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OH: American Taxpayers Are Subsidizing Ultra-Cheap Shipping From China.
“At today’s rates, the shipping of a 100-gram parcel to Fairfax, Virginia, would cost a small business in Marion, North Carolina, at least $1.94…but it would cost a company in Shanghai only $1.12,” Paul Misener, Amazon’s vice president for global public policy, told Congress in 2015. “This has left thousands of American small businesses at a competitive disadvantage against foreign competition…because of the size of the hidden shipping subsidies.”
Foreign mail weighing less than 4.4 pounds arrives at U.S. “transfer points,” where it is then distributed by the USPS like regular domestic mail, but at subsidized “terminal dues” rates set by the UPU, not by the U.S. Postal Service.
An “extraordinary congress” convened by the UPU in October finally addressed the disparity. UPU members voted to allow the U.S. and other countries to set new reimbursement rates beginning in July 2020. Terminal dues could increase anywhere from 125 percent to 600 percent, according to Cathy Roberson of Air Cargo World. Whatever the change, American tax dollars will no longer be used to benefit one group of businesses over another.


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The intersection of sports and technology just gets tighter, closer and more essential all the time. As planners embrace the Internet of Things and the connectivity of sports equipment to smartphones, there’s less ability to opt out of tech-related issues.
Case in point: Successful Meetings recently issued an article listing the Top 10 Meeting Tech Trends. And in it is something just about every planner can (and should) be embracing.
10. Data: Sponsorship and marketing are essential skills, and driving both of them is access to data regarding potential participants, spectators, vendors and more.
9. Mobile payments: It has already been established that mobile payments are going to grow; in fact, a 210 percent increase was forecast for 2016. According to Successful Meetings, events must be ready to process mobile payments for event registrations, fundraising donations, or merchandise purchases. As the public becomes more comfortable paying with their mobile devices, it’s up to events to keep pace. Note: This even goes for concessions, in larger venues.
8. Wearable devices: As an aside, the planner who has to ask whether athletes and spectators have wearables might have bigger problems than one article can solve. Count on everyone to have them – and be comparing notes.
7. Live streaming: Keep up or get left behind, say the pros. With the proliferation of events nationwide, particularly at the youth level, live-streaming becoming more readily accessible, and more companies popping up all the time, this has become an accepted way of engaging audiences, as well as building revenue.
6. Photos and videos: With audiences tuned to their devices, it doesn’t make sense to ignore the fact that they’re posting to social media, as well as their local organization websites throughout events. Create hashtags and encourage check-ins that can help you track the number of postings. (As a planner, this information is interesting to potential host cities of future events.)
5. Drones: Despite some snafus, the use of drones for aerial photography and videography of sports events is proliferating. It has also opened up a potential revenue stream for photographers who can make arrangements to get shots of individual athletes during a competition.
4. App integrations: Apps for sports events are one of the hottest trends out there and as more vendors become available, expect the cost to continue to decrease. Some hot trends like beacon technology and gamification should be investigated, along with information on schedules, venues and so forth. In addition, this has become yet another opportunity for revenue, since apps can be sponsored by a vendor, or contain advertisements.
3. Messaging: Nobody needs to say it: fast communication is essential, and not clogging up an inbox is appreciated. According to Successful Meetings, “Products like Slack, Facebook Messenger and other direct messaging tools are making event planners more productive."
2. Ticketing incentives: While the Successful Meetings article dealt with commercial events, it’s easy to see this trend could work not just for convincing athletes to sign up for events, but for convincing spectators to purchase tickets.
1. Content marketing: For those who are not yet familiar with the concept of content marketing (a very precise system of information delivery meant to keep the user engaged), this information from the Content Marketing Institute has a great definition. In short, an event owner or rights holder wants to differentiate his or her message from the multitude of others constantly bombarding the prospective athlete or spectator. Remember that quality content should be part of all forms of your marketing, including social media marketing, SEO terms, public relations strategies and more.
This is just a top-10 list. It doesn't even take into account other factors including the growth of eSports, the rise of line-calling systems, instant replays and virtual analysis, as well as other technologies that spectators and athletes are starting to take for granted.
The time of being able to say, “I’m really not a tech-savvy person” is long over, according to those in the marketplace. It’s not necessary for event owners to be programmers or code writers; however, an understanding of the trends in the industry can create better engagement with participants and long-term success with destinations.

domain: news


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Apple has just released iOS 8.1.3 for download, which says it includes “bug fixes, increased stability and performance improvements.” The download comes in at 247MB for the iPhone 6 Plus as seen below:
Apple says this update:
- Reduces the amount of storage required to perform a software update
- Fixes and issue that prevented some users from entering their Apple ID password for Messages and FaceTime
- Addresses an issue that caused Spotlight to stop displaying app results
- Fixes an issue which prevented multitasking gestures from working on iPad (THANK YOU)
- Adds new configuration options for education standardized testing
We’re installing this now and will let you know how it goes.
Update: The update went well and everything works with our 6 Plus, although Wi-Fi continues to be slow.
…more to follow
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NEW DELHI: PepsiCo's global chairman and CEO Steve Reinemund's first visit to India beginning October 23, assumes significance for more reasons than one.
Reinemund is likely to discuss further investments in the Indian operations and the cola industry's existing taxation structure. Cola firms Pepsi & Coke maintain that the existing tax structure has hit their affordability strategy. While volume growth is happening, both firms are under pressure to improve profit margins.
The Indian market is now a strategic one for the firm globally. PepsiCo's global Q2 results (for quarter ended June 2004) saw prominent mention of India growing in double digits, and second only to China among Asian countries. Globally, total beverages registered growth of 13 per cent during the quarter.
Reinemund's four-day visit is expected to include meetings with Pepsi India's key bottlers, besides interactions with senior government officials and finance minister P Chidambaram. His schedule will include visits to other strategic markets in Asia as well.
"The Indian market has matured. While colas are growing, there's place for specialised beverages as well," said Pepsi India chairman Rajeev Bakshi, while introducing the firm's $2 billion sports drink, Gatorade. Bakshi said the firm would consider manufacturing Gatorade locally, once sales reached critical mass here.
Pepsi's non-carbonated portfolio, which includes juice brand Tropicana and bottled water Aquafina, is growing at 20 per cent, faster than carbonated beverages. "But that is because the base of non-carb beverages remains small." However, unlike typical Pepsi launches, Gatorade will not be mass marketed, and will be retailed through select distribution channels like gyms and sports centres.


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Citigroup may sublet part of new HQ
CITIGROUP is considering renting out up to a third of its new European headquarters over fears that an economic downturn could hurt the investment banking sector.
The 1.2m square foot tower, under construction in London's Docklands, is due to be completed next year. But building contractors have now been asked to look into changes that would allow Citigroup to sublet up to 15 of the 44 floors. The move would bring in a rental income of around £10m a year.
'We have always said there's a strong possibility that Citigroup will sublet because they acquired more space than they need,' said Michael Hussey, head of leasing for the project's developer, Canary Wharf Group. Citigroup declined to comment on the speculation.
The Citigroup project has been used by Canary Wharf chairman Paul Reichmann as a model of what it can offer US financial companies expanding into Europe.
So far, Credit Suisse First Boston has leased more than 1.8m square feet, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. has committed to take 1.5m square feet and Lehman Brothers has agreed to occupy 1m square feet. Rents in the Canary Wharf area of Docklands are lower than in the City.
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Snap shares turned lower Monday after several analysts initiated coverage of the social media firm's stock as a "sell."
Shares of the parent company behind the popular messaging app Snapchat closed more than 12 percent lower, falling below the opening price from their first day of trading.
That's after shares were up nearly 2 percent in premarket trading.
Needham - Underperform (Sell)
Atlantic Equities - Underweight (Sell)
Morningstar - (Sell)
Aegis - (Hold)
Susquehanna - (Hold)
Nomura Instinet - Reduce (Sell)
Pivotal Research - (Sell)
CFRA Research - (Sell)
Snap has had mixed reactions from the Street and has yet to receive a "buy" rating from any analyst listed in FactSet.
Analysts at Needham initiated coverage of the social media firm's stock with an "underperform" rating, noting the company's total addressable market is 80 percent smaller than Facebook.
"Prospect Theory would label SNAP a 'lottery-like' stock," they said in a note Monday.
Atlantic Equities, Morningstar, Nomura Instinet, and Pivotal Research also gave the social media company a "sell" rating.
Brian Wieser, a senior analyst at Pivotal Research, said in a note that Snap "is a promising early stage company with the significant opportunity ahead of itself. Unfortunately, it is significantly overvalued given the likely scale of its long-term opportunity and the risks associated with executing against that opportunity. "
Two other firms — Aegis and Susquehanna — rated Snap a "hold" rating, however. Aegis cited in part Snap's slower user growth, like Twitter, and lack of an ecosystem.
Susquehanna said the company near-term could offer some upside potential.
"We also suspect that the company probably has some product innovations coming down the pike," Susquehanna analyst Shyam Patil said in a note. "We believe our numbers could have an upward bias, as well."
On Thursday, Snap began trading, closing its first day up 44 percent at $24.48 a share.
Shares jumped 10.6 percent more on Friday after NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC, confirmed that it had invested $500 million in Snap on its IPO day.
—CNBC's John Melloy and Tae Kim contributed to this report.


