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Some of the most beautiful paintings of nature have been used in a new campaign by supermarket chain E.Leclerc… which has seen them brought ‘up to date’ with litter disfiguring them.
Posters in Paris Métro stations, full-page adverts in freesheets and elsewhere show Impressionist scenes such as Manet’s Le déjeuner sur l'herbe spoiled by polythene bags hanging from trees and with cans and plastic cups littering the ground.
It is part of a Leclerc clean-up campaign, Nettoyons la nature #NLN2017, that this year marks its 20th anniversary in promoting recycling and collecting rubbish that litters the streets and countryside.
The Impressionist paintings have been recreated by British artist Martin Hargreaves to show the pollution in the countryside
Last year the company organised clean-up events across the country and collected a total of 60,000 tonnes of rubbish – the equivalent of six Eiffel Towers.
The company called in British artist Martin Hargreaves – well known for giving artworks a humorous slant – to recreate Impressionist works, from an era where the beauty of the countryside was being celebrated, but with a landscape covered in cigarette butts, cans, household rubbish and abandoned cars.
Law changes last year banned the use of plastic bags in shops because the vast majority of the 17 billion bags given away in shops each year were thrown away after one use.
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Several local businesses cited in electronic smoking device compliance checks
Published 12:22 pm Thursday, January 30, 2020
After receiving information in recent weeks regarding the sale of tobacco and vaping products to minors, the Oxford Police Department conducted a compliance check of local businesses.
Of the 24 businesses inspected, eight were cited for failing to be in compliance with Mississippi Code 97-32-51, Prohibition of the distribution of alternative nicotine products to minors. The electronic smoking device compliance checks took place on Jan. 28 and were conducted by the OPD, Mississippi Attorney’s Office, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department and the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit.
The eight businesses that were cited were: Three Way on North Lamar Boulevard, Double Quick on Jackson Avenue, Brittany Store on Jackson Avenue, Murphy USA on Jackson Avenue, West Oxford Chevron on Jackson Avenue, Ward’s Chevron on Old Taylor Road, The Store on Highway 30 and Abbeville Quick Stop on Highway 7.
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“Our community law enforcement officers are committed to protecting our youth and being proactive in deterring businesses from selling these products to minors,” OPD chief Jeff McCutchen said in a statement. “We have seen an increase in vape-related illnesses on our school campuses this year. We will continue to create awareness surrounding the health concerns of vaping tobacco products as well as actively investigate complaints of illegal (sales).”
In recent weeks, a Lafayette High School student suffered from a reaction from using a vaping device and two Oxford High School students suffered reactions last Friday, according to Oxford School District superintendent Brian Harvey. The Oxford School District discussed the incidents during their monthly Board of Trustees meeting on Monday.
In December, a federal law went into effect raising the legal age to buy tobacco products, as well as electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, from 18 to 21.
The 16 businesses that passed the compliance checks were: Mobil on University Avenue, Exxon on University Avenue, Discount Tobacco on North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford Spot on North Lamar Boulevard, Shell on Sisk Avenue, Chevron on the corner of South Lamar Boulevard and University Avenue, BP on Highway 334, James Food Center on Jackson Avenue, Kangaroo Express, Texaco on University Avenue, Sam’s Cellphone on Jackson Avenue, Circle K on Thacker Loop, Circle K on Highway 6, Chevron on Highway 6, Dollar General on Highway 30 and Little John’s on Highway 30.

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Mumbai's home chefs are hosting strangers in their living rooms and feeding them too. In December 2014, 27-year-old Munaf Kapadia gave his... ...http://www.mumbaimirror.com/others/sunday-read/Kitchens-turn-unconfidential/articleshow/47942166.cms
American casual dining restaurant chain Chili's American Grill & Bar is set to open doors here at Banjara Hills on July 4, American Independence... ...http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/chilis-american-grill-bar-to-open-2nd-outlet-in-hyderabad/article7382669.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
Custom Search GlobeNewswire 2015-07-01 Updates Fiscal Year 2015 Outlook to Reflect Accretive Acquisition SOUTHFIELD,... ...http://www.bizwireexpress.com/showstoryGNW.php?storyid=75862
VARANASI: Meet Munni Devi (58), a resident of Ghughari village in Chiraigaon block. Facing starvation a few years back due to slump in saree... ...http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Rural-women-script-success-stories-in-Varanasi/articleshow/47894687.cms
Burger King wants to start selling veggie burgers worldwide. The fast-food chain introduced a special line of six meatless burgers last year in... ...http://www.businessinsider.in/Burger-King-wants-to-do-something-that-McDonalds-has-never-been-able-to-accomplish/articleshow/47887041.cms?utm_source=ten_minutes_with&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Content_Patnership
Sankalp Spices Exporters Deal with...


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Middle East and Africa: Key trends driving the local snacks market
posted on 27 October, 2017 by Mukul Shukla
Although the Middle East and Africa region is the smallest in the global savoury snacks sector, holding a 2.5% value share in 2016, several trends are quickly changing consumer habits in the area. As South Africa and several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations undergo rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, shoppers find themselves with more money and less free time, which has them reaching for snacks that fit their new lifestyle.
Let’s explore the three main consumer trends that are currently driving the savoury snacks market in the region:
The market for savoury snacks in the Middle East and Africa region is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.8% through 2021, gradually bouncing back from a decline from 2011 to 2016. South Africa leads the region, with a volume share of 42.3% in 2016, but Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are experiencing robust growth and expected to absorb some of that share by 2021. Potato chips make up the largest value share at 44.3%, followed by processed snacks at 26.9%, and nuts and seeds at 19.8%. The Middle East and Africa have a large youth population who are shifting consumption patterns and, in the coming years, will help drive demand for savoury snacks.
Trend 1: Portability and Convenience
“50% of consumers do not have as much time to cook as they would like…making them look for products that can save precious time for more favourable activities”
The Middle East and Africa are becoming more Westernised and industrialised, which means consumers have less time to cook and are on-the-go more often. As a result, portability and convenience are playing a larger part in purchasing decisions. Add to that growing levels of disposable income, particularly in South Africa and GCC nations, and consumers are wanting to snack more frequently – between meals, as a meal replacement, and as a bit of a reward after a stressful, busy day – so they want snack options that are easy to enjoy anywhere and at any time.
Trend 2: Health-Conscious Snacking
“In the Middle East and Africa regions, savoury snacks with ‘Weight & Shape Management’ benefits were most popular at 89% share of overall health and wellness benefits”
Even as Middle East and Africa shoppers want more convenience in their snack foods, they are also keeping healthfulness top of mind. A growing number of consumers are prioritizing healthier, more balanced diets. Many look for products with natural flavours and ingredients that are less processed, while also making an effort to reduce or avoid their consumption of sodium, sugar and fat. In particular, younger generations such as millennials are increasingly aware of how diet impacts health issues like obesity and diabetes. Several governments in the region are also doing their part to encourage healthy eating. In 2016, South Africa implemented a rule restricting the sodium content in processed foods, such as potato chips, to 650mg. Meanwhile, several countries in the Middle East are implementing a tax on sugary foods and drinks. As a result, manufacturers are seeing a growing demand for snacks that are tasty but also low in fat, oil, artificial ingredients, sugar, and/or calories.
Trend 3: Experimental and Novel
“52% of consumers in Africa and the Middle East are willing to try new and novel foods when grocery shopping.”
Consumers in the Middle East and Africa are increasingly drawn to experiment by buying new or novel snack foods, especially products that are reinventions of traditional foods, Western snacks, and obscure foreign foods. This trend has two key drivers: First, the region’s growing affluence is giving consumers more freedom in their shopping choices, as their disposable income enables them to buy different and novel products. Second, the region’s large youth population is more likely to experiment with new flavours, which is pushing snack manufacturers to offer new and innovative snack options.
Research by Global Data indicates that the region’s share of the dairy/soy food and bakery/cereals sectors will grow through 2021, while its savoury snacks share remains steady.
The shifting economics of many nations within the Middle East and Africa present several opportunities for snack manufacturers. As these consumers grow increasingly health-conscious, with more disposable income and less free time, they are looking for products that make snacking guilt-free and easy. But they also want to feel like they are treating themselves to something special and different. The challenge – and opportunity – for manufacturers will be identifying the right products for meeting these diverse and fast-evolving demands.
Come and see us at Gulfood Manufacturing (booth A4-36) or Propak Cape (booth 1/A17) to find out how our turnkey packaging and processing solutions can help you meet the latest trends head on!
 “Opportunities in the Global Savory Snacks Sector,” Global Data, June 2017
 “Hot New Food Trends in Africa and the Middle East,” Canadean, November 2015
 Global Data, June 2017
 Global Data, June 2017
 Canadean, November 2015
 Global Data, June 2017


text: St. Thomas police are investigating after a women’s debit card was stolen from her purse at the Metro grocery store. It is believed that 2 male suspects approached the female inside and outside of the store. One of the males created a distraction while it is believe the other stole the card from her purse. The debit card was used several times in the following hours in excess of $3000. According to the victim a bystander may have witnessed the incident and may have obtained information that could be useful in this investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident that occurred August 31, 2018 at Metro are asked to contact the St. Thomas police at 519-631-1224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or 519-631-8477.


