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Fast Track 100
Fast Track 100
Fourteen companies from the Midlands have earned places on the 16th annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, which ranks Britain’s privately-owned companies with the fastest-growing sales over the last three years.
The 14 companies headquartered in the Midlands on the league table (compared to 17 last year) have made a strong contribution to the local economy, despite the tough economic conditions. They have combined sales of £355m and employ 1,250 staff, having added 970 jobs in the last three years.
The region’s highest-ranked company is home shopping jewellery retailer The Genuine Gemstone Company, which is ranked in the top three nationally. Based in Redditch, it was set up in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Steve Bennett. Bennett’s first high-profile venture, Software Warehouse, was on the Fast Track 100 for three consecutive years between 1997 and 1999, before he sold it for £37m in 2000. Partly as a result of acquisition, Genuine Gemstone’s sales soared 245% a year, from £1.3m in 2009 to £54.5m in 2012.
Two Coventry-based companies, online retailer BathEmpire.com and leather car seat manufacturer Automotive Trim Developments have made it onto the league table for the first time. Another firm based in Coventry, safety products manufacturer Sprue Aegis, has made its fifth consecutive appearance on the Fast Track 100, a record achievement for a Midlands company. Led by chairman Graham Whitworth and co-founder Nick Rutter, it makes smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, and sells its products in Tesco and B&Q. Last month, it won a contract to supply British Gas with bespoke carbon-monoxide alarms.
The Midlands firms feature on the league table alongside companies from around the UK, including household names such as Ella’s Kitchen, GO Outdoors, Hunter Boot, Wiggle and Jamie’s Italian.
The Fast Track 100 is sponsored by Virgin, Barclays, and RSM Tenon. It is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based networking events and research company.
Sir Richard Branson of Virgin, which has been the title sponsor of the league table for all 16 years, commented:
“The tough economic conditions of the last few years have continued throughout 2012. Despite the positive feelings and boost provided by the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, the UK’s recovery has been slow and uneven this year. Against this backdrop, the Fast Track 100 companies have performed especially well, growing strongly and creating all important jobs.”
The National Picture
This year’s Fast Track 100 companies achieved, on average, sales growth of 89% a year over the last three years of available accounts, from combined sales of £504m in 2008/09 to £2.7bn in 2011/12. They more than quadrupled their combined workforce to 14,000 over the three years, with more than 10,500 jobs being added over that period.
Despite the tough economic conditions, more than half (59) of the companies have improved operating profit margins over the last three years, and 51 made profits of more than £1m.
Notable industry groups include consumer goods, which represent more than a fifth (21) of the league table and feature companies such as footwear designer Fitflop and online sports retailer Wiggle. This industry group has combined sales of £960m and employs 3,800 people. The food and drink industry also features strongly with 15 companies on the league table, such as Côte Restaurants and brewery BrewDog. This industry group has combined sales of £290m and employs 3,600 people.
Twenty companies are engaged in manufacturing, including those that outsource manufacturing to third parties, generating sales of £540m. At least 13 companies manufacture some of their products in the UK, such as household goods maker Joseph Joseph and children's travel products designer Trunki.
The majority of companies on the league table are headquartered in London (30) and the southeast (24). Of the remainder, 14 are based in the Midlands, ten in the northwest, six in the southwest, six in Scotland, five in the northeast and Yorkshire, two in the Channel Islands, two in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
The full league table is published in a six-page broadsheet supplement within the business section of The Sunday Times on 2 December, both in print and on the iPad/tablet edition, and on www.fasttrack.co.uk.
CREDIT: THE SUNDAY TIMES VIRGIN FAST TRACK 100


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Aliso Viejo approval of e-cig lounge has critics fuming
Some battery-operated electronic cigarettes are designed to look like traditional cigarettes, though they do not burn tobacco.
FILE PHOTO: DAVID BRO, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Few vape rules
Most cities in Orange County don't restrict e-cigarette businesses. Here are a few oddities:
• Not at the skate park: Garden Grove prohibits the use of e-cigarettes at skate parks. The city has 28 licensed establishments that sell e-cigs as their primary business, said Ana Pulido of Garden Grove's community-relations office.
• Nixed by default: Since e-cigs aren't listed in Laguna Niguel's zoning code, e-cig lounges are prohibited, said Dan Fox, community-development director.
• Not in Seal Beach – yet: If the City Council approves a second reading of e-cigarette regulations Monday, it could end a moratorium on e-cig sales put in place Aug. 26.
Schools closest to Aliso Viejo e-cig shop
• Academy on the Hills (pre-K and kindergarten): 0.3 miles
• Vine Preparatory Academy (K-8): 0.5 miles
• Journey School: 0.6 miles
• Aliso Viejo Middle School: 0.7 miles
• Aliso Niguel High School: 0.8 miles
• Laguna Niguel Elementary School: 0.9 miles
Source: Google Maps
The Aliso Viejo City Council's recent approval of an e-cigarette lounge has raised the ire of some residents and members of the school board.
E-Cig Vault plans to sell “vapes” – electronic devices that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They hold a battery and a flavored liquid, or “juice,” containing levels of nicotine varying from none to 24 mg. The battery heats the juice to create an inhalable mist.
The Aliso Viejo council approved a conditional-use permit for E-Cig Vault on a 3-2 vote Jan. 8. Councilmen Ross Chun and Bill Phillips dissented, calling for more information about the products' possible health risks and how other cities in Orange County are treating the devices. Several Southern California cities have put a moratorium on e-cig businesses.
The council added a condition that the business comply with all local, state and federal laws.
Applicants Garrett Mann and Jason Lopez plan to open the establishment March 14 at 27058 La Paz Road, in the Target shopping center.
“We're trying to make it a high-quality store,” said Mann, a six-year resident of Laguna Niguel who said he quit smoking with the help of e-cigarettes and has been “vaping” with no nicotine for four months. “There's a lot of stores in Orange County that have kind of opened up as kind of fly-by-night businesses.”
He and Lopez vowed in their application not to sell to minors.
The city also has received an application for an e-cig shop at Pacific Park Plaza, said Larry Lawrence, a city planning consultant. He said a City Council hearing on the application is scheduled for Feb. 19.
State law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to people younger than 18 and imposes a penalty of $200 for a first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a third offense.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigs are not subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning there are no federal restrictions on sales to minors. Since the devices contain liquid nicotine, they aren't subject to tobacco laws, although the FDA is seeking a rule to regulate them.
The state Legislature has a bill to restrict the products' use and advertising, but the measure stalled in committee in August after an industry uproar.
In Orange County, the Orange Unified School District voted last week to ban e-cigarettes and similar devices, and the Seal Beach City Council approved regulations on sales, including age restrictions.
In December, the city of Los Angeles put the devices in the same category as tobacco products.
SCHOOL LEADERS PROTEST

domain: news


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Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that work as an alternative to tobacco. The device works by heating a small amount of flavored liquid nicotine. As the nicotine is heated, it is atomized and converted into an inhalable mist. Nicotine is delivered to users by inhaling the mist as if smoking.
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes come in a wide range of features, but they all work the same. As far as the benefits go, health experts remain divided over the issue. In today’s post, we are listing down the pros and cons of using electronic cigarettes.
Pros of Electronic Cigarettes
Reduce the Urge to Smoke
An independent study tracked 40 tobacco-addicted vapers for several weeks. According to researchers, smokers who use electronic cigarettes are able to tolerate the withdrawal symptoms of quitting tobacco. The desire to smoke tobacco is also minimized after using vapor cigarettes compared to conventional smoking cessation aids like Nicorette inhalers.
Decreases the Consumption of Tobacco
A study found that vaping dramatically decreases the consumption of tobacco without withdrawal symptoms. The study involved tracking 50 smokers who smoked Eclipse, an electronic cigarette brand. The participants said their desire to quit tobacco remained intact after the study. However, the researchers noted that Eclipse electronic cigarette increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood. As such, it is not considered as a safer alternative to cigarettes. But compared to tobacco cigarettes, Eclipse electronic cigarettes cause few adverse effects to the health.
Offers Long-Term Results
Electronic cigarettes may help smokers quit tobacco for good. In a 2010 survey, 70% of the 3,587 participants were former smokers who use vapor products to quit tobacco for good. 61% of these participants are men and the median age was 41 years old. 96% of the correspondents believe that electronic cigarettes helped them quit tobacco for good and 92% say vaping made them smoke less.
The Cons of Electronic Cigarettes
The vapor industry remains unregulated. As such, retailers and makers are able to avoid certain measures imposed to similar products, like tobacco. The lack of regulation paved the way for sub-par electronic cigarettes and batteries that explode, causing severe injuries among users.
Negative Effects to the Health
A 2011 study published on the CHEST journal found that vapor products could cause acute pulmonary problems among users. During the study 40, healthy nonsmokers were group into two. The first group was asked to smoke electronic cigarettes for 5 minutes. After five minutes, those who smoked vapor products exhibited an increase in impedance, peripheral airway flow resistance as well as oxidative stress of the lungs compared to group 2, which was not instructed to vape. Researchers conclude that vapor products may contain ingredients that are toxic to humans as well as compounds that are unsafe to the health.
May Cause Rare Lung Disorder
Certain chemicals in e-liquids can cause a rare respiratory disease called popcorn lung. Popcorn lung was discovered when a group of workers from a popcorn plant started suffering from breathing problems. Studies found that the workers were afflicted with bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare lung disorder caused by diacetyl. Diacetyl is an FDA-approved flavoring that provides a rich, buttery taste to processed foods. But when inhaled, this compound is dangerous to the lungs.
Unfortunately, most e-liquid manufacturers use diacetyl to improve the flavor of their liquid nicotine. Eventually, vapers who are exposed to diacetyl via vaping started suffering from bronchiolitis obliterans.


