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1 minute read
- Has bitcoin changed over the past decade? Some would say that yes, the leading cryptocurrency has certainly changed and it’s not the same as it was when it was first developed in the late to 2000s.
- Others would argue that it has just been trying to keep up with the times and hasn’t changed significantly much.
Has bitcoin changed over the past decade? Some would say that yes, the leading cryptocurrency has certainly changed and is not the same as it was when it was first developed in the late 2000s. Others would argue that it has just been trying to keep up with the times but hasn’t changed significantly much.
Ever since the flagship cryptocurrency was launched in 2009, it has been the subject of a significant amount of backlash and hatred from people all over the world from different walks of life.
Over the past 12 months though, there have been big institutions that have looked at bitcoin in a more serious light than just a way to make a quick buck. Companies like MicroStrategy have started investing big sums of money into the asset and for some people, this has normalised it as a viable investment.
The chief executive officer of Galaxy digital, Michael Novagratz has interestingly said that the king coin is now an easier bet now than it ever has been.
Before we go any further though, it’s worth saying that we aren’t financial investors and this isn’t financial advice. Please do your own research before putting your money in a cryptocurrency and always remember to trade safe!
The well-known advocate for bitcoin and the world of crypto said the following earlier this year on Twitter:
On a risk adjusted basis, $BTC is an easier bet today than it has ever been. It’s being de-risked daily.
— Mike Novogratz (@novogratz) October 27, 2020
Just because a significant figure such as Novogratz supports bitcoin in such a way doesn’t mean that it is a sure bet to actually invest in it. There is no way to actually tell if you will make your money back if that is what you’re looking for when it comes to bitcoin.
As we say, trade safe when it comes to the world of crypto.
For more news on this and other crypto updates, keep it with CryptoDaily!
© 2020 CryptoDaily All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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Impact Publications : Aircargo_240
Page 8 • AirCArgo AsiA-PACifiC • DECEmbEr - JANuAry 2016 FedEx closing in on TNT deal consummation after EC okays the merger without conditions THE LONG process that is the FedEx Cor- poration’s takeover of TNT Express – a uS$4.8 billion merger deal – has moved sev- eral kilometres ahead with the early-January approval of the plan by the European Commis- sion. but there is still some way to travel, despite approvals in markets such as the uS, Australia and New Zealand. As we reported last year, EC approval was seen as highly likely, but it was vitally important and could have come with conditions. The EC had conducted what it de- scribed as “an in-depth investigation” launched in July 2015. It decided that the acquisition would not give rise to competition concerns because FedEx and TNT “are not particularly close competitors and because the merged entity will continue to face sufficient competition from rivals in all markets concerned”. Commissioner margrethe Vestager, who headed the investigation, com- mented that “many businesses and consumers rely heavily on affordable and reliable small package delivery services, in particular with the growth of e-commerce. Therefore the Com- mission has thoroughly assessed the markets affected by this takeover. “The conclusion is that European consumers will not be adversely affect- ed by the transaction.” David binks, regional president Eu- rope for FedEx said: “we are extreme- ly pleased to receive the European Commission’s unconditional approval. We believe the combination of TNT Ex- press and FedEx will provide significant value to the employees, customers and shareholders of both companies.” FedEx and TNT are continuing to “work constructively” with regulatory authorities to obtain clearance of the transaction in remaining jurisdictions, including brazil and China. A company statement claims “timely progress”. In the wake of the EC thumbs-up, FedEx and TNT announced that “the acceptance period for the recom- mended public offer for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of TNT nv including all Amer- ican depositary shares representing ordinary shares is further extended until two weeks following the satisfac- tion or waiver of the offer condition with respect to competition clearances, but no later than June 6 2016”. As we reported in our daily e-news service at the time, the Australian Com- petition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved the FedEx/TNT deal in late November. “based on market inquiries and infor- mation provided by the merger parties, the ACCC determined that the pro- posed acquisition is unlikely to result in increased prices or reduced service levels,” said chairman rod Sims. “The merged entity will continue to face significant competition, including from other international rivals with significant global delivery infrastructure and networks. The merged entity will also face a credible threat of new entry and expansion by rivals.” ACCC said it had consulted with fellow regulatory authorities in its investigation.

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Jobless Benefit Payments Below 10,000 For First Time In Almost Six Years
Boise, Idaho (KMVT-TV, KTWT-TV) - For the first time since the end of November of 2007, the number of weekly Idaho unemployment insurance payments fell below 10,000. This happened in the first week of September.
The Idaho Department of Labor’s weekly jobless benefit report showed 6,774 regular benefit payments totaling just under $1.66 million and an additional 2,874 federal extended benefit payments for $639,000. This totaled 9,648 payments worth $2.3 million.
There were 10,679 payments totaling more than $2.5 million in the last week of August.
The last week of November of 2007 was the last time payments came in under 10,000. That week, there were 9,269 payments adding up to just less than $2.3 million. There were no federal extended benefits then, and payments and amounts were heading up as the economy stalled with the looming recession. The recession officially started at the end of 2007.
Almost $2.4 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits have been paid to hundreds of thousands of Idaho workers since 2007.
The last time Idaho’s benefit payments fell below 10,000, the state’s unemployment rate was at 3.3 percent. It was at 6.6 percent in July, up from 6.1 percent this past spring.


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iPhone News Desk
BillShrink.com Launches Apple iPhone 3G Plan Comparison Site
Helping Consumers Decide Whether the Highly-anticipated Device is the Right Purchase for their Individual Needs
By: iPhone News Desk
Jul. 11, 2008 02:30 PM
BillShrink launched a price comparison site dedicated to the new iPhone 3G (www.billshrink.com/iphone), helping consumers decide whether the highly-anticipated device is the right purchase for their individual needs. BillShrink is a new, free online service that helps consumers save money by making continuously updated, personalized, usage-based money-saving recommendations, and its new comparison site allows consumers to navigate the complex iPhone 3G/AT&T combo pricing.
With the debut of Apple’s iPhone 3G on July 11, consumers around the world will be considering the purchase now that the cost of the device has decreased to $199. However, sole carrier AT&T’s tiered subscription plans make it immediately clear that the true cost of the iPhone is going to be significantly more than the ticket price, depending on the contract. In addition, each consumer will use their phone differently, and many features are now charged with premium pricing, so it’s difficult to predict how much an individual will pay.
“With the announcement of the new iPhone 3G, the first question that enters everyone’s mind is: ‘What is this going to cost me? Is this new phone actually cheaper?” said Peter Pham, CEO of BillShrink. “BillShrink can answer with accurate data and invaluable insight, fulfilling our promise to change the way consumers interact with providers for their most common and frustrating bills.”
To ensure consumers are completely informed before they make their purchase, BillShrink created a unique analysis of the complex pricing structure, using its revolutionary technology to collect millions of data points for cell phone plans and then match it against each user’s specific need and geographic location. Individuals can simply enter their zip code and cell phone usage behavior, plus desired text and data features, to see how much the iPhone 3g will actually cost them, or even import a past bill to get exact pricing.
Web technology has finally evolved to a place where cell phone providers’ data is available to consumers, allowing BillShrink to distill millions of rate plan combinations to simple, personalized, actionable recommendations. BillShrink’s technology examines early termination fees, coverage by zip code, sign up fees, one-time costs, family plans, and all the other ways services providers confuse consumers, and the end result is the best plan package.
As the consumer’s personal advisor for managing everyday services – such as cell phone plans and credit cards, which often lead to consumer frustration and complicated bills, BillShrink automatically monitors the market’s millions of continuously changing product combinations, as well as each person’s individual usage behavior. BillShrink then matches up-to-date product information and terms against current usage patterns to deliver simple, apples-to-apples comparisons and personalized, actionable money-saving recommendations.
For more information
on BillShrink contact Amy Jackson, firstname.lastname@example.org at Atomic PR.
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Johannesburg, 6 September 2012: kulula.com and British Airways, both operated by Comair Limited, today announced an interline agreement that will provide greater convenience to customers.
kulula customers will now enjoy the ‘best of both worlds’ by having the option of booking their journey with a combination of kulula and British Airways domestic flights, or connecting from a kulula flight onto the British Airways southern African regional network which includes Harare, Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Windhoek and Mauritius. The new agreement will also see British Airways flights between Jo’burg and PE return to the kulula website.
kulula and British Airways domestic and regional flights can now be combined on a single ticket and will be available through multiple distribution channels.
Customers who are members of the British Airways Executive Club or any oneworld® participating carriers’ frequent flyer programme will continue to earn loyalty points when booking and flying with British Airways.
“kulula is dedicated to continuously improving its product offering and customer experience. This agreement will provide our growing customer base with additional choice, a streamlined booking process and greater convenience,” said Erik Venter, CEO Comair Limited.
Note to editors:
- kulula is spelt with a lowercase ‘k’.
For the past decade South Africa’s first low-fare airline, kulula (from the Zulu word meaning ‘easily’), has pioneered a new way of flying, making it affordable for anyone to fly. Owned by Comair Limited, the 66-year-old JSE-listed aviation company, kulula is proud to be the only independent low-fare South African airline accredited with IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit), the global safety benchmark that enforces rigorous airline safety standards. kulula has been rolling out its Boeing 737-800 (189 seats) fleet upgrade plan since 2010 and operates over 366 flights a week across 12 domestic routes.
For more information about kulula and its various offerings, including affordable holiday packages, the kulula mobi site and online check-in service, visit www.kulula.com. Become a kulula fan at www.facebook.com/iflykulula or follow us on twitter (http://twitter.com/kulula)
On behalf of:


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AUSTRALIA exported 1.35 million tonnes (Mt) of wheat in July, up marginally from 1.34Mt shipped in June, according to the latest export figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The July total is made up of 170,234t in containers, up from 123,061t in June, while bulk at 1.18Mt is below the June figure of 1.22Mt.
Bulk imports from Indonesia in July at 277,304t were down 25 per cent from June shipments of 370,451t, which trade sources have said has reflected increased shipments from Black Sea ports as their new-crop hit the market.
As usual, Indonesia was Australia’s biggest bulk market in July, even though the tonnage was close to half of the 527,209t it imported in July last year.
As with June bulk shipments, The Philippines held second place, taking 183,394t of bulk wheat in July.
As was the case in June, China did not list as a bulk export destination in July, which also indicates its focus on new-crop northern-hemisphere shipments.
Iraq on 104,700t was Australia’s third-biggest bulk market in July, which pushed Korea into fourth place.
At 59,585t, The Philippines was Australia’s biggest market for containerised wheat exported in July, with Myanmar on 31,094t in second place, and Taiwan on 17,533t in third.
In its latest report on Indonesia, the Australian Export Grains Innnovation Centre (AEGIC) said the nation imported around 4.2Mt of Australia’s of annual production of approximately 25Mt, and this generated export revenue of $1.2b.
The report said rising incomes, a growing population and changing food tastes were lifting Indonesia’s need for wheat, which it does not produce itself.
|Papua New Guinea||250||76||0||326|
Table 1: ABS export data for Australia’s May, June and July 2018 containerised wheat.
|Papua New Guinea||17600||22000||39600|
Table 2: ABS export data for Australia’s May, June and July 2018 bulk wheat.


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Contrary to what one might expect of foodies who seem to constantly be eating and posting their meals on Instagram, they’re not gaining extraordinary amounts of weight.
A new study from the Cornell Food and Brand Lab says that adventurous eaters weigh less and tend to be healthier than their less adventurous culinary counterparts.
After surveying 502 women nationwide, Cornell’s researchers found that those who ate the most varied, atypical foods rated themselves as healthier eaters. The dishes they ate included kimchi, beef tongue, rabbit and seitan.
Brian Wansink, co-author of the study, said:
“Food neophiles have a lower BMI than people who don’t like a lot of food.
“There’s a real advantage to liking and trying a lot more food- it might even mean you have a lot more fun in life.”
The respondents also rated themselves as more physically active and concerned with how healthful their food is.
The study’s lead author, Lara Latimer, added:
“’They also reported being much more likely to have friends over for dinner.”
Wansink said he hopes the research will lead to new and exciting diets:
“These findings are important to dieters because they show that promoting adventurous eating may provide a way for people– especially women– to lose or maintain weight without feeling restricted by a strict diet.”
“It could kick start a more novel, fun and healthy life of food adventure.”


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Apple is making some major moves to help you keep track of your license.
The company announced digital identification is coming to Maryland, Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah.
People will be able to scan their driver's license or other state ID and keep it in their Apple Wallet.
Those who use the digital ID will be able to use that at TSA airport checkpoints.
Apple did not say when the IDs would roll out but said the TSA and states would announce specific dates at a later date.


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China is on the verge of overtaking Australia as Asia/Pacific's (excluding Japan) largest IT market. In 1999, China's IT market was more than $US11 billion ($19.3 billion) and accounted for 21 per cent of the region's IT revenues. IDC expects it will grow to over $US14 billion this year.
"As an already-integrated part of the world economy, China currently lags behind the rest of the world in terms of IT adoption," said Ken Xie, general manager of IDC China. "However, both Chinese government policy makers and end users increasingly view IT adoption as a critical factor of China's membership in the international community. With this backing, China will experience strong growth in late 2000 and will maintain this strong growth throughout the next five years."
IDC expects China's IT market will more than triple by 2004, when it will account for almost one-third of Asia/Pacific's IT market.
Currently, hardware dominates the Chinese IT market, accounting for almost 88 per cent of China's IT spending in 1999. However, IDC does expect a change in the country's IT spending patterns. "As the computer installed base keeps growing, demand for software and services will grow," Xie said. By 2004, software and services will account for 15.8 per cent and 9.6 per cent of China's IT market, up from 6.9 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively.
Finance represents China's largest IT industry. In 1999, it accounted for almost 31 per cent of IT revenues with $US3.4 billion. Telecom was second with revenues of more than $US 2.1 billion and a market share of just under 20 per cent. "The chief reasons for the fast growth of the finance sector is because of its mission-critical business nature and because of the fast booming of China's economy over the last 20 years," Xie said. "As for the telecomms sector, the consumer market is obviously one of the major contributing factors."
IDC expects these two industries will continue to be China's largest consumers of IT products through 2004. However, their market shares will likely decrease as other industries bulk up their IT consumption.
China's Internet market will also experience substantial growth through 2004. By 2004, IDC forecasts there will be more than 33 million Internet users in the country. The Internet economy could grow even faster than the number of users. IDC expects it will increase at a compound annual growth rate more than 170 per cent and surpass $US114 billion in 2004.
IDC recently published China IT Market Overview, 1999-2004, which examines China's IT market by region, industry, and product category. Detailed forecasts and analysis are provided for data communications equipment, packaged software, IT services, and Internet markets. The report looks at key trends affecting the market and discusses market drivers and inhibitors.


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The annual Just Nuisance Day has long been an institution on the Simon’s Town social calendar, and this year, it will take place on Saturday April 2, from 7am to 3pm.
Registration opens at 7am, at the Colepoint parking lot, and, at 8.30am, participants will walk from there to the museum, led by the SA Navy band.
The event will take place at the museum this year instead of Jubilee Square, and the cost is R30 or a tin of cat or dog food that will be donated to The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS) and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The first 200 entries will receive a goodie bag, and there will be sponsored water points along the route.
The cutting of the birthday cake will be at 10am and the judging of the best-dressed dog and owner and Just Nuisance lookalike will be at 11am.
The Simon’s Town Museum will be hosting a market with the Sozo Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports youth through education and training, and they will sell coffee and pastries.
There will be a variety of sponsors showing off pet products and My Father’s House, a food kitchen in Simon’s Town, will offer their curries and samosas on the day. Café 98 will sell freshly squeezed juice and baked vegan pastries.
This annual event is named after Just Nuisance, the giant Great Dane with a larger-than-life personality and the first dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy.
Jean Doyle, one of South Africa’s leading sculptors and the sculptor of the Just Nuisance statue in Jubilee Square, will be the guest of honour at the event.
The Just Nuisance art gallery will exhibit at the event and donate a painting to one of the prize winners. For more information email firstname.lastname@example.org


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Head poncho over at Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, headed to Bogota, Colombia last week to hold a Q&A session in which he was quizzed about how he sees Social Media developing in the future.
There were no major revelations, but Zuckerberg did pick up on the idea that augmented reality will have a major influence on the way we use the internet in the not-too-distant future. And that presents some very exciting opportunities for marketers.
In fact, Zuckerberg is so convinced that augmented reality is going to be the big money spinner, he purchased virtual technology firm, Oculus for a massive US$22bn last July. Oculus make gaming headsets that generate a virtual environment that is almost life-like thus giving the player the impression they are actually in the game.
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality is fundamentally software that enhances the user’s sense of reality. The Oculus Rift headset is by far the most advanced product developed from augmented reality, but the software can be found in most mobile handsets and other household appliances such as GPS and motion control TV’s.
Mobile technology already has a major role to play in online marketing campaigns, and we are also beginning to see the emergence of wearable tech – and augmented reality will be the driver behind the evolution of handheld devices to alternative technologies that allow you to communicate in a natural way.
This year Google is expected to develop technologies that allow devices to communicate. The infamous Google Glass is already on the market and the ability to control your mobile phone by using settings on your watch is not too far away. The technology may be crudely infant at present, but over the next five years will be workable for marketers.
Zuckerberg predicts that in 10-15 years, augmented reality will be THE major marketing platform – and if you can create an almost life-like experience for your customers, imagine what you can achieve!