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With working from home increasingly becoming the norm, it seems people’s screen time has dramatically skyrocketed, resulting in the surge in sales of blue light protection beauty products.
Blue light emissions, which come out of electronic devices such as smartphones and computer screens, are said to be able to penetrate the skin and the retina, according to research by the Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering. The study found that consistent exposure to this light can damage the retina, in addition to triggering oxidative stress on skin that can lead to premature ageing.
And while beauty products containing technologies such as those with blue light defences have exploded onto the market in recent years, they are now picking up more than ever as consumer demand increases during self-isolation.
According to the NPD Group, blue light protective skincare sales increased by 170% in the first half of 2020, and makeup with blue light protection also saw a 179% increase for the same time period.
“We saw really, really strong growth in 2019, so it was already a trend,” NPD beauty industry analyst, Larissa Jensen, said. “But that growth accelerated in the first half of 2020. A lot of it had to do with the pandemic and many consumers in lockdown and an increased amount of working from home.”
In fact, brands have now started adding antioxidants and SPFs such as iron oxide to serums, sunscreens and foundations, in an effort to build a barrier from blue light. They have also begun marketing products specifically for blue light protection in response to increased consumer interest.
Biossance, for example, launched its Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum back in May. This serum is formulated to deliver dramatically smoother, more luminous skin overnight. In addition to a variety of beneficial ingredients, it contains clover, which is formulated to reset the skin by minimising the effects of daily exposure to pollution, blue light and UV rays.
To discover even more brands that offer beauty products with blue-light protection and to download high-res images, click here.


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Samsung received 920,000 pre-orders for Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Flip3 5G in total in South Korea during the August 17-23 period. This means in terms of first week orders the foldable duo has already surpassed the Galaxy Note20 and even the Galaxy S21. As a reminder, the S21 pre-orders in Korea surpassed those of the S20 series.
This is a signal that the time of foldables has truly arrived. The comparison to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold2 is perhaps even more telling – just two days before the second-gen foldable went on sale, Korean publications were reporting 60,000 pre-orders.
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Image source: Getty Images
Last week was another tough one. Ocado (LSE:OCDO) share price fell 19%, to close the week at 733p. Ocado shares have fallen 65% in the past year, compounded by poor results in H1 2022. When I last wrote about the stock in July, I said I was leading from it. But after another fall, is now the right time to buy?
Inflation is on the rise.
Nothing has changed at Ocado in the past few weeks. Instead, the bottom line is what’s happening in the broader economy.
UK inflation came in at 10.1% in July, the figure comes after H1 results. As a result, I have seen the risk of the business around the cost of inflation. If that was a concern back when the report was being written, it will be even worse now. Not only this, inflation is expected to be higher in the next six months.
So I think investors are clearly concerned about how rising prices in the future will leave Ocado with a small profit margin from the retail division. Or it could lose customers’ business if it raises grocery prices.
Even for the logistics arm, inflation is a headwind. It mostly serves other companies in the same sector, all of which feel more expensive. This may mean reduced use of the Service.
Very dependent on retail
While Ocado is making good progress in the UK and its global solutions and logistics arm, the retail side of the business is lagging behind. For example, in H1 the former generated around £453m in revenue and the latter £1.12bn.
For all the good work being done, I feel that Ocado is very vulnerable to a downturn in consumer demand from the retail sector. Clients are starting to get pinched in the cost of living crisis. Switching grocery shopping to cheaper brands is something I think many will do.
As Ocado cannot compensate for this potential hack with other areas of the group, I don’t think the outlook is good. Last week’s fall in stock prices makes me think I’m not alone in this thinking.
Price in Ocado shares
Some argue that it is a good time to buy, citing that the business is undervalued. The fact that the company is losing money means that I cannot use a standard price-to-earnings ratio to calculate this. But any stock that loses 65% in a year can be a smart long-term play.
Additionally, Ocado could weather the storm if inflation peaks this winter and moderates early next year. It is only a medium-term issue and not something that will fundamentally disrupt the business model.
But in the end, I still can’t be happy about the prospects of the business, so I don’t invest.


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WASHINGTON - The U.S. labor force has been split into two groups: the relieved and the desperate.
If you have a job, you can exhale; you're less likely to lose it than at any point in at least 14 years.
If you're unemployed? Good luck. Finding a job remains a struggle 20 months after the recession technically ended. Employers won't likely step up hiring until they feel more confident about the economy.
A result is that people who are unemployed are staying so for longer periods. Of the 13.9 million Americans the government says were unemployed in January, about 1.8 million had been without work for at least 99 weeks - essentially two years. That's nearly double the number in January 2010.
Yet, the deep job cuts of the recession have long since ended. In January, companies announced plans to trim fewer than 39,000 jobs, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. That was 46 percent fewer than a year earlier. More strikingly, it was the fewest number of planned layoffs in January since Challenger began keeping track in 1993. For all of 2010, planned layoffs hit a 13-year low.
A fading fear of layoffs is likely helping the economy: It's encouraging consumers who have jobs to spend more.
"The fact you know that the paycheck is going to be coming in now and for the foreseeable future gives you permission to do some extra spending," says John Challenger, chief executive of Challenger.
Retailers, in particular, have stopped shedding workers. After the best holiday shopping season in four years, stores cut fewer than 5,800 jobs last month, far fewer than the nearly 54,000 in January 2009 at the depths of the recession.


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While the stereotype of the young male gamer persists, new research by Pew shows that while 42 percent of adult American women say they own a video game console (like an Xbox or PlayStation), only 37 percent of men do. That’s a surprising change from 2010, when 45 percent of men said they owned a console and only 40 percent of women said they did. Maybe this should come as no surprise to those who have been paying attention: just recently, adult women became the gaming industry’s largest demographic. While some largely attributed this to the rise of smartphones and mobile gaming, these new Pew findings are another indicator of women’s participation in the more traditional gaming industry.
Nevertheless, technology website The Verge also warns that we shouldn’t read too much into those Pew numbers: as consoles aren’t “personal electronic devices”, it is much more likely that someone will say they “own” a console if one person in their household has such a device — but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the one who bought it, or even play console games. But still, let’s just say from all available evidence: a woman likes games just as much as the next guy.


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Geberit will be showcasing its bathroom products at UK Construction Week Birmingham (5-7 October). The company will be on Stand D300.
Geberit launches a new white paper for interior designers, highlighting the growing importance of colour in creating modern bathroom spaces.
Geberit updates its Renova Plan range of bathroom furniture, with two new finishes and a series of product enhancements.
Geberit’s bathroom products were a feature at UK Construction Week’s virtual event earlier this month. At UKCW’s free online event, 30 suppliers and 1,500 delegates took part over the two days.
Ready-mix and powder adhesives have their advantages and disadvantages. The real difference is in the chemistry of how the products dry. But what does that mean in practice? Saint-Gobain Weber explains…
Saint-Gobain Weber has compiled a step-by-step guide of the best way to remove silicone sealant from bathroom tiles.
Leading bathroom manufacturer, Geberit, has been announced as a finalist in two categories in the 2020 Builder Merchants Journal (BMJ) Industry Awards.
With energy costs rising, there’s no time like the present to make some home improvements to make it more energy efficient, as Saint-Gobain Weber explain…
Viega has introduced a new generation of pre-wall bathroom technology with the launch of Prevista, mixing classic design, bold new ideas & the latest innovations.
Housing experts are highlighting the growing priority to create tailored environments where older people can continue to live – Closomat is delivering on this.


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Chrysler LLC filed a motion Thursday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York saying it wants to eliminate 789 of its 3,200 dealerships nationwide by June 9.
The filing lists 12 Colorado dealerships. They are, by city and name:
— Craig—Cook Chevrolet Inc.
— Delta—Hellman Motor Co.
— Denver—Phil Long Denver-Jeep-Chrysler
— Durango—New Country Chrysler
— Fort Morgan—Fort Morgan Auto Center Inc.
— Longmont—King Auto Group
— LaJunta— Big Valley Chrysler/Dodge Inc.
— Montrose—Pollard Bros Motors LTD
— Northglenn—Northglenn Dodge Inc.
— Parker—Burt Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Parker Inc.
— Wheat Ridge—Medved Chrysler-Jeep Inc.
— Wheat Ridge—Medved Chrysler Jeep Dodge Inc.
Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association said besides those listed by city and name in the bankruptcy filing, also slated to close are:
— Littleton—Go Dodge Southwest
— Colorado Springs—Lithia Colorado Springs Jeep-Chrysler Inc.


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Publix is one of five North Augusta stores that acquired licenses for selling beer and wine for off-premise consumption on Sundays since the citywide referendum was approved by 68 percent of voters in November. Two Kangaroo Express locations, Kroger and Bi-Lo also have approval. Additionally, Ruby Tuesday can sell alcoholic drinks on Sunday.
Martinez Evans Little League baseball registration for boys and girls 4 to 16 years old for the 2013 season is open at www.mellbaseball.org. Call (415) 246-0143.
• The 12U Columbia County Mudcats need players. Players can't turn 13 until after May 1.


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We are seeing a number of scams where UKASH vouchers have been requested by the criminal as a payment method.
There are many UKASH voucher retailers in Hampshire and they can be commonly bought in local convenience stores or newsagents.
The criminal “cold calls” the victim by phone claiming to be from the Council, HMRC, a bank, lottery or other organisation.
• The victim is told that they are owed some money due to a tax rebate or as the
result of winning a prize.
• The criminal states that they need the victim to pay an upfront fee in order for the funds to be dispatched.
The victim is told that this needs to be paid by UKASH voucher.
The victim is told where their nearest UKASH outlet is.
• The victim buys a UKASH voucher which has a unique number printed on it.
• The scammer calls the victim back and obtains the code printed on the UKASH voucher.
The value of voucher is then credited to the scammer’s own UKASH account.
REAL CASE STUDY
An elderly couple on Hayling Island were telephoned in their home by an unknown cold caller.
They were told they had won a prize and were asked to go to the supermarket and purchase UKASH vouchers to the value of £150.
When they called the company with the UKASH code they were told that their winnings would be delivered by motorcycle courier.
The elderly couple were left very distressed when they realised they had been duped.
If you think you have been a victim of a similar scam please contact Citizens Advice help line 0845 54 04 05 06
Visit our website for more information about SCAMS.


