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Today’s economic news should bring a smile to any investor’s face, but the threat of a global recession looms ever closer.
Unemployment is near record lows, and among post-9/11 veterans, it is the lowest it’s ever been. The jobs report last week shattered expectations, GDP is growing, wages are up, and manufacturing is coming back into this country. After a sharp decline to end 2018, the stock market came roaring back, powered by these excellent economic numbers.
But conditions are not so rosy in the rest of the world. Global growth is faltering, and it could be just a matter of time before the world’s economy grinds to a halt.
And a global economic slowdown could sink the American economy with it…
There Are Recession Triggers Everywhere
We’re keeping our eyes on two problems that threaten global growth.
First, China’s economic growth last year was the slowest it’s been in 28 years. The second largest economy in the world is no longer performing as the envy of the financial world.
There were signs last year that this was coming, long before the specter of a trade war with the United States reared its head and tariff battles began. European exports to China were down sharply in 2017. And Chinese year-over-year import comparisons from all over dropped sharply throughout the year and into negative territory.
The Clock Is Ticking: Millions of American retirement plans hang in the balance – and if you’re not doing this, you’re in for a nasty shock in a few weeks. Click here now…
The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is struggling with domestic economic weaknesses, which includes ballooning debt, overinvestment, and constraints on private businesses. The combination knocked down growth to its slowest rate in three decades.
The real problem is that China’s weakness is already creeping into American firms. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA), and a slew of other firms are already pointing the finger at China to explain slowing revenue and weaker guidance.
Unlike the Chinese stock market, which was one of the world’s worst performers in 2018, the effects of China’s economic slowdown have spread into the real economy. Its impact on the rest of the world will be much greater.
Second, Germany reported negative GDP growth last quarter.
That might seem like a minor problem, but Germany is the economic engine of Europe. That’s especially true as Brexit nears and threatens to destabilize the region and further hurt the already weak UK economy.
Italy is mired in a debt crisis with no end in sight, so it will not be able to handle an overall German-led European slump. France’s growth is anemic, and people are protesting in the streets. Since the European Union is the United States’ largest trading partner – even bigger than China – a downturn there could be even worse than China’s slowdown for the domestic economy.
And these triggers couldn’t be coming at a worse time.
While the U.S. economic numbers have looked great, there are signs they are peaking. The economy roared to life after the 2008 financial crisis, launching the stock market into the longest bull market every recorded. But as every investor knows, bull markets don’t last forever.
The American economy could start sliding down the mountain in a hurry if the rest of the world slows down too. In fact, economists at Cornell University believe the steady growth we’ve seen over the past decade will soon come to an end, likely by the end of the year. They see a gradual decline in reaction to the Federal Reserve raising interest rates and, in turn, interest-sensitive sectors cooling off.
Basically, we are nearing the peak of the business cycle. It’s nothing sinister, but rather a natural ebb in the flow of economic performance.
That’s why it’s important for investors to be aware of what’s going on and have a plan to protect their money…


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News number 1
The official announcement of Psyonix’s Rocket League Sideswipe has taken place on mobile. The game will be released on Android and iOS, it will retain the original flavor, but the matches will be faster, 2 minutes each, the voiced formats are “1 on 1” and “2 on 2”. Rocket League Sideswipe will be shareware and will be released sometime in 2021, alpha testing on Android for Australia and New Zealand is already underway.
News number 2
The mobile version of Genshin Impact has earned over $ 1 billion dollars. The total revenues of the project are inferior to such monsters as PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings in the context of the last 30-nb, but this is the first mobile game to reach its $ 1 billion so quickly. Info from Sensor Tower.
News number 3
Information has been confirmed that Virtus.pro will sign the PUBG Mobile roster. They see the development of the mobile games market, the publisher contributes to the development of eSports, the debut in the CIS stage of the PUBG Mobile Pro League, which will be held from April 20 to May 15.
News number 4
PUBG Mobile Since its release in March 2018, it has earned $ 5.1 billion, in 12 months 2020 brought $ 2.7 billion, downloaded it 1 billion times. Info from Sensor Tower…
News number 5
Final Fantasy XI canceled on mobile. Development began 6 years ago, but the developer decided to cancel the mobile version of the game. We were not informed about the reasons, we can only guess.
News number 6
Code Live, Dawn Awakening, Undawn – are they the same damn thing? Lightspeed & Quantum Studios won’t be developing multiple responses to Netease’s LifeAfter: Night Falls? I hope so, otherwise I’m already confused by these zombie survivals from Tencent. PVP, PVE, Android, iOS, PC, crossplay, wait for the fall of 2021.
News number 7
200 million downloads worldwide and 27 million monthly installs overtaking Among Us. Another successful brainchild of Tencent? Not! Join Clash and Join Clash 3D – the brainchild of the Belarusian FreePlay. If you like hypercodes, then join in, raise the number of downloads.
News number 8
Playrix, known for games like Homescapes and Gardenscapes bought the Ukrainian Boolat Games and will create a new studio based on it. Now there are 30 employees from Kiev and Poltava, further expansion is planned.
News number 9
Magic: The Gathering Arena is out officially on Android and iOS. Previously, it was only in Early Access, and even earlier in TapTap. On the channel there was a first glance at her.
News number 10
Moonton Technology, known for Mobile Legends: Bang bang, is acquired by ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. Mobile Legends begins to squeeze Tencent with Honor of Kings and League of Legends, which, in turn, has been dabbling in lawsuits for copyright infringement against MLBB since 2017. Tencent also wanted to buy Moonton, but something didn’t work out.
News number 11
League of Legends: Wild Rift is still in the bat, but it continues to delight with updates. Update 2.2 – new patch, 5 new champions, new skins, ARAM (All Random All Mid) mode, new items for the store. The update is just around the corner, at the end of March.
News number 12
Microsoft is in talks to buy the Discord messenger for $ 10 billion. The exact details of the deal have not been disclosed, there are other contenders, but Microsoft is still the favorite. Looking forward to Discord for Business with audio and video broadcasts instead of Skype for Business?
News number 13
Kefir brings us closer to solving the controversy lab in Last Day on Earth: Survival. The new video is already on the official youtube channel, and the main gate of the lab has opened in the game itself.

