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It's not gonna be cheap.
According to a new report by The Information, Apple working on a $3,000 ultra-high-resolution virtual reality headset. That would make it far more expensive than other VR headsets currently on the market — but, of course, Apple has a history of redefining product categories with iconic launches.
An anonymous source who reportedly has "direct knowledge" of the device in question revealed that the "mixed-reality headset... will be equipped with more than a dozen cameras for tracking hand movements and showing video of the real world to people wearing it, along with ultra-high-resolution 8K displays and advanced technology for tracking eye-tracking technology."
In other words, it sounds like Apple is considering a late, iPad-like debut in the VR space — a gamble, essentially, that consumers will put down serious cash for a polished VR experience.
Those two eye-blistering 8K displays will likely require high-end hardware to meet the headset's substantial graphical needs, meaning that it will likely be targeting a more niche market.
Its $3,000 price tag puts it in line with Microsoft's HoloLens, a business-oriented augmented reality headset that has been in development for several years. The company's second iteration, HoloLens 2, is currently on sale for $3,500.
According to The Information's source, Apple's headset will also feature swappable headbands and a mesh material holding a curved visor to the face, design cues that can be seen in Apple's recently released AirPods Max.
The tech company is also reportedly working on a pair of lightweight augmented reality glasses that will be shipped as soon as 2022.
READ MORE: New Apple Mixed-Reality Headset Details: Swappable Headbands, Eye-Tracking [The Information]
More on VR headsets: Gaming CEO: Brain Interfaces Will Allow Us to Edit Our Feelings
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The Dodd-Frank Act requires the CFPB to share consumer complaint information with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and other state and federal agencies. Last August, the Bureau took the first step towards fulfilling this mandate by signing an agreement with the FTC that allows the CFPB to access consumer complaints in the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel […]
We recently launched the first phase of a new system to help consumers who have problems with auto loans and other types of installment loans, such as loans to buy a refrigerator. Just like the credit card and mortgage complaints within our purview we started taking last year, we will forward complaints for these new […]
The CFPB is accepting mortgage complaints from consumers who have experienced difficulties in the housing market, including problems related to mortgage documents, mortgage servicers, and foreclosure. As most people know, problems in the mortgage industry were a major cause of the 2008 financial crisis. As the nation’s consumer watchdog, the CFPB is here to make […]
We’ve been taking your complaints on credit cards at the CFPB since we officially opened for business on July 21, 2011. Today, we released an interim report on credit card complaints.

domain: news


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For the second time in just over a year, General Motors is facing the possibility of recalling millions of pickups to fix an allegedly faulty tailgate cable, the Detroit News reported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had documented nearly 13,000 consumer complaints and warranty claims for , Sierra, S-10 and Sonoma pickup trucks — models not covered by a previous tailgate cable recall in March 2004.
NHTSA is investigating galvanized steel cables that support the trucks' tailgate which, customers say, can corrode and snap.
In the current probe, covering 3.1 million trucks, NHTSA has logged 29 injuries involving the smaller S-10 and Sonoma pickups for the 1998-2004 model years, and 54 tailgate injuries involving Silverados and Sierras sold in 1998, 1999 and part of the 2000 model year.
Last year's recall covered 4.1 million Silverado and to fix a similar problem. Customers have been informed via mail that they can take their trucks to a dealer for new rust-resistant stainless steel cables, a GM spokesman said.
NHTSA's investigation of the problem is now in a stage known as an engineering analysis, which means NHTSA has more reason to believe there is a defect. In 2003, 58 percent of engineering analyses led to a recall, the News noted.


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The Switzerland-based, AI cybersecurity startup Saporo, secures €4 million in a seed funding round.
The investment round was led by XAnge, with participation from previous backers Session VC and Lightbird Ventures.
The startup will use the fresh funds to increase the size of its workforce, develop the product, and introduce it to other markets in Europe. The announcement comes 10 months after the company secured a €2.6 million pre-seed investment in January, making a total raise of €6.6 million to date.
Security cannot be solely a problem for security professionals. According to co-founder and CEO Olivier Eyries, “We need to empower teams that build and make changes every day to think about the security implications of their decision and support them in securing systems by design.
Saporo, helps organizations to strengthen cyber resistance by prioritizing and lowering user access risk. The startup rates an organization’s resistance to attacks and identifies the most effective adjustments to boost cyber resistance by analyzing configuration and user access data using AI and graph technologies.
“An analysis of several customers who have been using their product has revealed a reduction in attack surface of up to 80% in just three months,” claims Saporo.
The business accomplishes this by stress-testing user and system access risks in its product. The Swiss business added that it has created products for security experts, IT managers, and proprietors of business applications.
According to Saporo, the number of its customers has tripled. The startup now works with businesses in the banking, insurance, and healthcare sectors.
“We believe that proactive cybersecurity measures will become the new norm for enterprises around the world. We are thrilled to support the Saporo team in their firm belief that IT security can be significantly enhanced by being proactive and using cutting-edge software that simulates attacks,” says Nicolas Rose, Managing Partner at XAnge.
Nicolas further said, “The foundation of the team’s next chapter will be helping hundreds of companies protect their operations from an ever-increasing flood of cyberattacks through the combination of Artificial Intelligence and a streamlined user experience.”
“We’re already seeing a significant impact being made on the businesses using Saporo’s solution,” says Benjamin Solenthaler, the managing partner at Lightbird VC. “Some customers have seen an 80 percent reduction of their internal attack surface in just one day! With Saporo, all organizations can stay ahead of emerging cyber issues and be better prepared to fend off assaults. We look forward to supporting the team even more and watching the business expand in 2023 and beyond.
According to Session VC’s founding partner Martin Altorfer, “Too many issues appear to make the shortlist of priorities for most organizations today. However, bolstering the defense is essential, particularly given how frequently circumstances and technology change.”
“By prioritizing the risk, Saporo removes the hardest part of the work and provides customers with the information and advice they need to take immediate action. We are confident that this incredibly potent solution will fundamentally alter how risks are evaluated,” continued Martin.
Image Credit: Saporo


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Somerfield's sales shine at last
SALES are at last moving ahead at supermarkets group Somerfield, although chairman John von Spreckelsen has reported further losses and warned that full recovery remains some way off.
Britain's fifth-largest food retailer, created through the disastrous £1.3bn merger with the cut-price Kwik Save chain three years ago, cut its attributable losses from £14.6m to £6.6m in the year to 28 April, on sales 16% lower at £4.6bn, partly reflecting the £300m-plus sale of 46 of the group's larger stores.
Pre-tax losses were £13.1m against £14.5m the previous year. The final dividend is axed along with the interim payment. Like-for-like turnover for the year fell 2.6% at the 600-shops Somerfield chain and more than 7% at Kwik Save, which has more than 700 stores.
But von Spreckelsen, the former Budgens boss brought in to rescue the group last year, highlighted an improving trend as the year progressed. In the first eight weeks of the current year, both chains have moved into positive territory with Somerfield ahead by 6.2% and Kwik Save by 3.8%, its first sales increase since the Somerfield merger.
He said the figures justified the group's decision to retain the Kwik Save chain. 'Kwik Save is a very strong brand and we are bringing it back to its roots as a low-price operator. Turning it into Somerfield was not the answer,' he said.
Von Spreckelsen said his top priority, to halt the sales decline and create stability, had been achieved. Although pleased with a performance that saw the group break even at the operating level last year, he cautioned that a return to full financial health will take some time.
'We always said the recovery programme would take five years and we have now completed one year of that. There is a lot of work still to do. The challenge now is to maintain the current momentum,' he said.
The shares jumped 8 3/4p to 136 1/2p. They were 55p when von Spreckelsen moved in last year but have since surged on recovery hopes, outperforming their larger and more successful supermarket rivals.
Analysts were also encouraged by the group's cash position. Helped by the stores sale, it ended the year with net funds of £300,000, wiping out the previous year's debts of just over £90m.
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Empire Company (TSX:EMP.A) is arguably the biggest turnaround story of the last five years. But if you listened to the overly bearish sell-side analyst recommendations, you missed the boat on over 140% gains in just under three years’ time.
Back in January 2017, when the stock had bottomed after suffering a 52% peak-to-trough drop, I made Empire one of my top three contrarian picks for 2017 despite negative commentary from analysts covering the name. The timing of my recommendation was impeccable, as shares have been rocketing higher ever since, doubling in around two years.
“The company has terrific brands in Sobeys and Safeway, which will always be household Canadian names,” I said. “Empire may be facing difficult times right now, but I don’t think the business is permanently broken.”
It’s amazing what a few years, a new CEO, and a turnaround plan can do for a company stuck in a convoluted operational mess.
Empire’s brands were robust enough to ride out the downturn, and thanks to Michael Medline, the newly hired CEO at the time, who I called “a fantastic choice” given his background in the Canadian retail scene, the comeback came to fruition and those who kept faith were rewarded handsomely.
What did analysts get wrong that Foolish contrarians didn’t?
It’s easy to form a negative view on a stock that’s already lost half of its value. Many sell-side analysts were skeptical over the hiring of Medline, citing his lack of experience in grocery as the primary reason for their concern.
Yes, Medline wasn’t a grocery turnaround specialist, having spent his time at Canadian Tire, but he sure is known as one now after just three years at Empire’s helm.
In addition, many sell-side analysts noted that it’d take many years for meaningful change to work its way into the financial results.
While true, stocks usually react to subtle progress over time, well before a turnaround plan is completed, so if you waited for positive news to release, you probably missed out on the rally entirely because Empire’s plan worked, and it a lot worked faster than most thought.
The Empire strikes back
While Empire stock isn’t as cheap as it used to be, the company is still in a terrific position to weather the next recession given it’s one of the few consumer staples stocks on the TSX.
Empire is now firing on all cylinders, and with the operational hiccup now behind it, the company looks poised to continue outperforming, regardless of which direction the markets are headed.
Sell-side analysts tend to herd together to avoid being called out by the Street.
As a contrarian, it pays massive dividends to take analyst commentary with a grain of salt and do your own research. In the case of Empire, you would have sold the stock at the bottom if you followed the herd who view analyst recommendations as gospel, which they’re not.
It’s hard to be a contrarian, and it’s even harder when your peers would view you as foolish for doing so. Fortunately, here at the Motley Fool, we’re not afraid to look Foolish by being a contrarian if we have enough conviction to go against the grain.
Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.