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Amplify Snack Brands Inc. has launched new SkinnyPop Popcorn flavors. The company has also announced the official national launch of Paqui Tortilla Chips, which will be available across the U.S. and Canada. The new popcorn flavors bring Amplify’s flavor portfolio to 22 new options for consumers to enjoy. SkinnyPop consumers are now able to enjoy the new flavors of Jalapeño and Dusted Dark Chocolate. Jalapeño SkinnyPop offers a subtly spicy kick and Dusted Dark Chocolate SkinnyPop is light yet dark, sweet yet salty – both made using the simplest ingredients possible to bring consumers the best tasting popcorn. The packaging variations include 4.4-ounce Jalapeño, 4.4-ounce Dusted Dark Chocolate and one-ounce Jalapeño. With the official national launch of Paqui, consumers across the country can now take advantage of a range of great tasting, better-for-you tortilla chips. Like SkinnyPop, Paqui Tortilla Chips are gluten free and contain no artificial ingredients, no MSG, no artificial flavors and no preservatives. Paqui products are available in flavors including Nacho Cheese Especial, Very Verde Good, Grilled Habanero, Sea Salt Delights, Roasted Jalapeño and Haunted Ghost Pepper. Different package variations, such as 5.5-ounce, two-ounce, 20-ounce and 22-ounce packages, are available. Both Paqui Tortilla Chips and the new SkinnyPop Popcorn flavors will be available starting February 2016.
For More Information From Amplify Snack Brands Inc.
The post New Better For You Product Flavors appeared first on CStore Products.


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Thoughts, News and Banter from PowerPackXL
Here’s some amazing looking concept phones that have been developed for testing, what do you think? Would you buy any of them?
This iPhone watch has been circulating the web for a little while now, lots of tech commentators have mentioned that Apple are actively looking at this as the next big thing since the iphone.
I love the look of this next concept from Sony, but in reality who uses a keyboard that much on a phone? This is where this may drop dead and never reach production as there’s not really a real need for this product. Never the less this looks great!
Now compared to the Sony, this could be an addition to an existing phone and may well become reality. Of all the concepts we’ve looked at I think this is the best and the most functional and above all the most likely to be seen on our phones in the not so distant future!
The one thing that these and other devices is that battery life always suffers once we get gadgets that we use constantly. Here at PowerPackXL we know you guys rely on your phones, that’s where our product comes into its own! Charge any phone from the best looking device on the market – find out more at www.powerpackxl.com


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In today’s FinTech news, Cashfree Payments in India is launching Token Vault with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on RuPay cards. Plus, Transcard is launching its new tool SMART Hub in a collaboration with cloud-based financial management and services firm Sage Intact.
Cashfree Payments Teams With NPCI for Tokenization of RuPay Cards
Cashfree Payments, a payments and application programming interface (API) banking solutions startup, is offering its new Token Vault tool through a collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on RuPay cards for its merchants.
Token Vault is compliant with Reserve Bank of India guidelines and offers a way for merchants to enable their customers to save cards on merchants’ websites or apps and process card payments securely.
Transcard’s SMART Hub Payments Collabs With Sage Intacct
Payments and data technology platform Transcard has announced an integration between its SMART Hub tool and Sage Intacct, a cloud-based financial management and services firm.
The SMART Hub payment portal digitizes payment management for businesses and also offers insights into what transpired. Integrating SMART Hub with Sage Intacct is intended to streamline the process of making and receiving payments while eliminating complexity.
Incognia Grabs $15.5M to Increase Its ID Fraud-Fighting Efforts
Mobile identity platform Incognia raised $15.5 million in a Series A funding round that it’s earmarking to continue fighting identity fraud for its 200 million-plus customers across 20 countries.
The fresh capital was led by Point72 Ventures. Incognia Focuses on user authentication and fraud prevention on mobile applications in FinTech, cryptocurrency, gaming, delivery and more.
Square Working With Apple to Enable Tap to Pay on iPhones
Square is working with Apple to enable Tap to Pay on iPhones on the Square point of sale (POS), using new technology that gives sellers more flexibility at checkout.
The latest tech add-on also offers sellers increased flexibility and an on-ramp to the Square ecosystem at checkout. Through Square’s Early Access Program, select sellers will now have the opportunity to test the integration, with a full roll-out planned later in the year.
Nexi to Buy BPER Banca Payment Unit for $412M
Italian payments group Nexi is set to acquire the payments business of BPER Banca and its subsidiary Banco Di Sardegna for an estimated $412 million, following months of negotiations.
The deal is expected to close in the latter half of the year, and will see Nexi purchasing the point of sale operations of both companies.


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Target introduced its first ever global expansion, into Canada, while it purchased the leaseholds for up to 220 shops of the Canadian sale chain Zellers, owned by using the Hudson's Bay Company. The deal turned into introduced to were made for $1.Eight billion. Target opened its first Canadian stores in March 2013, and at its peak, Target Canada had 133 stores. However, the enlargement into Canada was beset with issues, along with supply chain problems that ended in stores with aisles of empty shelves and better than predicted retail charges. Target Canada racked up losses of $2.1 billion in its short life, Target Red Card Payment and the store's botched expansion became characterized via the Canadian and US media as a "impressive failure", "an unmitigated catastrophe", and "a gold fashionable case examine in what outlets ought to now not do after they input a new marketplace." On January 15, 2015, Target announced that each one 133 of its Canadian retailers could be closed and liquidated by the quit of 2015. The final Target Canada shops closed on April 12, 2015, some distance ahead of the initial agenda.
On October 2, 2017, Target introduced a brand new on-line order carrier, known as Drive Up, which permits visitors to reserve products online for pickup outdoor the shop. Guests hit the 'I'm on My Way' button when they are en path to their shop. They pull into certain parking spots out front, and soon a Target group member comes out to greet them with their order.
On October 19, 2017, Target introduced that they will be starting a small-format keep and their first store in Vermont within the University Mall in South Burlington in October 2018. The shop will replace the previous Bon-Ton (originally Almy's and later Steinbach), which closed in January 2018.
In December 2017, Target announced the corporation's intention to buy Shipt, a web-based grocery transport carrier for a suggested $550 million. The acquisition is supposed to assist identical-day delivery and to higher compete with Amazon. In past due 2017 and early 2018, Target started curtailing hard work without word, so that you can increase month-to-month income reports. Additionally, Target introduced in February 2018 that it might shift its sales model for compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs to provide them totally on a contingency basis, bringing up reduced bodily media sales in prefer of digital downloads and streaming.
On a weekend in June 2019, at a massive number of Target shops within the U. S., "On Saturday ... Buyers experienced a systems outage that shut down the card readers at check-out registers for near two hours. On Sunday, there were additional spot outages that the employer says were unrelated to Saturday’s troubles." Another—even though tons shorter—checkout register crash took place in 2013, at the identical date because the Saturday crash.


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The Savannah Bananas, an outfit that is so much more than just a North American baseball team, is set to tour the US with its own brand of sport and entertainment later this year.
The team recently added 11 challenger games to its 2023 Banana Ball World Tour, three of which will be against the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. The 2023 Banana Ball World Tour is also set to feature the Aussie Drop Bears, who will be making the journey from Australia to face the Bananas in June.
However, the baseball action will be just a part of the attraction. This is a team that prioritises the fan experience, from the players performing wacky dances for the crowd, to stilt-walkers, to cheerleading grannies, and more.
“Every single Bananas game always has a handful of things that have never been done on a baseball field before,” Savannah Bananas broadcast entertainer Biko Skalla tells Fan XP.
“On the 2023 Banana Ball World Tour we’ll be taking this to the next level and folks will be blown away by what they see. We’ll also have new characters and players, more former MLB players suiting up for us, we’re taking on far more challengers than ever before and we’ve got loads more tricks up our sleeves that of course I cannot reveal today!”
Making the split
The Savannah Bananas played traditional baseball – with the added quirkiness of parties, picture opportunities with players and many other antics – in the Coastal Plain League up until last year. However, the exhibition baseball team decided that it would focus solely on its own version of America’s Game – ‘Banana Ball’ – going forward.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, the team has become so popular that it has sold out every game since its inaugural season in 2016, as well as every city on the Banana Ball World Tour. There is even a waiting list for tickets.
“Bananas games are such a hot commodity because fans know they will be entertained and will leave with lifelong memories,” continues Skalla.
“That is what this whole thing is about. Breaking the barriers between fans and players. Every fan can talk with players, get autographs, pictures, and if a foul ball comes their direction and they catch it on the fly they literally can record an out in the game and therefore become a player themselves.”
Skalla adds: “The icing on top is the game has a two-hour time limit, so folks won’t have to wait an unknowable amount of time to see the climax of the game. And the cherry on top of the icing is the party outside the gate after the game where all the characters and players dance and celebrate with the fans.”
Fan experience at the forefront
What is happening off the baseball field is just as important to the Savannah Bananas as what is happening on the it.
“It might sound redundant, but the fan experience is so important to us because it literally means everything to us,” explains Skalla. “We are Fan’s First Entertainment for a reason. Every decision we make has to be what is best for the fans.”
For instance, all hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, cookies, chips, and drinks without alcohol are free at the team’s home games in Savannah – a bold move in an industry that typically relies upon such marked-up items for vital income.
“Fans don’t want to come to the ballpark and spend an insane amount of money on food and drinks,” Skalla adds. “So, what would be the best thing for the fan? If they came to the ballpark and spent literally no money on food and drinks but still got to eat and drink to their heart’s content.”
There has even been consideration for fans in devising the queuing and ticketing systems, optimizing the experience even further.
“We spend countless hours trying to make our concession stand lines as quick as possible because fans don’t want to stand in line, especially at a Bananas game when they’re being entertained constantly, not just when a ball is in play,” Skalla says.
“We cover all taxes and fees on our tickets and merchandise (plus have free shipping in the US) because when fans see a price for something we want that to be the price, not a cent more. You get the gist of it. We only exist to give fans the greatest experience possible. Without our fans we are nothing.”
Image credit: Savannah Bananas
This exclusive insight is part of “Fan XP” – a newsletter designed to keep you abreast of the latest innovations, strategies and more regarding fan experience across the globe. To sign up, please click here.