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The founder of the crypto payments network Celsius has gifted his wife a large portion of the token supply, reducing his own enormous stake in the process.
Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky gifted wife Krissy 15 million CEL tokens as a birthday present, worth an estimated $20 million at today’s prices.
The move has shifted the balance of the top CEL token holders list, as observed by Twitter user ‘Kevin – HODL’ (@Crypto_Flippin). Mashinsky is still at the top but now his wife would be the third largest token holder according to the list.
The community have been pondering the token shift with one twitter user called ‘bitcoin_giraffe’ stating;
“What concerns me more is the amount that he has. It puts a whole new definition to whale.”
The move seems a little unusual as under marital law (unless there is a pre-nuptial agreement) she is entitled to half of Mashinsky’s assets anyway. Krissy Machinsky runs a company called USA Strong which uses blockchain to ensure products claiming to be made in America actually are.
Celsius, which completed a successful Initial Coin Offering in March 2018 valued at $50 million, is a centralized crypto credit platform with a mobile app that allows users to earn interest on stablecoins and a number of cryptocurrencies.


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The 2010 holiday shopping season went down as the most robust ever, with sales and web traffic for online retailers posting all-time highs. Of course, as these things tend to go, it was a better season for some than others and customer service once again played a big role in determining holiday success according to new research.
Amazon and Netflix earned the highest customer satisfaction scores in the latest ForSee E-retail Satisfaction Index, joining only 10 other companies that scored over the 80 point “threshold for excellence” as defined by ForSee this holiday season.
Amazon and Netflix each earned scores of 86 to lead the way. Surprisingly though, overall customer satisfaction with online shopping dropped one point from last year to a score of 79. And while pricing certainly proved to be an important component in how consumers rated their satisfaction with e-retailers, it was not the only one—companies that scored well in the ForSee index more often than not offered shoppers a more well-rounded e-commerce experience in addition to competitive prices.
“In a recovering economy, a lot of us assume that declining satisfaction is a result of frustration with prices. Our research shows that is not always the case, and that it varies drastically from company to company,” said ForeSee Results CEO Larry Freed.
The most glaring example of this in ForSee’s data, is how Wal-mart stacked up against the Amazon. Price-wise, the two giants are pretty close. But Amazon’s top score can largely be attributed to varied merchandise, solid web content and site functionality, which gave it a score six points higher than Wal-mart’s (80) despite being the only top retailer to actually lose points from its 2009 satisfaction score.
As another good example, ForSee cited Apple.com as well. While consumers widely feel that Apple offers products that are among the most expensive on the market, the company earned a higher score than lower-cost rivals HP and Dell thanks to its web site functionality as well.
ForSee’s full top 12 and their scores is as follows:
LL Bean 83
Musican’s Friend 80
Vista Print 80
For this index, ForeSee uses a methodology developed at the University of Michigan and used by the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, an on-going study that analyzes customer satisfaction across a broad range of businesses and industry. Higher scores indicate greater reported customer satisfaction, but the numbers don’t represent any particular unit: a score of 80 isn’t an ’80 percent’ satisfaction rating.
We welcome your comments and feedback!


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Pallone Calls on Pharmacies to Stop Selling Tobacco Products
HAZLET, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) visited the CVS/pharmacy in Hazlet, New Jersey to call on chain pharmacies across the country to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products in their stores. The tobacco epidemic is still threatening individual and public health in the Unites States, with millions of adults in this country dying prematurely every year as a result of smoking. Pallone highlighted the roles that both the private and public sectors must play in order to effectively combat tobacco use that continues to take a tremendous toll on the health of Americans.
In February, CVS Caremark, the largest integrated pharmacy company in the United States, announced that it planned to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in all of its CVS/pharmacy stores by October 1, 2014. Last month, Pallone sent a letter to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, urging their member retailers to follow CVS’ lead and stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in their stores due to the risks that they pose to public health.
“Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States,” said Congressman Pallone. “It is responsible for an estimated 443,000 deaths each year and costs our nation $96 billion in health care costs. The decision to remove tobacco products from the shelves of local pharmacies shows a real commitment to improving the health of consumers, and I applaud CVS taking that step. We have an obligation to protect our young people, and we must all share in this responsibility so that the next generation is not burdened by the immense health and economic costs of tobacco. Making these harmful products less available is an important step in the right direction.”
Pallone was joined by community leaders and public health advocates also working to tackle the issue of nicotine addiction, including Thomas Moriarty, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Strategy Officer of CVS Caremark, Ethan Hasbrouck New Jersey Director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Deborah Brown, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic, and Hazlet Councilwoman Barbara Ronchetti.
“We thank Congressman Pallone for his leadership on tobacco-related policies. Our decision to end the sale of tobacco products underscores our role in the evolving health care field and is consistent with our purpose of helping people on their path to better health,” said Thomas Moriarty of CVS Caremark. “Tobacco products have no place in a setting where health care is delivered. As pharmacies are becoming more involved in the support of care for chronic diseases made worse by smoking, it is clear that removing tobacco products from our stores is the right thing to do.”
“We know that policies that restrict access to tobacco products, reduce exposure to tobacco advertising, and limit the places that people smoke have a direct effect on reduced smoking rates, especially among youth. That is what makes CVS Caremark’s move to stop the sale of tobacco products in all of its stores so significant.” said Ethan Hasbrouck, New Jersey director of government relations, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Community pharmacists play a key role in health and wellness and CVS Caremark has taken a bold step to demonstrate its commitment to healthy lifestyles and the prevention of disease.”
“The American Lung Association has been a leader in the battle against tobacco, which is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States,” said Deb Brown, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic. “Reducing access and availability of tobacco products will help our Association reach its goal to eliminate tobacco caused death and disease. We commend CVS and support Congressman Pallone’s ask of other retailers to make the right decision to stop selling tobacco.”
Pallone has consistently drawn attention to the dangers of tobacco products and nicotine. Recently, he called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release regulations regarding the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of Electronic Cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes. The FDA finally issued proposed regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products in April. Congressman Pallone has also expressed serious concern regarding marketing tactics being employed by some e-cigarette companies, which are similar to those previously used by tobacco companies to appeal to younger people, such as through candy flavoring, cartoon images, and event sponsorships.
In January, Pallone admonished the Christie Administration for eliminating New Jersey’s Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program, a statewide effort to establish smoke-free policies, help tobacco users quit smoking and prevent potential users from becoming addicted.


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It would almost sound like an urban legend, if Phoenix police hadn't already confirmed that it's all too true: an Arizona couple was horrified to discover that the doll they bought for their daughter was actually stuffed with drugs.
The Phoenix Police Department shared the scary story on their Facebook page, saying that the parents found the Glo Worm doll at a thrift shop.
"When they got to their north Phoenix home they cleaned and washed the toy before they let her play with it," police wrote. "Imagine their surprise when they looked inside and found a sandwich bag with over 5,000 pills believed to be fentanyl."
Luckily, the Arizona family avoided a potentially tragic situation simply by being cautious and thoroughly looking over the toy before letting their daughter play with it. "They immediately called #phoenixpolice and handed the dangerous drugs over to officers. Great job parents!" the department wrote.
The family's brush with danger might be a one-in-a-million type of situation, but it can serve as an important reminder for any parent shopping second-hand. "Remember, please inspect all opened and used items for your family's safety," police warned. And really, the same can be said about brand new out-of-the-box items, too. You never know where a potential hazard might be lurking (and if one exists, a little kid finally definitely find it). When it comes to our children's safety, you truly can't be too careful.