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UK car production has reached its highest level since 1999 with more than 1.6 million vehicles manufactured this year so far, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show.
Last month, nearly 170,000 models were built in UK factories, a 12.8 per cent rise on last year and the best performance for some time - 17 years to be precise.
Output is up across the board, both domestically and elsewhere. Domestic production rose 14 per cent to 33,745 units and exports grew by 12.5 per cent.
Dealers hoping to continue to cash in on the market, which looks healthy, may want to expand their operations and stock more vehicles. This can result in increased sales, but dealers need to update their dealership insurance policy to reflect any new stock.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Made in Britain is a badge coveted by car buyers worldwide, and these latest figures highlight not just that international appeal but the fact that the UK is a globally competitive place to make cars.
“These latest results are the product of significant investments made over the past few years, but which will continue only if we can maintain the competitive trading conditions that have enabled the UK to become an automotive success story.”
Commenting on the figures, the government said the UK's car industry has benefited from Nissan's decision to build two of its cars - the Qashqai and X-trail - at its Sunderland plant, which has secured thousands of jobs.
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: "Our car manufacturing industry is going from strength to strength and today’s figures are further proof of this.
"With production reaching its highest level this century and exports up again, there is no better time to thank our hard working men and women across the auto sector who have made this possible."


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Esports Kingdom gives you all of the details about the Esports Awards 2023, including the winners and how you can watch it. The prestigious event took place on November 30 this year at Zouk in Las Vegas, celebrating the hard work and excellence of individuals and organizations in the esports industry.
The Esports PC Player of the Year award went to T1 Faker, a highly skilled player known for his exceptional performance in PC esports. Faker's incredible talent and dedication have made him a legendary figure in the gaming community. This recognition solidifies his status as one of the greatest PC players in the world.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang emerged victorious in the category of Best Mobile Game of the Year at the Esports Awards 2023. This popular mobile game surpassed seven other contenders to claim the prestigious title. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has captivated millions of players worldwide, offering thrilling gameplay and intense competition.


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Tires dramatically affect handling and they play a major role in how our cars and trucks look but tire construction and tire compounds can also affect mileage when the finished tire weighs less plus they can even be “green” by using less raw material in the manufacturing process. ExxonMobil Chemical has taken a step forward in bringing these benefits to market with the announcement of a new manufacturing plant.
ExxonMobil Chemical Company today announced it will begin construction of a facility to manufacture new specialty elastomer compounds that can improve the durability of tires, make them lighter weight by using less raw material and significantly reduce fuel consumption. Start-up of the plant is expected in early 2008 to satisfy demand for the products that combine the flexibility and elasticity of rubber with the low air permeability of plastic.
The plant will manufacture a dynamically vulcanized alloy (DVA) of proprietary Exxpro™ specialty elastomers and nylon. This new Exxpro-based alloy can be blown into films and used as the air barrier inner liner of tires. ExxonMobil Chemical expects to commercialize the technology in late 2007. Exxpro marks the first major technology advancement to tire inner liner raw materials since ExxonMobil started producing halobutyl products in 1961.
“The Exxpro-based alloy provides improved air barrier retention versus current commercial alternatives,” said Art Sullivan, Butyl Polymers Global Business vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “Maintaining proper tire inflation reduces stress and irregular wear, saving millions of gallons of gasoline every day.”
Tire inner liners with the Exxpro-based alloy are up to one-fifth the gauge of a conventional halobutyl inner liner, leading to lighter weight tires with improved rolling resistance. The new inner liner material has shown a 20 percent improvement in tire durability, and it also performs well in cold temperatures.
“These new inner liners allow up to 80 percent reduction in hydrocarbon based raw materials versus current inner liner technology,” Sullivan said. “This is a good example of how innovative polymer technologies can promote a sustainable future by reducing both motor fuel consumption and raw material usage.”
The initial market development facility for manufacturing will be located in Pensacola, Florida. The investment will fully leverage the company’s existing proprietary extrusion technology at this location. The facility will supply customers globally.
Link: ExxonMobil Chemical


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Published By : Khetigaadi Team 167
Escorts, one of India's greatest tractor producers, revealed a 12% bounce in its unit deals in February.
The organization sold 7,240 tractors in February this year, versus 6,462 a year ago, including trades.
Export about multiplied to 322 this year from 167 a year ago. Offers of tractors inside India expanded by 10% to 6,295, which is slower than what has been seen in earlier months on a normal.
The organization had seen its residential deals increment by over 23% amid the initial ten months of the year.
However, auto sales had slowed in last three months for all players.
With the February numbers, the all out offers of the organization for the initial eleven months of the year are at 84,507 units, up 23%.
Escorts main Opponent in Indian market is Mahindra and Mahindra. Others are Massey Fergusson, John Deere, Eicher, Swaraj and Tafe.
Get Tractor Price


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Scam account tries to tempt Primark shoppers with fake giveaway
- Credit: Copyright: Archant 2020
Primark has issued a warning to shoppers following a spate of fake accounts offering giveaways, vouchers and goodie bags.
The chain, which has stores in Norwich and King's Lynn, first warned of such accounts at the start of March but has seen a number of new posts claiming to be the company circulating on social media this weekend.
In the last 24 hours, new posts have emerged offering a special gift bag "full of goodies" and a voucher worth £75 to spend in store to mark the business's 51st birthday.
In a separate post, the unofficial page said winners had received comments asking them to register on a site to receive their gift and that it was "real and official".
A Primark spokesman said: “We have been made aware of some social media posts from fake accounts offering Primark competitions, giveaways, vouchers/goodie bags. We can confirm we have no connection to these accounts and are working hard to have them removed. Our official accounts have a blue verified tick next to them."
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Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert, said online scams were happening on an "industrial scale".
He added: “You should be suspicious if you see a new social media account advertising for a company you know well, as it may be a scammer pretending to be that brand.
“Sometimes enticing posts offering competitions or giveaways on social media link to a fake login page, so be wary of following any links or sharing personal information, you could by giving those details to a scammer."
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SINGAPORE - Outbrain has announced a two-year partnership with Mediacorp, one of Singapore’s largest media companies.
The partnership will see the media company deploy the full stack of Outbrain Engage solutions to enhance its digital strategy.
Specifically, the arrangement will allow Mediacorp’s online properties—Channel NewsAsia and TODAYonline—to drive engagement and audience growth, power key insights and analytics about their core digital users and maximise monetisation opportunities, according to the companies.
Mediacorp will gain access to Outbrain’s Visual Revenue product, which will enable its editors to observe and react to real-time data on content performance, the companies said.
Low Boon Kiat, lead for digital partnerships at Mediacorp, said the company is always looking at new ways to provide long-term value, and a native offering is a good option from Outbrain.
“We look forward to deeper audience engagement using stronger analytics and real-time content performance enhancement obtained from Outbrain’s Visual Revenue,” he added.
Outbrain will aggregate Mediacorp’s audiences with those from its existing local publishers and global sites such as News Corp Australia, The Philippines Daily Inquirer, Indian Express, Fairfax, CNN, Time, and Mashable.
Sigrid Kirk, VP of Engage APAC at Outbrain, said the company is “delighted” to renew its partnership with Mediacorp.
“Our platform now serves multiple publisher stakeholders and affords our partners with the flexibility to embrace digital opportunities and continues to deliver what audiences crave,” she added.


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The price of Bitcoins listed on the Bitstamp Ltd. exchange plunged as much as 33 percent after charges were unsealed for the operator of an online marketplace for drugs and other illicit goods.
Ross William Ulbricht, who runs the Silk Road Hidden Website was charged in federal court in New York Oct. 2 for running a sprawling black-market bazaar where anonymous users conducted transactions with bitcoins.
Bitcoins exist as software thats designed to be untraceable, making it an attractive tender for those seeking to trade anonymously via the Web. The price for one unit dropped Oct. 2 to about $85 from $127. Thats probably due to speculation that demand for the digital money will shrink after the U.S. government said it seized the Silk Road website, according to Jered Kenna, chief executive officer of virtual-currency exchange Tradehill Inc.
The question here is: What is it going to do to the Bitcoin ecosystem? Kenna said in an interview. Are we going to find out that 90 percent of Bitcoins were used on Silk Road, or that 1 percent of Bitcoins were used there? The Silk Road just threw a lot of uncertainty into it.
U.S. prosecutors said that Ulbricht, known on Silk Road as Dread Pirate Roberts, ran the site as the most sophisticated and extensive criminal marketplace on the Internet from January 2011 to September 2013. The site generated sales of about $1.2 billion and about $80 million in commissions for Silk Road, they said.
Since being introduced four years ago by a programmer or group of programmers going under the name of Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has become a popular way to pay for goods and services on the Internet, with 11.8 million Bitcoins in circulation, according to Bitcoincharts, a website that tracks the digital currencys activity.
While Bitcoins are designed to be untraceable, thats not always guaranteed since most transactions leave a record of the exchange. Although the currency can be used for illicit goods, its also becoming a popular way to buy and sell legitimate products and services, from cupcakes to Web hosting.
Bitstamp and several other online exchanges have emerged where Bitcoin holders are able to trade the digital currency for dollars, euros and other legal tender. With the growing use of Bitcoins, driven in part by speculative demand, the currency is up about tenfold over the last year, according to Bitcoincharts.
Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of New Yorks Department of Financial Services, said that any regulation of the nascent Bitcoin industry has to include transparency on who does the trading of the virtual currency. He said in an interview with Bloomberg editors and reporters that his primary concern involved adding anti-money-laundering safeguards.
Ulbricht, 29, was charged with narcotics trafficking conspiracy, computer hacking conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. He tried to have one user killed for attempting to extort money from the site, prosecutors said in a criminal complaint unsealed Oct. 2 in Manhattan federal court.
The site has sought to make conducting illegal transactions on the Internet as easy and frictionless as shopping online at mainstream e-commerce websites, the government said in a civil forfeiture complaint unsealed Oct. 2.
Ulbricht was arrested Oct. 1 and appeared in federal court in San Francisco Oct. 2, according to Julie Bolcer, a spokeswoman for Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.
The criminal case is U.S. v. Ulbricht, 13-mg-023287; the civil forfeiture case is U.S. v. Ulbricht, 13-cv-06919, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).