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The lodged cargo ship Ever Given that has blocked the Suez Canal for 5 days has finally been freed, but the disruption to global trade is far from over. There is no word so far on when traffic will resume, but it could take days.
The massive vessel the Ever Given, a 224,000-ton cargo ship that is as nearly long as the Empire State Building is tall at 1,300 feet (400m), has finally been dislodged after running aground five days ago and completely blocking all traffic through the Suez Canal.
The lodged vessel brought traffic to a standstill at one of the world’s busiest sea routes, which accounts for 12% of all global trade,
On Monday, the BBC reported that the container ship had finally been unstuck and is floating freely again. After the vessel was dislodged, tugboats towed the massive container ship to a location outside of the channel to undergo further inspection.
By early Monday, it was not immediately clear when full traffic through the canal could resume. According to Lloyd’s List, the re-floating of the Ever Given would not bring immediate relief from the disruption and impact on global trade, which is expected to continue for some time.
As of Monday, there were over 370 ships still waiting to pass through the canal. The vessels include tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers. According to experts on the matter, clearing the backlog of seagoing traffic is expected to take several days.
After the blockage occurred, numerous ships left the congested waterway and opted to take the alternative and longer route around the southern tip of Africa. As a result, traffic is expected to be heavy in those other shipping lanes around South Africa, as numerous other vessels, which are also traveling from East Asia to Europe, have decided not to risk the backup occurring at the Suez Canal and have taken the longer route.
Everyone understands that a majority of the world’s goods now come from Asia. Because of this, seagoing traffic through the Suez Canal has become more important than ever.
With 12 percent of global trade going through the Suez Canal, the blockage held up $9.6 billion of goods each day at a cost of roughly $400 million per hour, according to data from Lloyd’s List.
What makes the Suez Canal so vital to maritime traffic is that it provides the shortest link for moving goods from Asia to Europe by sea.
Moving goods using the longer route of southern Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope, increases the shipping time by roughly 9 extra days of shipping time, based upon an average ship speed of 16.43 knots.
Ships traveling through the Suez Canal from Asia to Europe make a journey of approximately 10,000 nautical miles, taking about 25.5 days. However, the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope totals roughly 13,500 nautical miles and takes approximately 34 days.


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● Walkers hero the beloved British crisp sandwich, encouraging the nation to celebrate their crisp and sandwich combinations whatever they are ● Experiential partnership with Subway asks consumers if they want their crisps in or out of their Subs
Walkers spark nationwide crisp sandwich debate #crispIN OR #crispOUT with VCCP
Extra time with your cat is something every cat owner craves. Cats love to give affection, but only on their terms. With this delicious new treat, those special bonding moments last even longer…which could get out of hand Created by adam&eveDDB and directed by Benji Weinstein from Smuggler, the film was remotely produced in Canada, during lockdown. […]
New advertising campaign looks to the future and people’s plans post-lockdown.
Aims to build on savings momentum Nationwide encouraged through Payday Saveday.
Forms part of Society’s ‘Voices’ campaign; runs across both TV and newspapers.
Nationwide Building Society is this week launching a new widespread advertising campaign to encourage people to think about their plans for the future and saving for them. The campaign, which will cover a variety of advertising channels, aims to build on the savings momentum that has developed as people across the country use the Covid-19 […]
Checkatrade has launched its new brand campaign, ‘Recommendations You Can Rely On’, which seeks to educate consumers about the importance of using a trusted source to find a tradesperson. The UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson partnered with new creative agency Hughson&Merton to launch the new advert following insight that Britons don’t understand […]
LICRA and Publicis Conseil have created a campaign to reaffirm the commitment and vocation of the association, since its creation, in the fight against all types of racism and thus to assert the “R” of the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism (in French: Ligue Internationale Contre le Racisme et l’Antisémitisme). This campaign illustrates how racism has evolved. Because if less and less French […]
Ural Opera Ballet has re-created the famous performance by Mariinsky Theatre dating back to 1912. The new play will be an intricate merge of futurism and classics. Neon and vinyl, perky rhymes and old-style libretto, classical ballet and a Russian rap band on stage — all come together to surprise the audience. The performance is […]
Jane Plan, the award-winning weight loss plan, has this week appointed The Clerkenwell Brothers to bring its new brand and latest programme to life with a standout through-the-line campaign for 2021. The independent, award-winning, full-service creative agency has been briefed to develop a 360 campaign for Jane Plan’s new weight loss programme due to be […]
Just Eat, a leading global marketplace for online food delivery, is launching a fresh, new UK campaign created by McCann London under the tagline ‘We Got It,’ celebrating a service expansion into the delivery of major brands such as McDonald’s, KFC and Greggs. The new ad will run alongside the brand’s ongoing ‘Did Somebody Say’ campaign, featuring Snoop Dogg. The new campaign aims to show that Just […]
Today Publicis Groupe BeNe announced the appointment of Eduardo Marques as Chief Creative Officer.
Eduardo, a Brazilian who has experience across international markets including US and Europe, has won 40 Cannes Lions, including 3 Grands Prix and a Titanium Lion. He has also won Black Pencils at D&AD and The One Show, during his time at 180 Los Angeles and Publicis Spain. Marques will divide his time between Netherlands and Belgium and will join […]
Guy Moore and Pete Bracegirdle have both left VCCP London to launch a new creative company Creative Coalition. “Covid has accelerated the trends and pressures we have been seeing for years on the traditional agency model. It has revealed some awkward truths but also a great opportunity to offer marketeers an alternative that is built for […]


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HDFC Bank customers face issues with online, mobile banking
Several customers took to the social media platform to report issues in accessing the bank's services. The bank said that it is currently working on resolving the issue.
HDFC Bank’s net banking and mobile banking services suffered an outage on Tuesday with users reporting issues in accessing them. The bank said it is working on resolving the issue. "Some customers are facing intermittent issues accessing our NetBanking/MobileBanking App. We are looking into it on priority for resolution. We apologize for the inconvenience and request you to try again after sometime. Thank you (sic)," the bank said on Twitter.
Several customers took to the social media platform to report issues in accessing the bank's services.
The bank faced similar technical glitches before as well, reportedly due to an unexpected surge in online payment volumes. The repeated glitches prompted the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to toughen its stance and in December 2020, the apex bank asked HDFC Bank to halt the launch of its new digital banking services as well. The bank submitted a detailed plan to reduce glitches to RBI on January 19.
HDFC Bank is not the only bank to face such outages. State Bank of India’s (SBI) YONO app also faced technical glitches last year which were addressed by the bank subsequently.
Owing to the increase in the number of digital transactions, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das recently said that banks must invest more in building their online platforms so that people's confidence in online banking services increases. Das also said that the central bank will introduce digital payment security control directions for regulated entities to improve the security of online payment channels and enhance user experiences.
“These directions will contain requirements for robust governance, implementation and monitoring of certain minimum standards on common security controls for channels like internet and mobile banking, card payments, etc,” Das said.


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Rumors of another residential tower in the Westlake neighborhood have become reality.
Last year, an approximately one-acre site at 1247 W. 7th Street sold for $19 million to an American subsidiary of the Lifan Group, a major Chinese manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. Earlier today, the company filed plans to construct a mixed-use development on the property, consisting of 304 residential units above 5,700 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a parking garage.
The applicant has requested a density bonus in exchange for setting aside 34 units as affordable housing.
A rendering of the project, which surfaced in February 2016, portray and approximately 28-story glass-clad tower with rooftop and podium-level amenity decks featuring landscaping, swimming pools and outdoor seating. The logo of American General Design (AGD), a Pasadena-based architecture firm, is displayed on the rendering.
One block east, AGD has designed a similar project at the corner of 7th Street and Lucas Avenue.
An additional tower from Orange County-based REALM Group is proposed at the corner of Bixel and Ingraham Streets.
- Another Tower Headed to City West (Urbanize LA)


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June 29, 2010
Stories this photo appears in:
Some stores will offer different services
The clock is ticking for payday loan businesses in Kingman. With less than 48 hours to go before the law allowing them to do business expires, payday loan stores, both big and small, are preparing for a seismic shift in their business models.The stores have been facing their demise all year, following failed attempts to woo voters and state lawmakers into extending the 2000 law that allowed them to charge upwards of 390-percent interest on small monetary loans.


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from the convergence-or-some-crap dept.
iloveCarla writes "Microsoft is partnering with Toshiba to turn the Xbox into a full fledged HTPC. With built-in HD DVD, a larger hard drive, revamped "MCE" interface, and possibly HDTV tuners, the Xbox would be in a better position to compete against the PS3 in the race to serve as the defacto entertainment hub for couch potatoes. According to the article "The new device is expected to be released late in 2008 or at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas."
"The urge to destroy is also a creative urge."
[ed. note - I would say: The urge to destroy may sometimes be a creative urge.]