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The Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, H.E. Mrs. Sigrid Kaag has affirmed that given the consistent result FrieslandCampina WAMCO has recorded in local milk sourcing, Nigeria has the right partner to stimulate growth in the industry.
Minister Kaag made this statement yesterday while on a visit to FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria as part of her visit to Nigeria. She confirmed the progress of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Dairy Development Programme (DDP) and observed the integration of sustainability initiatives throughout the company’s operations and the DDP in particular. In her words “I see FrieslandCampina WAMCO runs a stellar operation; you have changed the status quo in local milk sourcing and are playing a key role as a private sector partner in achieving the SDGs.”
The Minister witnessed the signing of the partnership extension agreement on the Dairy Development Programme between FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, represented by Mr. Ben Langat, Managing Director, and International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) represented by Mr. Albin Hubscher, President and CEO.
The aim of the agreement is to sustainably transform and lead the local dairy sector in Nigeria by supporting the transition of local dairy farming into modern dairy farming and developing key structures required for a sustainable value chain.
While discussing the Dairy Development Programme, Managing Director Mr. Ben Langat said, “As industry leader, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has established best practice models for local milk sourcing to thrive. By signing this partnership agreement we are demonstrating the need for partnerships in contributing to food security.”
FrieslandCampina WAMCO and 2SCALE are collaborating to deepen the inclusive model for local sourcing of fresh milk in Nigeria in line with FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s DDP which keeps improving the livelihood of smallholder dairy farmers, deepening the dairy market, increasing the volume of fresh milk from empowered dairy farmers, creating employment by empowering women and youths both on-farm and off-farm; thus improving food safety and enhancing nutrition.
Signed: ORE FAMUREWA
Corporate Affairs Director
July 10, 2019
President/CEO 2Scale IFDC, Mr. Albin Hubscher; Head of The Netherlands Representation in Lagos (Consulate-General), Mr. Michel Deelen; The Netherlands Mi
nister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, H.E. Mrs. Sigrid Kaag; and Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Mr. Ben Langat at the signing of the partnership extension agreement between FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, and International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) on the Dairy Development Programme on Wednesday July 10, 2019 in Lagos


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We have published our 2015 annual report to customers to tell you how we are performing, celebrate our achievements and highlight where and how we need to improve.
This year, we have produced one report for all, with a dedicated section highlighting our work in care and support. This reinforces our commitment to offering a consistent level of service to all customers, wherever you may live and whatever support you need.
Riverside is benefitting from the positive contributions of our customer community. In particular, our scrutiny groups are really making a difference, looking at our services from a different perspective.
The last year was challenging for both Riverside and our customers and it seems there are still more challenges ahead. We are facing more cuts to welfare benefits, a reduction in our income and the prospect of selling our stock under a new Right to Buy.
We are tackling this by introducing more modern, cost-effective services, to give customers a better experience while ensuring every penny is well spent.
Our new website, launching soon, is particularly exciting, allowing customers to manage their own accounts online as well as, over time, making more of our services available at the click of a button.
We are also constantly reviewing the services we offer those needing extra support and we are exploring new opportunities in health and social care. Overall, our performance in key areas has shown a positive upward trend. We know there is more to do with regard to repairs and anti-social behaviour and this will be a focus for us in the coming year.


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Download all [PDF: 1,322KB] News Release [PDF: 1,120KB] Supplemental Financial Data [PDF: 206KB] Get Adobe Reader Return to Top*The content in the following news releases is accurate at th…
Note: Panasonic Group Q1 FY2023 Financial Results Key Points
Panasonic Corporation has issued a press release entitled “Panasonic to Purchase All Shares of the Air-Conditioning Business of Systemair AB of Sweden” You can read the press release with the followi
Panasonic Decides on an Investment for the First Time after the Establishment of the Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund
Panasonic Corporation announced its decision to invest in MODE, Inc., an IoT connected platform and development support service provider, through a corporate venture capital fund.


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The Stop Online Piracy Act, the subject of a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Wednesday, has generated heated debate since lawmakers introduced it on Oct. 26.
Legislation in the U.S. Congress that would allow federal law enforcement officials to block websites accused of copyright piracy is necessary because of the vast number of foreign sites trading in infringing music and movies and counterfeit products...
Two U.S. government agencies have obtained seizure orders for the domain names of 82 websites accused of selling products that infringe copyright law, including music, movies and handbags.
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First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.


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By Kalea Hall
Local union leaders are always hopeful investment will come to the General Motors Lordstown Assembly Plant.
“There’s a couple of projects that would require funding for us and we would be happy to take advantage of that,” said Glenn Johnson, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112 at GM Lordstown. “I’ve always said that if GM is willing to continue to invest here, we will take it and make the best of it.”
On Tuesday, GM announced it would invest $1 billion into U.S. manufacturing operations, creating 7,000 U.S. jobs. But the automaker didn’t specify where the investments will go, only that the investments will “cover multiple new vehicle, advanced technology and component projects” and they will be announced throughout the year.
The announcement comes the same week the third shift will end at the Lordstown plant because of consumers buying more sport utility vehicles than small cars, such as the Chevrolet Cruze built at the plant. The loss of the third shift will cost about 1,200 hourly jobs. With a total of 4,500 jobs, the Lordstown plant is Mahoning and Trumbull counties’ largest employer.
Johnson, who represents 3,000 assembly workers, and UAW Local 1714 President Robert Morales, who represents 1,400 fabrication plant workers, say the plant is focused on reaching the benchmarks GM wants.
GM plants follow Global Manufacturing System principles, which includes “built-in-quality.” Built-in-quality has four levels with No. 4 being the highest level. Lordstown is at built-in-quality level 3, but working toward level 4.
“This is all a part of being able to raise our hand and say we are living up to our end of the bargain and keep us in mind if there’s a product allocation,” Morales said.
The plant also is prepared for a possible market shift back to small cars, but analysts see no end in sight for the SUV trend.
“We are prepared for the market to change and, if it changes, we will be ready for it,” Morales said.
On Tuesday, GM also announced it will begin work on bringing back axle production to the U.S. for its next-generation full-size pickup trucks. This brings work previously done in Mexico back to Michigan, creating 450 U.S. jobs. The automaker has worked to create supplier centers – also known as industrial parks – near its U.S. plants including Lordstown.
In 2014, NorthPoint Development purchased 173.5 acres of vacant industrial land adjacent to GM Lordstown. The park, known as the Lordstown Logistics Center, was to house GM suppliers and possibly other distributors. NorthPoint couldn’t be reached for comment on what stage of development the Lordstown park is in.
“As the U.S. manufacturing base increases its competitiveness, we are able to further increase our investment, resulting in more jobs for America and better results for our owners,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO, in a statement. “The U.S. is our home market, and we are committed to growth that is good for our employees, dealers and suppliers and supports our continued effort to drive shareholder value.”
President-elect Donald Trump went after automakers for Mexico production, and it seems they’ve answered his concern.
Trump tweeted Jan. 3: “General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A. or pay big border tax!” The Cruze is built in Lordstown, but last year a small amount of Cruze sedans built at the plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, were sent to the U.S. to supplement the market.
The Ramos Arizpe plant also builds the Cruze Hatchback for the U.S. market and other markets.
That same day, Ford announced it would invest $700 million to expand its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan for electric-vehicle production, along with the Mustang and Lincoln Continental, instead of investing $1.6 billion to build a new plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
During his campaign, Trump continually called out Ford on its Mexico production plans. He also suggested putting a 35 percent tariff on U.S. auto imports from Mexico, and he wants to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Hyundai also announced Tuesday that it will invest $3.1 billion in U.S. plants.
“With all the jobs I am bringing back into the U.S. [even before taking office], with all the new auto plants coming into our country and with the massive cost reduction I have negotiated on military purchases and more, I believe people are seeing ‘big stuff,’” Trump tweeted Tuesday.
GM sent a statement to The Vindicator regarding how long the automaker was considering the investment decisions and Trump’s influence:
“All of the decisions behind [Tuesday’s] announcement are good business decisions and they have been in the works for some time.”
Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, explained that automakers have to figure out where’s the best place to build vehicles, and to do that, they look at a lot of factors, including the political climate.
“Essentially, they are bets,” Nerad said of automakers’ investment decisions. “Then they deal with the bets they’ve made.
“This is the result of job owning by the incoming president. Maybe he was effective. [Automakers] are talking about it and are aware of it. I don’t think anyone is advising them to announce a big factory in Mexico.”
Union leaders have said they welcome any changes to trade agreements since they are in favor of fair trade not free trade, but Johnson doesn’t think Trump led GM to announce its U.S. investment Tuesday. In 2016, GM invested $2.9 billion in U.S. plants.
“Like every year around this time, they announce funding that will be distributed around North America,” he said.
“It’s a pretty standard operating procedure for GM.”