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Oct 24, 2018
Itthipat 'Tob' Peeradechapan, the founder of Taokaenoi, recently
launched a new brand aimed at American market.
How Success Happens chats with Polar Explorers, ultra marathoners, authors, artists and a range of other unique personalities to better understand the traits that make excellence possible.
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Nearly 53,000 Chinese children sick from milk - Yahoo! News
Over the weekend, the Chinese territory of Hong Kong reported the first known illness outside mainland China — a 3-year-old girl who developed kidney stones after drinking Chinese dairy products. She was discharged from the hospital, the Hong Kong government said.
Singapore said Sunday that it had found traces of melamine in another Chinese-made dairy product, milk-based White Rabbit brand candy.


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MORE JEWELERS SHUT DOORS
This month’s doom-and-gloom stat: The number of specialty jewelers in the U.S. fell by 211 in the first half of 2008, leaving 22,830 jewelers, according to JBT data.
SOURCE: IDEX 07/21/08
RENTS SLIDE AT MALLS
This month’s “look on the bright side of things” stat: Rents at malls and lifestyle centers are sliding as mall vacancies hit a 13-year high.
SOURCE: WALL STREET JOURNAL 07/21/08
FTC RULES FOR ‘CULTURED’
The Fair Trade Commission has ruled that it is not deceptive to describe lab-made gemstones as “cultured.” The judgment was a setback for many of the jewelry industry’s biggest groups, including the American Gem Trade Association, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society, which have sought to distance lab-made diamonds from natural ones.
SOURCE: IDEX 07/23/08
BARTERING IS BACK
Fueled by the Internet, new tax laws and the economic slowdown, business bartering is enjoying a resurgence. About 450,000 mostly small companies now do business in bartering’s many networks of retailers, services and manufacturers. One of the biggest advantages for “small guys” is that such trade exchanges help them conserve cash while bringing in new customers.
SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES 07/17/08
EBAY FENDS OFF TIFFANY'S
EBay prevailed in its much-watched court battle with Tiffany & Co, as a federal judge said companies such as the New York-based jeweler are responsible for policing their trademarks online, not auction platforms like eBay. The jeweler had alleged that most items listed on eBay as genuine Tiffany products were fakes, damaging its name.
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 07/14/08
BURMA LOOPHOLE CLOSED
President Bush signed into law a bill banning the import of all gems, including jade and rubies, originating in Burma. The law closed a loophole that had allowed most of that troubled country’s gemstones to be “substantially transformed” in countries such as Thailand before being re-exported to the U.S.
SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES 07/31/08
A PROMISE REALIZED
Remember the Lesotho Promise, the 603-carat boulder found in 2006 and picked up at auction by Laurence Graff for $12 million? The celebrity jeweler has transformed it into a monster 26-piece diamond necklace. Asking price? $50 milllion.
SOURCE: RAPAPORT NEWS 07/15/08
GAY MARRIAGE BOOM
The California Supreme Court’s ruling in May to allow same-sex marriages has proved to be a boon to jewelers in the state, thanks to a rush by gay couples to get married. A UCLA study released in June estimated same-sex weddings would boost California’s economy by more than $680 million over the next three years.
SOURCE: PALM SPRINGS DESERT SUN 07/15/08
DE BEERS OPENS LABS
De Beers opened its first diamond-grading laboratories — all in Europe — to support its aggressive push of the Forevermark brand. Forevermark diamonds will be inscribed with an icon and unique identification number after being graded.
SOURCE: RAPAPORT NEWS 07/28/08
THEN THERE WAS LIGHT
Think the idea of diamonds as the ultimate symbol of love is profound? It’s nothing: Diamonds may have jump-started all life on earth. Two German scientists have come up with a theory that diamonds could have provided the electrical conductivity needed to charge the first chemical reactions in the primordial soup where life is believed to have begun.
SOURCE: LIVE SCIENCE 07/26/08


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Here's What To Know About Starbucks' Holiday Hours To Plan For A Festive Coffee Run
If you've made Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha part of your morning routine, you probably have plans to swing by Starbucks on some of the biggest holidays of the season, like Christmas and New Year's. After all, a festive sip will help to kick off your virtual celebrations on a tasty note. Before you head out, however, you'll want to know about Starbucks' holiday hours for the upcoming season.
There are plenty of holidays coming up — Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, Christmas Day on Dec. 25, New Year's Eve on Dec. 31, and New Year's Day on Jan. 1 — which typically see special operating hours at Starbucks. Some stores may be open on these holidays, but it'll likely vary by location. According to a representative from Starbucks, it's best to check the opening schedule of your local spot before you make plans. "We recommend customers use the Starbucks Store locator and the Starbucks App to determine hours at their local stores," a Starbucks rep tells Elite Daily.
If your location is open, you can opt for the limited-edition Starbucks' Irish Cream Cold Brew, which is back just in time for the holidays. Are you a front-line worker visiting your local 'Bucks this holiday? You can score a free sip. To give thanks to the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic, Starbucks is offering front-line workers a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee through Thursday, Dec. 31.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it's a good idea to choose to get your Starbucks order delivered or opt for a pick-up option rather than order at the counter. If you decide to pick up a drink in-store, it's important to follow the coronavirus safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)as of Sept. 11. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with Starbucks' coronavirus safety guidelines, which include wearing a face mask and distancing yourself from others. It's also a good idea to wash your hands after leaving your Starbucks or handling any packaging.
If you think you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, shortness of breath, and cough, call your doctor before going to get tested. If you’re anxious about the virus’s spread in your community, visit the CDC for up-to-date information and resources, or seek out mental health support. You can find all Elite Daily's coverage of coronavirus here.


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US sports apparel and equipment manufacturer Under Armour is seeking a new chief executive and president following the announcement that Patrik Frisk will depart the company
Subscription streaming platform DAZN appointed Alessio Sarina as its new SVP Marketing in Spain
Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent Group) has formally changed its name and brand to Viaplay Group following approval of the change by shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting.
In the latest two episodes of the Sports Matters Academy educational content series, panellists including marketing executives from Unilever, UBS and NBA Asia provide their insights about the sponsorship sector.
Chinese company Asia Digital Group (ADG) and the UK-based Major Events International (MEI) have announced a 'strategic collaboration' around their respective sports, cultural and entertainment industry…
Operation recently surpassed $14bn in media rights under advisory
Sports data and technology company maintains robust forecast for 2022
Elevate Sports Ventures, the prominent sports and entertainment consulting firm, has promoted veteran international sports industry executive Prashanth (Shawn) Doss to the role of chief business officer, …
Large group of leagues, teams, brands align with workplace-focused effort
IMG Arena, the sports betting division of the IMG agency, has acquired a controlling interest in Swedish computer vision and camera technology firm Signality
Polish commercial broadcaster Cyfrowy Polsat has seen its net profit for the first three months of the year decline, while its sports and film spending marginally increased
Hugh Weber has announced he is stepping down from his role as Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president this summer after nine years with the organization
Well-regarded figures bring more than 60 years of combined experience to firm
Sports data and technology company Stats Perform has agreed a deal to support the output of business-focused streaming platform Atmosphere Sports
In this week’s episode, podcast co-hosts Eric Fisher and Chris Russo interview Todd Cooper, founder and chief executive of blockchain technology outfit NuArca Labs. Fisher and Russo also discuss National Football League quarterback Tom Brady’s high-profile plans to eventually join Fox Sports as an on-air analyst, Sorare’s entry into baseball non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association, tennis star Naomi Osaka’s move to form her own agency, Rich Strike’s absence from the upcoming Preakness Stakes after the horse’s upset Kentucky Derby win, and EA Sports’ video game licensing split with Fifa.
Scott Bowers and Richard Conway have teamed up to launch Spectacle Partners, a new global advisory firm focused on supporting organisations and brands in the sports and entertainment industries
Each of company's operating segments posts gains during period