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Real estate tokenization using digital assets remains one of the future use cases of blockchain technology. Many businesses and individuals have tried the concept, but due to a lack of regulatory clarity, the trend hasn’t taken off. Still, a few companies are pushing towards tokenizing real estate digital assets such as NFTs. The latest example is an Atlanta home tokenized as an NFT that sold for $214,882 in less than three minutes.
The sale is the result of a collaboration between Roofstock, a tech startup that focuses on real estate, and RealT, another startup focused on tokenizing the sector and enabling fractional investment. Roofstock sold the George-located home to RealT through a tokenized Ethereum-based NFT on Tuesday.
According to Remy Jacobson, cofounder and chief executive at RealT, the company imposed heavy restrictions around the float of the initial fractionalization offering. With the first round of transactions going down on OpenSea and a second to follow later.
Commenting on the first of many collaborations between the two companies, a spokesperson for RealT told Blockworks that “RealT acquires properties sourced by Roofstock into C-Corps, which then sell tokenized shares to investors.” The goal is to use tokenized equities that originate in the US and provide blockchain based exposure to investors in other nations.
More NFT Tokenized Properties Will Be Offered
In total, there were 722 orders placed with 670 unique token holders by the end of the sale. The transaction would take two minutes and 46 seconds, and the average purchase would be worth approximately $298 in ETH.
According to Sanjay Raghavan, vice president of Web3 initiatives at Roofstock, the company normally creates a separate Wyoming LLC for every property they own. This acts as a shell where its corresponding NFT is held.
He goes on to add that “the property in question can then be bought and sold on various NFT marketplaces, resulting in an instantaneous sale and settlement.”
As mentioned earlier, this is the first of many collaborations between the two entities. It’s a welcome move for anyone that would like to venture into real estate but doesn’t have the large capital outlay required to snap up a given property. Now they can own a fraction of it and sell these NFTs on marketplaces.


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Honor 20 pro, 20 and 20i launched in India, check detailed features, price and images here
The series which includes three smartphones – the Honor 20, the Honor 20 Pro and the Honor 20i launched at an event in New Delhi and will go on sale on e-commerce website Flipkart.
Honor has launched its much-awaited series of premium smartphones in India. Almost three weeks after the Honor 20 series made its global debut, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer launched its 20 series in India on Tuesday i.e. June 11. The series which includes three smartphones – the Honor 20, the Honor 20 Pro and the Honor 20i launched at an event in New Delhi and will go on sale on e-commerce website Flipkart.
Here are the detailed features, camera specs, performance, colours and prices of all three, Honor 20, 20 Pro and 20i:
Honor 20 pro, 20 and 20i design:
Honor 20 pro, 20 and 20i camera:
Both 20 pro and 20 get quad camera system i.e. four cameras in the rear module. The 20 pro and 20 have a 48 MP main camera, 16 MP Super Wide Angle camera, 2 MP Macro camera and a 8MP Telephoto/2MP Depth Assist Camera. While the 20i has a triple rear camera setup up with 24MP primary camera and a 32MP selfie camera. (Image: Honor Twitter account)
Honor 20 pro, 20 and 20i colours:
Honor 20 pro, 20 and 20i price:
Honor 20 price for 6GB + 128 GB would be Rs 32,999 and the sale will start on June 25. While Honor 20 pro for 8gb + 256 GB would be sold for Rs 39,999 and the sale to start soon as the dates are not yet announced. Meanwhile 20i for 4gb +128 GB is priced at 14,999 and will go on sale from June 18 onward. It is also important to know that Honor is offering a 90% buy back on both 20 pro and 20 smartphones. (Image: Zeebiz)
Honor 20 pro, 20 and 20i performance:
Honor 20 pro comes with 4,000 mah battery with fast charging that allows you to charge 50 per cent in 30 minutes. Both 20 pro and 20 comes with 7nm Kirin 980 AI chipset. The 20 pro has a 6GB and 256GB storage, while 20 supports 6GB and 128GB storage. Meanwhile, 20i comes with 4GB RAM and 128 GB storage which is expandable up to 512 GB and has a Kirin 710 chipset with Smarter antenna layout. To enhance the UI experience further, the phones support Intelligent EMUI 9.0. (Image: Zeebiz)


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The premiere of a compartment of Jaguar F-Type should take place already tomorrow and the company let out video of novelties. The car, as a whole, repeats design of the open version which already is on sale.
Skoda revealed on Tuesday (25) Octavia Laurin & Klement's. This is the new version of top of the line model, and can be seen from public scrutiny since at Geneva, with the next scheduled for opening week.
Opel announced on Monday (17) that its new engine 1.0 turbo three-cylinder with direct injection model will debut in 2014 Adam compact. The presentation will take place at the next Geneva Motor Show, with opening scheduled for March 6.


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While Apple has always tried to keep the price tag down on its various products in order to attract plenty of the right customers, new reports have confirmed that the new Apple Watch will be available in a limited special edition, made of 18-carat gold, sapphire, and crystal, and will retail for a cool $10,000.
When the new watch is launched tomorrow, it will be the company’s most expensive product since the $10,000 Lisa computer in 1983.
And while the new watch is the brainchild of the late Steve Jobs, it will be unveiled by Apple chief exec Tim Cook on Monday.
According to Jan Dawson, a tech analyst at Jackdaw Research, the move by Apple to enter the more luxurious market is an unprecedented one.
“Apple is the only technology brand that has the potential to move from tech brand to luxury brand. This is unprecedented. I think this is Apple flexing its muscles, moving into a space that it potentially has all to itself. The question is: how big is that market? Is Apple eating into the market or making it bigger? I think they will make it grow,” she said.
At the same time, a number of commentators have speculated that without a solid enough grounding in the high-end retail market, the Apple Edition Watch could potentially go down the same road as some iPhones, which stop working properly after a few years.
That being said, according to Thomaï Serdari, Luxury Brand Strategist and Lecturer at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, the new posh watch looks promising.
Serdari told reporters, “Apple produces good design, and I hate to say it but good design is priceless. From what I have seen, the gold watch has a very elegant profile. The very slight curve shows that the design has been very well studied to fit on your wrist. I am curious to see how it actually feels. I wouldn’t be surprised if customers have the option of keeping the strap and the casing but updating the software, which would create loyalty and longevity.”


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May 2013 — This month, Gateway Safety announces the launch of a redesigned Serpent safety helmet and broadened product line. The popular helmet has been revamped to include even more options — including a new, unvented Class E model. With a new, sleek shell design, Serpent also now offers several new shell colors.
“The Class E model addition gives users an unvented option that provides exceptional electrical insulation and can protect in a wide range of environments,” said Matthew Love, Vice President.
Many of the original features, which have helped make compliance less of a battle for employers, have been maintained. These include a rotating ratchet adjustment system (pin-lock also available); an eight-point, six-strap suspension for extreme comfort and impact resistance; and a soft, cloth brow pad. And it’s still lightweight — right around just 13 ounces — to ensure comfort. Plus, the suspension system comes partially pre-installed, lowering risk of poorly fitting helmets and potential injuries on the job.
“Serpent continues to provide all the great characteristics that made the original such and industry favorite,” said Love. “But customers will now enjoy new options and greater flexibility in their head protection solution.”
Serpent comes in 11 shell colors, including Hi-Viz Orange and Hi-Viz ‘Limon’, which have both been independently tested to the ANSI standard for high visibility. All helmet models, which meet the ANSI Z89.1-2009 standard for Type 1 helmets, have also been independently tested to the voluntary ANSI standards for lower temperature and reverse donning.


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Pokémon Go is kicking off summer with a week of special raids. The raid tiers will change for the week, and players will get doubled Stardust and XP from completing raids.
The event lasts from May 21 at 4 p.m. ET until May 28 at 4 p.m. ET. The raid tiers are as follows:
- Tier one: Machop, Slakoth, Shinx, Bronzor
- Tier two: Misdreavus, Kirlia, Mawile, Feebas, Clamperl, Bibarel
- Tier three: Alolan Raichu, Chansey, Scyther, Aerodactyl, Floatzel
- Tier four: Alolan Marowak, Dragonite, Tyranitar, Absol, Metagross
There will also be a raid hour on May 22 from 6-7 p.m. in your local time, where there will be more raids of all tiers spawning.
Lapras will be featured in raids on May 25 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. local time for the Americas, Greenland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India, and on May 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time for players in the Asia-Pacific.
During this time, you’ll also get up to five Raid Passes from gyms for free.
Players will also have a chance to get Shiny Lapras and Bronzor from their respective raids.
The tier five raids will remain the same: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, depending on your region. Though no new Legendaries are coming for the event, this will be a great chance for trainers to stock up on Ralts, Shinx, and Feebas Candy, as well as catch great attackers like Metagross and Tyranitar.
For more information on raids, check out our guide here.