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KSH: Hungary’s PPI up 0.3% in July
Industrial producer prices in Hungary saw a year-on-year growth of 0.3% in July, with domestic industrial sales prices falling 1.8% and export prices rising 1.5%, Hungary’s Central Statistical Office (KSH) reported early this morning.
In year-on-year terms, factory gate prices in the manufacturing sector edged up 0.7%, prices of the transport equipment segment inched up 0.3%, and prices in the computer, electronic and optical products segment rose 5.0%, KSH reported. Prices in the food, beverages and tobacco segment fell 1.8%, while prices in the gas, electricity and steam supply segment were down 1.6%, KSH added.
In month-on-month terms, producer prices saw a decrease of 0.7% as domestic prices edged down 0.5% and export prices inched down 0.7%, data by KSH reveals. Producer prices in the manufacturing sector edged down 0.8%, prices in the transport equipment segment fell 1.4%, and prices in the computer, electronic and optical products segment were down 0.6%, KSH reported. Prices in the food, beverages and tobacco segment edged up 0.2%, prices in the gas, electricity and steam supply segment inched up 0.3% in a month, the KSH report added.
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The Motion Picture Association America (MPAA), which represents major Hollywood studios, didn’t appreciate this little stunt by DJ Khaled.
When you hit a certain level — and enough Instagram followers — everyone notices everything you post. That certainly applies to DJ Khaled, aka Khaled Mohamed Khaled, whose life is likely filled with lots legal run-ins like this one.
The drama started when DJ Khaled decided to intro a quick advertisement with a fake Motion Picture Association America (MPAA) film rating. Typically, the MPAA reviews films and issues its ficial ratings, like PG, R, etc.
In Khaled’s fabricated rating, ‘All Audiences’ were supposedly approved to watch an ad featuring the DJ, Diddy, and other celebrities/good-looking people enjoy Apple Ciroc.
All which introduces a few problems. First, the MPAA almost certainly didn’t issue an ‘All Audiences’ rating for a paid Instagram ad for booze. But DJ Khaled is also posting this ad to an all-ages Instagram audience, which could result in criminal penalties.
That makes this a more serious matter than a fake MPAA rating, especially given Khaled’s younger audience.
In fact, it’s likely that millions viewers under the age 21 are watching DJ Khaled’s paid advertisements for various alcoholic brands. That has caught the attention several organizations, including Truth In Advertising, who have forced the rapper/DJ to remove a number the alcohol spots.
Separately, new regulations require celebrities to disclose whether brands are paying them to promote their products in platforms like Instagram. It doesn’t appear that DJ Khaled has been complying with any those rules.
Either way, the MPAA wants absolutely nothing to do with this mess. Accordingly, the organization issued legal threats to force DJ Khaled to remove the video in question. Which is exactly what Khaled did.
Here’s a quick excerpt the MPAA’s letter to Khaled, leaked to Digital Music News.
We contacted the author that letter, MPAA’s Associate General Counsel Copyright & Legal Affairs, Benjamin S. Sheffner, who declined to comment.
Here’s the full letter.
Send confidential tips to email protected]


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MasterCard customers who purchase the Windows Phone will be able to get access to a brand new application to learn about different savings opportunities.
The MasterCard Easy Savings Program will automatically give users the chance to see which businesses in the area are offering discounts and the savings will be reflected on their next credit card statements. No longer will people have to search through their wallets and dig out coupons. There is also a search feature that will break down companies by category.
“As leaders in providing innovative products and services to small businesses, we are pleased that Microsoft and Monster have joined the MasterCard Easy Savings program,” said Bruno Perreault, head of MasterCard’s small and mid-sized enterprises division. “MasterCard now offers the only automatic savings program that includes online marketing and employee recruitment.”
MasterCard has been introducing other programs meant to give consumers more savings opportunities. The Citi Executive/AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard allows guests to gain access to more than 50 airport lounges free of charge and extends this benefit to family members and two other people as well.Back To Blog


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Headlines of the past few days have heralded the potential consequences of the impending decision by a federal district judge on whether Texas-based AT&T can merge with Time Warner. Business writers say the decision will determine whether old-line media companies will have the tools to compete with tech and entertainment companies in the future, or whether those media companies will lose out, as tech giants and makers of entertainment go around the older firms to sell to viewers. And entertainment consumers will be affected too, if fewer companies consolidate to control both the means of accessing content, and the content itself.
The Justice Department is trying to stop the multibillion-dollar AT&T-Time Warner deal on antitrust grounds. A ruling is expected Tuesday.
Diane Bartz, who is covering the story for Reuters, says that if AT&T gets what it wants, the result would be a company that marries the largest pay TV provider in the country, AT&T’s DirecTV, with the content company that owns a wide array of extremely valuable cable channels, movie studios, TV shows and film libraries. AT&T is offering $85 billion for Time Warner.
Bartz says the merger is painted very differently by the two sides in the current court case, where the U.S. Justice Department has weighed in against the merger.
“What the Justice Department says is that if AT&T wins, and the deal is approved, AT&T will be able to turn around and say [to competing cable companies that carry Time Warner channels, like CNN] ‘we’re not so sure we’re going to let you have this content,” she says.
AT&T could charge higher prices to carry those channels, or could keep them for AT&T-owned services like DirecTV and U-Verse.
AT&T counters that the licensing fees Time Warner earns from allowing other providers to carry its channels are valuable to the company, and that they would not black out competing providers.
Bartz says that Comcast is probably the company that comes closest to AT&T in terms of reach, and breadth of properties. The cable provider owns NBCUniversal, and operates cable systems, many of them exclusive, around the country.
“Maybe they’re not a monopoly, but they have really big market share,” Bartz says.
Besides traditional cable or satellite providers, AT&T is looking to stave off challenges from Google, Amazon, Netflix and Apple, all of which offer some combination of content and Internet access that appeals to consumers who have either dumped their cable subscription, reduced the time they spend watching traditional cable channels, or both.
Written by Shelly Brisbin.


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Despite the ongoing onslaught by the Microsoft marketing machine, Novell's NetWare appears to be making up some ground against NT. A 20 per cent increase in sales for the second quarter was backed up by...
Citrix claims Workspot has infringed at least four Citrix patents
Enterprise middleware company keen to keep IoT developers on board
New APUs from AMD boast a TDP of just 35 watts for power-efficient desktops and laptops
Toshiba to bust memory chip sell-off deadline as Chinese antitrust authorities' third investigation drags on
Toshiba deal with Bain Capital continues to be held-up by regulatory hurdles


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News in brief. Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced on the 20th January 2010 that financial results for its second quarter ended December 31, 2009, will exceed the Company’s previous expectations. Based on preliminary indications, the Company now expects reported net sales growth of between 10% and 11%. The higher-than-anticipated results stem from stronger internet sales, favourable product mix and the positive effect of continued cautious spending.
Estée Lauder owner of luxury male grooming brands such as Clinique Skin Supplies for Men and Lab Series are clearly benefitting from the blossoming online grooming market.


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NAPA, Calif., Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – – ELYSIAN, a ladies driven media stage, is glad to disclose its most memorable assortment of NFTs, planned and printed by an aggregate of female makers, at the Zakin Family’s Estate.
ELYSIAN will likely associate its energetic local area of perusers – refined, inquisitive, drew in and taught ladies north of 40 who length the globe – with the prospering Web3 space, adding variety to the market while it is still in its infancy.
The assortment, highlighting 41 exceptional NFTs taking all things together, is roused by Jan Zakin, an OB-GYN and co-proprietor of the Zakin winery. Zakin is an ELYSIAN Inspiring Woman and is on the front of the magazine’s Fall 2022 Travel and Technology issue.
Men under 35 rule the NFT and cryptographic money markets. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets with a ceaseless record of ownership.
“Women have a dynamic and discerning eye when it comes to art – and the determination and endurance it takes to stay ahead of the curve,” said previous examiner and judge Karen Floyd, ELYSIAN’s pioneer and distributer. “We shatter the glass ceiling that separates us and offer women the opportunity to become significant participants in the Web3 space.”
A November 2021 examination by Art Tactic uncovered that ladies represent just 16% of the NFT market, and an appalling 5 percent of female craftsmen represent all NFT workmanship deals. Of the ones who own NFTs, most are under 40.
Zakin, who is in her 60s and was told as a little kid that ladies must be medical caretakers or educators, has a history of taking bold steps. She keeps rehearsing gynecology at the San Francisco Free Clinic, and she likewise has served on NASA’s Institutional Review Board. She and her better half Jon delivered their most memorable wine in 2016.
“Just as wine becomes better with age, fine art appreciates over time – and I’m proud to be associated with this ELYSIAN collection of digital art,” Zakin said. “At the point when you buy an ELYSIAN NFT, you are getting something beyond a special computerized picture – which, all by itself, is a show-stopper. You are getting an encounter, a memory, a story that adds a unique aspect to the work’s provenance.”
Individual NFTs in the ELYSIAN assortment are $1,000, and pre-deals are in progress. Select NFT bundles range from $5,000 to $10,000, and a restrictive Reserve Tier NFT will be sold this end of the week at the Zakin Family Estate in Napa Valley. Offering for the Reserve Tier NFT – which incorporates a magnum of Zakin Reserve wine carved with a picture roused by ELYSIAN’s fall cover, a painting, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg – will start at $25,000.
Each NFT in this debut assortment is decorated with a stylish circuit board configuration, overcoming any barrier between the print and computerized worlds.
“When it comes to NFTs and the crypto space, women are like an endangered species,” said Jackie Dutton, head of promoting and correspondences for FYB3R. “The only way the younger generation of women is going to succeed in a male-dominated space is with help and inspiration from women like Karen and Jan who have set the example of forging a path under the same obstacles and odds.”
An ELYSIAN NFT serves as an all-entrance pass, and some incorporate an endowment of Zakin wine, passes to forthcoming occasions and other perks.
For more data, visit readelysian.com/nft.
Media contact: Jason Spencer
#ELYSIAN #Jan #Zakin #Team #Launch #Inaugural #NFT