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April 19, 2023
By Josh Maples, Mississippi State University
Fed cattle prices pushed higher last week and set another record weekly average price. The weekly 5-area average price two weeks ago was $173.10 per cwt which surpassed the previous peak price from November 2014. The average price last week rose even higher to $180.44 as cattle markets continued to gain strength.
Fed cattle prices are up over 14 percent since the start of the year. Shown in the chart above, fed cattle prices have been in an uptrend since 2020 when prices dropped to a weekly average low of $94.87 in July 2020. Fed cattle prices were highest last week in the Nebraska and Iowa/Minnesota regions where prices averaged around $183 per cwt. Prices in Kansas averaged $176.09 per cwt while fed cattle prices in the Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexico averaged $174.52.
The boxed beef cutout also picked up steam last week and the choice cutout was was up nearly $10 per cwt from the week prior. Average retail beef prices have been mostly steady for over a year, but tighter beef supplies could put upward pressure on beef prices if consumer demand does not erode.
Feeder cattle prices are also being pulled up. Prices for feeder cattle and calves in most southern states are up 30 percent or more from a year ago (table below). CME Feeder cattle futures contract prices are around $230 per cwt for the fall contracts.
There are price risk management opportunities to consider. In a market like this one where prices are rising, producers may be interested in not limiting their market upside.
Put options and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) are both tools that can help protect downside price risk while also leaving producers open to benefit from higher prices. Each of these tools has their own design and tradeoffs to understand before jumping in, and there are certainly other risk management strategies out there.
However, all tools are currently offering risk management opportunities at price levels not seen in the past eight years.
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We’ve added nachos to the menu! However, it just wouldn’t be WindsorEats’ M.O. to serve up regular, run of the mill nachos…
We all know the Negroni and thanks to a viral Tik Tok video, everyone has now heard of a Negroni Sbagliato. But, what about a Negroni Sour?
A much loved Windsor, Ontario, bake shop has decided to close their doors at the end of the month after 5 years of operation.
Our bartenders have been hard at work testing our a variety of holiday cocktails and the Gingerbread Margarita is the first one being added.
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The 29th 10-day book fair titled ‘New York Bangla Boi Mela 2020’ will kick off tomorrow online due to coronavirus pandemic.
Muktodhara Foundation is organising the book fair marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.The fair will feature novels, collection of poems and other books written by both Bangladeshi and Indian writers.
Besides, it will also feature cultural shows including concerts and seminars.
Another attraction of the fair is the Muktodhara/GFB Sahitya Puraskar for contribution to Bengali language and literature.
The award, funded by Muktodhara adviser Golam Faruq Bhuiyan, is worth 2,500 US dollar.
In addition, an annual prize of 500 dollar is being launched this year for the best books published by Bengali writers who live abroad.
The book fair will conclude on September 27.Anyone can visit the online book fair by visiting website : nyboimela.org.


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UAE and Singapore based Triterras, a fintech company focused on digital trade and supply chain finance, using Blockchain enabled trade finance platform Kratos, has partnered with Oman based Mamun, fintech infrastructure provider to bolster trade finance in Oman.
This collaboration harnesses Triterras’ technological expertise and leverages Mamun’s experience in Oman’s financial services sector. The duo will initially target the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) finance sector in Oman, with a specific emphasis on the food and beverage industry. The collaboration will also enable Triterras to offer the blockchain enabled KRATOSTM financing platform to banks in Oman on a white-label basis.
As part of the alliance, Triterras will introduce eDirect Debit, a direct debit payment technology developed by Mamun, in the UAE. eDirect Debit is designed to offer businesses a seamless and highly efficient payment solution, with the aim of enhancing the ease of handling transactions within the region.
“One of the key challenges for startups and micro businesses is a lack of capital and financing, which hinders growth and accessibility to markets. Our primary aim is to enable MSMEs with access to immediate and workable financial solutions to maintain business continuity and foster growth opportunities,” said Ashish Srivastava, Chief Commercial Officer at Triterras. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to deliver cutting-edge finance solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Oman, and the wider Middle East region. This 2-way agreement facilitates Triterras’ expansion in the MENA region.”
With Oman’s vibrant market in mind, this collaboration potentially makes a substantial impact on businesses looking for finance by simplifying access to financial resources. As with Triterras’ global mission, the collaboration will support MSMEs, enhancing financial inclusivity for businesses in Oman.
“We are excited to witness the expansion of our eDirect Debit technology into the UAE through our collaboration with Triterras,” said Mohammed Al Tamami, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, at Mamun.


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EU to pick which GMO it grows after new bill passed overwhelmingly
EU member states will now be able to decide for themselves whether to produce GM crops, according to a new law, which is already stoking controversy. They can now ban even the cultivation of crops approved by the European Food Safety Authority.
The contentious law has passed by a large margin of 480 in favor to 159 against, with 58 abstaining.
The law is said to have achieved success owing to its flexibility. Since 1998, only a certain type of GM crop (MON810, from Monsanto) was cultivated in Europe.
The new law, however, has two notable developments: seven other GM crops have now been added and approved by the EFSA; and now member states can make the decision to either add them to the list, or simply opt out.
Additionally, the new rules allow member states to ban the GMOs on grounds other than health risks. These would now include consideration in town and country planning, farm policy, socio-economic impact on the community, the protection of the local ecosphere, and the possibility of cross-contamination.
Specific traits inherent in the particular GMOs will also be given consideration.
"This agreement will ensure more flexibility for member states who wish to restrict the cultivation of the GMOs in their territory," Liberal Democrat MEP Frederique Ries said at the plenary session. She was a key proponent of the Tuesday legislation.
The law was originally agreed informally in December, by the European Parliament (EP) and the European Council (EC). It was actually meant to be implemented much earlier, in 2010, but faced a four-year delay owing to the ongoing bitter dispute over the hazards of GMO produce.
READ MORE: Monsanto-killer or ‘Trojan Horse’? New law lets EU states ban GM crops
#GMO cultivation - up to MS & their citizens. Big step forward after 4 y of debate. http://t.co/rDnuoURtZK@Europarl_EN@EUCouncil
— Vytenis Andriukaitis (@V_Andriukaitis) 4 декабря 2014
“As to what comes next, I place my trust in Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's formal pledge to strengthen the democratic process on GMOs in Europe and ensure that research is genuinely independent," Ries said.
The new law, Juncker said in 2014, would be a necessary addition, because current legislation means “the Commission is legally obliged to authorize the import and processing of new GMOs even in cases where a clear majority of member states are opposed to their use.”
Before any member state can have a formal say in the matter, however, they need to go through the actual GMO producer, whose marketing of the seeds would be affected. It is also true, though, that if the company doesn’t agree, a member state would be able to impose a unilateral ban on cultivation.
Some have come out with criticism of the new measure: "It is a bad measure because the EU will become a patchwork of GMO regimes when what we need is a common approach,” said Rebecca Harms, a Green MEP.
Others, such as bio-tech association EuropaBio, believe the legislation would mean science gets thrown out the window.
The biggest impact, however, was always on the farmers and their livelihood. India has seen a rising suicide rate, which many blame on GMO seeds. Monsanto, which is believed to have contributed to a staggering 290,000 suicides over the past 20 years, has not faced legal action. Its seeds were at times incompatible with the local ecosphere, while its drain on natural resources forced many smaller growers into money loans, depression and, eventually, suicide.
New #GMO opt-out law adopted. Now up to EU countries to put in place solid national bans. Read our briefing: http://t.co/ME9kS6kODp
— Greenpeace EU (@GreenpeaceEU) 13 января 2015
READ MORE: Rising suicide rate for Indian farmers blamed on GMO seeds
The company has been widely blamed for manipulating the market and making use of people’s inefficient business practices and naturally weaker non-GMO crop yields.
Similarly, the biotech giant was doing its best to quell the popular demand to institute GMO labeling laws: this, and other related concerns, has seen thousands take to the streets all over the world in solidarity with smaller farmers who for the most part produce better, more healthy crops.
READ MORE: Oregon GMO-labeling initiative defeated by Monsanto-sponsored groups
The March against Monsanto movement is still growing, with an upcoming date set for May 23, 2015, according to the website. The event draws millions of people each year, in dozens of countries worldwide. They are campaigning for safe food and consumer protection, and for governments not to overlook the dangers of GMO crops by partnering up with Monsanto. One particular worry is that the Food and Drug administration in the US is actually run by former executives of the company in an obvious conflict of interest.


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NatureBox Inc. has completed a Series B round of funding to further its aim of sending healthy snacks directly to consumers.
The new funding round was led by Canaan Partners, with existing investors General Catalyst Partners and Softbank Capital also joining in.
Launched in 2012, the San Carlos-based company is led by co-founder and CEO Gautam Gupta. It has set up a model where it sends monthly boxes of healthy snacks to consumers, using its own branded treats.
NatureBox raised $8.5 million last July and $2 million in 2012.