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Is it time for IR to embrace Virtual AGMs?
We live in the virtual era – a time when we can connect with people all over the world from the office, train, or even the comfort of our own living room.
Virtual and remote work has revolutionised how companies operate, allowing hirers to employ teams from anywhere in the globe.
Removing the borders of distance and time, live streaming video feeds allow everyone with a computer or smartphone to connect with anyone, anywhere, at the press of a button.
So is it time for corporates to embrace virtual technology, and open their doors to a whole new audience by taking events like the Annual General Meeting and Investor Days online?
Australian publicly listed companies are unable to hold an entirely virtual AGM because current law doesn’t permit shareholder participation via an online platform.
Traditional AGMs are costing Australian companies $250,000 to $1-million every year, yet attendance rates continue to fall.
The ongoing IR battle to increase shareholder engagement only gets tougher with a growing Gen Y retail shareholder base. It’s not easy to convince a busy, tech-savvy modern investor to travel and sit through hours of mostly scripted, regulatory presentations.
Virtual AGMs – in Theory
In a report about its roundtable discussion with senior governance professionals from some of Australia’s top ASX-listed companies, LexisNexis and the Governance Institute of Australia rightly pointed out the AGM came from a different time.
“When the AGM was originally conceived, it was in an era of horse and coach, pen and ink, limited printing, and a fledgling postal service,” the report states.
The report, titled ‘Does the Annual General Meeting need to become an eAGM?’, presents a compelling case for bringing the AGM into the 21st Century.
Data presented in the document reveals declining attendance rates of AGMs in recent years. Only 10% of ASX200 companies attracted 300 or more shareholders in 2013, down from 34.3% ten years earlier.
Shareholder attendance rates at AGM’s have dropped to as little as 0.2% for small companies, 0.5% for mid-size and 0.6% for large companies.
For companies conscious of responsible environmental social governance, spending so much for such little return simply doesn’t add up.
The report highlights that shareholders engage more easily with directors and senior management at less formal, non-statutory investor briefings, and they want an AGM format that’s more accessible and open to asking questions.
“One participant noted that apart from incentivising shareholders to attend the AGM, once there, it was equally challenging to encourage active engagement through meaningful questions. Participants wanted a dynamic AGM with open dialogue as this gives directors an insight into the needs and thoughts of retail shareholders.”
Most roundtable participants agreed the current AGM model needed at least minor enhancements, through to sweeping changes.
While there was no consensus, most roundtable participants agreed the current AGM model needed at least minor enhancements, through to sweeping changes.
One proposal was to introduce two meetings, being a traditional AGM with the statutory timeframes of the Corporations Act, and the other a retail investor briefing. Both would be hybrid physical and online meetings with greater use of technology including smartphone voting apps and interactive platforms.
All participants supported legislative change to allow electronic delivery of meeting materials, which could be delivered in the form of interactive reports and corporate microsites.
Virtual AGMs – in Practice
Iconic designer shoe label Jimmy Choo hosted the UK’s first fully digital virtual AGM in 2016. It reported ‘much better attendance’ on the previous year’s physical AGM, while increasing investor access and reducing expenses, such as venue hire, and the costs of gathering board members
Closer to home, in May 2016 tech startup Omni Market Tide was the first company to introduce the virtual AGM to Australia. The company used its own app which allowed shareholders to vote remotely in real-time, and the majority of its 1,000 shareholders attended virtually.
Accounting software provider Xero Group hosted a fully virtual Australian AGM in August 2016. As a New Zealand-domiciled company, it was able to work around Australia’s laws, taking advantage of New Zealand’s legislative amendments to communication practices.
Reporting on this meeting, consulting editor of the Australian Institute of Company Directors AICD Governance Leadership Centre Tony Feathersone agreed companies, and the law, needed a better format for Australian Annual General Meetings.
Simply taking meetings online is not enough. Content and delivery also needs an overhaul to entice modern day investors and increase shareholder engagement.
The AGM Evolution article also argues that simply taking meetings online is not enough. Content and delivery also needs an overhaul to entice modern day investors and increase shareholder engagement.
It quotes Warwick Bryan, adviser at Reunion Capital Partners, and former Executive General Manager of IR at Commonwealth Bank, who says too many boards and CEOS give dull presentations at AGMs, and there is room for more creativity in how information is tailored and delivered to retail shareholders.
The Australian Institute of Company Directors came to the same conclusion as the Governance Institute of Australia roundtable, that the most likely way forward for Australian companies is the evolution of a hybrid AGM. In the report, Australasian Investor Relations Association CEO Ian Matheson says the use of purely virtual AGMs in Australia is at least five years away.
“The big unknown is whether retail shareholders would accept an online-only AGM. There is still a cross-section of older investors who may prefer the current face-to-face meeting format or do not own, or are not able to use, technology to access online meetings.”
What’s your company’s position? What changes will you be making to your AGM this year? Is your IR team ready to embrace the virtual model?


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Solar Power International is an untamable beast for us trade publication writers. Hundreds of exhibitors with new products and services, tracks and tracks of educational sessions and a ton of on- and off-the-record tidbits from casual conversations. Plus, beers start pouring around noon. So, yeah. I jotted down as much as I could before my notes became incoherent. Here are some of my more semi-coherent observations from this year’s Solar Power International.
Solar’s big opportunity and the volatility of political power
This isn’t exactly new, but the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) seem to increase the emphasis on political progress every year. This year the focus was on the short-term objective of extending the ITC yet again with an eye on (and a plan for) a long-term objective of getting solar to be 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation by 2030.
“The Solar+ Decade represents opportunity and a paradigm shift as we transform energy use in America,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “When we hit this goal, by 2030 we will more than double our workforce and add $345 billion in private investment, all while offsetting electricity sector emissions by 35%. But we can’t get there on momentum alone. We’ll need policies, aggressive collaboration, and action from every member of the industry to make these goals a reality.”
The Solar+ decade plan is bold and, to my ears, certainly achievable, but I can’t help but feel the very first year of the decade could rip up the roadmap before we even reach the road. A lot hinges on the ITC outcome, sure: Wood MacKenzie believes an extension of the ITC would spark $87 billion in new private sector investment and add 113,000 American jobs over baseline estimates by 2030, according to 10-year forecasts. But the 2020 election results could reverberate much more. It’s hard to envision a disruptive renewable energy decade kicking off with a climate denying administration retaining the White House via popular vote — not just for the regressive actions it’ll certainly take, but also for the overall tone it sets in the public’s discourse. Too much progress was stymied and reversed the last four years to get too excited about any long-term plan until the vibes and vision of the country swings in a different direction.
These acquisitions matter way more than consumer demand
Consumer demand and public opinion get mentioned a lot. The stat that 70-some percent of consumers (even Republicans!) support solar energy is a great talking point that probably even understates the public’s preference for renewable energy if said public truly understood the progress/potential of the industry at this current moment.
But how much does it really matter? I’d argue the consumer never leads any disruption or trend. Don’t we all just meander around and make decisions within the society that’s shaped around us? Don’t the big changes need to first come from the top down, backed by money and influence? I pondered these questions walking around Salt Lake City as bros on scooters whizzed up and down the streets. Do you think there was a consumer demand for motorized scooters? My guess is no. The scooters just showed up one day in front of people.
Scooters? This is weird! We all likely thought at first. These are silly and lame right? Like Segways? But there the scooters remained, day after day, as more people started trying them out. I assume soon walking on a sidewalk will be for old people and social outcasts and scooters will be touted as another case of the public pushing for something – but only after a bunch of them were dumped in our path. It’s similar to how I first made fun of colorful wacky dress socks when they popped up in stores. Now they are the only socks I own. I have made that choice, I suppose, but not until I was immersed in a world of them.
Anyway, this is an unnecessarily long way of saying the most influential news on the trade show floor this year involves larger brands and global corporations making big moves into the solar + storage world. Shell acquired Sonnen earlier this year and is making more noise about its plans in virtual power plants. Caterpillar is making a big hybrid energy push. Generac, a market leader in home backup and generators, acquired Pika and plans to put its marketing muscle and established sales channels to building the home storage market (or at least nudge it to greater prominence). Those companies join the likes of other known consumer brands like Panasonic and LG that now offer a complete solar + storage solution.
The tide feels like it’s turning. The technology and economics are certainly a big part of why this even happening, but more influential brands choosing to diversify and commit themselves to growing/owning this new category will be what tip the scales of consumer demand.
Some other solar + storage headlines from last week:
- ABB throws its hat in the energy storage ring, teaming with Humless’ Universal Energy Management system
- This Sol-Ark, SimpliPhi Power collaboration is a sneaky great solar + storage partnership
- Fronius to debut the new Primo GEN24 inverter generation, which includes a hybrid, battery inverter
- SolarEdge SPI updates: A slick 120-kW inverter design, an upgrade to its residential storage solution StorEdge
Utah’s alcohol laws are not as bad as we thought
I always thought you could only get 3.2% beer in Utah. Luckily I was mistaken. Turns out that’s just beers on tap. There were some other nuances, but you can pretty much get drunk in Utah as much as anywhere else. Good on you, Utah.
Rooftop racking and mounting systems continue to improve
Every year I think manufacturers have trimmed as much fat from their systems as possible only to walk around the floor and see new efficiencies added in. There are just a ton of smart system designs and collaborations out there now. QuickBOLT’s low-profile Microflashing somehow got simpler (pictured above). Ecolibrium reduced aluminum in its new MetalX solution for metal roofs by 73 percent. SunModo’s SunTurf addresses three different mounting approaches at once. EcoFasten (now a part of Esdec’s family of rooftop racking brands with Quick Mount and IronRidge) debuted its ClickFit rail-based solar mounting system for composition shingle and tile pitched roofs for the first time in the U.S.
Glad to see diversity remains a priority
In May, SEIA launched its Diversity Challenge initiative, challenging the energy sector to mount a sustained effort to address diversity and inclusion in their industries. North America Smart Energy Week continued the push with an array of new programming to address and discuss diversity and inclusion challenges. SEIA hosted two new receptions — the SEIA Blacks in Energy Reception and the SEIA LGBTQ+ Reception – along with more than a dozen diversity and inclusion-focused programs.
The most impactful moment of the conference might have been an anecdote shared by Paula R. Glover, President and CEO, American Association of Blacks in Energy, on the opening panel Monday night (pictured at the top of this post). Glover has been in the solar industry for 30 years, and she said early in her career she would invite colleagues to certain functions, but most wouldn’t come and wouldn’t tell her why — except one person:
“I really came to appreciate this gentleman because he actually told me why, and he said ‘I don’t know if I would be comfortable in a room of all black people,’” Glover relayed on the stage. “And I was startled. I wasn’t even mad, I was like ‘wow, you wouldn’t be comfortable in a room of all black people?’ But then I said ‘well, how do you think it feels to me when I’m here with white people every day all day?’ And it allowed us to begin this conversation …”
You could sense the room was a bit uncomfortable hearing that story, and that’s precisely why it was important. It is no small thing to have that perspective shared from the main stage of the opening session of the largest trade show in an industry. Like a bunch of scooters dropped on the sidewalk, it helps establish the new normal, which is needed for the industry to achieve its diversity and inclusion objectives.
“When we think about diversity, it’s not a numbers game,” Glover said earlier. “People were just checking a box, and that is no longer the case. … you can’t think you’re going to hire 20 women and all of a sudden create an environment that’s friendly for them if you’ve never hired a woman before. It doesn’t work that way. And to women I say if you are the only one, you have an obligation as well to help create this culture and inform people. … We all have to get out of our own way.”
Agreed. That goes double for the scooter bros.
— Solar Builder magazine


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LG confirms to launch LG G4 Pro
LG G4 Pro was in rumor for some months, but the South Korean company broke the news now. LG G4 Pro will be released in the 4th Quarter of this year. It will have bigger display, more RAM and improved camera compared to LG G4.
While mentioning the launch of LG G4 Pro, company also told some technical specifications of the device that are as follows
- 5.8-inch 2K display
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Dual-camera tech
Compared to LG G4, the Pro version would have same resolution but 0.3 inches larger display. The amount of RAM has been increased from 3GB to 4GB. LG doesn’t want to leave behind when most of high-end smartphones feature 4GB RAM these days. The dual-camera technology would certainly improve the quality to stand against Galaxy Note 5 and S6 series smartphones.
If we have a look at the past, LG G2 and LG G Pro 2 both had the same chipset. If LG repeats this in case of G4 and G4 Pro, it would disappoint its users. Earlier, LG skipped Snapdragon 810 and launched LG G4 with Snapdragon 808. There is possibility that LG would go for the same chipset or bring Snapdragon 810 with G4 Pro. LG has a great opportunity to feature MediaTek Helio X20 or Snapdragon 820 SoC, that would boost the sale like anything. However, there is very less possibility that LG would do that.