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Amazon has over 100 million prime members
In an annual letter to shareholders, Amazon (AMZN) revealed that it has over 100 million Prime members and that it shipped over 5 billion items with Prime in 2017. As mentioned in the previous part, Amazon has been aggressively pushing for an even broader global presence.
Although Amazon hasn’t ever disclosed its exact Prime member count, it said that it had “tens of millions” of Prime members in 2015, according to Recode. Amazon, which launched Prime 13 years ago, has used the service to build a loyal customer base over the years. Prime membership includes perks such as free and two-day shipping, exclusive access to offers, and unlimited access to Prime Video and Prime Music.
How Prime services have been successful
An important driver of the company’s success in e-commerce has been its economy of scale. According to the company, its massive customer base has allowed it to spread fixed costs effectively.
The tech behemoth benefits from Prime members, as they typically spend more on the platform than non-members. Membership, which costs $99 annually in the United States, earned the company $9.7 billion in subscription revenue, which includes Prime membership fees, in 2017. Amazon stock has surged 30.6% in 2018, despite investors’ concerns regarding the impact of increased regulation in the tech sector.


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SAN FRANCISCO – Social media was not designed for children. Facebook was originally created for Ivy League students, Instagram grew out of its founder’s love for bourbon, and YouTube started out as a video dating site.
But teens are active on social media, and many children under 13 already socialize online. They build worlds together in Minecraft, FaceTime with friends, and send texts and emoji through tools like Facebook Messenger Kids. But they also use apps and browse the internet that was not designed for them.
Before letting kids fall in love with TikTok, fall for YouTube’s holes, or start their own Instagram accounts, parents need to figure out which social media is right for their family. This is a complicated question, especially when other forms of socialization for children are still pending in many parts of the country.
Adding to the conundrum, companies are increasingly making tools specifically for younger internet users, who are old enough to type words on a smartphone or computer, but too young for social media applications. existing. There are already YouTube Kids and Facebook Messenger Kids. Now Facebook is working on a version of Instagram specifically for kids under 13.
In the United States, federal laws limit the tracking and targeting of people under the age of 13, which companies have often bypassed by using low age verification. To access popular sites and apps, kids can borrow an adult’s account, have their parents create one for them, or lie about their age and create their own. Or in the case of YouTube, just open it in a browser, maybe even on a school-provided Chromebook.
With an imminent threat of privacy regulation, growing competition for younger users, and a desire to hook kids up to an online ecosystem before they enter college, social media companies are diversifying. Here are some questions parents should ask themselves before registering their children:
What are the biggest worries about leaving kids on social media?
According to Titania Jordan, parenting manager at online monitoring company Bark, the main concern of parents about allowing young children on social media is exposure to sexual content and predators.
She worries that giving children an on-screen alternative to in-person interaction is a bad idea, regardless of the precautions included. Screen time issues, however, have been put on the back burner by many during the pandemic as parents and children have more urgent things to worry about and fewer options for in-person socialization.
Not all online interactions are the same. While some parents may be fine with text communication, something like Instagram would raise different issues. A social experience based on photos might affect self-esteem and mental health more than just one-on-one texts.
Experts we spoke to are especially worried about the companies behind these apps and, in the case of Instagram’s plans, are bristling with Facebook’s track record. “Facebook’s priority is not to protect children; it’s a for-profit business that seeks to monetize time spent, ”Jordan said.
Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer agrees: “It’s basically Facebook coming back in its old bag of tricks to make young children addicted when they are most vulnerable.
Why are tech companies creating apps for young children?
Kids are one of the next big untapped online markets, and big tech companies may be interested in attracting people before the age of 13. It requires making a product that parents approve of, so they don’t worry about issues like predators or radicalization.
“At Disney, we called it Cradle to Cane. If you have a kid who’s excited about the Disney brand – excited about princesses at 3, 4 and 5 – and you can keep that commitment… you’ve created a lifelong attachment, ”said KC Estenson, former Disney executive and current CEO of GoNoodle, an app that creates videos, music and games for young children.
Lawmakers are also under increasing pressure to regulate how big tech companies track and manage young users. By creating apps that claim to be more secure on their own, companies like Facebook might try to push back against any additional laws that require them to be even stricter on things like data collection.
What features should I look for before letting my kids sign up for a social media app?
If you are considering a social network for your child, there are some features and policies that you should check out first. Jordan recommends looking for any ephemeral features that make it harder to monitor communications like a disappearance mode, or in the case of Instagram, its Stories feature, which removes posts after 24 hours.
Review direct messaging features and make sure only approved contacts can communicate with your child. Look for options that allow a parent to approve contacts, like in Facebook’s Messenger Kids. Check out the parental monitoring features and see how much control you would really have – and if your child can turn them off without notifying you.
“Ask, is the app specially designed for children?” If not, you should be totally on alert, ”said Steyer, whose nonprofit advocacy group Common Sense Media reviews children’s content.
He recommends looking at an app’s business model to avoid anything based on targeted ads, and be wary of companies that make their money through in-app purchases. See if there is an associated adult app, like with Messenger Kids, and ask yourself if the kids version is just a way to sign up users and get them to the main site when they are enough. old, said Steyer.
Look beyond the safety promises to see how much data an app collects on your child. Does it track or share the geolocation of a device? If so, take a look at how many of these settings you can turn off and avoid anything that won’t allow you to opt out.
What if I decide to let my kids use adult or kid versions of social media, then what?
Have an honest conversation with your kids about what to watch out for online, including bullying, predatory behavior, and inappropriate content. Also, closely monitor their mental health. Bark, which is used to track the online activity of 5.4 million children, says an annual survey showed Instagram was frequently reported for suicidal ideation, depression and body image issues.
Don’t make social media education a one-off conversation, either. “Get to know the platforms they are on, the games they play, the people they follow, and change those things regularly. Kids can have a structured adult conversation about what’s right and wrong, ”Estenson said.
Why not just keep them offline?
Eliminating phones and computers, banning screen time and video games, and banning social media are also options. But the pandemic has shown us that children, with the right advice and a little space, can find their fulfillment and friendships online. If you are okay with them being on the internet in one way or another, the next step is to prepare it for them.
“We need to build an online world for them; it takes a lot of people to do it, ”said Estenson. “We have to try to do it with noble intention, not just to make money. We need it because the children are already here.
What is Instagram for Kids and does it even exist?
Last week, BuzzFeed News reported that Facebook was working on a children’s version of Instagram, the popular photo-sharing app purchased in 2012. The new app, announced internally by the company, would be targeted specifically at users of Instagram. 12 years old and under. Officially, Instagram is only for people 13 and over, but there is no strict age verification and many younger children have their own accounts, often with permission from their parents.
There is no release date for the Instagram app for kids. In a statement, the company said children are asking to “follow” their friends, which is why it is working on additional social media apps to be “kid friendly, run by parents.” Instagram recently hired Pavni Diwanji, a Google executive who oversaw the development of YouTube Kids.
How would that be different from classic Instagram?
There aren’t many details on what a kids’ Instagram would look like or what would make it different or safer than Instagram for adults. But some clues can be found in a recent blog post from the company.
Instagram last week described some ways it was trying to make its main app more secure for teenage users, including using artificial intelligence to make age checks more accurate and harder to tamper with. He added a restriction that prevents adults from sending messages to users who have said they are under 18, unless the youngest is already following them. The company is also adding teen safety advisories when it detects that an adult is acting suspiciously, such as sending mass messages to younger ones.
Instagram has also experimented with minimizing likes on photos. Limiting this type of comments could be the key to an Instagram offer for under 13s, who want to avoid the type of FOMO and the pressure to look good that is common on the main app.
We can also look at Facebook’s existing product for kids, Facebook Messenger Kids. Released in 2017 following a flood of reviews, the app encountered a few early issues that the company addressed and is now widely used without much attention. It does not require children to register on Facebook and is controlled through a parent’s account.
Do kids even want to use apps designed for their age group?
Well-designed children’s apps that prioritize privacy and have strict safeguards to protect young users from stalkers and predators may seem good to parents, but not always to target users. Many children might prefer the less restricted adult versions and find ways to access them. YouTube Kids, for example, was this company’s attempt to create a safer space away from the problematic and wild world of regular YouTube, but kids of all ages still flock to the main site. And TikTok, which doesn’t have an option for under-13s in the US, is hugely popular with young users and creators.