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The world’s population is desperate for tools to fight this devastating pan- demic. The battle against COVID-19 has pushed research of hemp’s more than 500 compounds into overdrive. You might have seen the news about recent CBGa, CBDa, and CBD studies involving immune support. Experts are optimistic these cannabinoids can play a pivotal role in the battle against the 2019 coronavirus. However, there’s some confusion about the differenc- es between the compounds consumers need to understand.
WHAT IS CBDA?
CBDa is cannabidiolic acid. Before you get CBD, you have CBDa, which is also a cannabinoid before the decarboxylation process. Like CBGa, CBDa has advantages.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBDA?
CBDa shares many characteristics with CBD. Unfortunately, researchers know much less about CBDa than CBD. It’s one of the most understudied compounds found in hemp. Here’s what we do know:
CBDA MAY INHIBIT VOMITING AND NAUSEA
A few studies show the effectiveness of CBDa and CBD on rats with mo- tion-sickness-induced nausea. The researchers found that both com- pounds quickly reduced vomiting and nausea by activating the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. The researchers found CBDa was more effective than CBD in reducing motion-sickness-induced nausea.
CBDA AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
There is a lot of research about how CBDa reduces
anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in treating acute or chronic pain and other conditions affected by inflamma- tion.
For example, it may be helpful for IBD and Crohn’s disease, which is an inflammatory bowel disorder. Studies using oral administration of CBDa in rodents found it could reduce discomfort, providing hope for future clinical studies.
The potential anti-inflamma- tory response includes more than muscle pain. Inflamma- tion plays a significant role in the immune system. That’s why CBDa could potentially offer hope in fighting viruses by supporting a healthy im- mune system.
CBDa might inhibit cycloo- xygenase (COX)-2 function, which is a pro-inflammatory enzyme activated during the inflammatory pathway. The natural COX-2 inhibitor pres- ents a possible new way to prevent and treat inflammato- ry diseases
CBD FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT
A study through the University of Chicago using lung cells found CBD may inhibit infection. When researchers tested CBD’s effectiveness, they found it decreased the amount of RNA produced when COVID-19 infected cells. The researchers believe CBD was not preventing the virus from infecting the cells but instead was effective when the cells were already infected.
Marsha Rosner, Ph.D., explained
We just wanted to know if CBD would affect the immune system … No one in their right mind would have ever thought that it blocked viral replication, but that’s what it did.
While this research is promising, it’s only the beginning. The researchers
recommend a clinical study to see if CBD and the other compounds work the same way in humans.
Though more research is needed, many researchers agree that CBDa and CBDa-rich hemp extracts may promote a healthy immune system. Howev- er, before you head to your favorite brand’s website, remember that these findings don’t mean that a daily dose of CBD or a fullspectrum CBD oil can treat COVID-19 or similar viruses. There’s a long way to go before we can say that for sure.
That being said, if you are concerned about your overall wellness other types of viruses, a daily CBD dose may promote healthy ECS function, which may help bolster your immune system.
WHAT IS CBGA?
CBGa is cannabigerolic acid and is often referred to as the “mother of all can- nabinoids.” It’s the first phytocannabinoid to form in the hemp’s trichomes. The tiny mushroom-like growths covering the leaves, flowers, and stems contain all 500 plus compounds produced by the popular plant.
As hemp grows and matures, the CBGa slowly converts to CBDa, THCa, CBCa, and the other phytocannabinoids. We have limited research because hemp flower contains less than 1% of CBGa.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBGA?
Many people think you must heat cannabinoids to benefit from them. How- ever, raw CBGa has wellness advantages as well. For example, it has anti-in- flammatory properties, which is about more than sore muscles. Inflammation plays a role in heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, in- flammatory bowel disease (IBD), and many other conditions.
It also has antioxidant properties. Your body’s antioxidant enzymes fight free radicals to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Some of CBGa’s other benefits include:
REDUCE COMPLICATIONS FROM DIABETES
The enzyme aldose reductase causes complications from diabetes. A study presented in 2018 showed non-psychotropic CBD/CBDA or CBG/ CBGA significantly inhibits the enzyme aldose reductase activity and low- ers the chances of developing diabetic complications.
CBGA AND METABOLIC DISORDERS
CBGa may play a significant role in metabolic disorders. CBGa is involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, which contributes to the de- velopment of diabetes and dyslipidemia (high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides). This may reduce excess lipid accumulation, a process that contributes to cardiovascular disease.
CBGA AND IMMUNE SUPPORT
Some experts believe there may be a role for CBGa boosting the immune system to reach its full potential. A new study from researchers at Oregon State University found some interesting results regarding certain hemp compounds and the virus that causes COVID-19.
The report’s lead author, Richard van Breeman, an expert with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, Linus Pauling Institute, and the College of Pharmacy explains,
” We identified several cannabinoid ligands and ranked them by a nity to the spike protein … The two cannabinoids with the highest a nities for the spike protein were CBDA and CBGA, and they were confirmed to block infection.”
Breeman believes the study shows promise that there’s another tool to fight the virus. He told NBC Right Now,
”In humans, they might be able to resist becoming sick if exposed to some- one else who has the covid infection … I think that might be the best ap- plication of our discovery, in helping people stay well.”
These benefits result from CBGa’s interaction with the body’s endocannabi-
noid system (ECS). At one point, it was thought that you needed to activate the cannabinoids for them to interact with the ECS. However, researchers now know these non-psychoactive compounds still communicate with CB1 and CB2 receptors to enhance your ECS function.
CBD VS. CBGA AND CBDA
CBD is the result of heating CBDa to a specific temperature. While it holds many of the same benefits as CBDa, current research shows CBDa is the three most potent and bountiful compounds. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore CBD or CBGa. It just means you need to understand the research behind all three so you can make.
CAN ANY CBD PRODUCT WORK?
No. Not all CBD products are created equally. Many brands use ethanol, which strips out the hemp’s beneficial com- pounds. Ethanol is a harsh solvent that destroys many of the plant’s trichomes, cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds.
There’s a better option.
SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WHOLE PLANT HEMP EXTRACTION
Our proprietary process uses carbon dioxide (CO2) under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to pre- serve all the active components of hemp’s more than 500 compounds. The Innovative Synergistically Present Molecular Preservation (ISPMP) process captures all the naturally-occurring elements of hemp without the need for harsh solvents. It merges the most synergistic compounds to bolster the positive effects of each.
The preservation means you don’t lose the precious minor cannabinoids and rich terpene profiles from hemp. You can benefit from all the naturally occurring components that have been scientifically proven to have therapeutic effects without a high.
For the best results, you want a high-quality phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract. Our extraction process offers a product with a complete profile of hemp’s beneficial compounds, including CBDa, which you won’t find in other brands’ full-spectrum hemp extracts.
CHOOSE INNOVATIVE CBD FOR PREMIUM WELLNESS BENEFITS
Innovative CBD offers a unique, high-quality hemp tincture that’s made with the latest technology for preserving all of the naturally occurring compounds found in the popular, legal plant. Buy Innovative CBD tinctures and slow-dis- solving lozenges to experience the full benefits of hemp’s 500-plus compounds.


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And CCPC director of consumer and public relations Brian Lingela says consumers should report matters that violate their rights of choice through the consumer redress mechanism established in most institutions.
Mr Lingela, who is also chairperson for the organising committee for upcoming World Consumer Rights Day, said for consumers to exercise their right of choice, traders must provide a wide range of goods and services at competitive prices and good quality.
Mr Lingela said this during a press briefing held at CCPC head office yesterday ahead of the 2012 World Consumer Rights Day to be held this week under the theme, ‘Our money, our rights: Campaigning for real choice in financial services’.
“When traders and service providers begin to lose their customers, they are more likely to be responsive to their need. It is our view that this will also entrench the much needed competition in all sectors of our economy as providers of goods and services will be encouraged to provide better products and services to consumers with better innovations,” he said.
At the same briefing, Consumer Unit and Trust Society (CUTS) project officer Phanuel Mweene said there are a lot of injustices in the consumer industry because people are not aware of their consuming rights.
Mr Mweene said people should be informed and knowledgeable to express their views on their consumer rights.
“It is important to understand and to be knowledgeable, as you know there has been violation of consumer rights, so we want people to express their views and to exercise their consumer rights,” he said.
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Startup Profile: Vive Nano: Bringing Nanotechnology to the Farm
March 31, 2011 | Robert Puro
If I said the word ‘agriculture’ to you, would you think of cows grazing, endless fields of corn, grain silos, and red barns? Or, would you think about modern farm technology in agriculture like GPS, remote sensors, aeroponic systems, on-farm renewable energy systems, et al?
Whatever you envisioned, chances are the word nanotechnology did not immediately come to mind. So, how does nanotechnology play a role in supporting sustainable agriculture?
To find out, Seedstock recently spoke with Keith Thomas, CEO of Vive Nano, a Toronto-based company that focuses on the development of nano-encapsulated materials that deliver active ingredients for crop protection.
Active ingredients and traditional delivery methods for crop protection
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, which aid in crop protection, are considered ‘active ingredients’ in that they destroy, prevent, repel or mitigate any pests, weeds, and fungi that attack crops. The delivery of an active ingredient is not as easy as putting it into a spray container, adding a little water, and spraying it on to the crops.
For example, the molecules that form a pesticide tend to clump together and render it ineffective unless it is combined with the appropriate emulsifiers, dispersing agents, antifreezes (you don’t want your pesticide to freeze before it does its jobs), odorants (to indicate volatility), oils such as mineral and soybean oil, solvents (used to dissolve the active ingredient), surfactants (increase solubility of the active ingredient), and on an on. That’s a whole lot of chemical additives!
Many of these additives are extremely volatile, harmful to the environment and humans, and often not as efficient as they should be at delivering the active ingredient.
Additionally, as government regulations surrounding the use of chemical additives to deliver active ingredients for crop protection continue to grow stricter, crop protection companies must find and deploy less environmentally harmful and more effective solutions.
Vive Nano and Nanomaterials Encapsulation
According to Thomas, an accomplished entrepreneur and engineer by training, that is where Vive Nano steps in to save the day. Vive Nano uses ultra-small, water dispersible particles to effectively encapsulate and deliver non-soluble active ingredients like herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides to crops. The particles function as a “small fedex [envelope] that gets the package [the active ingredient] where it needs to go,” says Thomas, with minimal impact on the soil and the surrounding environment. (Check out the video of Vive Nano’s technology in action).
What differentiates Vive Nano’s technology from traditional delivery methods for active ingredients in crop protection is that its products require no solvents and significantly fewer additives. This could result in benefits for the grower such as reductions in the amount of pesticide to be used, reduced itching and reduced staining.
The Market Size for Vive Nano’s Products
The value of the global crop protection market is approximately $40 billion (Source: Phillips McDougal). Within the crop protection market, Vive Nano currently focuses on an addressable market of $10 – $15 billion primarily composed of crop protection products that are high potency and do not disperse well in water.
Vive Nano has raised $4.5 million in equity, $4 million in funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (STDC), and another $3.8 million from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation.
The company currently has a number of very large customers in the crop protection industry and is financially stable, and according to Thomas does not have to immediately raise additional funds to continue growing. Nevertheless, he sees an increased focus on the agriculture space right now and believes “the time is right to raise money.”
To capitalize on the current interest in sustainable agriculture, Vive Nano is currently looking to raise a round of financing in the neighborhood of $5 million. This money will allow the company to increase the breadth of its product offering, push further into manufacturing, and accelerate the registration process for its products.
The future looks bright for Vive Nano. The company has a number of products currently in field trials, and has received numerous green tech and clean tech innovation awards.
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Kewaskum, Wisconsin (June 23, 2022) – Regal Ware, Inc., an American-owned marketing and manufacturing company anchored in the food and beverage industry bringing premium cookware products to families since 1945, is proud to announce that Doug Reigle, Senior Vice President, Sales, has been elected as President of the Cookware and Bakeware Alliance (CBA) Board of Directors.
Doug, a third-generation descendant of Regal Ware founder J.O. Reigle graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in both business administration and economics. Doug has represented Regal Ware in a variety of industry organizations, including the Housewares Export Council of North America, the British Cookware Manufacturers Association, and the Wisconsin World Trade Center. Doug currently serves as President for the second time on the Cookware and Bakeware Alliance Board of Directors where he also served as president from 2011-2012.
“It’s my honor and privilege to be elected for a second time as President, to such an important industry organization and board,” said Reigle. “I look forward to this upcoming term and working with my fellow board members on creating standards for the industry, sharing the latest advances, and to be a source of trusted information to consumers and peers.”
The CBA is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware and bakeware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. First established in 1922, The CBA Engineering Standards for Cookware and Bakeware are the result of extraordinary voluntary collaboration among member companies in the US and Canada.
“We could not be more pleased at Doug’s election to serve for the second time as President of the CBA,” said Ryan Reigle, President and CEO of Regal Ware. “His vast knowledge and experience make him an excellent choice to help lead the industry forward and to ensure we are all providing the best for customers. As a founding member of the CBA Doug’s appointment further shows Regal Ware’s commitment to being a leader in the industry now and into the future.”
“I am excited for the CBA on a professional and personal level, as I have known Doug for many years. His vision and leadership are going to be great assets to our Alliance,” said Fran Groesbeck, Managing Director at The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance. “Doug brings extensive personal knowledge and family history to our industry that will benefit the Alliance and our membership.”
ABOUT REGAL WARE, INC.
Regal Ware, Inc. is a leading, privately held and family-owned company based in Wisconsin that markets premium food and beverage preparation products. Regal Ware and its divisions bring to market meaningful solutions that enhance and enrich life by bringing families together. Our growing portfolio of premier brands, include Saladmaster®, Lifetime®, American Kitchen® and ESPRO®, are marketed and made available to millions of consumers through an omni-channel approach via direct sales, retail and ecommerce. Regal Ware delivers products and services to its customers in over 60 countries across the globe.