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In a recent interview with Naomi Brockwell, Roger Ver, an early investor in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies and now Bitcoin cash (BCH) proponent, discussed in depth about the crypto industry, clarifies his stand on the Bitcoin Cash fork.
Ver started off by saying that his dream always has been to build tools that will aid make transactions possible between two people anywhere on the earth. He noted that his aim is to establish a cryptocurrency that rids the middle-man or government, who usually charge a big amount of fees:
“The reason that I’m so excited about Bitcoin Cash [BCH] is because that I think it has the best chance of doing, if it winds up being Dash Monero [XMR] or Zcash [ZEC]… take your pick, I don’t care which one it is, as long as we do it.
And that’s what is so furstrating to me abou the original Bitcoin scaling wars, that literally laid the adoption of cryptocurrencies worldwide… “
He further elaborated that due to a bunch of economically ignorant people, Bitcoin adoption has been delayed by a few years. Their hesitation to accept the token as a viable form of money is restricting the token’s and the ecosystem’s progress. He pointed that the apprehensions still continue in major economies around the world, for instance, the U.S. the SEC is yet to finalize decisions regarding ICOs. Ver added:
“… but the people that want to make peer-to-peer cash for the world are on the Bitcoin Cash chain with some glaring exceptions and the glaring exceptions are those that want to make Bitcoin cash government friendly.”
Addressing a rumor about him that claims that he supports and venture into the market for the financial advantages and the amount of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies that he holds, Ver pointed out that he was into the ecosystem way before anyone recognized its potential. Ver stated:
“Bitcoin cash works far better and far more reliably than BTC it is at this point… I had more financial and philosophical motivation and just about anybody in the entire world to see BTC be a success… so I had more financial and philosophical motivation to see that be a success than just about anyone, anywhere. The reason I switched to supporting Bitcoin Cash is because the BTC camp economically committed suicide with their full block and centrally planned economic policy of making a network unusable for commerce “


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Big Brewer Invests in Blockchain to Help Small Business
Minneapolis, MN – The world’s biggest brewer is increasing its stake in a blockchain trailblazer helping some of the world’s smallest businesses. Anheuser-Busch InBev announced today it boosted its Series A investment in Minnesota-based BanQu (pronounced Bank-You), a blockchain startup working to help entrepreneurs and small-business owners, most in the Third World. Exact terms of […]
First Big European Football Club Takes Cryptocurrency
LISBON — Portuguese champions Benfica are the first major European football team to accept cryptocurrency. Fans can now use crypto to purchase tickets and merchandise directly from the club. “We recognize that many of our supporters are now digital users first, so we want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting […]
Blockchain Voting Pioneer Voatz Scores Series A Funding
BOSTON — Blockchain voting platform Voatz announced today it raised $7 million in Series A funding, including backing from Medici Ventures, the subsidiary of Overstock.com created to boost blockchain. “Voting is a great application of blockchain technology,” said Medici Ventures President Jonathan Johnson. “Many of the key issues facing the world today cannot be addressed until we have […]
Facebook’s Foray Into Crypto: How It All Began
Adding Blockchain Faces to Facebook: the Acquihire of Chainspace Facebook hired the founding team of Chainspace in Feburary 2019. Chainspace is a blockchain startup developing new technology to scale and speed up the execution of smart contracts on the Ethereum platform. The social media giant seems to be more interested in acquiring Chainspace’s talent than […]
Facebook to Launch Cryptocurrency?
Reports say Facebook will announce its rumored cryptocurrency sometime in June, and will allow employees working on the project to take their salary in it. Facebook appointed former PayPal executive David Marcus last year to explore opportunities with blockchain. Insiders say Marcus has focused on a digital currency, which users will be able to store, […]
US Insurance Giants Team Up on Big Blockchain Solution
American insurance giants State Farm and USAA want to use blockchain to speed up auto claims. They’re focusing on the last part of the claims process called subrogation. Subrogation is the legal right that allows one party (e.g., your insurance company) to make a payment that is actually owed by another party (e.g., the other […]
Can Blockchain Give You A Piece of the Action in World’s Most Expensive Housing Market?
HONG KONG — Average investors may soon be able to get a piece of the world’s hottest property market. One real estate giant is considering tapping into the world of blockchain for liquidity. It’s just an MoU at the moment, and certainly it is not unique; as many are exploring selling/investing in real estate with […]
Blockchain’s “Voice” Takes on Facebook
Move over Facebook, a new kid is on the block. Voice, a new blockchain-based social media platform, will launch promising users more control over their posts and photos. “The truth is, current social media platforms are designed to use their users,” said Brendan Blumer, CEO of Block.one. “By design, they run by auctioning our information […]
In Conversation with Charles Hoskinson (Full Interview)
Key Highlights Open-sourced platforms face bottlenecks In a truly decentralized community where there is no direction or leading voice, it can be difficult to gain consensus and make progress; establishing governance for a more disciplined and coordinated team can quicken decision-making and maintain quality Creating a bridge between centralized and open-source blockchain is a critical […]
From Africa to Asia, What does Global Growth Look Like for Cardano? (Part V)
Key Highlights Cardano is now looking at Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia for expansion Hoskinson is thinking about Samsung S10, digital identity, and how to manage a public-private key pair for cryptocurrency Listen to the full podcast version of this interview Transcript of Part V At Cardano, you’re moving towards shaping that part of the […]
Revolution or Evolution? The Philosophy of Blockchain with Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder of Ethereum and IOHK (Part IV)
Key Highlights Hoskinson says using open-source is a prerequisite to get governments and universities to adopt a system Blockchain allows the producer and the consumer to find each other, and interact as if Uber or Airbnb existed, but without these middlemen Listen to the full podcast version of this interview Transcript of Part IV The […]
Of All the Programming Languages in the World, Why Haskell? (Part III)
Key Highlights Cardano is both a cryptocurrency and a decentralized computing platform Cardano is often criticized for building its smart contract platform on Haskell, a programming language used mainly in academia in which programmers are difficult to find Hoskinson says Haskell is more precise and helps secure open-sourced blockchain to internet-based platforms Listen to the […]
Launching a Blockchain-Powered Coffee Supply Chain Project in Africa with Cardano (Part II)
Key Highlights In Ethiopia, Cardano is training up a team of Haskell developers to work on supply chain pilot for coffee farming Cardano hopes to expand the model to many different government services like voting services, property registration, and business registration Listen to the full podcast version of this interview Transcript of Part II We […]
In Conversation with Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder of Ethereum and IOHK
How the race to get billions of users onto blockchain has this mathematician thinking about the future of work. Could decentralization be the one thing that actually binds us together. Charles Hoskinson sits down with Angie Lau, in Hong Kong a week after Hong Kong Blockchain Week and shares his vision of how 2019 will […]
What is Proof of Stake?
Introduction The blockchain revolution is happening so fast, that it too is being revolutionized. Until now, the de facto mechanism to reach consensus on distributed ledgers has been Proof of Work (PoW), in which computers compete to solve fictitious mathematical problems. However, this system wastes a lot of energy and computer power. But now a […]
Caroline Malcolm, OECD’s Head of Blockchain Policy Center, on International Blockchain Regulation
Key Highlights The regulatory challenge is in how to balance proactively supporting blockchain development while defining the ways in which the regulatory body should protect against downsides Traditional approaches in thinking about regulation from a national level will not be enough; national systems need to work well together and move towards harmonization, even if it’s […]
LISTEN: Blockchain and its Potential for Social Impact with UNICEF
Key Highlights As of December 2018, UNICEF has invested into six blockchain companies in five countries UNICEF now accepts cryptocurrency donations and allows donors to easily mine cryptocurrency just by visiting their donation site Across UNICEF’s projects, blockchain technology is being used to improve traceability of donations and to better track outcomes of donated funds […]
LISTEN: Are We Ready for Cryptocurrencies as an Alternative Asset Class?
Key Highlights As a non-sovereign, decentralized, and digitally native asset, Bitcoin has a strong value proposition to hedge against any risk of a major currency devaluation Cryptocurrency is censorship-resistant; it’s accessible to everyone, and anyone can acquire it, making it powerful for long-term wealth storage for both companies and individual Quantitative easing and the Federal […]
Can Cryptocurrencies Restore Japan’s Former Economic Glory?
Key Highlights Introducing digital currencies would allow countries like Japan to incentivize economic behavior, such as putting greater spending power in peoples’ hands Japan’s demographics make it an interesting test case: given its shrinking population and risk-averse culture, what is the balance between harnessing innovative technology like blockchain? Japan currently taxes cryptocurrency gains at 55% […]
Hoskinson, Co-Founder of Ethereum and IOHK, on Why Cardano is a Better Platform (Part I)
Key Highlights Open-sourced platforms have faced bottlenecks in evolution of better technology In a truly decentralized community where there is no direction or leading voice, it can be difficult to gain consensus and make progress; establishing governance for a more disciplined and coordinated team can quicken decision-making and maintain quality Creating a bridge between centralized […]
QuadrigaCX CEO Dies, Customers Can’t Get Funds: What You Need to Know
Edited June 23, 2019 Key Highlights Dec. 9, 2018 — Gerald Cotten QuadrigaCX CEO dies of complications from Crohn’s disease while in India. Dec. 10, 2018 — Jaipur Police release NOC (No Objection Certificate) to Cotten’s widow, allowing her to return to Canada with the body of her husband. Jan. 2019 — QuadrigaCX announces CEO’s death. It […]
LISTEN: In Conversation with Karim Sabba, Paris Blockchain Week
Angie Lau, Editor-in-Chief of Forkast.News, sits down with Karim Sabba, Co-Founder of Paris Blockchain Week, to discuss how France is trying to grow its influence in the blockchain industry. In the first released episode of “In Conversation With,” Angie Lau speaks with Karim Sabba, French entrepreneur and co-founder of Paris Blockchain Week who sheds light […]
WATCH: How This Crypto Trader Arbitraged the Market
In this teaser for our upcoming series, “Market Forkast” — an up-to-the-minute crypto market analysis and trends report — Forkast. News talks about some of the real-time arbitrage strategies from an institutional trader’s perspective with Tim Tam, CEO of CoinFi. Recorded October 31, 2018.