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Christopher Ward has launched a new Limited Edition C60 Trident 316L
The London based watch-maker known for their cost effective Swiss made watches have now added a new diver to its range.
The new Trident gets its name from the unidirectional bezel which is constructed from 316L alloy. This contrasts with an orange matte dial, making it one of the most stand out watches Christopher Ward have ever made.
Housed in the 43mm diameter case is the Sellita SW200-1 26 jewel self-winding mechanical movement with a 38 hour power reserve. Other features include a date calendar, hacking seconds, screw down crown and as you’d expect from a diver it’s water resistant rated to 60 ATM (600 Meters), putting it on par with the companies Trident Pro range.
They’re available now with either rubber, steel or NATO straps, If you want one though you’d best hurry, only 316 pieces are being made available – another reference to the name.
Source: Christopher Ward


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First there was Pandora – a beautiful creation that let us discover brand new music through online streaming. And then, quite a few other websites followed suit, some of the bigger successes among these including Spotify, iHeartRadio and Songza. But with faster mobile browsing features, music streaming turned into apps, both free and paid. However, the world of music streaming just got a whole lot bigger with none other than Apple dropping hints that it could enter the arena too.
Even though confirmation is yet to come by, this news caused Pandora’s shares to take a hit of 16 percent. But just how big of a playing field is the music streaming business? Of course, Nokia tried to get in on the action through Nokia Music features on its smartphones, but its exclusivity limits its business potential. The latest version lets users stream music from over 150 Nokia-created playlists, create their own playlists, and even listen to music offline.
And then there was the recent announcement by prepaid carrier Cricket about including unlimited music from Muve as part of its plans for Android users. Starting from $50 and going up to $70, these plans even offer unlimited talktime and data connectivity options to users. The company states its move came after surveying its users on what they felt was the most vital experience they expected from their smartphones, to which the users indicated the need for music.
Although music streaming for web browsers and more recently, smartphones by way of apps, is ever increasing in popularity as of now, we wonder what will happen once Apple enters and changes the game, just like it has done to so many other aspects of our lives.


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After years of lagging behind their European, American and Asian counterparts, African cities have recently turned their attention to the importance of connecting smaller cities to larger urban centers like Addis Ababa, Cairo, Kigali, and Nairobi, to name a few. While cities like Kisumu City in Kenya have benefited from simply upgrading their road network, others, like Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, stand to benefit from large-scale Chinese investment in transportation on the continent. In fact, in the last 15 years, the road sector has been the busiest and the most progressive sector in Africa.
On the flipside, and while all of this road development is creating improved transport networks for goods and people, safety, security and connectedness still lag behind. According to the World Health Organization, there are 26.6 road traffic deaths in Africa per 100,000 people, compared with 17.4 per 100,000 globally. With last mile issues plaguing commuters across the continent and government efforts to provide urban transport falling short, the way has been paved for startups and civil society to step in and help create a more connected urban future.
Mozambikes in Mozambique
The co-founders of Mozambikes, Rui Mesquita and Lauren Thomas, were inspired by throngs of people in Mozambique walking miles and miles with heavy loads on their heads or their backs under the scorching sun. When they established their social enterprise in 2010 to help these hardworking laborers, they went to factories in the private sector and offered them low-cost solutions in the form of bikes for laborers at half the market price. The bikes include advertising banners that businesses can use to raise their brand equity while cyclers commute to and from work or make deliveries.
SafeMotos in Kigali
According to the World Health Organization, motorcyclists make up 23 percent of all road traffic deaths. With 25,000 registered users, Kigali-born SafeMotos is providing Rwandans with an online motorcycle taxi platform that connects riders and motorbike drivers via their mobile ride-hailing app, with the aim of providing safer transportation. From the data collected on drivers’ smartphones, the motorbike ride-hailing app is able to rank drivers by safety scores – a score that drivers are required to maintain to keep their jobs. After HIV, road deaths are Africa’s second biggest killer. “In Rwanda, a motorist is 700 times more likely to be killed in an accident than in the UK. That isn’t a typo, 700 times. In Kigali 80 percent of accidents involve motorcycle taxis,” reads the company’s website.
CladLight in Nairobi
Founded in 2013, Nairobi-born CladLight raised $41,000 through a crowdfunding campaign with the help of Nailab. CladLight provides motor-bikers and cyclists with smart vests to increase their visibility to vehicle drivers to avoid road accidents. The vest is equipped with an electronic gadget featuring bright LED lights that clearly show when the rider intends to turn or stop. It is also equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing owners to determine the bike’s location.
Mellowcabs in Cape Town
Founded in 2012, Cape-Town-born Mellowcabs both manufactures and operates high-tech electric pedicabs. It considers itself a public transportation company, providing first and last mile transport services. “Our main source of income is not carrying passengers, but selling advertising space on, and in the vehicles,” the startup says.
Mellowcabs can operate in a limited urban radius of 3 to 4 kilometers (1.8 to 2.5 miles), and they are neither meant nor designed to compete with other transport systems such as trains, buses or taxis, but rather go hand in hand and compliment existing means of transportation. A single Mellowcab can drive over 120 kilometers (74.6 miles) per day. All Mellowcabs are equipped with on-board tablet computers with an augmented real-time facility, geo-activation advertising, and full social media integration. Moreover, they’re also environment-friendly, as the vehicles are made out of recycled materials.
GoMyWay in Lagos
To help road traffic, this Nigerian startup kicked off in 2015 to connect commuters and encourage them to share rides instead of jamming the roads with half-empty cars. “We identified the need for a more efficient transport system that is cost affordable, efficient, safe and convenient,” says Damilola Teidi, the CEO and founder of Gomyway. The startup was not the first one of its kind in Nigeria; when it came to market, there was an already established ride sharing app – Jekalo. However, Jekalo is more focused on inter-city errands in Lagos, as opposed to Gomyway, which has a nationwide approach with a special focus on students. “We knew how big a problem the transport system is in the country and wanted to provide a solution,” she adds.


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Christmas this year marked a new milestone for virtual reality with the first major consumer VR headset shipping in time for the holidays.
The Samsung Gear VR began shipping and was also available in store at the end of November. Despite being sold out for the majority of December, the Gear VR found it’s way into the hands of ecstatic first time users. Much like we had written last month about the initial reactions from first time Gear VR buyers, based on Instagram photos and tweets, this was one present many were happy to unwrap (Click Play Below).
Taking a look on Twitter, trying out the Samsung Gear VR for the first time was definitely mind blowing for some users. Some didn’t know if they could go back to watching content in a box.
Some never left virtual reality.
One user compared it to a theme park, have you seen The VOID VR?
And when it came time to getting back to real life…
Some were already having withdrawals.
Now when it came to Instagram. Yes, there were quite a few ecstatic photos of users trying on the Gear VR for the the first time. But the theme over there seemed to be getting scared reactions from loved ones during Christmas (mostly playing Sisters).
It starts off with some guarded punches. (CLICK PLAY BELOW)
Don’t worry little cousin, there’s nothing scary to see here. (CLICK PLAY BELOW)
Oh no, auntie is going to pee her pants. (CLICK PLAY BELOW)
Friends were just not amused on Christmas. (CLICK PLAY BELOW)
Sisters must be really scary. (CLICK PLAY BELOW)
And when everyone was done being scared out of their mind, all mom really wanted to do was check out the latest Lebron James 360 video experience. (CLICK PLAY BELOW)


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Following Disney’s merger last June of its consumer products and interactive divisions, and the sudden departure of division co-chair Leslie Ferraro, James Pitaro has been upped to chairman of the division.
Pitaro assumes sole responsibility of the position at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), while Ferraro has left to pursue marketing and engagement projects after 17 years with the House of Mouse, which also happens to be her first client.
Pitaro will continue to report directly to The Walt Disney Company’s COO Thomas Staggs and chairman and CEO Robert Iger.
Before stepping into the co-chair role at DCPI last year, Pitaro served as president of Disney Interactive, where he led the company’s multiplatform games business and oversaw a suite of web and app experiences. He also led all of Disney’s social media activity and spearheaded digital video projects to extend storylines.
Before joining Disney Interactive in 2010, Pitaro held a number of executive roles, including VP of Yahoo Media, GM of Yahoo Sports, VP/head of business affairs for Yahoo Music, and VP of business affairs for Launch Media.
The move to consolidate its businesses into the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media division this past summer was made in an effort to better meet changing consumer preferences in a technology-driven marketplace. As part of the merger, a team called DCPI Labs was born with a focus on using cutting-edge technology to create immersive products, and this division will continue to report to Pitaro.
As it starts to see the impact of the Star Wars retail program, sales for Consumer Products & Interactive Media clocked in at US$1.9 billion in Q1 of 2016 – an 8% increase compared to Q1 2015. For fiscal 2015, Disney’s Interactive division saw growth driven by the ongoing success of the Tsum Tsum mobile game and lower product development and marketing costs, primarily at its mobile businesses, which was partially offset by lower operating income from Disney Infinity console games.