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In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring cybersecurity is of paramount importance. However, a recent study conducted by Thales revealed a concerning trend among UK consumers. The research, which surveyed over 2,000 individuals, found that 56% of UK consumers always accept cookies on websites without giving it much thought. This article delves into the reasons behind this behavior, the implications it has on cybersecurity, and the challenges faced in educating consumers about online safety.
The Apathy Epidemic
The Thales research sheds light on the apathy prevalent among UK consumers when it comes to cybersecurity best practices. Astonishingly, 34% of respondents admitted to giving up on following such practices because they perceive it as an impossible task. This sense of futility is accompanied by confusion and information overload, with 51% of participants expressing difficulty in grasping the rapid advancements in technology and their implications on personal security.
This lack of understanding and awareness among consumers underscores the urgent need for security education. It is crucial to bridge the gap and empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape securely.
Compliance Confusion: The Significance of Data Storage
One of the key findings of the study is the lack of consumer understanding regarding critical cybersecurity issues. For example, 22% of respondents admitted to having no clue about the significance of the geographic location where their data is stored. This lack of awareness directly translates into 20% of participants expressing zero concern about the storage of their personal data by companies.
This ignorance regarding data sovereignty is concerning, as issues related to it continue to plague businesses. It is imperative for consumers to comprehend the potential risks associated with the storage and handling of their personal information.
The Careless Click: Signing Away Data Privacy
The lack of awareness and understanding among UK consumers is not only causing apathy but also leading to careless behavior. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents confessed to signing terms and conditions without thoroughly reading them, thereby exacerbating the potential risks to their own data privacy.
Furthermore, 57% of participants expressed suspicions that companies intentionally use convoluted language within terms and conditions to obscure the extent to which individuals inadvertently relinquish their personal data. This highlights the need for transparency and simplicity in communicating data usage and privacy policies to consumers.
Getting Back to Basics: User Experience vs. Security
Despite the well-publicized risks associated with data privacy, a significant portion of UK consumers prioritizes user experience over security. The study revealed that 56% of respondents always accept cookies on websites due to the convenience they offer. This finding underscores the need to strike a balance between user experience and security measures.
While it is essential for websites to provide a seamless browsing experience, it is equally important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions regarding their online privacy. Educating users on the implications of accepting cookies can empower them to make more conscious choices.
The Power of Multi-Factor Authentication
Another aspect of cybersecurity best practices that UK consumers are neglecting is the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). Despite being one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect one’s online identity, only 44% of respondents reported using MFA across all their online accounts.
Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional authentication factors, such as a fingerprint or a unique code sent to their mobile device. Encouraging consumers to adopt MFA can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture.
The Awareness Paradox: Overwhelmed by Information
Chris Harris, EMEA Technical Director at Thales, highlights a crucial aspect of the cybersecurity challenge – the overwhelming amount of information available to consumers. While awareness is essential, an excess of information can lead to fatigue and a decline in best practices.
To address this issue, businesses need to reimagine their communication strategies. Industry-specific terminology, such as “digital sovereignty” and “third-party cookies,” can alienate the broader consumer population. Simplifying and contextualizing cybersecurity concepts can empower individuals to protect themselves in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
See first source: Marketing Tech
Q1: What did the Thales study reveal about UK consumers and cookies?
The Thales study found that 56% of UK consumers always accept cookies on websites without much thought.
Q2: Why do some UK consumers give up on following cybersecurity best practices?
A significant portion (34%) of respondents admitted to giving up on cybersecurity practices because they perceive it as an impossible task.
Q3: What is the significance of data storage location, and how do UK consumers perceive it?
The study revealed that 22% of respondents have no understanding of the significance of the geographic location where their data is stored. As a result, 20% expressed no concern about the storage of their personal data by companies.
Q4: How many respondents confessed to signing terms and conditions without reading them thoroughly?
Almost half (47%) of the respondents admitted to signing terms and conditions without thoroughly reading them.
Q5: Why do some UK consumers prioritize user experience over security when it comes to cookies?
A significant number of UK consumers (56%) prioritize user experience and accept cookies on websites because they find it convenient.
Q6: What is multi-factor authentication (MFA), and how many respondents reported using it across all their online accounts?
MFA is a security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to online accounts. Only 44% of respondents reported using MFA across all their online accounts.
Q7: How can businesses address the issue of overwhelming cybersecurity information for consumers?
To address information overload, businesses should simplify and contextualize cybersecurity concepts, making them more accessible to the broader consumer population.
Featured Image Credit: SJ; Unsplash – Thank you!


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Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals (ACRX) - The company late Friday said it failed to win approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its pain treatment Zalviso.
Apple (AAPL) - The consumer technology company is close to acquiring the Pandora (NYSE:P)-for-talk-radio application Swell, re/code reported, citing multiple sources.
Dollar Tree (DLTR) - The discount retailer is buying rival Family Dollar Stores (FDO) in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $8.5 billion .
Pfizer (PFE) - The drug manufacturer was downgraded to market perform from outperform by BMO Capital Markets.
Read More Pfizer's need for deal looms with earnings report
Zillow (NASDAQ:Z) - The provider of online real estate listings agreed to acquire competitor Trulia (TRLA) for $3.5 billion.
-By CNBC's Kate Gibson.
Questions? Comments? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.org


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It appears President Donald Trump’s idea of “making America great again” includes possibly provoking another trade war and inching the nation’s economy to the brink of a recession.
President Trump’s threat to punish Mexico with tariffs until it restrains the flow of migrants rattled financial markets on Friday, and the Mexican government, American businesses and Republican lawmakers pressed Mr. Trump to back down.
The president has made frequent use of tariffs to try to force trade concessions from other governments, including Mexico, Canada, China and Europe. But he escalated his aggressive approach by threatening to hit a United States ally and its largest trading partner with tariffs over concerns about immigration.
Stock prices slid on Friday, continuing a monthlong retreat, with the S&P 500 down nearly 6 percent this month and the bond market flashing worrying signs of a global recession. Shares in General Motors fell by more than 4 percent, while shares of Ford were down 2 percent.
Trump’s tariffs – and the resulting trade wars with countries like China – have led economists to warn an economic recession could be on the horizon for this year.
Economists have warned the recent slowdown experienced by the U.S. economy carries with it “the unmistakable whiff of a recession.” So far, the U.S. economy has outperformed expectations, a trend it maintained during the first three months of 2019, when it grew at a better-than-expected 3.2 percent.
However, economists expect growth to ease off to below 2 percent on an annual basis in the second three months of the year. Last week, a survey from IHS Markit showed the index of production among U.S. manufacturers had fallen from 52.6 in April to 50.6 in May. While any figure above 50 indicates the sector expanded in the period, the reading was the lowest in nine-and-a-half years.
Earlier this month, government data showed sales at U.S. retailers dropped for the second time in three months, sliding 0.2 percent from the previous month in April. While a drop was expected after retail sales rose 1.7 percent in March, the slowdown in April suggested Americans were being a lot more cautious with their finances than 12 months ago.


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Bangladesh’s top trade body FBCCI urged the UK businesspeople to play a role in development of bilateral trade relations between the two nations.
FBCCI president Md. Jashim Uddin made the call at a Networking Business Meeting with the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) on Friday in London.
“Bangladeshi Diaspora in the UK is taking an active participation in trade and investment through business and economic collaboration,” Md. Jashim Uddin said,
“In the context of the new economic development perspectives, there are huge opportunities and prospects for further enhancing trade and investment cooperation between the two countries,” FBCCI chief said.
He observed that although the UK is an important export destination of Bangladesh, exports of the country to the UK is still confined to a few items like knitwear, woven
garments, frozen fish and textile items. Bangladesh offers one of the world’s best competitive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives including profit repatriation, tax holiday and duty-free import of capital machinery, he added.
Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Senior Vice President of FBCCI, said FBCCI and BBCCI may work together in a focused manner to promote Bangladesh branding and facilitate export diversification, “which is a must in the post LDC graduation period.”
FBCCI vice president M A Momen emphasised strengthening relationship between FBCCI and BBCCI for stronger bilateral trade.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) is always open to facilitate any business interest in Bangladesh, he said.
On the same day, FBCCI president along with other members of the delegation had a business meeting with Richard Burge, CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The meeting discussed that steps might be taken to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the FBCCI and LCCI under which both can undertake business promotion activities including regular exchange of delegations, business information exchange, joint research, trade fairs and networking events.
In earlier days of the visit as entourage of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh business delegation led by FBCCI president attended the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2021: Building Sustainable Growth Partnership. It was organised by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission in London on November 4, 2021.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the event as the chief guest.
The event was followed by the signing of an MoU between FBCCI and HSBC for a joint study on UK and Bangladesh markets.
Besides, FBCCI and UK Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI) renewed an MoU.
FBCCI president metvice chairman of Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council Sir Hugo Swire.
The business delegation also attended the 26th UN Climate Conference of the Parties (Cop 26) held at Glasgow, Scotland on October 31, 2021. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the conference.
The 29-member trade delegation also includes, among others, former FBCCI president Md. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin M.P, senior vice-president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, vice president M. A. Momen, Md. AminulHaqueShamim, Md. Amin Helaly and MCCI president NihadKabir.