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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has confirmed that they will launch the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV there in the first quarter of 2016. It has been a while now since the pre-facelift plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the seven-seater SUV was first spotted undergoing tests , however, MMM never introduced it in the market.
With the facelifted Outlander already available in a few markets worldwide, it is just a matter of time that Malaysian customers will finally get their hands on this SUV. Also, MMM has confirmed that its car will be powered by a petrol MIVEC engine instead of the PHEV variant for now. Yang Won-Chul, CEO of MMM said, “We are excited to introduce a seven-seater SUV in the Malaysian market very soon. The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is MMM’s first model to be introduced with the ‘Dynamic Shield’ concept.” This SUV features the brand’s latest design language, particularly around its front end, which carries twin, horizontal chrome bars flanked by new headlamps, effectively forming what Mitsubishi calls its Dynamic Shield concept design.
MMM has also revealed that its Outlander will be equipped with seven airbags, Active Stability Control (ASC), an electric tailgate, sunroof, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, 18-inch dual tone alloy wheels and much more. This SUV will most likely be introduced with a 2.4-litre engine that packs 166bhp coupled with 219Nm of torque and mated to a CVT transmission.


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We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for a national honour at The Small Awards, a UK-wide search for the best small businesses across all sectors.
Oh So Social has been shortlisted in the Digital Star category, which recognises and celebrates small businesses that operate only through digital channels, demonstrate strong understanding of digital engagement and can show how they have used this understanding to deliver for their customers.
Katherine George, Oh So Social founder and Managing Director, said: “We’re extremely proud and honoured to be shortlisted for The Small Awards, amid a record number of strong entries. It’s a fantastic achievement for the team to be recognised nationally for our work and we can’t wait to meet other small businesses doing great things across the UK at the awards ceremony.”
With 5.5 million small businesses in the UK, The Small Awards were launched in 2017 to celebrate smaller businesses that are often overlooked for recognition at other national awards. The winners of all 11 categories, plus the overall winner of Small Business of the Year chosen from all shortlisted entries, will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in London in May.


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Apple M1 Mac users complain of Bluetooth issues
Apple's Macs with M1 processors — the new MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini — are causing Bluetooth-related headaches for some users.
Samsung's new Galaxy A12 offers quad camera and massive battery on the cheap
If you've been waiting for a Samsung phone that covers the basics at a price that won't make you cry, the new Galaxy A12 might fit the bill.
Teardown of iPhone 12 Pro Max reveals big battery, big camera sensor
If we had to describe Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max in one word, it would be bigger.
Apple addresses macOS privacy concerns, says better controls are coming in 2021
Apple's macOS Big Sur gave many users a good scare. Shortly after the new OS was made available for download, some users experienced slowdowns while launching apps.
BMW iX is an electric SUV with 300-mile range and fast charging
BMW's iNext electric vehicle concept, unveiled in September 2018, is turning into a real car: the BMW iX.
Samsung's new Galaxy S flagships might be announced earlier than expected
Samsung's next flagship smartphone – possibly called the Samsung Galaxy S21, or Galaxy S30 – could be announced on January 14, 2021.
Elon Musk: Europe to get Starlink as early as February, more U.S. invites coming soon
SpaceX's satellite-based, broadband internet service Starlink will soon be available to a lot more people.
MacBook Pro and Air with Apple's new chips are launching next week, report claims
We know Apple is planning to launch something next week, but apart from the "One more thing" tagline on the invite, we don't (officially) know what.
iPhone 12 Pro uses LiDAR to detect people near you
Apple is putting the LiDAR sensor on its iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max to good use. Apple is putting the LiDAR sensor on its iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max to good use.
Instagram will let you livestream for up to 4 hours and archive for a month
Instagram is taking several steps to make life for creators on the platform easier during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apple will launch a bunch of new audio products next year, report claims
Apple is working on next-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro, and we might see new models as soon as next year.
5G drains iPhone 12's battery 20 percent faster, test shows
Apple's new iPhone 12 smartphones are the first from the company to support 5G, but actually using the feature will cost you in terms of battery life.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max may have a smaller battery but more RAM than its predecessor
Apple's iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro have reached the reviewers' hands, and while most reviews are fairly positive, no one has been praising battery life very much.
Xiaomi's 80W wireless charger will get a phone from 0 to 100 percent battery in 19 minutes
Slow wireless chargers are becoming a thing of the past.
The iPhone 12 is cool, but it just made the iPhone 11 an even better deal
The company extended its lineup as it never has before, launching four new flagship phones at once.
Tesla to launch Full Self Driving beta to select drivers next week
After many delays, Tesla's autonomous driving package will soon see the light of day.
Gmail Go is a lighter version of Gmail, now available to all Android users
Gmail Go has quietly been made available to all Android devices.
Mercedes-Benz teases Vision EQXX electric car with a 750-mile range
Mercedes-Benz announced the Vision EQXX, an electric car concept with an advertised 750-mile range.
Google now has a much better way to alert you to critical security issues
Google is launching in-app security alerts for critical issues with Google accounts.
New Samsonite backpack uses Google tech to connect with your phone
Looking for a way to interact with your phone without actually looking at it?
Google rebrands G Suite as Google Workspace, gives Gmail a new logo
Google is once again reshuffling its portfolio of productivity apps.
Mask emoji on iOS 14.2 is a lot more cheerful than before
Apple is doing its (tiny) share of making mask-wearing a little less dreary.
Google Pixel 5 is more proof the iPhone 12 will eat everyone's lunch
Google's Pixel 5 will likely remain a great option for Android purists. But the value it offers for the money makes it hard to justify buying one.
Facebook is merging Messenger with Instagram's direct messages
On Wednesday, Instagram started rolling out the option to connect Instagram direct messages with Messenger.
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro has a 144Hz display, 5,000mAh battery
The Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro is a new flagship released alongside the slightly less powerful Xiaomi Mi 10T and the entry-level Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite.
Lenovo’s new laptop has a unique way of storing your earbuds
In the age of near-constant video calls (so many!), being on the move and forgetting your headphones can be a pretty big nuisance.
Elon Musk says Tesla will probably be producing 20 million cars per year by 2030
Elon Musk has some predictions about the electric car market, and — surprise — they're quite optimistic.
Twitter will ask everyone if they read an article before they retweet it
See a cool headline, retweet it. Easy, right?
Mobile World Congress postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
It's going to be another February without Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Apple's next iPad Pro to have mini-LED display, report claims
We've been hearing about Apple implementing a mini-LED display into its products for years now, but it seems it's finally about to happen.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE gets thoroughly leaked in two videos
Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE, an upcoming, affordable variant of the company's S20 flagship, is a mystery no more.
Apple's smallest new iPhone will be called iPhone 12 mini, leaker claims
With Apple's iPhone event (probably) happening next month, we have a pretty good idea about the phones the company's about to launch.
Oops: iOS 14 bug resets default apps to Safari and Mail on reboot
In iOS 14, Apple finally gives you a decent variety of options for your default browser and email apps.
Shazam is coming to iPhone's control panel soon
This means you can easily get your iPhone to recognize a tune that's currently playing, no matter whether it's playing on the iOS device itself or from an external source.
How to enable iOS 14's coolest hidden feature
The wait is finally over — iOS 14 is rolling out globally.
Sony Xperia 5 II has a really fast camera, cool gaming features
As announced last week, Sony's new flagship smartphone, the Xperia 5 II, is now officially out.
Facebook launches climate change information center
Facebook has launched a new resource to help in the fight against climate change.
Sony to launch new flagship smartphone next week
Sony's Xperia 5 II is probably coming soon.
Apple might ban 'Fortnite' from App Store for a year
The court battle between Apple and Epic Games, the publisher of Fortnite, is heating up.
Apple has designed its own face masks for employees
Apple takes pride in its minimalistic, refined product design.
Apple reveals opening date and interior photos of floating Singapore store
Apple's new Marina Bay Sands store in Singapore is opening on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Poco X3 NFC mocks your pricey flagship with quad camera, 120Hz display for $235
it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor, an LCD display, there's no 5G, and it starts at only 64GB storage.
Check out Vivo's wild color-changing phone in new video
It's using electrochromic glass, which can change color from bluish to purplish to silverish — presumably, other colors can be done as well.
Crypto wallet MetaMask finally launches on iOS and Android, and it supports Apple Pay
If you've interacted with cryptocurrencies in the past couple of years, there's a good chance you've used MetaMask.
Elon Musk is now richer than Mark Zuckerberg
The fight to become the richest tech overlord is heating up.
Apple to launch new Apple Watches and iPad Air soon, report says
Apple is launching two new Apple Watch models, as well as a new iPad Pro this year, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.
Ultra-light MacBook with Apple chip is reportedly coming this year
Apple is putting its new ARM-based chips to good use.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra with its new Gorilla Glass is tough as nails
By now, we're used to top smartphones using some iteration of Corning's Gorilla Glass, but the latest version of the product, Gorilla Glass Victus, should be better at resisting scratches and surviving drops than any Corning smartphone glass so far.
Apple's floating store in Singapore is something else
Apple's new retail store in Singapore is very different from every other Apple store in the world.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 teardown reveals a big surprise
Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 is a beast of a phone.
Pixel 4a 5G renders show a familiar design, with 1 surprise
Google's upcoming Pixel 4a 5G apparently isn't going to be just a Pixel 4a with added 5G.
Here's what Google's Pixel 5 will probably look like
Posted by known leaker of smartphone things, OnLeaks, the render shows the device from all sides and reveal that it'll be ... well, kind of average looking.
Teslas might get a sensor that detects a child left in a hot car
Tesla is working on a sensor that could detect a child being left in hot car, Reuters reported Thursday.
You'll have to switch to the new Facebook look in September
In May, Facebook started offering a redesigned look, though everyone still had the option to switch back to the "classic" Facebook experience.
Google Pixel 5 leak suggests an earlier launch date
Google sort-of announced the Pixel 5 in August, saying the phone will come in the fall. Then, a leak suggested that the likely availability date for the device is October 8.
BlackBerry 5G smartphone with physical keyboard is coming next year
BlackBerry has risen from the ashes again.