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The Big Bangs behind BTS, Netmarble
[THE INVESTOR] Korea, once famous for manufacturing, has become a surprising hit in the game and entertainment business. K-pop stars like Big Bang, Psy and EXO are in high demand, and games such as “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” and “Lineage” are popular worldwide.
In particular, two companies -- each in the arena of entertainment and games -- have shot to fame. One is Big Hit Entertainment, the company managing the seven-member K-pop sensation BTS that became the first Korean band to top the Billboard 200 chart in May.
Another is Netmarble, whose brainchild is “Lineage II: Revolution.” In 2017, Netmarble was the world’s third-largest app publisher in terms of revenues, following China’s Tencent and NetEase, according to mobile app analysis firm App Annie.
So what do these two have in common, aside from their fame and fortune?
Big Hit Entertainment, the management company of BTS, is run by Bang Shi-hyuk, who is related to Bang Jun-hyuk, owner of Netmarble.
Their relationship came under the spotlight earlier this year when Netmarble acquired a 25.71 percent stake in Big Hit Entertainment -- a deal that has made the game company the second-largest shareholder. Netmarble said at the time that the deal would maximize their synergies.
But industry insiders know just how hard to get Big Hit stocks were. Everyone wanted to get their hands on them, especially with an IPO in the cards next year. Analysts are putting the IPO value at over 2 trillion won (US$1.85 billion).
Anyway, putting their brains together, the two Bangs will soon launch a game called “BTS World,” which is one of the 18 different BTS-related games that Netmarble will be using based on BTS’ musical and visual content. Successful collaboration will help both companies in boosting their bottom lines and take the next leap, according to analysts.
“In (‘BTS World’), BTS members are not featured simply as game characters, but are managed and developed by players. So the game is likely to attract BTS fans in Japan, the US, and other countries,” said Lee Chang-young, an analyst who covers the game industry for Yuanta Securities.
Netmarble is aiming for sales of 5 trillion won by 2020. In 2017, the game company logged a record high of 2.4 trillion won in sales. It is now hoping to go beyond games. “We need to join hands with movies, dramas and concerts to develop new genres,” Bang said when introducing BTS World. “‘BTS World’ will mark the starting point in our attempts to combine different cultural content with games.”
For Big Hit, a successful partnership with Netmarble is important because it is eyeing a public listing. Its sales have already shown explosively growth, rising to 92.4 billion won last year from the previous year’s 35.2 billion. Net profit rose to 32.5 billion won, up from 10.4 billion won.
Bang Jun-hyuk (left) and Bang Si-hyuk
By Park Ga-young (firstname.lastname@example.org)


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Despite the fact that Kylie Jenner is the most popular sister on social media, there has always been another member of the clan closely following in her footsteps. While the owner of Kylie Cosmetics is in the first place of the 10 highest paid celebrities of 2020, according to Forbes, and the sister we are talking about is in 48th, everything indicates that the tables may experience a sudden turn very soon. Do you know who has surpassed “the insurmountable” Kylie Jenner? Her older sister, Kim Kardashian.
Forbes announces Kim Kardashian’s estate
A few days ago, it became known which 10 celebrities were the most followed in social networks and, according to this, Kylie would occupy the fourth position while Kim would have to settle for the sixth. And yet, it has just become clear that this status does not imply having a lower equity. In fact, as Forbes has made public, Kim Kardashian has already surpassed her younger sister. Does this mean that the queen of reality shows would regain the position that she treasured, in 2007, before the world fell in love with Kylie Cosmetics, Kourtney’s magazine, the Kendall runway or Good American Jeans? Confirmed.
Kylie Jenner recently lost the billionaire title (it adds up to 700 million dollars) and, in parallel, Kim Kardashian’s businesses began to make her the strongest competition (Skims, KKW Beauty, advertising campaigns …). According to Forbes, all this would have made this sister accumulate a total of one billion dollars in her bank account today, 220 million dollars more than last October. According to this publication, the increase in the figure could be due to the sale of 20% of KKW Beauty, its makeup line, to the Coty group. Group that also acquired part of the cosmetic company from her little sister. Between this, her brand Skims, the salary received by Keeping Up With The Kardashians and a series of investments made, Forbes estimates that Kim could have reached ‘billionaire territory’ in record time.


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Several of my friends are having babies and since our firm does eco-friendly nurseries, they are asking us how to make it safe for their newborns. They are focused on organic bedding and baby food, but they forget that recent news story that indicates that unborn babies are being exposed to chemicals in-vitro. What is the logic of focusing on organic bedding and baby food, when you forget to protect the mother against chemicals in the environment?
A study completed in 2005 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had some effect on governmental studies and policies. But with the publication of the journal Pediatrics (Feb. 2008), the medical establishment has raised its head to refocus concern about this issue -- chemicals in cosmetics and packaging may cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in girls.
Few people know that in 2005 the Environmental Working Group tested 10 samples of umbilical cord blood taken by the American Red Cross. Unborn babies had an average of 287 contaminants in their cord blood, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides, phtalates and Teflon's PFOA chemical. It should be known that of the 287 chemicals detected, there were 180 that cause cancer. This report coincided with a governmental report by the GAO that stated the EPA, "...only rarely assesses chemicals already on the market".
Says New Jersey senator Frank Lautenberg, "Today's chemicals are being used to make baby bottles, food packaging and other products [cosmetics] that have never been fully evaluated for their health effects on children - and these chemicals are turning up in their blood."
Common Products Pass Chemicals to Babies
Phtalates (pronounced 'thay-laytes') are a particular concern because they are everywhere -- baby bottles, cosmetics (shampoos/lotions/powders), pliable plastics such as shower curtains, and some teething toys. Given the concentration, it appears that the concentration of phtalates is higher among babies under 8 months.
Think about it this way: babies spend at least 10-12 hours a day sleeping on their bedding. The last thing they need is exposure to toxic chemicals. A baby's detoxification system is developing and their growth is rapid, which means that cells are quickly dividing. Thus, a baby is more susceptible to chemical exposure than an adult.
Setting Up a Nursery
It is highly recommended among eco-healthy designers that baby nurseries utilize organic bedding of either cotton or bamboo -- and all bedding should be free of dyes (unless organic), fire retardants and other harmful chemicals. And it is also important to consider using low-VOC paint and natural tung oil versus synthetic polishes for your flooring. Most important is avoiding vinyl flooring products and furniture glued with adhesives containing formaldehyde.