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September 2018 Issue: Rihanna Covers British Vogue; First Black Woman To Front The Fall Fashion Issue In The Magazine’s History
MAYFAIR, LONDON — The September 2018 magazine cover rollout has begun. Rihanna covers Edward Enninful‘s British Vogue. Rihanna has become the first Black woman to front the fall fashion issue in the magazine’s history.
The September issue is the most important and biggest issue of the year for fashion publications. Candy Pratts Prince once said, “September is the January in fashion.” September’s fall fashion issues hold a lot of weight and most luxury houses spend the most amount of advertising dollars in this particular issue.
For this issue, the multi-platinum Roc Nation pop star was photographed by photographer Nick Knight and styled by the publication’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful.
The Bajan beauty styles in Prada, Savage X Fenty, Alexander McQueen, Noir Kei Ninomiya, Gianvito Rossi, Loewe, Jonathan Aston and more.
“I always knew it had to be Rihanna,” writes Enninful of the September cover choice in his editor letter (see it here). “A fearless music-industry icon and businesswoman, when it comes to that potent mix of fashion and celebrity, nobody does it quite like her.”
Photos Credit: Nick Knight
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Colorado’s leaders have spent a great deal of time, energy and money to position the state as a hub for innovation, the Internet economy and entrepreneurship.
In 2011, Gov. John Hickenlooper launched the Colorado Innovation Network (COIN), which is designed to transform Colorado into the most innovative state in the nation.
The results to date are impressive. Forbes ranks Colorado as the fifth-best state in which to do business; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranked Colorado second in the nation for entrepreneurship and innovation; and StartUpHire listed Colorado as first for growth in the startup job sector, as the state saw a 170 percent increase in startup employment between 2010 and 2011.
COIN’s second annual summit — which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday in Denver — will bring together Internet entrepreneurs, startups, technologists, venture capitalists and others involved in Colorado’s thriving Internet economy.
When the governor welcomes those leaders and entrepreneurs, they will have one thing on their minds: What will be the fate of Uber Technologies?
The eventual answer — and we realize it can’t be provided at this time — will be paramount in defining Colorado’s commitment to lead the Internet economy. And we recognize that Hickenlooper has personally indicated support for Uber in its clash with state regulators.
Uber is an innovative ride-for-hire service that connects drivers with riders for on-demand transportation. The company is operating in 40 cities worldwide, but it finds itself embroiled in a regulatory dispute with incumbent taxicab companies in Denver who feel threatened by the increased competition.
After more than a year of meetings, Colorado regulators may be on the verge of adopting regulations that would essentially drive Uber out of the state. If the Public Utilities Commission takes this draconian step, Colorado would become the first state to enact rules making it illegal for Uber to operate.
Such a decision would irrevocably harm Colorado’s tech-friendly image and cost the state jobs, investment and opportunity.
Uber has become a litmus test for the Internet economy and the state’s business climate for startups. And it is bigger than just one company. What happens to Uber has implications for some of the fastest growing Internet startups, many of which, like Uber, are disrupting markets long-plagued by inefficiency and entrenched interests. Telling Uber that Colorado is “closed for business” will send a chilling message throughout the Internet economy.
The Internet is a fundamentally disruptive technology. Uber has shaken up an outdated transportation sector unresponsive to consumers and challenged the incumbent operators with a better product and superior customer service. So let’s drop the charade about public safety: entrenched incumbent taxi operators want regulators to shield them from competition.
Uber is not a taxi company or a limousine service. It is an electronic clearinghouse that efficiently connects people seeking rides with a universe of potential drivers. No one would accuse Expedia of operating an airline, but that is exactly what the incumbent taxi operators would have you believe about Uber.
Competition is good for business and good for consumers. Consumers fare best when a market becomes competitive and stays that way. Yet the PUC’s proposed regulations will harm the very consumers they are charged with protecting. Of course consumer protection is important. Rules ensuring safety, preventing fraud and deterring abuse are necessary and proper exercises of regulation. However, what is proposed here is not intended to safeguard consumers, but rather to protect incumbents from new competition — all at consumers’ expense.
Politicians of all stripes like to pay lip service to the Internet economy, extolling the virtues of disruptive technologies, and new and innovative thinking.
Uber presents Colorado with one of the biggest tests in terms of making the the most innovative state in the nation. If it is truly serious about transforming itself into the best state for entrepreneurs and Internet startups, the choice is clear.
The eyes of the Internet economy are watching.
Michael Beckerman is president and chief executive of The Internet Association.


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Although rumors doing the rounds last month suggested Nvidia was in talks with VIA over a possible acquisition, it looks like the two will collaborate instead for now. According to Digitimes, both companies have signed a "cooperation agreement" which will see VIA's C7 and C8 processors paired with Nvidia's own IGP to form a new VN platform.
The move is aimed squarely at Intel's Atom and Centrino products for sub-notebooks and handheld internet devices, though it could also have significant implications for VIA's S3 graphic chips which are outshined by Nvidia's equivalent solutions. VN platform-based products will supposedly hit the market in Q1 2009.


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Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of the Alibaba Group, has launched its EMEA Ecosystem Partner Program, an initiative to further strengthen the collaboration between Alibaba Cloud’s customers and partners in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the firm in a statement.
The program will focus on four key areas: the development of digital transformation in targeted vertical industries, supporting talent development, advancing technology innovation and enhancing marketplaces, said the firm.
Industry players including Intel, Accenture, Hashicorp, Ecritel, Altran, Micropole and Linkbynet are among the initial participants in the EMEA Ecosystem Partner Program. In addition, Station F, the world's biggest start-up campus, has incorporated the program in their exclusive Perks for their 1,000 start-ups. The collective mission is to create an inclusive ecosystem that can benefit all those involved, particularly the customers in the EMEA region.
“Our goal in EMEA is to bring powerful and elastic cloud services to our customers and create a well- connected, comprehensive ecosystem with our partners to accelerate cloud technology development in the regional cloud industry,” said Yeming Wang, general manager of Alibaba Cloud EMEA.


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While Rodriguez said there have been rumors those problems may be rectified next month, some industry observers have warned of informal retaliation against U.S. businesses because of higher tariffs.
However, one observer said “China has always been a hard place to do business. … It is going to be difficult to sort out what is just standard Chinese bureaucratic inefficiency from tension being ratcheted up” because of the U.S.-China trade war.
Ed Greenberg, the general counsel of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, which includes NVOCCs as members, has not received complaints from members about the issue. His organization is sponsoring an NVOCC Summit meeting on June 24 at which FMC Chairman Michael Khouri and other commissioners will discuss issues facing the industry.
Rodriguez said on Feb. 27, China’s State Council issued a notice that provides that approval is no longer required and instead a filing procedure shall be followed in the future for the NVOCC registration. Since then, he said, the MOT has stopped accepting NVOCC registrations and on March 28 the MOT issued a notice stating that the Commission of Transport at the provincial level shall be in charge of filing on NVOCC registrations.
“Up to now, as far as we know, only the Commission of Transport in Guangdong province has provided an online portal for NVOCC filings and NVOCCs. It seems only applicable to domestic NVOCCs (Chinese) because we cannot find a portal for overseas NVOCCs to do the filing. That is still the case,” Rodriguez said.
“A lot or most of the cargo from China is consignee controlled,” Rodriguez told American Shipper. “U.S. NVOCCs are losing the battle to keep their documentation in front of their customers since their bills of lading cannot be used (if they cannot renew their registration) in either the export or import China/U.S. trade lanes.”
Rodriquez said he has several NVOCC clients whose registrations he has been trying to obtain or renew since March.
“It hasn’t hit mass numbers yet, but it is hitting new ones,” he said.


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Lenovo Chromebook owners looking to replace an aging device can now rest easy after Google announced it is extending update support on a number of devices all the way to 2025.
The company's Auto Update Expiration (AUE (opens in new tab)) policy has always been somewhat controversial among its customers because it means that smartphones and Chromebooks running its software will only get updates for a certain period of time after their release.
Once a device has reached the end of its AUE, it won't receive the latest features nor will it get the latest security updates which could end up leaving the device vulnerable to hackers.
- All Chromebooks will now be Linux-ready
- What is a Google Chromebook?
- Dell reveals first ever business Chromebooks
Before purchasing a Chromebook or one of Google's Pixel or Android One smartphones, it is important to be aware of the AUE, so you don't end up purchasing a model that is about to reach the end of its lifespan.
Lenovo AUE revision
Normally when Google finishes certifying a Chromebook model's base hardware design, the device is given a window of 6.5 years in which it will continue to receive updates. So potentially a brand new Chromebook could have less that 6.5 years of support depending on when it was purchased.
However, now Google has extended the AUE dates of a number of Lenovo Chromebooks including the Flex 11 Chromebook, the 100e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK, the N23 Yoga Chromebook, the 300e Chromebook, the 300e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK, the Ideapad S330 Chromebook, the Ideapad C330 Chromebook and the Poin2 Chromebook 14.
When Chromebooks first launched, they were positioned as a low-cost alternative to Windows laptops. As the years went on though, Chromebooks with improved specs and features were released such as the Chromebook Pixel and because of their higher price, a longer support cycle makes a lot more sense as these devices will likely keep running for longer and consumers are more likely to want to hang onto them.
By extending the AUE of Lenovo Chromebooks, Google could eventually end up changing its AUE policy for more of its devices.
- Considering picking up a Chromebook? Check out our roundup of the best Chromebooks of 2019
Via Engadget (opens in new tab)