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The region’s auto dealers are gearing up for their biggest event of the year, the 2013 Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show from March 21-24.
This is the 16th year the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association has put on the show that features the latest and greatest vehicles and puts the spotlight on the diverse group of auto dealerships in the region.
Tom Kwiatek, executive director of the association, said one of the reasons the event was originally organized was to set the Lehigh Valley apart as a vehicle-buying destination.
“We’re not Philly,” Kwiatek said. “But if you look at any franchise, whether it’s a McDonald’s, a Jiffy Lube or an auto dealer, there are large marketing ad councils for a region — and all of our marketing dollars were going to Philadelphia.”
To show manufacturers that the Lehigh Valley was more than just a suburb of Philadelphia — and worthy of its own separate marketing dollars — the auto show was born.
The March show, he said, was a success in garnering manufacturers’ attention. It went from a small, mostly dealer-run event in those first few years to an event that is now driven 85 percent by the manufacturers and takes up three structures, Stabler Arena, Rauch Field House and a custom tent on the Goodman Campus of Lehigh University.
The event is an enormous endeavor. At a cost of about $300,000 a year, the show aims to collect every type of vehicle that will be for sale in the coming year in the Lehigh Valley, as well as offering a sneak peek at some models that can’t yet be seen in dealerships.
For the consumer, Kwiatek said, the event is a great place for car lovers — and potential car buyers — to browse the vehicles that are out there without the pressure of a car salesperson hovering over their shoulder.
“The whole intent of the show is not sales,” he said.
In fact, Kwiatek said, most of the dealers don’t even have sales staff on site — at least not in a sales capacity.
They’re willing to wait, he said, because they know that when the show is over, there will be a boost in better-informed and ready-to-buy consumers heading to their showrooms in the weeks following the show.
“The show does ultimately lead to sales. It drives people to the dealerships in April and May,” Kwiatek said. “A lot of times they’ll come in with fliers from the show so the dealers will know.”
Of course, after 16 years the show’s organizers have to rotate the tires a little and bring in new and different exhibits to draw in a crowd.
This year the show will not disappoint in the area of “new,” said Kwiatek.
One of the highlights for the 2013 Auto Show is the celebration of the luxury automobile with a Luxury Automobile Pavilion featuring the Cadillac Experience.
Dream cars from Acura, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and more also will be gathered together.
“People are going to be wowed,” said Kwiatek. He said they also might be surprised. The entry point for luxury cars is getting more accessible, he said, with some manufactures offering entry-level luxury vehicles for as little as $34,000.
He said owners of cars, such as a higher-end Accord, might find that moving up to a luxury brand is more within their reach than they realized.
Also new this year are a Harley-Davidson Showcase and an RV Showcase.
The show is also a chance for the Lehigh Valley’s auto dealers to tout some of their own accomplishments. Incoming association president Todd Haldeman, owner of Haldeman Ford Lincoln Mercury in Kutztown, noted, for example, that Greater Lehigh Valley dealerships, taken together, contributed $65.6 million in total state and local taxes.
He also noted that dealerships employ 2,550 people directly and another 1,325 indirectly, accounting for 9.8 percent of total retail employment in the area.
As with every year, charity will be a major component of the show. Each year, auto dealers raise about $150,000 for charity and hope to top that this year.
They plan to do that by having “Community Days” on Thursday and Friday (March 21-22) for which 25 nonprofit groups are going to be selling tickets — and keeping half of the proceeds. Each nonprofit also is getting space outside of the show to showcase its services.
The highlight of the fundraising is the Great Lehigh Valley Ambulance Chase. The race, held in the Stabler area, will benefit the Cetronia Fire Co. and is being sponsored by the Lehigh County Bar Association Young Lawyers Group.
Kwiatek said the race is, indeed, a little tongue- in-cheek. “Yes, it pokes a little fun at the lawyers, but it’s for a great cause,” he said.
And the beneficiary of this year’s preview party gala at Stabler Arena on March 20, which kicks off the auto show, is the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Preview Party Gala Chairwoman Lynn Rothrock said the theme of the gala is America’s Highway. Gala tickets — priced at $75 apiece, $125 for couples — are available at www.glvautoshow.org/gala.


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Alcohol distributor Proof Drinks arrives in Australia this month, specialising in the importation, sales, and marketing of premium drinks brands from around the globe.
Proof Drinks Australia is launching brands into market including Cazcabel Tequila, Kavka Vodka, Silent Pool Gin, CUT RUM, Cihuatán Rum, Pistonhead Lager, The Lost Explorer Mezcal, Storywood Tequila and Irish Whiskey brands Grace O’Malley and Proclamation Whiskey. There will be a number of globally renowned spirit brand additions announced over the next few months.
The team is spearheaded by industry veterans, who boast more than 60 combined years in the Australian and global alcohol and FMCG sectors.
Its Managing Director is former head of Business Development for international companies Drew Doty. Operations Director is Craig Dearden, who has over 15 years of experience, having consulted with numerous high-volume global companies across Europe.
The two are joined by a local, handpicked sales team with a proven track record in the Australian drinks’ scene, with Luke Frost leading as General Manager in Australia.
Doty said: “Proof Drinks has had a strong reputation in the European market for many years, acknowledged as key innovators in the alcohol distribution space. However, as the world continues to adjust to the reality of limited travel for the foreseeable future, we knew there was an excellent opportunity to bring some beloved international brands down under for the very first time, giving Australians the chance to experience some more of the impressive and high-quality products that top end distillers from around the world have on offer.
“Launching Proof Drinks’ sister company in Australia will mean we will have the opportunity to expand the business model and remove barriers for potential brands looking to enter into new and exciting markets. By providing them with the platforms and tools they need, our purpose is to help hand selected premium alcohol/non-alcohol brands, with incredible stories, enter into the Australian and APAC markets seamlessly, and with high impact.”
Proof Drinks Australia will be introducing its brands to consumers in the coming months, with key brands available through national retailers from July 1, 2021.


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A couple have accepted a good part-exchange deal on a caravan that was the subject of several complaints.
Graham and June Lambton ended up paying Catterick Caravans, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, just £2000 for their new acquisition.
The Lambtons' previous holiday home, purchased in 2002 for £10,800 from the same dealership, turned into a nightmare, they say.
Problems they experienced included a broken door, a leak from the toilet into the shower and manufacturing mishaps.
Prior to the resolution of their grievance June said: "We took it back after a dreadful trip to France and asked them to replace our wreck of a caravan. They refused and insisted on carrying out some repairs.
"It is now the beginning of another season and we have just returned from a campsite with an even longer list of problems.
"We don't know where we stand and would welcome any help or advice you could put our way. We are hard-working people who can't afford to have this happen."
I asked Catterick Caravans' sales and marketing director, Chris Kinsell, for his views.
He said: "I am pleased to advise you that the situation has been resolved amicably between us. The customers have now purchased another vehicle from us."
June said she was pleased with the amended offer and would accept it.
She said: "The first offer was to pay £2800 towards a new caravan but we did not think it was acceptable.
A subsequent offer of £2000 plus a new awning was good enough, however.
"Please say lots of nice things about Catterick Caravans. They were very good to us at the end of the day," added June.


