' expectations. It was an exceptional quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates. Funko had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 15.5% since reporting and currently trades at $4.84. Read our full, actionable report on Funko here, it's free. The Fed's interest rate hikes throughout 2022 and 2023 have successfully cooled post-pandemic inflation, bringing it closer to the 2% target. Inflationary pressures have eased without tipping the economy into a recession, suggesting a soft landing. This stability, paired with recent rate cuts (0.5% in September 2024 and 0.25% in November 2024), fueled a strong year for the stock market in 2024. The markets surged further after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, with major indices reaching record highs in the days following the election. Still, questions remain about the direction of economic policy, as potential tariffs and corporate tax changes add uncertainty for 2025. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Hidden Gem Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.


Vancouver Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks: The Thatcher Demko dilemma of injury versus durability, pay versus trade
How much is too much? If you're the Vancouver Canucks ' braintrust, assessing long-term competitiveness and compensation for starting goaltender Thatcher Demko is like the Rubik's Cube. Trying to properly align all sides can be tedious. At his best, Demko is among the NHL's elite stoppers, and a Vezina Trophy finalist nomination in 2024 spoke to superiority when healthy. In 51 games in 2023-24, before being sidelined by a freak popliteus knee-muscle strain, he posted career-best 2.45 goals-against average, .918 saves percentage and five shutouts. And there's the rub. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. From career hip, groin and knee ailments — plus that mysterious popliteus predicament at back of his knee in April of 2024 — a string of setbacks have tested the resolve to endure arduous rehabilitations. Demko did the work and nothing is impeding preparation for a heightened level of readiness next season. However, it's the unknown that makes durability and contract-extension parameters a double dilemma for management. Demko, 29, has a year remaining on his expiring extension at a $5-million US salary-cap hit, and his camp can start talking contract on July 1. But it would be prudent for the Canucks to first see how Demko starts the 2025-26 season. Could that popliteus problem pop up again? Or is it something athletes can play through and manage? 'It's such a rare injury, but it could occur again if he were to have a movement or contact that causes the injury,' B.C. physician Dr. Harjas Grewal told Postmedia on Monday. 'Some of the ways it could happen are direct contact to the outer knee, or even just rotation of his knee while it's flexed. 'Most muscles in the leg work to move the knee forward and backward. The popliteus is unique and important in starting flexion of the knee. To get into a butterfly, or any other position, the initial bending of the knee is initiated by the popliteus. 'These types of plays happen a lot, and this injury is so rare that it would shock me to happen again. In terms of prevention, there's not much he could do outside of regular strengthening exercises and ensuring he has good mobility. 'Managing his workload helps to reduce risk, but that's true for essentially all muscular injuries.' Demko missed 15 games this season with an undisclosed Feb. 8 ailment, but had an encouraging run before that setback. A 3-1-1 run featured an encouraging 1.25 GAA, .952 saves percentage, and a shutout. How the Canucks' crease conundrum plays out is like that Rubik's Cube. Kevin Lankinen, 30, has a five-year extension at $4.5 million in annual average value kicking in next season. And Arturs Silovs , 24, has a year left on his deal at $850,000 before becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. However, Silovs is not waiver-exempt next season, and that's where it gets interesting in the big picture. In theory, Demko and Lankinen form the tandem and Silovs gets more seasoning in Abbotsford. The Canucks could carry three stoppers, but that's awkward for practice, playing time and taking up a roster spot. The kicker is what Demko's camp believes is a fair extension. He wants to remain in Vancouver and has put up numbers than warrant a market-value raise. Salary is negotiable, but length will be an obstacle. Demko would obviously want long-term security and the Canucks could play the caution card. Linus Ullmark, 31, could be a contract comparable. He had an expiring cap hit of $5 million this season and then his four-year, $33-million extension kicks in with the Ottawa Senators. It carries an $8.25 million cap hit. Ullmark has played 297 career regular-season games with a 2.54 GAA., .917 saves percentage and 13 shutouts. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2023. Demko has logged 242 games with a 2.80 GAA., .910 percentage and nine shutouts. The Canucks could also consider a trade because Demko doesn't have movement protections, but that's a very slippery slope. Lankinen and Silovs might not measure up as a reliable duo, even if healthy. Lankinen did hit career highs this season for wins (25), GAA (2.62), and shutouts (four) in 51 games. But he had struggles in March by allowing four, five and six goals in sub-standard outings. That's where workload and another veteran to share the cage is vital. Lankinen did set an NHL record by winning his first 10 road starts, so the good far outweighs the concerns. As for Silovs, he has had a season of AHL rejuvenation — especially with five postseason shutouts to get Abbotsford to the Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history — but how that plays out in the NHL is the big unknown. Silovs was suspect in an NHL season opening 6-5 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames on home ice, a nervous night where the Canucks blew 3-0 and 4-1 leads. It wasn't any better in a 6-0 drubbing by the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 31 in which Silovs faced just 22 shots. It all led to a 2-6-1 record, bloated 3.65 GAA and paltry .861 saves percentage. He had to learn to calm down an aggressive and acrobatic game, control rebounds and track pucks better from a distance and through screens. To his credit, he did finish this AHL regular season with a 14-5-1 mark, 2.41 GAA, .908 saves percentage and five shutouts. bkuzma@