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London Fashion Week begins June 12th and runs through June 14th as a digital first experience.
The event will showcase 32 women’s wear, menswear and accessory brands on 28 digital platforms and 4 physical performances.
London Fashion Week begins with a digital show named “Everything Is Temporary”. The short film is a mediation on the resurgence of British fashion and cultural arts, exploring the reopening of London. Featuring a performance by creative Sakeema Peng Crook, it is styled by creative artist Betsy Johnson.
Major digital showcases include Ahluwalia, Ben Sherman x Team GB, Bethany Williams, Dilara Findikoglu, JORDANLUCA, LYPH, Nicholas Daley, Per Götesson, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Publisher, Qasimi, Robyn Lynch, Staxx, University of Westminster It will be.
Physical events include Installation 1.0-InnateGEAR 2021 Exhibition and Showcase, Ruben Selby Show and Party, London Seven Collective, LCF Alumni Screening, Cut from the Same Cloth’-Collaboration with Daniel A Hanson.
BFC and Clearpay Announce Industry Leading Numbers
Clearpay, a sponsor of the British Fashion Council and London Fashion Week, has released a report detailing figures for the beauty and fashion industry.
The report reveals that 75% of consumers value sustainability when shopping. We also found that after a 14% drop from pre-pandemic levels, the sector is set to recover at least 20% next year.
BFC and Clearpay also unveiled a pop-up shopping experience celebrating London Fashion Week at King’s Road in London, Chelsea from June 11th to June 14th. Featuring streaming runway shows, fashion-themed movies, food and drinks.
What you need to know about London Fashion Week
Source link What you need to know about London Fashion Week


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Google has said it is increasing the reward payable to those who manage to discover key vulnerabilities on its Chrome browser, Chrome OS and Chromebooks from the present $50,000 to $100,000.
The two-fold increase should be a good indicator of how serious the search giant is about security on its systems and services. The company stated it has already doled out a whopping $2 million as a reward to bounty hunters in 2015.
More specifically, Google is keen to see its Chromebooks are able to ward off security threats while in Guest Mode. There have been no claimants of the reward so far though Google is keen to press further by doubling the reward amount in its bid to lure in more hackers to test its security measures.
“Rewards for qualifying bugs typically range from $500 to $100,000. We have a standing $100,000 reward for participants that can compromise a Chromebook or Chromebox with device persistence in guest mode.” reads Chrome Reward Program Rules.
The Chromebook continues to operate in a niche segment catering mainly to the student community. Also, another aspect that has contributed to the rapid proliferation of Chromebooks among students is the low price tag, with some models selling for as low as just $150. However, it is still endearing to see its makers being so serious with its security even though the system is rarely used in high-end business or research areas.
Another aspect where Google is concerned is its Chrome browser. Particularly, the search giant is keen to find out if there are any loopholes for unscrupulous hackers to exploit its Safe Browsing program. This forms part of its Download Protection Bypassing program.
Google has earlier pioneered the Safe Browsing concept that aims to create a list of sites that contains malware or phishing content.
Besides Chrome, other browsers such as Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox also draw upon the list of URLs from Safe Browsing to ensure users of these browsers are protected against fraudulent sites.
In any case, security and privacy has assumed added significance in recent times thanks to the high-profile court battle between the FBI and Apple. It is also a continuous battle where the hackers are ever on the lookout for means to have unauthorised access to users’ data or systems to carry out their nefarious designs. This can range from simple acts of theft of one’s personal records or to those that could wreak financial havoc on individuals or institutions.


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Economists, like CEOs, warn that consumer spending could be hurt by job cuts triggered by fiscal tightening and a snap-back in payroll tax rates that could slice US$1,000 off of an average family’s take-home pay.
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 - Page 15 News List
US congress must stop ‘fiscal cliff’: CEOs
DISASTER LOOMS:A group of US chief executives warned Congress to stop partisan fighting and take action, including raising taxes on the rich, to stave off economic ruin
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Big Tobacco firms including British American Tobacco (BATS.L) are selling heat sticks made from nicotine-infused substances such as rooibos tea, countering an incoming European Union ban on flavoured heated tobacco products.
While the sticks mark a new way to inhale the addictive drug, health experts warn that their safety is unclear.
The industry has produced “heat-not-burn” sticks containing tobacco for years, aiming to avoid the toxic chemicals released via combustion.
These “reduced risk” products, which are placed in a device to heat them, have helped offset falling demand for traditional cigarettes due to rising health awareness and heavy taxation in some markets.
British American Tobacco (BAT) (BATS.L) has now gone a step further, launching a version of its sticks containing nicotine-infused Rooibos tea instead of tobacco in nine European markets, including Germany and Greece. The company plans to roll the product out globally, it told Reuters.
The move provides “adult nicotine users and smokers with the widest possible range of reduced-risk products,” BAT said in a statement.
There may, however, be as yet unknown risks associated with inhaling the tea, researchers warned.
“Anything that burns or is vaporised… and inhaled into the lungs, probably will cause some effects,” said Erikas Simonavicius, a research associate at King’s College London.
Tobacco companies have yet to publish any research showing the health implications of rooibos or other zero-tobacco sticks, Simonavicius added.
BAT, the first big tobacco player to say what its zero-tobacco sticks are made from, declined to say whether it had conducted such research.
Rival Philip Morris International (PMI) will start rolling out a zero-tobacco stick later this year, it said during an investor day in September.
It declined to tell Reuters what the product is made from, or to comment on its health implications.
PMI (PM.N) CEO Jacek Olczak told shareholders that its zero-tobacco sticks could avoid the regulatory scrutiny that tobacco products face.
BAT’s zero-tobacco sticks are not subject to current EU tobacco rules, the company told Reuters.
That means it can sell rooibos sticks in flavours like peppermint and tropical fruit even after a ban on flavoured heated tobacco products is implemented across the bloc later this month.
“The obvious advantage these new products should provide is a way to keep menthol and flavour varieties on the EU market,” Jefferies analyst Owen Bennett said in a note.
Rivals Imperial Brands (IMB.L) and Japan Tobacco International (2914.T) declined to comment on whether they will launch zero-tobacco sticks.
However, the regulatory advantages these products enjoy are unlikely to last long, Jefferies’ Bennett and Morningstar senior equity analyst Phil Gorham said. In the EU, new tobacco directives are either overdue or expected in the next few years.
“The next generation of regulation is going to target nicotine,” Gorham said.
In Germany, some smaller purveyors of tea sticks are already in a dispute with authorities over whether their products are subject to existing tobacco tax rules, Fabienne Diekmann, a lawyer representing the companies, said.
Tobacco companies still make the vast majority of their revenue from cigarettes. BAT, for instance, sells brands like Dunhill, Lucky Strike and Camel in more than 170 markets worldwide, with heavy regulation and taxes in many of them.
Its rooibos heat sticks are available in Germany on BAT’s official heated tobacco website for 5.80 euros ($6.11), the same as most of its flavoured tobacco heat sticks, a pricing policy confirmed by the company to Reuters despite the new product not being subject to EU tobacco taxes.
That means they could achieve a higher profit margin, Morningstar’s Gorham said.
Across the European Union, heated tobacco products must be taxed at a minimum of 20 per cent of the retail price, though national governments can go higher.
Researchers said it was important to provide a wide variety of alternatives to smokers, but these needed to be properly regulated to ensure they do not tempt more people to consume nicotine.
“The way to prevent that… is to be very strict about how these products are marketed and how they are displayed,” said Lion Shabab, a professor of health psychology at University College London.
Tobacco companies say their alternative products are targeted at smokers, and not individuals who do not currently consume nicotine.
($1 = 0.9486 euros)


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New South Wales treasurer Gladys Berejiklian received a major budget haircut yesterday after the Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC), which decides how much GST revenue each state and territory receives, reduced the state’s allocation by around 1.4%.
She said NSW will lose around $850 million in GST payments in 2016-17 as a result.
The realignment of the grants has sparked the usual round of hang-wringing from state treasurers, with Berejiklian complaining that NSW is continuing to subsidise the weaker performing states.
“We are essentially a victim of our own success when it comes to GST revenue – this is the biggest single year loss due to a change of relativity for any state since the GST began,” she said.
Around one quarter of the state’s budget comes from GST revenue, and Sydney’s booming real estate sector delivered a major windfall to Berejiklian, with a monster $7 billion in stamp duty revenue last year $1 billion higher than forecast in the previous budget.
NSW was already bracing for a cut from the CGC, with December’s half-yearly review predicting a $670 million drop in the GST grant. The state’s share of GST is falling from 30.4% to 29%, but there is a bright spot – the growth in GST revenue means the actual cash allocation for NSW will rise by $197 million to $17.598 billion in total.
The big winners in the 2016-17 grants are Victoria and Queensland, which both score more than $1 billion in extra GST funds. Queensland will receive an extra $1.324 billion, up 0.9% to 23.6%, and Victoria, $1.074 billion, an increase of 0.5% to 22.9%.
South Australia’s treasury coffers will also be boosted by $554 million more cash thanks to a 0.4% boost to 10.1%, taking its total GST revenue to $6.11 billion.
The Grants Commission believes both Tasmania and the Northern Territory have a stronger fiscal capacity “driven by a fall in their costs of providing services”.
“For Tasmania, this was due to a fall in its relative wage costs. For the Northern Territory, it was due to a fall in its relative population growth, which reduced its need to invest in new infrastructure,” the CGC says.
That means Tasmania’s share has been cut by 0.1% to 3.8%, but the growing GST pie means the state will actually receive at extra $50 million, taking its total to $2.299 billion.
The Northern Territory’s grant is also cut by 0.4%, but still rises by $5 million to $3.291 billion compared to 2015-16.
Despite a vociferous campaign by Western Australian premier Colin Barnett for a greater slice of GST revenue, the state, now struggling as the mining boom ends, is getting an increase of just 0.1% to 3.4% in 2016-17. WA’s allocation is just $2.037 billion, up just $148 million, including GST growth.
WA feels cheated because it receives less that 30 cents in the dollar in terms of GST paid by the state.
The premier has blamed the GST grants for WA’s financial troubles, with the budget deficit forecast to hit $3.1 billion this year.