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The Consumer Electronics Show this year is almost all fun but not all games. Last year the show was almost all games but not as much fun.
This show, which opened here today, is more fun because the exhibitors, who make everything from hi-fi to home computers, are heading for a strong sales year, helped by the general improvement in the economy and by a drying up of excess inventories that had caused prices to plummet in such product categories as television sets and video-cassette recorders.
''Even some of our weaker product categories are showing signs of life,'' said William E. Boss, an official of RCA Electronics and of the Electronic Industries Association, the trade group that sponsors the show.
But the show isn't all games because video games, last year's highlight, have faded, taking a back seat to home computers, the new hot product. The trade group estimates that sales of video-game machines will decline in 1983 for the first time, while sales of home computers are expected to more than double.
It is here that the $20-billion-a-year consumer electronics industry struts its stuff, and there is much to display this year. About 80,000 visitors are expected to view more than 1,200 exhibits taking up 735,000 square feet of space in Chicago's convention center and in two hotels. The computer and video-game companies were given a separate building this year.Continue reading the main story
As usual, products range from conventional stereos to novel devices, such as Canon's solar-powered calculator that resembles a credit card. Technico, the United States marketing arm of a Taiwanese company, showed a calculator that even bends like a credit card.
As for the bizarre, there is the Expansion Phone, a telephone made of flexible tubing that coils up and down like a snake. ''I can tell you quite honestly it's not a necessity in life,'' said Joel Schwartz, a photographer from Barrington, N.J., who invented it. ''But it's a crowd pleaser.''
Several companies introduced home computers that attracted a lot of attention. Coleco Industries showed a computer that will sell for $600. It has 80 kilobytes, or about 80,000 characters of memory, and a tape data storage device, some software and a letter-quality daisy wheel printer.
Coleco, a late-comer to the computer business, has staked out a niche for itself with an inexpensive home computer that can be used for useful tasks such as typing in addition to playing games. But others are also aiming for the same market.
Atari Inc., as expected, also introduced four computers, essentially revamping its entire product line. And Texas Instruments is also expected to introduce a machine, the 99/8, with 80,000 characters of memory, which will sell for less than $500.
Many companies displayed home computer software, with video-game companies such as Magic Inc. shifting their emphasis from video games to games for home computers.
At last year's show, everyone from Hollywood studios to food companies rushed into the video game business, causing a vast oversupply. Now three companies have already gone out of the business, including U.S. Games, a subsidiary of the Quaker Oats Company, and others are not doing well.
The excess inventory, which has already contributed to the well publicized losses of Atari and Mattel Inc., has led many game suppliers to dump cartridges on the market for less than $10, compared with normal retail prices of $25 to $30. A Question About Inventory
''There's got to be a lot of dumping,'' said Frank J. O'Connell, president of 20th-Century Fox's video games division. ''The only question is how much more inventory there is yet to come out of the woodwork. I would guess there is a lot more.''
Not everyone is rushing out of video games, however. ''There's a certain sense of over-reaction by a lot of other people,'' said James H. Levy, president of Activision, a game supplier. He noted that there are 50 million video-game machines in consumers' homes but only 2 million computers.
Sales of telephones are strong, spurred by deregulation of the telephone equipment market. Telephone sales are expected to grow substantially, with sales of corded phones skyrocketing to 11 million units, from 3.7 million last year, according to the Electronics Industry Association. Sales of cordless units are expected to more than double, to 4.5 million units, from 2 million last year. Signs of an Audio Revival
Sales of audio equipment, which have been declining steadily in recent years, show signs of an upturn, although sales are still expected to be lower than in 1980 and 1981.
The new compact record disks, which use lasers and digital technology to produce high-quality sound, are proving popular but limited in quantity. While Sony and Phillips, the Dutch electronics giant, have been the leading manufacturers so far, virtually every other major maker of audio equipment introduced versions of the disk player at the show.
According to some industry projections, 50,000 or more players, which sell for $800 and up, will be sold in the United States this year. But manufacturers and retailers are already predicting there will be a shortage of digital records, which will inhibit sales.
Color television sales are expected to set a record of 12.7 million units, compared with 11.4 million in 1982, the trade group estimates. Sales of video-cassette recorders are expected to increase 72 percent, to 3.5 million units, from 2 million last year.Continue reading the main story


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The number of pints of beer sold in Britain's 58,000 pubs declined by 8% in December as the drinks trade in England and Wales continued to struggle through its first winter with a ban on smoking in public buildings.
The figures were compiled by the British Beer and Pub Association, which said January was likely to be still worse.
In Scotland, though, where the ban has been in place for longer, there are signs that falls are reversing. Greene King, owner of Belhaven Best, the best-selling beer in Scottish pubs, said yesterday that sales volumes for the brand were up 5.6% for the 38 weeks to January 20. Most pub groups and brewers insist beer consumption will bounce back as it appears to be doing north of the border. But Greene King's boss, Rooney Anand, warned investors that he expected the rest of the year to "remain challenging".


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We’ve recently commented on the AI influencer phenomenon, which seems to be taking social media by storm. With advanced AI imaging, more AI influencers are popping up, and they already look comparable to the likes of Kim Kardashian. The social media influencing world depends on primarily women selling their bodies for revenue. Instagram has tended heavily in this direction, and with the advent of OnlyFans, the temptation to flaunt oneself so provocatively is tangible for many.
National Review writer Haley Strack thinks that the AI influencer horde will out-compete real-life influencers and eventually rule out the need for humans at all. She writes,
Some criticize AI for giving young men another possibly perverse, sexual outlet online — but men who fall into virtual thirst-traps already have real pornographic material to view. If incels want a bridge between reality and fantasy, as shown by TikTok’s weird NPC trend, they should view AI, not real people. Humans weren’t designed to sell themselves on the internet.
AI influencing isn’t a good thing; it just gives us more reason to disavow social media’s image-driven tendencies. If AI replaces hypersexualized influencers, humans themselves could be less artificial. Would that be so terrible?-Haley Strack, Let AI Influencers Win | National Review
Strack notes a silver lining in all this virtual influencing mayhem – it might just make us realize how dehumanizing this kind of online behavior really is, and how it invites a depersonalized vision of the world.
Philosopher J.P. Moreland is concerned that AI avatars will only further distance men from proactively seeking connections with real women. “Men won’t get married,” he said in an interview with YouTuber Sean McDowell. AI will make the romantic endeavor even more virtualized than it already is. The benefit may well be as Strack notes that AI influencers will spare real women the dishonor of being objectified. AI exposes what has been social media’s problem all along: it peddles people’s intrinsic value according to a digital image, not truth.


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Rising markets prompt slump in share purchases
Directors of UK-listed companies have this month sold three times as many shares in their companies as they have bought, as such buying slumped to its lowest level since January 2005.
British board members bought shares worth £700,000 (€1m), against a monthly average of £10m, as equity valuations soared, according to research by Citigroup.
Last month, directors bought shares worth more than £27m in one of the busiest months of the past three years.
The fall in share purchases came as equity markets soared, with the US Dow Jones Industrial Average closing above 13,000 for the first time and London’s FTSE 100 hitting a 52-week high – it was up 3.2% for the year at last Friday’s close.
Citigroup analysts said directors’ share purchases and sales were one of the best lead indicators of corporate health.
In a report last year, they described company directors as “excellent stock pickers”.
Its quantitative analysts Manolis Liodakis and Andy Moniz said last week purchases “potentially convey information to the market that hasn’t already been discounted”.
They added: “Directors placing their own capital on the line provides credibility to this view.”
Citigroup launched a directors’ model portfolio last June that has returned nearly 34%, outperforming an equally weighted UK index by 8.5% and the FTSE 350 by 17.2%.


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- Filed Under
COLUMBIA - A maker of adhesive and insulating tapes plans to locate its first American plant in South Carolina, officials announced today.
Coroplast Tape Corporation plans on making a $12 million investment in a production facility in York County that is expected to generate 150 new jobs.
"We welcome Coroplast to South Carolina's business community and look forward to the company's success here," said Gov. Nikki Haley. "Our state continues to be a destination for job-creating investments like this one because we understand what businesses need in order to do well. We celebrate the ...