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Recently, Japanese media reported that the Lexus plans to launch a new entry SUV model, which will be created with Toyota Yaris Cross.
According to reports, the future Lexus’s new SUV will be in the same market as Toyota Yaris Cross, such as Australia. , Europe and Japan, etc.. Since the Carcase of Lexus, this car will definitely improve in design, materials, and configuration.
However, in the mechanical level, this car is expected to be consistent with Toyota Yaris Cross, the latter provides a new generation of 1.5L THS-II hybrid system, from a 1.5L M15A-in-three-cylinder direct injection “Dynamic Force Engine “The engine and motor composition, the maximum power of 118 horsepower, the battery uses a new three-dimensional lithium battery pack, which matches the E-CVT gearbox. In addition, Toyota Yaris Cross also provides pure fuel versions. (Source: MAG-X)


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On February 25 2021, social media erupted into outrage over a widely-aggregated Associated Press item claiming that the children’s toy previously known as Mr. Potato Head was being changed to be “gender neutral”:
A linked article began:
Mr. Potato Head is no longer a mister.
Hasbro, the company that’s made the potato-shaped plastic toy for nearly 70 years, is giving the spud a gender neutral new name: Potato Head. The change will appear on boxes this year.
Predictable outrage about “woke culture,” which in previous inauthentically organized and promoted flaps was called “political correctness” immediately followed the tweet, such as Piers Morgan lamenting “woke imbeciles destroying the world”:
The Associated Press article appears to have been what originally kicked off the Twitter outcry.
On February 25 2021, Hasbro issued a press release about new Potato Head toys. That news release did not mention a “gender neutral” Mr. Potato Head — this is what it said:
Hasbro today [February 25 2021]announced the iconic brand will be reimagined for the modern consumer.
Launching this Fall , the CREATE YOUR POTATO HEAD FAMILY is a celebration of the many faces of families allowing kids to imagine and create their own Potato Head family with 2 large potato bodies, 1 small potato body, and 42 accessories, their potato family can have up to 2 parents, and a baby.
CREATE YOUR POTATO HEAD FAMILY is compatible with most standard Potato Head offerings and is a great addition to your Potato Head collection for kids ages 2 and up.
Hasbro is making sure all feel welcome in the Potato Head world by officially dropping the Mr. from the Mr. Potato Head brand name and logo to promote gender equality and inclusion. In the fall, the new Potato Family Pack “Create Your Potato Head Family” will celebrate the many faces of families allowing kids to imagine and create their own Potato Head family.
The name change will come with a fresh branding look with a whimsical color palette and more inclusive messaging along with new product to appeal to the modern consumer.
Potato Head has provided endless creative possibilities to our preschoolers for almost 70 years and will continue to do so with the new POTATO HEAD CREATE YOUR POTATO HEAD FAMILY.
The possibilities to create your own families are endless with mixing and mashing all the parts and pieces.
Hasbro stated that it was “officially dropping the Mr. from the Mr. Potato Head brand name and logo to promote gender equality and inclusion,” a statement indicating a broader “Potato Head” brand, not a “cancellation” of Mr. Potato Head himself. However, no one actually seemed to read what Hasbro said about Mr. Potato Head, and the claim that Hasbro “made him gender neutral” under some sort of magical PC or wokeness spell continued spreading.
At 3:37 PM on February 25 2021, Hasbro attempted to staunch the tears about the “cancellation” and/or “neutering” of Mr. Potato Head with a tweet affirming that both Mrs. and Mr. Potato Head would remain part of the Potato Head Family line:
In an attempt at levity and likely from under a deluge of angry posts, tweets, and emails, Hasbro’s verified account sought to quell the outrage, explaining:
Hold that Tot – your main spud, MR. POTATO HEAD isn’t going anywhere! While it was announced today that the POTATO HEAD brand name & logo are dropping the ‘MR.’ I yam proud to confirm that MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD aren’t going anywhere and will remain MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD
In other words, Hasbro’s press release on February 25 2021 did not contain an announcement that Mr. Potato Head was becoming gender neutral, although that was widely reported and claimed, as is customary with coordinated campaigns against inclusivity.
Hasbro stated they were expanding the Potato Head brand by dropping “Mr.” from the line, and introducing a new toy “allowing kids to imagine and create their own Potato Head family with 2 large potato bodies, 1 small potato body, and 42 accessories, their potato family can have up to 2 parents, and a baby,” i.e., providing toys in addition to Mrs. and Mr. Potato Head. After viral outrage ensued, Hasbro confirmed Mr. Potato Head “isn’t going anywhere.”


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Tag : sportswear
Fashion Radar: Fila debuts new premium lineSubscription
Italian sportswear brand Fila is launching a new, premium label – Fila Fjord – for autumn 19.
Castore: the brand chasing sporting glory Subscription
With premium men’s activewear brand Castore, the Beahon brothers are making an under-served niche their own.
Keeping athleisure fit for the futureSubscription
The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry’s (ASBCI) annual conference focused on the athleisure phenomenon this year and examined its lasting impact on the fashion, textile and retail industry.
There’s a buzz around Hummel Subscription
Danish brand Hummel has put a renewed focus on fashion with new line Hummel Hive and cool collaborations.
Parkrun founder to launch new sportswear brandSubscription
Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of the Parkrun running event series, is to launch a new sportswear brand that resonates with his ethos of running as inclusive and fair.
Castore announces new hires as it moves HQSubscription
Premium men’s sportswear brand Castore has taken on 10 more staff as part of its move to a new head office in Liverpool from Chester.
Sports brands step up for sustainabilitySubscription
The sportswear sector is making the most of growing consumer interest in brands with sustainable credentials
Diadora scores in the retro-sportswear revivalSubscription
As Italian sportswear label Diadora celebrates its 70th anniversary, Drapers meets chairman and chief executive Enrico Moretti Polegato to talk about reinvention and reshoring.
The power of the product dropSubscription
Drapers explores how technology is revolutionising the product drop model.
Asics sales fall despite transformation planSubscription
Asics’ consolidated net sales declined by 5.8% for the first quarter of the financial year to 31 March, following the implementation of a new Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) structure at the start of 2018.


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ProActive Remedies develops drug for food-allergy sufferers
FORT COLLINS, Colo. ProActive Remedies on Thursday announced the launch of its homeopathic food allergy treatment called Allertherapy.
The methodology behind Allertherapy is similar in concept to allergy shots, the company noted, in that it helps build immunity to allergens and maintains that immunity over time. The oral spray uses a low, homeopathic allergen strength of one part per million to allow for safety of use in most allergy sufferers. The food mix contains many of the most common allergy-causing foods.
Because Allertherapy contains allergens, it is important to note that those with severe allergies must only use this treatment with doctor approval and under doctor supervision, the company stated.
Survey shows that women frequent pharmacy based on convenience, location
WESTERVILLE, Ohio As many as 68% of women choose a pharmacy based on convenience/location, compared with only 48% of men, according to the Winter 2009 Ad-ology Media Influence on Consumer Choice survey released Wednesday.
Women prefer to fill prescriptions at a grocery store pharmacy, with more than twice as many females than males saying loyalty programs and rewards are “very important.”
Overall, 53% of pharmacy customers still prefer to fill their prescriptions at a drug store, versus at a grocery store or online.
“Grocery stores have been successful getting women into their pharmacies,” stated Lee Smith, president and CEO of Ad-ology Research. “There’s opportunity for other pharmacies to attract this demographic by highlighting convenience and their own rewards programs – especially online.”
Although most customers prefer to refill prescriptions offline, many are influenced by online content. Almost 1-in-5 reported that a store/pharmacy Web site provided “significant” or “some” influence on their choice of which pharmacy to use, with slightly more males than females influenced by store/pharmacy Web sites. Social media also was an influence: positive comments/reviews from other shoppers influenced 20% of customers.
Other key findings from the survey:
- In the last year, nearly half of pharmacy customers 65 years old and older initiated a conversation with their doctor about a specific brand of medication
- Out-of-pocket costs, knowledgeable pharmacists, and availability of generic medications are the most significant factors when selecting a pharmacy
- Hispanics more than other ethnic groups prefer filling prescriptions at drug stores (72.7%)
- Slightly more males than females were influenced by store/pharmacy web sites
- Of traditional media types, newspapers (21.8%) and television (20.1%) had the most influence on pharmacy choice
The Media Influence on Consumer Choice survey is conducted quarterly by Ad-ology Research to study on- and off-line media influence on buying decisions.
Research concludes that current guidelines for blood pressure, cholesterol should be changed
SAN DIEGO Recent research published in the Journal of the “American College of Cardiology” suggests that current guidelines for such risk factors as blood pressure and LDL cholesterol might need to be tightened even further, according to published reports.
The least amount of arterial fat were seen in those men who had the lowest levels of LDL cholesterol, the research found, examining data from 3,437 men.
Specifically, the least growth was seen in men with blood cholesterol readings under 70 milligrams per deciliter and systolic blood pressure (the higher of the 120/80 reading) under 120.
Current guidelines for blood pressure suggests that men at risk can have systolic readings as high as 140; recommendations of LDL levels is 100 for men at high risk of heart disease, with “consideration” being given to lowering it to 70.


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UK COVID-19 Client Webcast: Coronavirus Planning, Response, and Recovery
COVID-19 continues to spread around the world. Designated a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, the outbreak has had far-reaching effects on people, travel, supply chains, and economies globally.
For organisations, especially multinational businesses, the outbreak can have extensive effects, some of which have already been felt. Hotels have been forced to close, airlines have cancelled thousands of flights, and supply chains have been hit hard, while financial markets have been volatile.
Businesses Need to Act Now
In a special Marsh webcast on February, 20 March — now available for replay — our panellists discussed:
- Actions businesses should be taking now to protect people and operations from the outbreak.
- Steps to delivering a coordinated and consistent response to manage the issues facing organisations today and laying the foundations for recovery.
- Insurance considerations and how existing insurance coverages may respond to a pandemic.
The session concluded with Marsh specialists answering audience questions. If you were unable to attend the live session, a replay is now available.