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To the Editor:
I am simultaneously amused and outraged, but especially saddened, about the dustup by and about Chick-fil-A. I have long known that they choose to keep the Holy Sabbath by keeping stores shuttered on Sundays. But now that they’re putting customers’ dollars into anti-gay-rights campaigns — isn’t that crossing someone else’s line?
I wonder how many guardian angels they’d hire to sit at those pearly white portals of Chick-fil-A stores to serve as bouncers and keep out all those adults who repeatedly say, “Oh my God!” — and all teens saying “OMG!” And anyone openly verbalizing that they hate one or both parents. Or all unwed mothers whose “baby daddy” is already married.
How about Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and other non-Christians? Or anyone who has ever had an abortion? And how about some self-proclaimed Christians who say “If a person doesn’t work — he shouldn’t eat”? Does this mean anyone who lost a good-paying job to outsourcing now shouldn’t buy chicken and waffle fries?
How about the people who hate their neighbors? Or those who covet their neighbors’ goods, cars, spouses and lifestyles?
Just how long would it be before Chick-fil-A stores would become bankrupt echo chambers? Or is it only gays that Chick-fil-A chooses to target?
Obviously, Chick-fil-A management at present appears to fit the “cafeteria” Christian profile — those who pick and choose which commandments to enforce for themselves and for others. Don’t true Christians get to instruct and model behavior — but not force their will on others? Isn’t that to be left to the “Higher Authority”? Shouldn’t they be uniters, not dividers and deciders?
One has to wonder just how many people who call themselves Christians involved in situations of division and hatred can even recite from memory the Ten Commandments, and make it a point to honor these for themselves on a daily basis?
Madeline J. Schaeffer


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Fresh soup pioneer New Covent Garden Soup Co has been delisted by Tesco - a year after the retailer launched its own chilled soup brand.
The retailer removed NCG - credited with creating the fresh soup category when it launched 25 years ago - as part of a winter range review that took effect last week.
“Tesco believe they can grow the category without the leading brand,” said Rob Dixon, marketing controller at NCG owner Hain Daniels, which acquired the brand a year ago.
New Covent Garden - which has fallen 8.3% by value year-on-year [Nielsen 52w/e 13 October] - has been under intense pressure from rival chilled soups - and particularly own label. The latter has risen 8.3% by value year-on-year while brands have grown just 3.3% [Kantar Worldpanel 52 w/e 5 August 2012].
The situation has been compounded by the rollout of Tesco’s New York Soup Co brand a year ago - a range expanded in recent weeks with the Fully Loaded sub-brand of chunky fresh soups. When it was launched, industry observers predicted New York Soup Co would be bad news for the Hain Daniels brand.
“You will need to speak to Tesco to understand whether New York Soup Co had an impact on the New Covent Garden decision,” said Dixon, adding that - in Tesco - sales of NCG had been £10.8m in the past year compared with £2.9m for New York Soup Co [Nielsen 52 w/e October 13 2012]. “However, clearly Tesco has made a decision to invest in their own tertiary brands,” he added.
Tesco would only comment: “We regularly review our range to reflect changes in the products customers buy.”
News of the delisting comes just a month after NCG revamped its packaging - its second redesign in just over a year. From 5 November, the brand will be launching a £2m TV push, direct marketing campaign and outdoor advertising.
Quarterly figures already showed the brand back in growth, said Dixon, with supermarket sales up 12.7% year-on-year [Nielsen 12w/e 15 September].
NCG - which uses square cartons - had missed a trick when the pot format used by New York Soup Co started to emerge, said Claire Nuttall, partner at branding agency Thrive. “This has been key to competitor brands gaining integrity and stealing a lead.Covent Garden needs to get back to basics and behave like a challenger brand, which is what it has become,” she said. “Tesco’s decision to delist is a major sign of it being make or break time.”


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UK INFLATION RATE RISES TO 3.4%
Higher petrol prices have contributed to the rise in inflation
The UK inflation rate rose sharply to 3.4% in March from 3% the month before, official figures have shown.
The rise in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate was greater than analysts had expected.
Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation, which includes housing costs, also rose sharply to 4.4% in March from 3.7%.
The CPI inflation rate is the measure targeted by Bank of England interest-rate setters, while RPI is often used as a benchmark in wage negotiations.
Higher air fares
Higher petrol prices were an important factor in rising consumer prices, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
I do know that the MPC is keeping a very close eye on inflation expectations – and pay settlements – to see whether the higher headline rates of inflation in the past few months are becoming self-perpetuating
Stephanie Flanders, BBC economics editor
Read Stephanie's blog in full
Petrol prices have been rising because of the relative strength of the dollar and higher refining costs, as well as the increasing price of oil.
The price of oil hit 18-month highs at the start of April.
The continuing impact of the rise in VAT, which went back up to 17.5% in January, and the effect of flat gas bills relative to this time last year, when they fell sharply, also contributed to the spike in inflation.
The ONS said increasing air fares, especially on European flights, rising food and non-alcoholic drinks prices, and higher clothing and footwear costs also played a part.
Offsetting these were falls in the prices of second-hand cars, furniture and household equipment.
Despite the sharp rise in prices, analysts expect the rate of inflation to fall again in the coming months, as weak economic growth and high unemployment dampen price rises.
The governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, has said that he expects inflation to fall back towards the target rate of 2% in the coming months.
Analysts therefore expect the Bank to keep interest rates low to stimulate growth.
“We would not expect the Bank of England to be swayed by short-term movements in commodity prices, so today's figures should not have much bearing on interest rates. We still expect rates to remain on hold for the remainder of this year,” said Hetal Mehta, senior economic adviser to the Ernst & Young ITEM Club.
UK interest rates have been at the record low of 0.5% for 13 consecutive months.
The policy helped to bring the UK economy out of recession in the last quarter of 2009, when it grew by 0.4%.
However, if prices continue to rise sharply, the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee may have to raise rates.
If the CPI inflation rate remains above 3% in April, Mr King will have to write another letter of explanation to the chancellor.


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Last Monday at noon marked the start of the fourth annual Amazon Prime Day. For one and a half day, Prime members can get products from the Amazon catalogue at largely discounted prices. More than a million deals worldwide were expected.
Right now searching by voice is a trendy topic. Studies and surveys are flooding the media with tons of data about the expansion of voice search’s market acceptance. This data predicts a future in which the voice will be the main interface (opposite the screen) for each activity. There is talk of an SEO revolution that has triggered hysteria among SEO managers (but don’t panic)!
2017 was the year of the spread of smart speakers and their digital voice assistants among consumers. Companies should expand their service offerings and optimise them for smart devices in 2018, which will give them more platform monetisation opportunities.
Virtual personal assistant speakers are going to hit the market in 2021 according to Gartner, who suggest that VPA-enabled devices such as Amazon Echo or Google Home will generate $3.52 billion in global revenue, up from $0.72 billion in 2016.
This forecast is not surprising at all, especially if you consider the latest Amazon sales figures. However, the real convenience for users is far to be delivered. Customers can listen to music, ask random questions even make shopping lists and make orders. However, the level of understanding and interaction is still very limited and users don’t see the point in using the speakers instead of their smartphone or laptop to purchase items, yet.
Excitement, entertainment, and nonsense are the best words to describe our first feelings about the first contact we made with Alexa, Amazon‘s voice-controlled AI assistant that is integrated into Amazon Echo and Echo Dot.
After testing the most operative part of the device, it is the turn for evaluating Alexa’s communication and self-learning skills. How smart is Alexa? Does she learn from mistakes? Is the communication process natural and seamless?
Last week a new edition of the Mobile World Congress took place in Barcelona to present the latest trends in the mobile industry. Although this year there were neither many stellar presentations of gadgets nor excessively prominent visitors , it can be said that mobile is the connecting element in which advanced technologies come together to prompt new ecosystems such as the connected car.
The use of smartphones as constant companions coupled with a better quality of internet connection result in a multiscreen world: According to a study presented by Google, 24% of consumers indicate that they usually access the Internet through three devices (smartphone, tablet and laptop or computer).
These two indicators prove that mobile is reaching digital maturity. But, apart from reaching this conclusion, the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry gave a glimpse of the most important trends for this year. Let’s dive into it!
Ahead of schedule the smart assistant Amazon Echo completed the trial period and has been available for sale on the marketplace for any German customer 2 weeks now. The Handelskraft editorial staff was quick to order one and test it for a few days. We were more than curious to “experiment” and “talk” with a virtual assistant and obviously many questions arose while waiting for the package to be delivered: How useful and spontaneous could Alexa be? Could she become part of the family? Could the conversation be fluent and natural?
It is not a surprise that still today humans only feel fascination for the possibility of communicating with machines and interacting with them proactively. However, initially the rise of voice search functionalities (OK Google) and more recently the emergence of virtual assistants such as Amazon Echo, Google Home or Siri might contribute to change this perception. However, how far are we until it comes to normality?
In our 2-part series about Alexa we are going to the very heart of these questions that we are pursuing.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and conversational systems are going to be the “next big thing” in 2017. Not only because the renowned research firm Gartner has included both within the most important technology trends of the year, but also because Amazon is making big moves to integrate Alexa in every part of the customer daily life.