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Ardagh Metal Packaging to Merge with SPAC Gores Holdings V (GRSV)
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Ardagh Group S.A. (NYSE: ARD), a global supplier of infinitely-recyclable metal beverage and glass packaging for the world's leading brands, and Gores Holdings V, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRSV, GRSVU and GRSVW), a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of The Gores Group, today announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement under which Gores Holdings V will combine with Ardagh's metal packaging business that will be held by Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. to create an independent public company. The Company intends to apply to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the new ticker symbol "AMBP".
Ardagh will retain an approximately 80% stake in AMP and receive up to $3.4 billion in cash in the transactions. Oliver Graham, CEO of Ardagh Metal Beverage, will be CEO of AMP. Paul Coulson, Chairman and CEO of Ardagh, will serve as Chairman and Shaun Murphy, COO of Ardagh, will serve as Vice Chairman of the Company following the closing of the transaction.
AMP is a global leader in the supply of sustainable and infinitely-recyclable beverage cans. The Company has a leading presence in the Americas and Europe and is the second-largest beverage can producer in Europe and the third-largest in North America and Brazil. As the only pure-play beverage can company, AMP products touch billions of consumers worldwide. The Company believes that strong demand in traditional and new beverage categories coupled with environmentally-conscious end consumers are driving an inflection point in beverage can demand and the Company is well positioned to capitalize on these multifaceted growth opportunities. The Company has a compelling financial profile, with a clear and tangible growth trajectory backed by long-term customer contracts and expects to double Adjusted EBITDA from $545 million in 2020 to over $1.1 billion in 2024.
"Ardagh Metal Packaging is benefiting from long-term megatrends, including sustainability and changing consumer preferences," said Paul Coulson, Chairman and CEO of Ardagh. "The business has grown significantly since our acquisition of the metal beverage packaging business in 2016 and we have a clear roadmap that we believe will lead us to more than double Adjusted EBITDA by 2024, as we invest in support of our customers' growth. We are delighted to partner with Gores Holdings V to create a NYSE-listed pure-play beverage can business of scale with impeccable ESG credentials, and we intend to remain a committed, long-term majority shareholder of AMP as it continues its growth journey."
"Over the past five years, our metal packaging business has grown its position as one of the world's leading beverage can producers through our agility and foresight in tapping into emerging consumer and market trends," said Oliver Graham, CEO of AMP. "Our accelerated growth strategy is timely and deepens our connection with our customers as demand for sustainable beverage cans continues to grow."
Alec Gores, Chairman and CEO of The Gores Group and Chairman of Gores Holdings V, said, "Ardagh Metal Packaging has solidified its position as a clear leader in sustainability. The Company has an entrepreneurial owner-manager culture that has led to a successful transformation underpinned by powerful industry dynamics. With a compelling financial profile and clear trajectory for growth, we believe AMP can continue to lead the charge, and we look forward to partnering with Paul Coulson and the team as they continue to execute a targeted expansion strategy supported by highly visible market demand and a strong track record of disciplined and efficient capital deployment."
"Sustainability is an important component of our investment strategy, and AMP is a clear leader in this space—environmentally, ecologically and socially," said Mark Stone, Senior Managing Director of The Gores Group and CEO of Gores Holdings V. "As customers around the world continue to demand sustainable solutions, we believe the Company is strongly positioned to capitalize on the exceptional growth opportunities ahead and we're thrilled to be partnering with the team to do so."
The combined company is expected to have an enterprise value of approximately $8.5 billion at closing, representing 10.5x AMP's projected 2022 Adjusted EBITDA. Together with the cash held in Gores Holdings V's trust account, additional investors have committed to participate in the proposed business combination by purchasing 60 million shares of AMP for an aggregate purchase price of $600 million in a private placement (the "PIPE") at $10.00 per share. As a first step in the transaction, AMP will raise new debt of approximately $2.65 billion, (approximately $2.3 billion net), representing a multiple of 3.3x of 2021E pro forma Adjusted EBITDA.
Assuming no share redemptions by the public stockholders of Gores Holdings V, approximately $525 million in cash held in Gores Holdings V's trust account, together with the $600 million in private placement proceeds and approximately $2.3 billion of the new debt raised by AMP, will be used to pay up to $3.4 billion in cash to Ardagh, as well as to pay transaction expenses.
Upon closing of the transactions, assuming no redemptions by Gores Holdings V's public stockholders, Ardagh will retain an equity interest in the Company of approximately 80%, the PIPE investors in the private placement will hold approximately 10% and Gores Holdings V's stockholders and its sponsor will hold approximately 10%.
The proposed business combination, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Ardagh and Gores Holdings V, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to receipt of Gores Holdings V stockholder approval, the satisfaction of the condition to Ardagh's obligations that it receives at least $3 billion in cash from the transactions and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Following closing of the business combination, Ardagh currently intends to offer holders of its Class A common shares the opportunity to exchange their Class A common shares for consideration which may include a portion of Ardagh's holding in AMP. Following any such transaction involving such consideration, Ardagh's ownership in AMP would decrease to below 80%, with a corresponding increase in the public float of AMP. The timing and terms of any such transaction, if effected at all, has not been determined.
On closing of these transactions, in addition to its holding in AMP, Ardagh will retain 100% ownership of its glass packaging business as well as its 42% stake in Trivium Packaging BV. The cash proceeds from the transactions will be used to reduce net debt at Ardagh.
Additional information about the transactions, including a copy of the business combination agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Gores Holdings V and in a report on Form 6-K to be filed by Ardagh with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.
AdvisorsDeutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as financial advisors and capital markets advisors to Gores Holdings V and as joint lead placement agents on the PIPE. Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP and Loyens & Loeff N.V. are acting as legal advisors to Gores Holdings V.
Citigroup is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Ardagh and is acting as joint lead placement agent on the PIPE. Shearman & Sterling LLP is acting as legal advisor, to Ardagh.
Investor Conference Call Information Management of Ardagh and Gores Holdings V will host an investor conference call on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST / 6:00 a.m. PST to discuss the proposed business combination. The call can be accessed by dialing +1 (833) 470-1428 (domestic toll-free number) or +1 (404) 975-4839 (international) and providing the access code: 403501.
The conference call will be accompanied by a detailed investor presentation. For interested investors who wish to participate, the conference call and replay details will be available on the "Investors" section of the Ardagh Group website at https://www.ardaghgroup.com/corporate/investors.
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TOKOYO - Emil Oldenburg, a Swedish native who is the co-founder and CTO at Bitcoin.com, one of the world's largest bitcoin sites, feels that Bitcoin will not have a bright future, reports Business Insider.
Bitcoin’s mysterious creator may become the first trillionaire
Oldenburg recently sold all his bitcoins and changed over to bitcoin cash due to bitcoin's high transaction costs and lead times. These high transaction costs were reported by Ars Technica stating that fees reached $26 per trade and it takes an average of about 4-5 hours to confirm a bitcoin transaction.
In an interview with Swedish tech site Brexit, Oldenburg said that an investment in bitcoin is the riskiest investment you can make.
Additionally, Oldenburg reportedly also blames the lack of market liquidity of bitcoin for the switch.
According to Business Insider, Oldenburg said that the reason why people haven't understood the risks inherent in owning bitcoins, is simply because most have only bought the cryptocurrency but never sold or traded with them.
Bitcoin will not be the currency of the future, Oldenburg reportedly claims as he sees the future in bitcoin cash.
Bitcoin is not for the faint heart
Meanwhile, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said in December that bitcoin has not been proven to be a credible currency and that he would watch its developments in the near-term.
He made the remark to reporters when asked about his French counterpart’s comment this week that France would propose a discussion on regulating the virtual currency at a meeting of G20 group of major economies next year.
“There’s no fixed definition on whether it’s a currency or not. This issue is a difficult one,” Aso said after a cabinet meeting.
“It has not yet been proven to be credible enough to become a currency, so I need to watch for a little while more.”


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NEW DELHI: India’s greatest carmaker Maruti Suzuki will restart operations at its Gurugram plant in Haryana on Monday after about 55 days of closure because of the coronavirus-led lockdown, the corporate knowledgeable BSE.
The corporate in a letter to BSE stated that it might “..restart manufacturing of cars at Gurugram plant on 18th May. All actions can be performed strictly according to the federal government rules and pointers.”
The Gurgaon facility rolls out fashions like S-Cross, Vitara Brezza, Ignis and Super Carry gentle business cars. While it produces prime promoting fashions like Alto, Swift, Dzire, S-Presso, Ertiga, and Baleno from the Manesar plant
With this, Maruti Suzuki will restart operations of its 2d plant within the fourth segment of the national lockdown, which has considerably impacted financial process. Last week, the carmaker spread out the Manesar plant on a unmarried shift foundation.
However, the corporate is but to get permission for its Gujarat plant because it comes beneath a containment zone.
Maruti Suzuki suspended paintings at each its crops in Haryana — Manesar and Gurugram — on March 22 to struggle the coronavirus pandemic.
Both Gurgaon and Manesar mixed accounts for 15.five lakh gadgets’ annual capability.


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The Samsung Galaxy S2 Epic 4G was among those listed by Apple
With Apple’s beatdown of Samsung in court last week, the company submitted a list of 8 devices it wants banned and pulled from store shelves.
Those devices are:
- Galaxy S 4G
- Galaxy S2 (also Galaxy S2 AT&T, Galaxy S2 T-Mobile)
- Galaxy S2 Epic 4G
- Galaxy S Showcase
- Droid Charge
- Galaxy Prevail
Luckily for Samsung users, most of these devices are already older and not necessarily selling well here in the U.S.
To add to the sales bans though, Apple is looking to get the damages tripled to $3.15 billion since the jury found that Samsung “willfully” copied Apple, according to Bloomberg.


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The cauldron of the Olympic flame has been lit with the help of Finnish company Arrant-Light Oy. The cauldron has been illuminated with a Russian manufacturer’s luminaires made of LEDs, delivered by Arrant-Light.
"This is just a one example of architectural facade lighting that the cooperation with our customers has taken us. Our main focus is selling components for companies manufacturing office, industrial, street and shoplighting," says the Managing Director of Arrant-Light, Janne Mäkinen.
"Long term cooperation and mutual trust with lighting manufacturers creates a chance for us to get involved also in special projects like these. Russian markets are one of the most rapidly growing markets for LEDs in the world," Mäkinen continues.
Arrant-Light Oy was founded on 1984 and is celebrating its 30th year of operation this year.
The company is the largest supplier of white LED components for general lighting in Scandinavia. Arrant-Light is a distributor of Citizen Electronics LED components but also designs and produces LED modules. The company is privately owned and its main markets are Scandinavia, Baltic Countries, Russia and Ukraine.


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Passengers using Doncaster Sheffield Airport will now be able to receive regular updates from the South Yorkshire travel hub at any time thanks to the use of Twitter and Facebook.
The airport has officially launched the sites as part of a new digital media strategy which aims to capitalise on these new forms of online communication to engage more closely with its customers.
The Facebook and Twitter accounts will be used to communicate with passengers and give them live information about the airport and flights.
Followers of the sites will also receive regular flight, holiday and car parking offers, information regarding new flight destinations and special discounts available at the airport’s retail outlets.
Jodi Stow, Marketing and Communications Manager at the airport said: “We have begun to use Twitter and Facebook to create a better connection with our passengers and keep them more informed with relevant updates throughout the day.
“Twitter and Facebook provide us with new ways of communicating quickly with our passengers. By including social media in our communications strategy we aim to engage more openly with our passengers and ultimately deliver a better service.”
Social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter are growing in popularity, with more companies and celebrities using them as business opportunities.
Recently Facebook announced that it had over 400million active users and Twitter has over 100million uses.