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He said the fact that inequality trends vary so greatly among countries, even when they share similar levels of development, highlights the important role of national policies in shaping inequality.
He also noted that the challenge for India is how to share growth without destroying its environment.
According to the 'World Inequality Report 2018', inequality rose substantially in India following profound transformation in the economy that centred on the implementation of deregulation and opening-up reforms.
"Post 1980s, inequality has risen in China and India. Inequality rose to extreme level in India and moderate level in China as China invested more in education, health and infrastructure for its bottom 50 per cent population," Chancel said while releasing the report here.
The report, launched globally recently, was coordinated by economists Facundo Alvaredo, Lucas Chancel, Thomas Piketty, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman and shows unequal impacts of globalisation over past 40 years.
According to the report, income inequality in India has reached historically high levels.
It said: "In 2014, the share of national income accruing to India's top 1 per cent of earners was 22 per cent, while the share of the top 10 per cent was around 56 per cent."
The report pointed out that this rising inequality trend is in contrast to the 30 years that followed the country's independence in 1947, when income inequality was widely reduced and the incomes of the bottom 50 per cent grew at a faster rate than the national average.
It noted that the temporary end to the publication of tax statistics between 2000-2010 by Indian government highlights the need for more transparency on income and wealth statistics that track the long-run evolution of inequality.
Thursday, 07 Dec, 2023
- Adani Looks to Buy SP Group’s Gopalpur Ports
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, India’s biggest maritime company by market capitalization, is in advanced talks to acquire Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s Gopalpur Ports in Odisha for up to ₹1,100-1,200 crore in equity value as part of a string-of-pearls strategy that involves owning considerable facilities along both eastern and western water margins.Cars, 2-wheelers Tow Vehicle Sales to a High
Vehicle registrations, a proxy for retail sales, rose 18% on-year last month to their highest level, amid robust festive demand. As many as 2.85 million vehicles were registered in November, surpassing the previous peak of 2.41 million in November 2022, according to Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) data.Japan Big on India’s Consumer Mkt, Mfg
Japanese companies see India as a credible long-term partner for manufacturing as well as a top consumer market, Masahiro Goto, global head of investment banking at Nomura, told Swaraj Dhanjal in an interview.
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has altered some tariff rates, but largely maintained its preliminary position that passenger and light truck tires imported from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are being dumped in the U.S. at below-market prices. And because of that, the government says they should be subject to tariffs.
The DOC says the penalties and dumping rates range from 14.62% to as high as 101.84%. Tire manufacturers and importers from Taiwan will pay the highest rates.
The government also upheld its preliminary findings that tiremakers in Vietnam also benefited from government subsidies there. As a result, those tires will be subject to countervailing duties to offset those subsidies, as well as the anti-dumping rates below.
Here’s a look at the final anti-dumping rates, as published by the DOC on May 24. The government investigated rates in each region separately, so there are different rates in each region. In each country certain tiremakers served as primary respondents in the investigation, and as a result they may have earned their own separate rate. If not listed, tiremakers fall into the “all others” rate category.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. 27.05%
Nexen Tire Corp. 14.72%
All others 21.74%
Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd. 20.04%
Nankang Rubber Tire Corp. Ltd. 101.84%
All others 84.75%
Sumitomo Rubber (Thailand) Co. Ltd. 14.62%
LLIT (Thailand) Co. Ltd 21.09%
All others 17.08%
Kenda Rubber (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. 0%
Sailun Group (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd./Sailun Tire Americas Inc. 0%
Bridgestone Corp. 0%
Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Vietnam LLC 0%
Kumho Tire (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. 0%
Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. 0%
All others 22.30%
Vietnam countervailing rates:
Kumho Tire (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. 7.89%
Sailun (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. 6.23%
All others 6.46%
Tires coming from Vietnam would be subject to both anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
Impact on the industry
Those four regions are among the largest tire importers into the country, and since tariffs were levied against passenger and light truck tires from China, they have been among the fastest growing tire importers to the U.S. Conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted that somewhat, but Vietnam and Taiwan still both increased consumer tire importers last year over 2019, according to MTD research.
How the rates changed
There were slight alterations and recalculations, but since the preliminary tariff rates were published on Dec. 30, 2020, for the most part the DOC didn't make drastic changes.
In South Korea, Hankook's rate dropped from 38.07% to 27.05% , while Nexen's increased slightly from 14.24% to 14.72%. The "all others" rate dropped from 27.81% to 21.74%.
In Taiwan, Cheng Shin's preliminary rate was 52.42%, and it dropped by more than half to 20.04%. Nankang's rate went the other way, from 98.44% to 101.84%. The "all others" rate slipped slightly to 84.75%, from 88.82%
In Thailand, Sumitomo Rubber's preliminary rate was 13.25% and increased slightly to 14.62%, while LLIT's rate was 22.21% and landed at 21.09%. The "all others" rate in Thailand was 16.66% and edged up slightly to 17.08%.
In Vietnam, the stated companies all remained at 0%, and the Vietnam-wide rate held steady at 22.30%.
The DOC's investigation is one half of the puzzle. The International Trade Commission is also studying the imports of tires from these four regions, and on June 23 commissioners are scheduled to conclude their investigation by voting whether to uphold the case. The DOC will forward these final results to the ITC for consideration.


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Puhui Finance, a Shanghai-based financial service platform, launched a new brand of consumer credit products called "money station" on Friday, amid a rapid growth in China's consumer finance industry.
The company has been testing the brand for a year, and has received more than 1 million applications for consumer loans worth 16.4 billion yuan ($2.5 billion).
Dong Qi, co-founder and chief executive officer of Puhui Finance, said, "About 70 percent of the Chinese population does not have a credit card, and for those who have one, the credit limit on most of their credit cards is less than 10,000 yuan. In spite of a growing thirst for financial services like consumer loans, the penetration rate for credit cards is still very low in China, and the procedure of bank loan application is quite complicated. We're seeing great opportunities in this segment of the market."
"Based on the type of information submitted by the clients to apply for loans, Puhui Finance sets the credit limit for each client at a range of three to five times China's average credit card limit, which is below 10,000 yuan."
The company will expand such service to more customers in wider regions, targeting 359 cities in 29 provinces. They plan to do so via smart phones and personal computers and through more channels including WeChat, the most popular instant messaging application in China.
According to a report released by the Beijing-based iResearch Consulting Group in March, consumer lending rose 23 percent year-on-year to 19 trillion yuan in 2015 and is expected to hit 41 trillion yuan by 2019.
Gong Wen, director of the enterprise network security promotion committee at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said on Friday, "Small and medium-sized enterprises raised funds of 800 billion yuan in 2015 through Internet financing. In Beijing, their financing costs were lowered from 30 percent to 15 percent, thanks to the help of peer-to-peer lending."
"As China is turning towards a consumer based economy, Internet-based consumption will account for half of the amount of the consumer economy. Consumer finance will make a tremendous progress."
He highlighted the importance of network security, which is the foundation of Internet finance.
Chen Xi, vice president of Puhui Finance, said the company has invested a huge amount of resources to build a dynamic risk control system based on big data analytics.
"We want to keep improving the system so that it can assess and predict the financial risks related to the clients more automatically and more intelligently."
"The data analyzed by our risk control system include the clients' credit report, records of consumption, and everyday behavior on the Internet. The system will analyze these data and keep digging the clients' social network to increase the accuracy of risk assessment," Chen said.


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Circle City Marketing and Distribution of Indianapolis, doing business as Candy Dynamics, is recalling all flavors of the 0.7 oz (20 g) bars, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.
A test by the California Department of Public Health of the cherry version of the bars indicated lead levels of 0.24 parts per million (ppm), more than twice the FDA’s allowed level of 0.1 ppm.
The FDA said the level of lead in the bars could cause health problems, especially for infants, small children and pregnant women. No illnesses have yet been reported in connection with the product, the FDA said.
The company decided to recall all lots of the product distributed since the bar’s launch in 2007, “out of an abundance of caution”, the FDA said.
The bars, which come in cherry, sour apple and blue raspberry, are imported from Pakistan and were distributed nationwide in stores and through mail order. Anyone in posession of the candies should call the company, the FDA said.
Circle City is sending recall notices to its direct customers.
The distributor sells other products under the Toxic Waste brand – which it bills as “hazardously sour candy” – but none of these have been recalled.
The manufacturer’s 30-count, 80-count and 120-count bags of Nuclear Sludge miniatures are still for sale on the company website.
The company also has an Environment page on its site, which displays the seal of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Green Business Initiative.