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Kanetix helps you prepare for anything this holiday season.
TORONTO, December 14, 2010 - An article by Kanetix® (www.kanetix.ca) entitled, "Insurance risks higher during the holidays - be prepared!," provides consumers with
During the busy holidays, it can be easy to overlook the potential risks we're faced with as drivers and homeowners. The fact of the matter is that during the holiday season, home and auto insurance claims are at their highest. In this article, Kanetix provides consumers with a useful to-do list for drivers and homeowners to use to gear up for driving during the season, and ensuring their property is cared for while they're away over the holidays. It's never a bad idea to be prepared.
The Kanetix article, "Insurance risks higher during the holidays - be prepared!," also cautions consumers from relying solely on their employer policies, since in many cases they do not provide enough coverage. Consumers are urged to think of the holiday season as a time to review their family's financial protection to ensure that they have adequate life insurance to care for their loved ones all year round.
Launched in October 1999, Kanetix is Canada's leading national, online insurance, mortgage and credit card marketplace. The Kanetix comparison shopping service brings together insurance, mortgage and credit card providers in a one-stop shopping environment for consumers looking to save money. Each day, thousands of consumers visit the Kanetix website at www.kanetix.ca to compare not only insurance and mortgage quotes but also credit cards from a variety of Canadian financial product suppliers. Users select the product of their choice, obtain a quotation and complete an online application or, with the help of Kanetix, connect with the provider to purchase or apply for the product over the phone.
For more information, visit www.kanetix.ca, or contact:


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During Alphabet's second-quarter earnings call, Google CEO Sundar Pichai took a few minutes to talk about YouTube. Pichai says the video service currently has 1.5 billion monthly users that watch on average 60 minutes of video each day. The fastest-growing area for YouTube is the living room, where YouTube has seen nearly double the number of viewers watching on a television year-over-year. Without getting specific, Pichai said advertiser feedback on ad-supported YouTube Originals has been "extremely positive."
YouTube now redirects terrorism-related searches to anti-extremist content
Google's video-sharing platform has begun redirecting users who enter specific terror- and hate-related keywords to a playlist of videos "debunking violent extremist recruiting narratives," reports Variety. YouTube is using technology developed by Jigsaw, a think tank incubator in Google's parent company, Alphabet. Right now YouTube has confirmed that a small number of specific hate- and terror-related queries will trigger the redirects, but over the next several weeks the breadth of those queries will expand to include more and in additional languages. YouTube is also using machine learning to dynamically update related search query terms. MG
The four new ways Google plans to tackle extremism on YouTube
1. Devoting more engineering resources to apply the company's most advanced machine learning research to help more quickly identify and remove extremist videos.
2. Greatly increase the number of human independent experts in YouTube's Trusted Flagger program, which helps decide if a video is extremist content or newsworthy free speech.
3. A tougher stance on videos that don't clearly violate YouTube policies yet still contain inflammatory religious or supremacist content. Now, these videos will appear behind a warning and will not be eligible for monetization, comments, or user endorsements.
4. YouTube will expand its counter-radicalization efforts by increasing the implementation of its "redirect method" across Europe. The method shows targeted online ads to potential Isis recruits and then redirects them toward anti-terrorist videos that try to dissuade them from joining. MG
Warner Music Group holds its nose and signs a new deal with YouTube
These are tense times between YouTube and the music industry. But despite the major labels' mounting frustration with YouTube's copyright loopholes and lower payouts, Warner Music Group is the first of the big three labels to re-sign its licensing deal with YouTube.
In a leaked memo from WMG CEO Stephen Cooper, the pain is palpable. Cooper cites "very difficult circumstances" for the music industry, which desperately hopes to see so-called "safe harbor" provisions in copyright law revised. Why? Because as revenue from streaming services like Spotify and Apple explodes, the payouts from YouTube—the biggest source of streaming music—continues at a relative trickle because much of the music is uploaded against its owners' wishes and not properly monetized, if at all. In response, YouTube pointed out that it recently paid $1 billion to music rights-holders over the course of one year.
Here’s how to opt in to YouTube’s new desktop Material Design UI
Google has been testing the Material Design desktop UI for over a year. Previously you needed to use a URL workaround if you wanted to access it. But from today Google is letting anyone in the world opt in to the new UI by simply going to https://www.youtube.com/new. Besides bringing design parity to the desktop and app versions of YouTube, the new Material Design UI offers a brand-new Dark Theme for the desktop.
[Image: Google] MG
CNN banned this Trump ad and YouTubers aren’t loving it either
CNN said it would not run a Donald Trump commercial that castigates the mainstream media as "fake news" while touting the president's first 100 days in office. As Variety reports, the cable news network says the ad violates its standards because, well, it's demonstrably not true:
"The mainstream media is not fake news, and therefore the ad is false and per policy will be accepted only if that graphic is deleted."
The YouTube community seems to agree. As of Tuesday afternoon, the 30-second spot racked up more than 39,000 thumbs down ratings on YouTube versus only 7,700 thumbs up. Of course, some YouTube users seemed to be egging on the thumbs-down camp in the comments section, so maybe all the bad feedback is a bit of fake news itself. Who can keep track anymore?
Google raters are people, too
In response to complaints that Google's advertising algorithm was serving up ads alongside racist and Holocaust-denying content, the company promised to do better. To stave off a boycott by some of the biggest companies in the world, they hired a vast team of round-the-clock raters to give that overly logical algorithm a human touch and to ensure that no ads were ending up next to offensive content.
But who are these raters of the lost algorithm (just go with that, please) who tirelessly monitor ad content on YouTube? Turns out no one really knows. According to Ars Technica, "Even Google engineers who work with rater data don't know who these people are." To get to the bottom of that mystery, Ars Technica took a deep dive into the world of these online raters and it's a fascinating peek into what makes the simple act of Googling work. Read it here while thinking up better "raters" puns. ML
It’s official: YouTube is entering the cable cord-cutter business
Here at YouTube's sprawling Los Angeles facility, the company is holding an event to announce YouTube TV—its streaming service that will offer conventional TV channels streamed across the net to phones, tablets, PCs, and TVs. The company is only saying it will be available in "the coming months."
But it's disclosing most of the other vital facts about what the service will offer, and on paper, at least, they sound like a serious rival to existing services such as Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and PlayStation Vue:
• 40 networks in all: the major broadcast networks, plus channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, USA FX, E!, Bravo, Disney, MSNBC, Sprout, local channels, and (for an additional fee) Showtime—but not those owned by cable behemoths Time Warner and Viacom
• YouTube's own original content, such as the shows and films that are part of its YouTube Red service
• Unlimited ability to record shows for later watching via a cloud-based DVR
• Google-like search for specific shows or themes such as "time travel"
• A cost of $35 a month for six accounts
YouTube viewers now watch more than 1 billion hours of video a day
The milestone is a 10-fold increase over the number of hours people viewed on the site in 2012, reports the Wall Street Journal. The massive increase is being driven by Google's use of artificial intelligence to recommend what videos to watch next. Sixty-five years' worth of video are now uploaded to YouTube every single day. MG
See that? Even Google and Comcast can play nice
There may be hope for humanity yet. Tech giant Google and cable giant Comcast have not always been the best of friends, but it looks like they're willing to put their differences aside once in a while for the greater good. The companies said today that they will launch a YouTube app on Comcast's Xfinity X1 platform later this year, giving X1 users more seamless access to YouTube videos.
Comcast and Google have been at odds on a number of issues, including the FCC's ill-fated plan to force cable companies to open up their set-top boxes. Google had wanted to make its own boxes for cable TV content. Still, the X1 has proven a popular platform, and even Comcast's biggest nemeses don't want to miss out. Netflix, another Comcast foe, was added to the platform in November of last year.
YouTube says it has now added captions to over 1 billion videos
In recent years, Google's speech recognition technology has improved 50% in accuracy, allowing it to make far more of its videos available to the deaf and hearing impaired. Currently, YouTube users watch more than 15 million videos with automated captions each day, and the captions service supports 10 languages, writes YouTube program manager Liat Kaver in a blog post.
YouTube’s music dominance is slowing as paid subscription services boom
People still flock to YouTube to listen to music, but the site's dominance may be slowing as subscription services explode, according to the latest music industry data from BuzzAngle. In 2016, video music streams (which, as Music Business Worldwide points out, is essentially shorthand for YouTube and Vevo) only rose 7.5% over the previous year. By contrast, paid streams on services like Spotify and Apple Music increased more than 124% to record heights. In 2015, YouTube launched Red, its own paid subscription tier, but while the BuzzAngle report doesn't break out metrics from individual services, YouTube Red reportedly only added 1.5 million subscribers by mid-year, trailing Tidal, which also launched in 2015.


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China's Xi Asks G20 Countries to Be ‘Open and Accommodating’ to CBDCs
In a wide-ranging speech, Xi said the G20 “needs to discuss developing standards and principles for central bank digital currencies.”
China’s President Xi Jinping told G20 meeting attendees this week that the group of the world’s largest developed economies should be open to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) when developing standards for them.
In a wide-ranging speech that addressed the future of the global economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi said the G20 “needs to discuss developing standards and principles for central bank digital currencies with an open and accommodating attitude.”
This month, some analysts noted that a drop in bitcoin supply from Chinese miners was caused by a government crackdown on local exchanges. A recent Goldman Sachs report predicts China’s planned digital yuan will account for 15% of total consumption payments in 10 years.
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Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk’s longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.


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The service, dubbed "Naver Pay," enables users to pay for products they searched for on Naver, the country's largest portal site, and transfer money with their IDs.
The company said it has built partnership with five card companies, KB Kookmin, BC, Samsung, Shinhan and Hyundai; and five banks, Kookmin, Industrial Bank of Korea, Nonghyun, Shinhan and Woori.
Naver said it plans to expand partnership with other financial institutions in a steady manner.
"Naver Pay" is a combination of the company's current services, "Naver Check Out," "Naver Mileage" and "Naver Cash."
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text: Researchers call it alarming. A study at University of Guelph – commissioned by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency – found off-label ingredients in sausages they collected from grocery stores across Canada. It found pork in some of the all-beef sausages, turkey and beef some in some of the chicken sausages, five of the 15 turkey sausages they tested had no turkey at all in them (they were entirely chicken) and one of the pork sausages contained horse meat. One-in-five sausages tested had off-label ingredients in them. The study was requested after the 2013 European horse meat scandal, where food labelled as beef was found to have horse meat. The 20 per cent mislabelling rate is low compared to Europe, where studies have found 70 per cent of samples contained ingredients that were not declared. The CFIA has investigated all instances of mislabelled sausages discovered. It is considering a broader study on the issue.