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ChannelAdvisor software enhancements increase global reach, retailer capabilities
Morrisville, N.C. — E-commerce company ChannelAdvisor (NYSE: ECOM) has come out with a set of software enhancements that supports more geographies and more devices while giving online marketers updates and added retail insights....
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SuzoHapp will be launching the Newland line of scanners at this year’s G2E along with new printer models from Nanoptix, the high-tech lock system e-LockPro, custom lottery and sports betting AiOs, and an expanded VisionPro monitor line.
The show, to be held from October 15 to 17 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, will see SuzoHapp introduce two new members of its Gaming & Amusement team this year; Sim Bielak, the recently named President of Global Gaming & Amusement, as well as Todd Sims, SuzoHapp’s new Vice President of Gaming & Amusement for North and South America. Both Mr. Bielak and Mr. Sims bring with them significant industry experience and understand the needs of OEMs and operators well.
“Gaming has been at the core of the SuzoHapp’s business for decades,” said Mr. Bielak. “We understand that manufacturers and operators value innovation to drive growth, but also need simplicity and efficiency to keep operating costs low.”
SuzoHapp’s new global approach to the Gaming & Sports Betting business provides all that and more. Leveraging the feedback of its international customer base, along with its world-class engineering team, SuzoHapp continues to bring customer-driven innovation to the market.
As the industry consolidates, working with a global supplier with a local presence like SuzoHapp simplifies operations while maintaining local connections for support and service. With its wide range of components and technologies for gaming machines and sports betting terminals, SuzoHapp delivers the most complete offering in the business. Gaming machine and sports betting kiosk manufacturers find in SuzoHapp a one-stop-shop for all their product needs which significantly simplifies sourcing.
“Todd and I are looking forward to reconnecting with current partners and introducing ourselves to prospective customers,” continued Bielak. “There is solid opportunity in this industry and we are committed to growing SuzoHapp’s product offerings and influence in the market.”


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Idaho inmates hacked prison tablets and stole $225,000
One inmate transferred almost $10,000 to their JPay account.
UK asks Amazon and eBay to ban tiny ‘prison’ phones
UK justice secretary wants online retailers to stop selling 'Beat the BOSS' handsets.
First drone pilot jailed for flying contraband into UK prisons
Oh, the irony.
The Perfect Ten: MMO prisons
Chillin' in the clink. Spending time in stoney lonesome. Thrown into the slammer. Checking in to...
South Korea plans trial run of robot prison guards
This isn't the first time we've seen a prison turn to robots for a little assistance, but South...
Chinese prisoners forced to farm MMOs for cash
Doing hard time in China may result in more than just back-breaking labor -- you may be called up...
Prison cellphone jamming gets its first test in Maryland
As we wait for the Safe Prisons Communication Act to pass the House, word comes out of Maryland th...


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As Facebook celebrates its 10th birthday, Malcolm Marshall, KPMG’s head of Information Protection & Business Resilience argues that we have only just seen the start of the social media revolution.
In the last 10 years Facebook has grown to 1.2 billion active users, with a revenue of $7.9 Bn in 2013. Big numbers, but also just $6.50 of revenue for each active user. So the question for me is: how can we help users get more from their social media and really grow the market?
For me the market is only just beginning to mature. As it grows we can expect users to become far more savvy about the value of their information, and the return they demand from offering a window into their lives and hopes. Privacy is ultimately a personal choice, but that needs to be an educated choice, with more transparency about the trade social media platforms offer users between their privacy and the marketing or provision of tailored services. Society will debate people’s rights over their data, and rightly demand market models which allow users to share in the value generated from that data. All of this must be founded on trust between users and social media providers.
We can also expect governments to attempt regulation of social media, whether to protect the vulnerable in society, or in some cases to succumb to the temptation to limit free speech. Social media is not beyond law, albeit that jurisdiction is tricky to determine, and we can expect more cases around defamation and even debates on just who owns the rights to your social media presence after death. Governments will start to concern themselves more with the functioning of the market, challenging monopolies and anti-competitive behaviours. All of this comes with a maturing market, but I am under no illusion how difficult this will be in such a rapidly changing environment.
More and more personal data will be traded, not just photographs and postings, but every aspect of lives from our every movement to the always on video from our personal webcam. Our devices will be on-line reporting on the food we eat, the electricity we use, and even how we drive our car. We can expect innovative models for exploiting that data, but equally growing concerns over misuse and abuse of that data. While that data is a goldmine for commerce, it is also a wonderful opportunity for organised crime and, as Edward Snowden’s disclosures have shown, for intelligence services.
By Malcolm Marshall
Head of Information Protection & Business Resilience


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Commissioner refers to Famine as he calls food waste 'immoral'
The EU's Commissioner for Health and Food Safety has hit out food waste, calling it "immoral".
Speaking yesterday at the Ballymaloe Litfest, in Co Cork, Vytenis Andriukaitis spoke about how he was born in Siberia, in a Soviet gulag, where food was scarce.
Mr Andriukaitis highlighted how Irish innovation FoodCloud, an app-based invention which Tesco uses to redistribute its surplus food to charities and the community, could help in tackling wastage.
"I don't need to tell anyone in this country what not having food means and the consequences this brings," he said, referring to the Great Famine.
The EU has begun drafting guidelines to facilitate food donation in the EU.
"The guidelines, which will help initiatives like FoodCloud, will clarify, where necessary, the food safety and food hygiene rules and fiscal rules applicable to food donation," he said.
"Every single crumb of bread counted," he said referring to his early life spent in a Soviet gulag.
"And even if you came across a rare occasion when you would not be able to finish your plate on your own - something I don't even remember happening - there would be others waiting in line and happy to help.
"Food waste was not only unthinkable, it was immoral. And I still think the same today."
Mr Andriukaitis pointed out that while some 800 million people in the world go hungry - around one-third of the world's food is lost or wasted.
In the European Union, around 88 million tonnes of food are wasted annually with associated costs estimated at €143bn.
He said while 20pc of food produced in the EU is lost or wasted, 55 million EU citizens cannot afford a quality meal every second day.
A key goal of the United Nations is the reduction of food waste by 50pc by 2030 at all levels - including retail and consumer.
Mr Andriukaitis pointed out the benefits of reducing food waste. It's been estimated that such waste generates around 8pc of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Moves to reduce waste would support the creation of jobs and services thought the redesign of a new food chain, where value gained from food produced is maximised.
"Food waste occurs all along the food value chain - from farm to fork," Mr Andriukaitis said. "Fighting food waste therefore requires a thorough and comprehensive rethink of how we produce, market, distribute and consume food."
He said fighting waste would require concrete action on the ground by all players and co-operation and joined-up efforts all along the food chain.
"We want to enhance investments in activities to fight food waste in order to boost innovation, jobs and growth," Mr Andriukaitis said.


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Redbox To Compete With Netflix Subscription Service
February 17, 2011 | In: Netflix
Oh to have a time machine and see what ten years will do to entertainment streaming. Alas, we still haven’t perfect the finishing touches on said machine, so we must gander, scratch heads and make educated guesses.
So this is the year that Redbox will see their digital streaming service launch and we can’t wait to see what this will do to Netflix subscriptions, as Redbox will be offering rentals less à la carte than currently.
The word on the street from sources is that Redbox will be offering flat-rate monthly subscriptions for their new streaming which will be perfectly suited to many devices.
Well, all we need now is pricing and a launch date!


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Google has announced that it will hire around 3,800 in-house full-time employees next year at various locations, including India, which will provide 24/7 customer care service.
“In 2020, we’ll be expanding our footprint by opening a Google Operations Centre in Mississippi, to join new and expanding sites in India and the Philippines,” said Troy Dickerson, Vice President, Google Operations Centre.
Third-party organisations on behalf of Google have been providing customer and user support, such as answering calls, product troubleshooting, and campaign set-up, around various back-end outsourcing hubs around the globe including India.
Google in 2018 had announced to launch a pilot program in order to enhance customer and user support by including these jobs in-house, where the work would have been undertaken by the employees.
Also Read: HCL Tech launches dedicated unit for Google Cloud Business


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February 10th, 2009 – Did you know the word “Cannabis” originates from the Dutch word for “Canvas”?
http://pr.cannazine.co.uk : Acre for acre, cannabis hemp is a more economical source of protein than livestock, and according to the British Cannabis Lobby thats now become an un-ignorable statistic in the current environmental crisis we find ourselves in.
Industrial hemp can be grown without the use of pesticides and with little or no fertilizer. And according to the Cannabis Lobby we should be seeing it appearing as a crop on every arable farm in the country, as it also sequesters thousands of tonnes of CO2 – the primary greenhouse gas, from the environment simply by growing it.
How come? Full article here:


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If you’ve managed to tear yourself away from all of the amazing fashion bargains at Forever 21 to browse its new beauty section, you will know that there are some amazing products to be found there. (Looking at you, rainbow highlighter.) The brand’s affordable and trendy beauty offering has quickly made it one of the best clothing store beauty sections which is why the brand could be launching its own freestanding beauty stores.
The rumors were swirling around for a bit. And WWD recently reported that Forever 21 is seriously considering the idea in the hopes of gaining more beauty customers. The beauty-focused stores will reportedly be called Riley Rose. And we could be seeing them as soon as Christmas.
The report stated that Forever 21 could open 10 stores before the holiday season. And if those are successful, they could be launching another 10 by March 2018.
Of course nothing has been been made official yet, but we’re crossing our fingers that this happens. If Kylie Jenner can her beauty pop-up, why shouldn’t Forever 21 get its own stores? One thing is for sure, we cannot wait to see how this plays out. Stay tuned.