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Samsung Electronics Co. spent about $24 billion in the past two years beefing up the world's biggest maker of memory chips to meet demand. It wasn't enough.
Surging sales of smartphones, including its own Galaxy range, has Samsung turning to its biggest rival to buy mobile dynamic random access memory chips. For the first time, the company that makes more than half the world's mobile DRAM chips may buy them from SK Hynix Inc., said Shin Jong Kyun, head of Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung's mobile business.
The supply squeeze doesn't just pose a problem for Samsung, which releases its new flagship Galaxy S4 phone in South Korea tomorrow. The chips, along with NAND memory, are needed in handsets and tablet computers made by Apple Inc., Nokia Oyj and HTC Corp. for functions from playing video and multitasking to storing books and photographs.
"Not only DRAM chips, but all memory chips for mobile devices show signs of shortages," said Kim Sung In, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities Co. in Seoul, who recommends buying both Samsung and Hynix shares. "Samsung's biggest chip customer is itself and things will only get out of hand with the approach of the third quarter, typically the strongest time of year."
The second half of the year is when Samsung expects to release a new smartphone using its own Tizen operating system and an updated version of the Galaxy Note device. It's also when Apple usually releases details of a new handset.
The S4 is in limited supply and Samsung is struggling to keep up with demand, the company said. Two top U.S. carriers have pushed back their release dates citing shipment delays.
"Pre-order demand is much stronger than expected, so it's difficult to rapidly boost supply in the short term," Lee Don Joo, president of the strategic marketing office at Samsung's mobile business, said today in Seoul. The handset will be released in South Korea tomorrow and on Saturday in other markets around the world, Lee said.
The rising demand for mobile chips follows a glut in production of the type of DRAM used in personal computers that saw prices slump, driving some producers to the wall.
SK Hynix, Micron, Nanya Technology Corp., Powerchip Technology Corp. and other Samsung rivals lost a combined $21 billion from 2008 to 2012, according to analyst estimates and company data compiled by Bloomberg. Some Taiwanese makers quit the business, while Tokyo-based Elpida Memory Inc. was forced to seek protection from creditors before Boise, Idaho-based Micron Technology Inc. agreed to buy it last year.
Chip prices have since recovered as suppliers including Micron kept DRAM output steady. Last year, Toshiba Corp., the world's second-biggest maker of NAND flash memory, said it will reduce production by 30 percent.
Benchmark 2Gb, 1333Mhz DRAM chips have more than doubled to $1.69 since the end of November, according to TrendForce Corp.'s DRAMeXchange, Asia's largest market for the components.
"Mobile DRAM supply started to slow from the third quarter of last year as players had cut investment a lot," said Byun Han Joon, an analyst at KB Investment & Securities Co. in Seoul. "There's a possibility that demand for mobile chips may increase faster than had been anticipated so Samsung is trying to brace for it."
SK Hynix, the world's second-largest supplier, counts Apple among its biggest customers, with the maker of iPhones providing 9.3 percent of sales, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Cupertino, California-based company ranks behind only Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which assembles the iPad, the data show.
SK Hynix, which has been unprofitable in four of the past five years, this week posted first-quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates as chip prices rebound.
Shares of the Icheon, South Korea-based company have risen 15 percent this year compared with a 2.3 percent drop in the benchmark Kospi index and a 1.8 percent decline for Samsung.
Global smartphone sales rose 34 percent last year to $294 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Industries.
Among the flagship devices announced in the past 12 months are HTC's One, Nokia's Lumia 920, the BlackBerry Z10 and Apple's iPhone 5.
"Chip demand for smartphones remains strong while the market will be flooded out with new devices," said Lee Sei Cheol, a Seoul-based analyst at Meritz Securities Co.
Samsung's capital spending on chips was 13.85 trillion won ($12.3 billion) last year after the company spent 13 trillion won on the business the year before.
As of the fourth quarter of last year, Samsung had 51 percent of the global mobile DRAM market, followed by SK Hynix's 25 percent and 20 percent for Elpida, according to market researcher IHS iSuppli.
Any supply squeeze is likely to help second-tier players such as Taoyuan, Taiwan-based Nanya Technology Corp., which is ramping up production of mobile chips and expects the business will climb to 10 percent of revenue by the end of the year from 1 percent in the first quarter. Inotera Memories Inc., a Taiwan- based venture between Nanya and Micron, expects mobile DRAM will rise to 20 percent of sales by the fourth quarter from 5 percent at the end of 2012, Chairman Charles Kau said.
Toshiba is closely monitoring the market for signs of shortages that may be based on "excessive expectations," spokesman Atsushi Ido said by phone, declining to elaborate. Samsung, Hynix and Elpida declined to comment on output plans.
Part of Samsung's dilemma with mobile DRAM is its own success in making mobiles, which is the biggest profit driver at the company. Telecommunications contributed 67 percent of operating income in 2012, compared with 14 percent for chips and 11 percent for liquid crystal displays, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
While Apple has focused on high-end devices and limited its handset releases to one a year since the first iPhone, Samsung offers smartphones across a wider range of prices, all requiring mobile DRAM chips.
"Demand for Samsung's mobile phones is way too strong" for the company's semiconductor business to keep up, said Kiwoom Securities' Kim.


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Word&Way's media columnist highlights this year's questionable or different Christian products and marketing with his annual Bad Burrito Awards.
Following Jesus' lead isn't always easy, but discerning his will in matters of meeting human need is hardly rocket science. Even at Christmas it is easy to be cynical and reluctant to respond positively to obvious needs. But even as you dig into your purse
BRADFORD, England (ABP) -- A Christian debt-counseling charity in the United Kingdom is calling on people to avoid using credit cards and loans to pay for their Christmas shopping this year.
CONWAY, N.H. (ABP) -- A minister and two elders of a Southern Baptist church in New Hampshire have been convicted on misdemeanor charges of failing to report suspected sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl.
A United Nations committee has adopted a resolution combating the "vilification of religions," but religious freedom advocates who oppose the measure say support for it continues to diminish.
Christian groups have taken up selling fair-trade products that offer consumers the choice of purchasing a product from a company whose business practices maximize economic good for the consumer, the seller's bottom line and the originators of the product.
Even a financial decision as seemingly mundane as where to buy your morning coffee can have profound moral implications. Experts in ethics and economics say Christians need to examine their own consciences and beliefs to build an ethical framework for making their economic decisions.
Former President George W. Bush made no secret his politics were tinged by his religious faith, but in his recently released memoir, Decision Points, he never would have made it to the White House without a fateful—and faith-filled—decision to quit drinking in 1986.


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US: Cherokee receives US$33.9m settlement from Iconix
Cherokee agreed back in April to axe its offer to buy the Mossimo brand if rival bidder Iconix bought out a finder's agreement signed when Cherokee took the brand to retailer Target.
Cherokee has also received repayment of $900,000 worth of past royalties from Mossimo.
In addition, the company will net a future payment of all accrued and unpaid finder's fees due from Mossimo for its fiscal third quarter and additional days up to and including the closing date of Iconix's Mossimo acquisition.
Despite lower royalties from its two biggest US licensees, Target and Mervyn's, Cherokee recorded sizeable gains in revenues and profits for the fourth quarter and full year due to a one-time payment ...
Iconix Brand Group said Wednesday (11 April) that a California superior court jury had ruled in its favour in its suit against Sweet Sportswear, Hubert Guez and other parties alleging infringement of ...
Cherokee Inc has licensed Mexican retailer Comercial Mexicana to market men's, women's and children's apparel, footwear and accessories under the Cherokee brand....
Marks & Spencer could poach the head of clothing at rival retailer Tesco, Terry Green, who has bolstered apparel lines during his tenure at the UK's number one supermarket....
The sale of the intellectual property of Danskin to Iconix Brand Group has been finalised....
Cherokee has signed an exclusive international license agreement for its Sideout Brand with Latin American firm P&L Global Network....
Iconix Brand Group Tuesday (6 March) reported sharply higher royalties but a more modest gain in profits for the fourth quarter....
Iconix Brand Group has agreed to buy the Rocawear line for US$204m in cash and up to an additional $35m in Iconix stock....
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- Global Sports and Fitness Wear Market 2016-2020


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Shoppers Come To Columbiana
COLUMBIANA, Ohio – The holiday shopping season has arrived, and store owners are hoping everyone will choose to shop local for their loved ones this year.
Supporting small businesses is especially important in a small town like Columbiana, says Brenda May, manager of the Local Artisans Loft.
“It’s always important to shop local and support small businesses to keep us running, we’re a small town,” she says.
May was one of several owners who participated in Christmas in Columbiana, Nov. 18 to 20. The city hosted Christmas-themed events and stores set special hours to encourage shopping.
Pewter Peddler co-owner Amanda Bowker says shopping local is more important than ever as inflation continues to cause financial strain.
“Even if you can’t spend the normal amount that you do, just those little bits are helping,” she says.
Pictured at top: Shop manager Brenda May welcomes customers to Local Artisans Loft on South Main Street in Columbiana.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.