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The 9 Most Controversial Apps Censored By Apple
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Apple's strict approval process for apps can be a tough hurdle to clear for some developers. But with over 425,000 iPhone applications available in the App Store, a few are bound to offend some customers.
Apple specifies in its Software Development Kit (SDK) that "Applications must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, etc.), or other content or materials that in Apple's reasonable judgment may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users." (PDF)
Despite these guidelines, some developers submit potentially offensive apps that inexplicably escape Apple's censors. Other developers walk the gray line of "reasonable judgement." Meanwhile, Apple's approval guidlines protect the company from the inevitable outcry that occurs when an app that promotes a controversial issue finds its way into the App Store. Nonetheless, when a company has a consumer-base as expansive and diverse as Apple's, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep every user happy by filtering offensive content. Sometimes Apple needs to rely on its users to report these controversial apps in order to bring it to their attention.
We've collected some of the most controversial apps from the past year. Check them out in the slideshow (below), and tell us whether you think they deserve to be banned from the App Store. Then, take a look at our previous list of 15 outrageous banned apps.
Smuggle Truck: Operation Immigrant
Boston-based developer Owlchemy Labs irked immigrant advocate groups with this iPhone game that allows users to drive a truck full of immigrants through the desert. According to the AP, "[Developer Alex] Schwartz said he wanted to bring attention to immigration issues." But Apple banned the app from the App Store.
U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, Frank Lautenberg, Tom Udall and Harry Reid pressured Apple, Google and RIM earlier this spring to remove smartphone apps that notify users of nearby police DUI checkpoints. Apple and RIM have since complied with the Seantors' demands and cracked on so-called "DUI checkpoint" apps, but Google has yet to take action.
Despite initially passing Apple's standards, the allegedly anti-gay messages promoted by the app "Exodus International" outraged thousands of customers. The Exodus International ministry, from which the app takes its name, promotes "freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ." After more than 150,000 signatures were gathered for an online petition, Apple removed the app from the App Store entirely.
Hugh Hefner claimed in January that "Playboy" would soon come uncensored on the iPad. Apple, however, remains firm on its nudity-free policy within the App Store and forced "Playboy" to resort to a low resolution web app instead.
The unofficial WikiLeaks application lasted only three days in the App Store before being banned by Apple.
'The Importance Of Being Earnest'
Apparently Apple's censors worried that Tom Bouden's graphic novel version of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, which portrays illustrations of nude or partially nude men embracing, would be too objectionable for too many users. Apple approved the app, but only with black boxes covering controversial frames. However, the App Store later reversed its decision and passed the app without the censor bars.
Big Brother Camera Security
In 2010, Apple approved the Big Brother Camera Security app, which lets users remotely photograph someone who is improperly trying to access their stolen or lost iPhone. In June 2010, however, the app was removed from the App Store following accusations that the developer was "surreptitiously harvesting user passwords."
Apple removed the app called "ThirdIntifada" from the App Store, following complaints made by Israel's information minister, Yuli Edelstein and Jewish human rights group Simon Wiesenthal Center. The app was said to promote violence against Israel, according to claims.
Apple initially approved so-called "anti-gay" app Manhattan Declaration, but the App Store later removed the program following a wave of complaints--and a petition--from outraged customers. The app asked users to sign a "declaration," which according to the app "speaks in defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty."


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It's the scary supermarket shopping video that's gone viral.
Staff at Asda's Kingswood branch have celebrated Halloween by performing the mannequin challenge in full fancy dress, while unassuming customers carry on with their shopping.
The three minute video captures witches, ghosts, ghouls and other frightening folk all staying statuesque in various poses while the camera rolls around the aisles. In the background, unfazed shoppers continue to peruse the shelves.
Since being posted on Saturday it has been viewed thousands of times.
The mannequin challenge was a craze at the end of last year where offices, schools and sports teams all over the world froze in position.
Asda manager and part-time zombie Jon Tabiner, who can be seen at the end of the video holding a sign saying 'It's dead in Kingswood', said they wanted to bring the mannequin challenge "back to life".
He said: "We just did it as a bit of fun, as a bit of colleague engagement really. It was something a bit different.
"We're always getting dressed up in fancy dress and Saturday felt like the day most people were out celebrating Halloween, so we just thought we'd do it that morning. I got a few of my team together and we thought creatively.
"The customers loved it and it created a real buzz with them and between the staff."
Mr Tabiner said he was "surprised" at how well the video had been received.
"I never expected so many people to see it to be honest," he said.
"It was put up on Facebook and I think it's been viewed 14,500 times now.
"It was a great thing to do and it's been good fun."


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New AI chip, robot make debut at exhibition
More than 300 exhibitors have showcased their latest products and innovations at the ongoing World Artificial Intelligence Conference exhibition in Shanghai.
WAIC has become a platform for many global or national product debuts by firms including Nasdaq-listed Canaan, startup Ubtech and unicorn firm SenseTime.
N.G. Zhang, Canaan chairman and CEO, talked about the company's new AI chip K510 and his vision for artificial intelligence.
Michael Tam, Ubtech's CBO, discussed the next-generation robot, Walker X, while SenseTime product manager Yu Zhen introduced Robobus.


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BioWare has released a new video offering those of you who appreciate detailed, complex character creation a look at just how many options you will have in creating your Dragon Age: Inquisition character.
As you might have expected, you’ll have a variety of ways to tweak your character and make them unique to your game, even going as deep as letting you mess with your eyelash style and inner and outer iris color among many other things.
You can check out what the Dragon Age: Inquisition character creation system looks like in the video below.
A gameplay trailer has been released for the recently confirmed Dragon Age: Inquisition multiplayer mode.
You can read much more about the multiplayer features right here, but the trailer, while short, offers us our first glimpse at how the four-player co-op action will look when you and your friends get to jump in.
Click on over to the other side to check out the trailer.
BioWare’s Dragon Age: Inquisition was already one of the most anticipated games of the year, thanks to the massive fanbase behind the developer’s previous games in the series and, of course, the Mass Effect trilogy.
But now comes confirmation of another feature of the game that may or may not have fans even more excited, if that’s at all possible. Not only will Inquisition have the single-player campaign you’ve been anticipating for the past handful of years—one that’s said to run around 200 hours for you completionists out there—but it will also include a separate multiplayer option.
You can read more about what to expect from the multiplayer action below.
With BioWare’s highly anticipated sequel Dragon Age: Inquisition being released on the same day as games like Alien: Isolation and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, it was pretty obvious at least one of those game would eventually be moved off that date. It’d be silly to have some of the year’s most exciting upcoming titles all come out on the same day when there’s plenty of other open dates available this fall after many other titles were pushed back to 2015.
This has now been confirmed with the announcement that the next Dragon Age has been delayed. But no worries, the delay is not a major one. Instead of October 7th, Inquisition will now be released on November 18th.


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Restaurant solutions provider Mobikon has raised $7 Mn in a Series B funding round led by Sistema Asia Fund, C31 Ventures, and Qualgro. The Series B funding round also saw participation from existing investors, Spring Singapore and Jungle Ventures.
The restaurant solutions startup will be using the funding to scale up its operations in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The investment will enable Mobikon to penetrate deeper into its existing markets in India, Philippines, Singapore, and the UAE, in the next 12-18 months.
A portion of the Series B financing will also go into setting up operations in the UK and Australia by January 2018.
Sistema Asia Fund is the proprietary VC fund of Russian conglomerate Sistema Joint Stock Financial Corporation. Headquartered in Moscow, Sistema JSFC has businesses in a variety of sectors such as telecommunications, retails, pulp and paper, healthcare, utilities, railway transportation, pharmaceuticals, mass media, finance, tourism, and agriculture.
Sistema JSFC currently boasts a consolidated revenue of more than $12 Bn. The Sistema Asia Fund was created two years ago to support up-and-coming startup in technology and niche consumer-centric segments in the Indian subcontinent.
Founded in 2012 by Samir Khadepaun, Pune and Singapore-based Mobikon is an end-to-end restaurant solutions provider with specialised tools for customer engagement, marketing, analytics and business operations.
Mobikon’s platform mEngage serves as a single dashboard for the entire spectrum of restaurant services such as quick service, fine dining, casual dine and cafes, intelligent engagement with customers, with integration across ordering, reservations, feedback, payments, and marketing platforms.
From a team of six, the company has grown into a global player with presence in nine countries including India, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The restaurant solutions startup currently services over 700 restaurants and 3,400 food outlets. Mobikon’s proprietary platform has engaged more than 9.2 Mn customers and powered 3.5 Mn reviews.
First published here.


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Sainsbury’s is “now a digital first business” according to analysts, as it reported a whopping 87 per cent boost in online sales. Kantar’s senior vice president of retail insights Ray…Read More
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10/08/2020 11:10 AM
The Government has allowed for reopening of stores since June 15th but until a vaccine is officially released, there is no post-COVID life, only one with it. With things constantly…


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Union Ministry of Agricultural and Farmers Welfare organised a National Conference of Agricultural Ministers at Bengaluru, Karnataka. At the conference, Agricultural Ministers of different states participated, and Raghavji Patel, Gujarat Agricultural Minister, presented Gujarat. He also expressed his thoughts on labour procurement to purchase pulses and oilseeds at the support price of 50% instead of 25% quantity.
At the National Conference, the Gujarat Agricultural Minister expressed his gratitude to the central leadership for allocating a timely and sufficient quantity of fertilisers to Gujarat. He also thanked the Union Ministry for cooperation provided for the purchase of grams at a support price.
Gujarat Government introduced various online services offered in the agriculture sector in the state like i-Khedoot Portal and DBT. Raghavji Patel also gave information about online license software and details of the campaign, launched to get 75 farmers from every village to practice organic farming in Gujarat.
Agriculture Minister Raghavjibhai Patel said, “The state government has taken various measures for the welfare of farmers, keeping in mind the interest of farmers. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, with the determination to double the farmers’ income, the Minister of Agriculture approved purchase of 50% of the Gujarat’s total production at support price for pulses and oilseeds crops in place of the current approval of purchase of 25% of the state’s total production at support price.”
The National Conference featured presentations and in-depth. It also had discussions by experts on topics like Digital Agriculture, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Natural Farming, Marketing (FPO and e-NAM), Nano Fertilizer, PM Kisan, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund etc.
Minister Raghavjibhai Patel presented a picture at the National Conference about the outstanding work done in the state of Gujarat in digital agriculture, natural farming, nano-fertilizer etc. and the upcoming planning.
He said that the Gujarat government had started working in the field of digital agriculture from the year 2014-15. Raghavji Patel also informed the gathering about various online services offered in the agriculture sector in the state, such as the i-Khedut portal, DBT and online license software.