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Indian Drugmakers Suffer US Regulatory Pain
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Indian drugmakers expect a slowdown in new generic drug approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to weigh on sales in their largest market for at least two more quarters, due to an ongoing overhaul of the review process.
India's $15 billion pharmaceutical industry, which has been hit by a spate of regulatory sanctions in the past year due to concerns about production processes, supplies about 40 percent of generic and over-the-counter drugs to the United States.
The FDA implemented the Generic Drug User Fee Act (GDUFA) programme in October 2012, giving the agency the right to collect fees from manufacturers to expedite the approval for sale of generic drugs.
But the agency has not made as much progress with clearing the existing backlog of applications for cheap copycat drugs as some Indian manufacturers had hoped, company executives said, which is now beginning to drag on sales in the United States.
A rise in the number of filings for new generic drugs from India and elsewhere, and the need to step up inspections of production facilities before giving final approval, is putting pressure on FDA resources, adding to the backlog, analysts said.
While the FDA is hiring more staff and looking to speed up the process, Indian pharmaceutical industry executives say the pace of approvals is unlikely to pick up until 2016.
Leading Indian generic drugmakers Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd this month posted a drop in their second-quarter U.S. sales, blaming the slowdown in the approval process.
"The U.S. has been challenging in this year because of the significant slowdown in product approvals. The remaining half of this financial year will remain challenging for the industry," Glenmark Managing Director Glenn Saldanha told Reuters.
Approval Lag Takes Toll
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, India's largest drugmaker by revenue, and Cipla Ltd, both due to report their quarterly results on Thursday, are also expected to be affected by the slowing approvals, analysts said.
While Sun Pharma is expected to report a 17 percent rise in net profit for the second quarter, helped by a pick-up in sales in its home market, Cipla is expected to report a 7 percent drop in the net profit.
"The (FDA approval) process will be streamlined with a lag, and that lag is still taking a toll on most companies," said Siddhant Khandekar, vice-president of research at brokerage ICICI Securities. "The implementation has already started, but we will probably see normalisation only by 2016."
FDA spokeswoman Sandy Walsh said the agency was on track with the implementation of the GDUFA and was "maintaining pace with historical performance". The FDA approved 45 new drug applications in August and September 2014 each, which was more than the monthly average for 2012 and 2013, she said.
"We remain committed to utilizing all available resources to ensure expeditious and complete (new application) reviews."
By 2017, the FDA aims to bring down the review time to 10 months from about 30 months now. For applications submitted in the year starting October 2014, the FDA has set a target to complete review of 60 percent within 15 months.
Some Indian generic drugmakers are, however, uncertain about the pace of approvals in the near future.
"Our inventory is lined up in the United States in anticipation of approvals, and we expect them to come in by January, if not December. But it is not in our control," Dr Reddy's finance chief Saumen Chakraborty said.


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MINNEAPOLIS -- This week will mark the last time Twins fans will be able to take in baseball games at Target Field in 2022, and by the time they return next April, things will look different -- both around the ballpark and on the field.
This fall and winter, the Twins are planning to unveil a "brand refresh" that will include tweaks to their fonts, logos and uniforms, which will go hand-in-hand with a new, 76% larger main videoboard from Daktronics and other in-ballpark elements to the fan experience at Target Field that will provide a new look for the fanbase by Opening Day 2023.
"It will be kind of an evolution of the past with what we think is a fresh look," said Dustin Morse, the Twins' vice president of communications and content. "I think this will be a nice combination of Twins history with a new, clean, fresh feel that we're pretty excited about."
The main colors of the Twins' brand -- the core red, white and blue -- will not change, Morse said. Though the Twins will not reveal details about any of the new uniforms until they officially unveil them this offseason, there are different factors to think about in the home, road and alternate configurations, including color combinations, number placement and the uses of patches and fonts.
The Twins have used their current base home white uniforms since 2015, featuring the same block "Twins" script across the chest that they've used since 1987. Their road uniforms with "Minnesota" stamped across the chest have not changed in more than a decade, with the classic grays in rotation since 2010 and the navy blue road alternate top in use since '11.
"The word that comes to mind for me is, 'Cleaner,'" Morse said. "It just looks a little sharper. They look fresh. And some tweaks to the logos, potentially introducing a new logo. That's all part of this brand refresh that will be introduced this fall."
How different could things look?
"That's in the eye of the beholder," Morse said. "Any time you change a look, within the Twins' closet, there's maybe some that are more of a very new, different look, and there's some with a combination of the past and cleaner tweaks to logos and fonts."
In addition to the new, primary marks to be introduced in '23, the Twins will also debut a "City Connect" uniform in '24 as part of the leaguewide push to celebrate the connections between teams and their communities that has already hit 14 clubs. According to Morse, talks about the Twins' own refresh have been underway within the organization for several years, and with the other elements of change occurring in and around the ballpark, this felt like the right time.
"There were a lot of things headed in that direction with some things happening around Target Field and Twins.com, and really, the last time that we did a brand refresh was '86 or '87, so it kind of felt like it was the right time to introduce a new look to our fanbase and our players," Morse said.
"It just felt like there was a push for a fresh look, and we kind of got a team together and started concepting what could be a new look for us, and this year was just kind of an evolution of some ideas, [we] put it on paper, and it became a reality."


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China’s Huawei slams US security risk complaints
Sydney: Chinese tech giant Huawei has criticized US for claiming that the company might be a security risk as trade protectionism that harms consumers.
The comments came as Huawei, which is a maker of network switching gear and smartphones, disclosed details of its 2012 performance in an effort to show transparency and allay security concerns.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, chief financial officer Cathy Meng expressed frustration about US security complaints.
She said that Americans pay about twice what Europeans do for third-and fourth-generation mobile phone service and suggested it was due to impediments to competition, the report said.
At a news conference, Meng said that these measures using trade protectionism to interfere with free competition will ultimately harm the benefits of end users and consumers, it added.
Outside the US, Huawei has grown rapidly in developing countries and is increasing sales in Europe, becoming the first Chinese firm to break into the top ranks of global technology companies.
Meng said that last year’s profit rose 33 percent over 2011 to 15.4 billion yuan on sales of 220.2 billion yuan, adding that still, last year’s profit was less than half 2010’s high of 24.7 billion yuan, the report added.
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The mark of great car is the quality of ones it has to beat
Hundreds of classic cars set for UK extinction
Is this the car that will save diesel?
News of Toyota GT 86 prices and specification have been released ahead of its launch this summer
British sports car firm Lotus joins forces with tuning firm Mansory to produce official tuned models
Stylish new Mercedes CLS estate has been spied testing ahead of its debut later this year
We drive the funky Renault Twizy two-seater electric car, ahead of its UK launch next month
We put petrol-electric Audi A8 Hybrid through its paces as German firm promotes its eco-friendly credentials
We drive the new lighter and more efficient four-wheel drive A6 Allroad
New SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa special edition celebrates Spanish hot hatchback's motorsport pedigree
We hit the road in new five-door two-wheel-drive version of our Car Of The Year
Our current favourite hot hatch gets a power boost to keep it at the top of its game
Spy shots of BMW 3 Series GT hatchback ahead of its launch early next year
The Renault Megane has been updated for 2012, and we've driven it...
We get behind the wheel of the efficient new entry-level Jaguar XF
Updated Ford Fiesta has been spied testing ahead of its launch later this year
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We get behind the wheel of the new entry-level VW up! city car
Is the new VW Beetle still an attractive choice with a smaller engine?
Our verdict on the three efficient diesel engines available in the new Hyundai i30
We get to grips with the four-wheel-drive BMW 640d xDrive coupe
The new Hyundai i30 estate has made its Geneva Show debut
Korean firm SsangYong has debuted a convertible concept at the Geneva Motor Show
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