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If you go down to the MetroCentre next week you're sure of a big surprise . . . a naughty teddy bears' picnic.
Bad Taste Bears certainly aren't of the cute and cuddly variety because the figurines come with private parts, in very cheeky poses and dressed in leather, latex and even lingerie!
The kinky creatures, made in Newcastle, may give parents paws for thought, but they're popular with collectors all over Europe and sell for as much as £700 each on the internet auction site eBay.
Hundreds of fans of the Bad Taste brigade will be at the MetroCentre in Gateshead on Saturday for a chance to meet their creator Peter Underhill.
He will be signing the cheeky creatures and handing out limited-edition pictures.
"The MetroCentre isn't going to know what hit it," said Paul Kell, a spokesman for Piranha Studios, which makes Bad Taste Bears.
"We've been holding events all around the country and at the last one in Scotland people were queuing outside the doors from 3am to get the special-edition pictures."
Piranha Studios began with a staff of eight, making 12 types of figurines to sell at outlets across the North.
Today the business is positively booming. It has more than 30 employees and makes 100 bears - costing £10 each - that are eagerly snapped up by more than 8500 collectors.
Paul added: "Over the last year it's gone completely mental here at Piranha and I don't think anyone could have foreseen that Bad Taste Bears would be so popular.
"People like to collect them because they're like a tongue-in-cheek version of the collections of cute animals on the market.
"The turnover was £1.3m in 2002 after we started selling to outlets in Germany, France and Sweden, and we expect to treble that next year.
"We're also moving to a studio the size of a football pitch soon.
"We've set up an online club for collectors on our website - www.badtastebears.com - and we regularly hold events where they can meet up and get their bears signed."
Louise Gill, 19, and her boyfriend Jonny Dunn, 21, can't wait for the signing day at the MetroCentre, having collected more than 30 of the bears over the past 14 months. Sales assistant Louise, of Consett, County Durham, said: "I bought Jonny the Valentino bear for Valentine's Day last year and he loved it, so we've been hooked on collecting them ever since.
"Yes, they're a bit rude, but they're comical too. The fact that they're made here in the North makes them all the more collectable too."
The Bad Taste Bears event is at the Completely Bonkers store inthe MetroCentre from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday.


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NIGERIA – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public notification regarding the illegal importation of unauthorized sugar brands manufactured in Brazil and India.
In a statement, NAFDAC revealed that these products are being smuggled into Nigeria through various border routes, including Cameroon (Douala), Niger, Chad, and the Benin Republic, and are subsequently distributed within Nigerian markets.
NAFDAC emphasizes that these imported sugar brands have not undergone the necessary registration process and are not fortified with Vitamin A.
Consequently, the safety and quality of these products cannot be guaranteed. The agency warns that their illegal importation and marketing pose significant risks to consumer health.
It has been observed that an estimated value of 200 trucks carrying these unauthorized sugar brands enter Nigerian markets monthly.
The affected communities include Mubi, Gamboru’gala, Saki, Keshi, Badagry, and Idi-Iroko. The sugar bags are sold at prices ranging from N32,000 (U.S$ 41.64) to N34,000 ?(U.S$ 44.24).
To protect public health, NAFDAC urges importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain, refraining from the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of unregistered and regulated products.
The agency also calls on individuals who possess the aforementioned foreign unregistered sugar brands to submit their stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
If anyone has consumed these unauthorized sugar brands or experienced adverse reactions after consumption, NAFDAC advises seeking immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Swift action is crucial to mitigate any potential health risks associated with the consumption of these unregistered products.
Food product smuggling is a significant issue in Nigeria, with various products being illegally imported into the country through porous borders and illicit channels.
The price differentials between neighboring countries and Nigeria, due to variations in taxes, tariffs, and import duties, create incentives for smuggling. Additionally, the demand for specific products that are either unavailable or more expensive locally drives consumers to seek out smuggled alternatives.
The smuggling of food products poses serious risks to public health, undermines regulatory frameworks, hampers local industries, and leads to revenue loss for the government.
NAFDAC plays a vital role in regulating and monitoring food and drug products in Nigeria, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and quality.
Public awareness campaigns regarding the risks of consuming unregistered products and the importance of purchasing from reputable sources can help protect consumers.
Effective collaboration between regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, and border control personnel is crucial to curbing the illegal importation of unregistered goods.


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Pacific Ethanol Inc. PEIX, -4.72% jumped 12% to $1.21 a share in pre-market trades on Tuesday after the company set plans to raise $53.5 million by issuing debt and selling an asset. The Sacramento, Calif. company will issue $35 million in senior convertible notes and sell its stake in Range Energy for $19 million. It will also purchase a 20% ownership interest in ethanol plants for $23 million, retire $17 million in debt and increase its cash reserves by $10 million. Pacific Ethanol will also restart its Stockton plant "to meet the growing demand for ethanol."
Pacific Ethanol jumps on plan to raise $54 million


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Xiaomi’s Redmi brand launched theRedmi Y3 smartphone in India in April, and the phone went on sale for the first time starting April 30th through Amazon.in, Mi.com and Mi Home stores starting at Rs. 9999. It was sold every Tuesdays after that, now the phone is available through open sale after one month of launch. The Redmi 7 went on open sale last month, and the Redmi Note 7S went on open sale last week.
ICICI Bank users also get instant Rs. 500 discount on the phone from today, June 6th till June 9th.
And the celebrations continue. Get an instant discount of ₹500 on #RedmiY3 with your @ICICIBank cards, from 6th-9th June. What’s more? You can now buy the #32MPSuperSelfie smartphone anytime from https://t.co/cwYEXdVQIo & @amazonIN, Get going, already! pic.twitter.com/EVbDRBozxr
— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) June 6, 2019
To remind you, the phone packs a 6.26-inch HD+ Dot notch display, is powered by Snapdragon 632 SoC with up to 4GB of RAM, runs Android 9.0 (Pie) with MIUI 10, features a 12-megapixel rear camera with LED flash along with a secondary 2-megapixel camera for capturing depth information in portrait shots. It also has an 32-megapixel camera on the front.
It has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection on the front, features dual color finish with Aura Prism design, features P2i nano coating making it splash proof, has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, comes with dedicated dual SIM and microSD card slots and packs a 4000mAh battery. Check out the review here.


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Dragons’ Den Entrepreneur buys back his Dragon
DRAGONS ‘DEN entrepreneur Ed Hollands, who received backing from former BBC Dragon Jenny Campbell, bought it out three years after investing in his mobile advertising business.
The 27-year-old University of Derby graduate has gone through all the blockages with his company DrivenMedia and is now ready to go it alone.
âAttracting the support of a Dragon like Jenny Campbell was brilliant and it was so important for my business to take off in those early days,â said Ed.
âJenny and her team have helped me ‘take it to the next level’ in the advertising world, build a supply chain, develop strong business relationships and have helped me connect with brands that would see the value of advertising on trucks traveling in the UK. “
For Ed, the time had come for his business to evolve. It first received funding from Jenny Campbell, known as Cashpoint Queen, in November 2017. The episode of the popular show didn’t air until February of the following year, when audiences saw Jenny take a 20% stake in the company.
In recent weeks, with Jenny’s backing, Ed has bought out his share of the business and that of all the other investors, and is now poised to move forward as sole owner of DrivenMedia Limited.
âI am very proud after we all went through this traumatic time as a company and in business that I was able to redeem Jenny. I would like to thank her and her team for their invaluable support. While the pandemic may have affected revenue last year, the current fiscal year is expected to be profitable. With all of my efforts to grow the business, I felt the time had come for me to take the reins and allow myself to do things my way. I can’t wait to take the next steps in my professional career.
DrivenMedia is the UK’s leading specialist in truck advertising media. By placing a brand message on the side of a lorry traveling on the UK’s main road network, these colorful messages grab the attention of drivers and passengers in slow traffic, queues or crossings. Brands that have already seized this innovative opportunity include Cheeky Panda, an eco-friendly housewares company; BoardRM, a job search podcast, and CT1, a sealant and glue brand. For more information on DrivenMedia, visit https://www.drivenmedia.co.uk


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Guess what greeted us inside the Highbury & Islington tube stop: a gigantic advertisement of Google’s latest outing – Google Chrome, the company's home-built internet browser.
Oh the irony of it! That Google, who earns nearly 99 per cent of its profits by creating new platforms for people to advertise, is resorting to traditional advertising itself.
To me, the advertisement marked the final chapter in Google’s life as a lean, highly-independent, cutting-edge enterprise still redolent with the memories of two geeky Phd students who created a powerful search engine in their friend’s garage in sunny California just over a decade ago.
Since then, Google would go where no man had gone before – well, most of the time anyway. The Google Search Engine, Google Earth, You Tube, Orkut: they were all first of their kinds in their fields (even where they were not created by Google itself). If it wasn't a pioneering venture, it was not of enough interest to Google. Hence, it never needed to advertise because it would start out as the market leader. Others hoped to capitalise through their association to Google.
But web browsers have been done by others, and done fairly successfully. Google Chrome can, at the best, offer more of the same.
So I am left wondering, is it the beginning of the end?
Check out BBC's tech correspondents report on the best technologies of 2009. Seems like Mark Ward is on my camp, and Rory Cellan Jones on the opposite. (Though where did Jones hear that Google has already unveiled its operating system? It has unveiled its decision to develop one, but hasn't launched the operating system yet. And it is not called Chrome, it is called Google Chrome OS. As as tech correspondent, I would have expected him to not confuse the two.)


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The first reports of the Samsung Galaxy J1 emerged in December, and new leaked images indicate the device could be unveiled as early as this week.
The "world's thinnest tablet" Dell Venue 8 7000, which was first announced last September, is now available to consumers.
China-based company ZTE announced a bevy of sleek new tech products as CES 2015 kicked off this week, including its new mid-range ZTE Grand X Max+ phablet.
The latest Android 4.4 KitKat update is coming to a number of Samsung devices, a tipster reports.
Users can now get Android KitKat on Kindle with N2Aos cards for $19.99.


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Senior marketer Nitish Tipnis passed away on September 4 following a cardiac arrest. Reports say he suddenly collapsed at around 9 pm when he was at a health club. He had over 30 years of experience in the industry.
Tipnis, 53, was working on his personal project, a fashion start-up in the e-commerce space just before he passed away, say reports.
In his last assignment, he was director - Marketing and Sales (Nissan) at Hover Automotive India.
Tipnis also has had stints at Reliance Retail, Videocon International and Future Group's E-Zone.
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