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11 Oct Axiom Gardening Insights Survey: Growing More in 2022
Our Annual Garden Insights Survey sees gardeners doing more in 2022.
The findings, first announced at the True Value Home and Garden Show Place Reunion in late September, show the pandemic is not the only factor driving homeowners’ interest in gardening. In fact, their reasons for creating outdoor spaces are expanding.
The research found 62% of those surveyed say they will be planting more in 2022. That number is even higher with millennials, with 76% of that age group planning to expand and plant more. Just over 30% of all respondents say they will plant about the same as they did in 2021.
2022 will see gardeners investing more time and money, with 44% indicating they plan to spend more hours gardening in 2022 than they did this year. More than 28% say they will spend more money in 2022, nearly 68% will spend the same as they did in 2021. When asked what is driving their interest, the top response focused on gardening’s ability to lower stress and create an overall sense of health and well-being. Spending more time with family outdoors and spending more time at home tied for second, while creating a beautiful outdoor space and food gardening tied for third.
Homeowners also told us they were feeling confident this season, with 82% of those surveyed saying they felt they were successful with their gardening tasks in 2021. “That’s holding steady from last year’s findings,” says Kathleen Hennessy, head of Axiom’s horticulture marketing group. “What is even more encouraging is that number jumps to more than 90% when it comes to millennials. We believe if this group feels successful, that means the industry will have long-term growth. Millennials see gardening as more than just a hobby, it’s an extension of their home and a chance to enhance outdoor living space.”
The survey also discovered where homeowners purchase plants, where they go for inspiration, their barriers to spending more time in the garden and the types of projects they’ll tackle in 2022. For more information on the Axiom 2022 Gardening Survey, download the report here: https://axiomcom.com/2022-gardening-survey


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16:24, 7 AUG 2020
Latest travel advice and restrictions for holiday destinations across Europe
Holidaymakers travelling overseas this summer face travel chaos after government ministers warned they may have to self-isolate on return if there is a surge of cases
Halifax offering £100 in cash to all new customers as bank bribes return
Customers switching to the lender's Reward Current Account and the Ultimate Reward Current Account, will receive the bonus within seven days - here's what you need to know
Will France be added to the UK's quarantine list - and should you go on your holiday?
As France records a two-month high in coronavirus cases, there are fears it will be added back onto the UK's quarantine list - so what should you do if you have a holiday booked?
Can I visit France? Latest holiday advice and quarantine rules as coronavirus cases soar
France is currently on the 'safe list' meaning Brits can visit without having to self-isolate on return, but a government minister has warned that it could be removed following a rise in coronavirus cases
Airlines reports a surge in foreign bookings as Brits avoid crowded UK beaches
Major airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways say the number of people booking to go on a summer holiday abroad has increased, despite strict travel restrictions
Will I get a refund if I cancel my holiday? Your rights as 'second wave' fears build
As holidaymakers in Spain saw holidays cut short, flights cancelled and quarantine imposed seemingly overnight, consumer rights expert Martyn James takes a look at your rights and ask if there's anything you can do to stop something similar happening to you
Tory minister warns Brit holidaymakers to 'look very carefully' before going abroad
Helen Whately said people must face the 'reality' of a global pandemic - and said other last-minute restrictions on nations like France and Germany remain 'under review'
Is my travel insurance still valid while I'm on holiday in Spain?
The FCO now advises against all but essential travel to mainland Spain, which means travel insurance will not be valid going forward
Martin Lewis issues urgent travel insurance warning to Brits going on holiday to Spain
The Money Saving Expert has given vital information for holidaymakers affected by the new quarantine measures required for Brits returning to the UK from Spain
Brits could holiday in Spain's Balearic Islands quarantine-free under new 'air bridge' plan
The move would allow Brits to travel to Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera without the need to quarantine on their return but mainland Spain would still remain off the list
Jet2 to pay extra holiday costs if Brits catch coronavirus abroad
The leading tour operator has launched its new cover to ensure holidaymakers will have their costs covered if they contract coronavirus overseas or before travelling
Ryanair refuses to refund passengers with flights to Cyprus despite ban on UK visitors
Flights to the country have started running again after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office lifted "all but essential" travel restrictions to Cyprus last week - but British visitors are still banned
Brit couple jetting to Lanzarote tell critics 'enjoy the rain, I'll enjoy the sun'
Not many Brits are set to jet abroad this year, but one couple has told how how they are looking forward to a beach holiday this summer, after restrictions were lifted
Government issues Brexit travel insurance warning to holidaymakers
The loss of European Health Insurance Cards, which help Brits get either free or reduced cost healthcare, means holidaymakers could see travel costs skyrocket next year
Massive government ad campaign warns your holiday will be trickier after Brexit
People are being warned to check their passport and roaming charges, get 'comprehensive' insurance and visit a vet four months in advance in the upbeat new serious of adverts
Brit bar owner in Spain tells holidaymakers what to expect with pints for less than £1.50
EXCLUSIVE: Gary Mercer, owner of Irish bar The Blarney Stone in Torremolinos, Malaga, has been selling pints at a third of the price to get rid of stock bought before the lockdown - but has warned Brits to be on their guard
Brits warned they won't qualify for holiday refunds if they suddenly have to self-isolate
Millions of passengers are preparing to travel again after the UK relaxed its overseas ban on Saturday - but anyone forced to quarantine before their outbound date could lose out significantly
When will the FCO change its travel advice so Brits can go on holiday?
The FCO currently advises Brits against all non-essential travel, but this could soon change to allow summer holidays abroad
Brit holidaymaker left pulling his own teeth out after horror moped crash
EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Pike, 26, spent two weeks in a Bali hospital where staff mostly spoke broken English - completely unaware two bleeds on his brain had left him a 'ticking time bomb'
Europe begs Brits to splash the cash and save their summers as tourism dries up
EXCLUSIVE: Brits are begged to return to holiday hotspots as an air bridge deals announcement is eagerly anticipated this week. TUI said this would 'effectively save summer for Brits'
Martin Lewis issues urgent EHIC card warning to holiday Brits - check it now!
The Money Saving Expert said that more than 5.7 million European Health Insurance Cards which help Brits get either free or reduced cost healthcare are due to expire in 2020
Martin Lewis issues urgent travel insurance warning to Brits going on holiday
The Money Saving Expert has urged people hoping to travel abroad this summer to make sure that their travel insurance will definitely cover them for their holiday
Martin Lewis issues urgent passport warning to millions of holiday Brits - check it now
Air bridges between the UK and other countries including Spain and Greece are expected to be announced shortly but many Brits still won't be able to go holiday
Money Saving Expert explains NHS Test and Trace sick pay rules - all you need to know
With the new Test and Trace scheme now up and running, you could be asked to self-isolate for 14 days if you have come into contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus


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Apple will fix eligible devices, free of charge. With this program, businesses with 25 lines or more with T-Mobile can lease iPhones or iPads with no upfront cost and lower monthly payments that purchasing the devices. The 5.8-inch iPhone XS and the 6.5-inch model, which is allegedly going to be called the iPhone XS Plus, can be seen with a Gold metallic frame body with a shiny Black back.
That would be a huge difference when we're talking about a screen this small. This is said to be of the Apple Watch Series 4 that is arriving alongside the 2018 iPhone lineup next week.
President Trump’s Trade Talks With Canada Carry High Stakes For Kansas
One individual pointed out that when it comes to hypocritical support of American workers, Trump is not alone. Trump then admitted to "scaring the Canadians into submission by repeatedly threatening to impose tariffs".
Is your iPhone 8 restarting unexpectedly, freezing, or not turning on? As these are $699 and $799 respectively, the prediction is that the iPhone 9 will be at least $750 and probably more. For the past few months, rumors, speculation, and leaks have given us some insight into what we should expect when Apple CEO Tim Cook and company take the stage next week to announce the new iPhones.
The alleged unit appears to be taking cues from the iPhone X by presenting users with a bigger display overall.
In the United States, this means the cheapest 2018 iPhone will set you back $699, the iPhone Xs should go for $799, while the iPhone Xs Max is going to be priced at $999. That's the price points they'd have to hit in order to sell at a premium over the 2017 models, anyway. That doesn't bode well for 2019 and beyond. While it should all become clear next week, we'll leave you with the renders, video, and the source link for more. "Further, we do not anticipate a new hardware feature that will replicate the pricing power of screen size for the foreseeable future".