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Coinbase Xrp Wallet video fake or real ?
A recently revealed video showing a Xrp (Ripple) wallet option on a Coinbase account supports allegations that Coinbase would list Ripple soon.
Coinbase rejected rumours days ago that Ripple would be available on Coinbase market. However, today a video of a XRP Wallet apparently on Coinbase was posted online.
Coinbase exchange has 15 million registered traders, therefore is a determining actor in the crypto currency market. If Coinbase announces the listing of Ripple, XRP price is expected to reach 8 USD.
What do you think of this video ? Please share your thoughts with us.


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Shock jock Howard Stern filed with U.S. regulators to register for sale up to 22.1 million shares of Sirius Satellite Radio, his bonus payment after the company ended 2006 with more than 6 million subscribers.
Sirius said in the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that the shares, valued at about $82.9 million, will be sold periodically by Stern's investment vehicle, One Twelve, and by Chipombe, a company whose sole member is Don Buchwald, Stern's agent.
In 2004, the two sides had based their estimate of 2006 subscribers on the average analysts' forecast that the company would reach 3.5 million.
Sirius reported last week that it ended 2006 with more than 6 million subscribers, at the middle of a forecast range made in December.
"The decision to bring Howard Stern to Sirius required a very significant commitment and we are very pleased that our investment has dramatically paid off," Sirius Chief Executive Mel Karmazin said in a statement.
Sirius said its agreement with Stern offers additional stock-based bonuses if it exceeds an ever-higher set of subscriber targets. The amount of excess growth needed to trigger a bonus increases over time and is substantially higher than 2 million, the company said.
Sirius said the bonus to Stern would not increase its diluted share count and that expenses related to the payment have been reflected in operating results throughout 2006.


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AMD is moving forward
AMD has definitely found new markets and products that are helping them rebuild in a very bad economic environment worldwide. That's impressive. A $29 millon quarterly loss on a billion dollars in sales is insignificant in the grand scheme of business. Some of the previous quarters AMD made good money but showed negative numbers because they purchased SeaMicro, bought out of exclusive CPU production with GloFo, etc.
Someone who doesn't understand the accounting - and there are many who fall into this category, falsely conclude that AMD has only experienced red ink in recent times, which is untrue. In addition SeaMicro will be bringing in nice revenue and developing new micro servers by Q4 of '13. It's good that AMD has made the painful transition but they seem well positioned going forward despite the naysayers.


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CELLINK is changing its name to BICO
The CELLINK brand will remain to define bioprinting activities only
CELLINK, one of the first companies to emerge as a major global player in the bioprinting industry, is going to change its name to BICO. The new name reflects the Group’s strategic bio-convergence agenda and emphasizes that the company now comprises a Group consisting of several subsidiaries divided into three business areas.
In addition, the journey begins to, over time, build a world-famous company by unleashing the power and future potential of a new brand. The first step in the process for changing the name will be through the resolution at the Extraordinary General Meeting on August 6, 2021, and by amending the Articles of Association and thereafter register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office.
CELLINK has carried out extensive brand work in 2021. The aim has been to create a brand strategy that better reflects the Group’s development and to better harness the power, strength, and future potential of a new brand. An important component has been to further strengthen the alignment to the Group’s strategic bio convergence agenda. This has resulted in a proposal for a new Group name as well as new visual identity with a new logotype which is reflected in the new name, BIo COnvergence.
“In five years, we have built a world-leading group that offers something truly unique – namely a bio-convergence revolution. We believe in this concept so strongly that we decided to name the organization after it. By combining different technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, and 3D printing with biology, we enable our customers to improve people’s health and lives for the better. We have always challenged and developed the industry. We will continue to do this in a new context since the new name releases even better opportunities to communicate our offering, our plans going forward, and how we contribute to create the health of the future”, says Erik Gatenholm, CEO.
The proposal to change the company’s name applies only to CELLINK AB (publ). The subsidiaries which are part of the Group will keep their names. No changes as a result of the name change will take place for employees within the Group regarding their employment. In the future, the name CELLINK will continue to be used by the wholly-owned subsidiary CELLINK Bioprinting AB which develops and sells bioprinters and consumables under the CELLINK brand.
If the name change is approved at the extraordinary general meeting, it also means that the company changes the ticker from CLNK to BICO. Otherwise, there are no changes to the company’s financial instruments.


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WASHINGTON (March 15, 2007) – Apples may prove to be a winner when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease, says a new study of more than 34,000 women. In this study, flavonoid-rich apples were found to be one of three foods (along with red wine and pears) that decrease the risk of mortality for both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among post-menopausal women, The findings were published in the March 2007 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Women of all ages are encouraged to consume more fruit and vegetables, including apples and apple products, for heart health. However, this study focused on postmenopausal woman, a group becoming more aware of the risk for heart disease. Using a government database that assesses the flavonoid-compound content of foods, the researchers hypothesized that flavonoid intake (in general and from specific foods), might be inversely associated with mortality from CVD and CHD among the women in the study groupSubjects selected for this research analysis were postmenopausal and part of the ongoing Iowa Women's Health Study, each of which has been monitored for dietary intake and various health outcomes for nearly 20 years.
As a result of the extensive analysis that considered what the women ate, the types of cardiovascular-related diseases they experienced, and the overall flavonoid content of an extensive list of foods, the researchers concluded that consumption of apples, pears and red wine were linked with the lowest risk for mortality related to both CHD and CVD (not just one or the other).
"Flavonoids are compounds found in small quantities in numerous plant foods, including fruits and vegetables, tea, wine, nuts and seeds, and herbs and spices," say the university researchers from the University of Minnesota and the University of Oslo (Norway) Earlier research has indicated that flavonoids also have antioxidant properties that are linked to the reduction of oxidation of the bad (LDL - low density lipoprotein) cholesterol which have been linked in various ways with the development of CVD. According to the government database cited in this paper, apples contain a wide variety of flavonoid compounds.
The researchers also believe this is the first prospective study of postmenopausal women to report on the intake and impact of total and specific flavonoid subclasses. They conclude, "Dietary intakes of flavanones, anthocyanins, and certain foods rich in flavonoids were associated with reduced risk of death due to CHD, CVD and all causes."
The publication of this positive study for apples comes on the heels of updated heart disease prevention guidelines for women just released by the American Heart Association in the February 20 issue of Circulation. As part of their guidelines, AHA emphasizes that women increase their intake of fruits and vegetables to help prevent heart disease over their lifetime, not just to reduce short-term risk. Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the largest single cause of mortality among women, accounting for one third of all deaths.
Note: The text of this release can be downloaded from the News Releases section of USApple's Media Web site, at http://www.usapple.org/media/newsreleases/index.shtml.
The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 300 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition


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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- As the Latino population in the United States grows faster than any other demographic, Square, the popular mobile payments company, is launching a suite of products in Spanish to capture the market.
San Francisco-based Square will bring its Register offering, reports and analytics, Square Market, and the company's mobile products into the Spanish-speaking market, allowing small businesses with Latino owners to better understand their customers.
The U.S. Census Bureau noted that Hispanics launched approximately 20% of the new businesses in 2013, growing them at nearly twice the rate of the general population. Hence, Square, which is valued around $4.5 billion on the private markets, is looking to this segment to fund its next area of growth.
"Every entrepreneur and business owner should have access to tools and resources that inform their decisions and help them reach their goals," said Square executive Ricardo Reyes in a press release. "Square's powerful tools offer more than just a point of sale, they build on the experience for the business and its customers. Now Square is optimized for Latino businesses to serve their customers across the U.S."
Square, which counts Visa (V) as one of its investors, has been busy launching new products, as the mobile payments industry is ripe for one company to take ownership of it. The Jack Dorsey-led company has launched Market, an online marketplace for sellers to sell products, similar to Etsy, and eBay's (EBAY) Marketplace, as well as Square Stand, an all-in-one payments solution system for small and medium-sized businesses.


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A woman and her boyfriend stole someone's wiener dog when they were delivering packages for Amazon in Parker County Texas.
What's worse is they tried to sell the dog online on Craigslist. The family's doorbell camera caught them in the act. Amazon issued a statement letting folks know these two are no longer delivering packages for their company. (I would hope not!)
Investigators said they found a Craigslist ad featuring the dog after the heartless theft.
"There was no contact information, but we're pretty sure it was RJ that was for sale on Craigslist for $100," Parker County sheriff's property crimes investigator Ethan Stark told the Weatherford Democrat. "The ad immediately changed once I contacted the suspect."
The dog had gotten out of the family's home for a split second and wandered far enough away that he was easy to grab and there was a construction crew in the area. Wade asked the crew who the dog belonged to and they snatched him up and drove away!
Everyone should get to you know your Amazon delivery driver so you recognize the people driving around in your neighborhood. If our Dachshund got out and was stolen I'd be horrified! Especially if he was close to the front yard. Luckily our doxie isn't that great with strangers and would probably bite them!
Can you believe this dog was stolen by a delivery driver? Please let us know in the comments.
This article was originally published August 1, 2019. It's a reminder to always be aware of who approaches your animals!
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