domain: news


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This is a good reason for anyone with this type of implant to keep devices out of bras and breast pockets.
It may seem harmless to tuck your phone into your bra if you need both hands to do something else, but smartphone magnetic fields could make this a dangerous practice for pacemaker and implanted defibrillator patients. Same goes for devices tucked into breast pockets and the inner chest pocket of a jacket.
New research shows that these types of gadgets should be kept at least 15 cm (6 inches) away.
Consumer electronic and smartphone magnetic fields can be strong enough that they can interfere with implanted medical devices. It should be noted that the risk to patients is a low one, but it is worthwhile knowing about because it’s a risk that is unnecessary when the patient knows it’s there. This was the conclusion released by the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health based on Seth Seidman and his team’s research.
The researchers measured the variations in strength of magnetic field based on various distances away from the latest smartwatch and phone models. What they determined was that these types of devices should be kept a minimum of 15 centimeters away from implanted medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
The risk is mild but gadget and smartphone magnetic fields can affect implanted life-saving devices.
These types of implanted device deliver electrical pulses that are necessary to keep those patients alive. They are what make the chambers of their hearts pump blood and contract at the rate they need. If electromagnetic interference occurs and it is strong enough, the devices risk inaccurate heart rate tracking or inaccurate electrical pulse delivery. When implant wearers are required to undergo a procedure where it’s possible that they will experience such powerful electromagnetic interference, they need to place their medical devices in “magnet mode”, temporarily suspending the function of the device to stop inappropriate electrical pulses from resulting.
Magnet mode is usually switched on using a basic donut magnet that has a 9 mT strength. That said, it can also be triggered by accident by magnets stronger than about 1 mT.
Though that type of risk used to be rare from household items, today’s consumer electronics are changing the environment for patients with electrical medical implants. The study showed that, when within 6 inches of the implants, smartwatch and smartphone magnetic fields can be powerful enough to have an effect and caution is recommended.


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After Oceana requested information about the use of antibiotics in Chile’s salmon industry, Chile’s Ministry of Economy revealed for the first time ever that Chile used about 718,000 pounds of antibiotics in 2008 and 850,000 pounds in 2007. In an article titled "Chile’s Antibiotic Use on Salmon Farms Dwarfs That of a Top Rival’s" in Sunday’s The New York Times, Alex Muñoz, Oceana’s vice president for South America, was quoted criticizing Chile’s overuse of antibiotics in its salmon farms.
The world’s second biggest salmon exporter, Chile uses the antibiotics to control the spread of viruses and other fish-borne illnesses that kill millions of salmon. In addition, the report revealed that about one-third of Chile’s antibiotics are not approved for use in the US by the US Food and Drug Administration.
In 2008, Oceana submitted a plan to reduce and regulate antibiotics in salmon aquaculture to the Chilean government. Muñoz, says that "the ministry’s numbers confirm that the Chilean salmon industry has abused the use of antibiotics. They also show that the Chilean government has placed a higher priority on ensuring the profitability of a business sector than protecting consumers and the nation’s ecosystems."
- Deceptive Crab Mislabeling Leads Members of Congress to Call for Action Posted Wed, July 30, 2014
- Ocean News: Blue Whale “Hot Spots” Linked with Busy Shipping Lanes, Massachusetts Bans Shark Fin Trade, and More Posted Fri, July 25, 2014
- Creature Feature: Caribbean Spiny Lobster Posted Wed, July 30, 2014
- Massachusetts Takes a Step Forward For Sharks Posted Fri, July 25, 2014
- Ocean News: Brazil Bans Catfish Fishery to Protect Pink River Dolphins, Arctic Ice Melt Leading to Large Arctic Waves, and More Posted Thu, July 31, 2014


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After successful raise of 10 million dollars for the development of this Mecha FPS gem by publisher Meteor Entertainment , Adhesive games redesigned and consolidated their online presence on one page – www.playhawken.com . This game took gaming world by storm when first shown last year, and continues to amaze gamers and developers around the world. Next week at the Game Developers Conference (GDC 2012), Meteor Entertainment will showcase Hawken. Untill then, there is a March 2012 gameplay footage released on their youtube channel.
Adhesive games‘ labor of love – Hawken will hit the players on 12th of December 2012. Developer stated that this FPS Mecha Combat game will be online only and free 2 play. Signups for Closed Beta Testing of the game are already up, and you can enlist on the Hawken’s homepage.
When you register for the CBT, you will get referral link for your friends. When three friends sign up, you can go on homepage and reserve your pilot’s callsign.


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Iron + Grain Coffee House opens in Davenport’s Hilltop Campus Village
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Iron + Grain Coffee House opened in Davenport’s Hilltop Campus Village Saturday morning. The coffee shop is located at the corner of 17th Street and Main Street.
“I am really excited to be on the Hilltop because there are so many great businesses up here and there are so many other interesting things going on and I’m excited to see it grow because for a long time, it needed something like this up here,” says Megan Hogg, General Manager at Iron + Grain.
The coffee house is a welcome addition to the growth of the Hilltop, where the pandemic caused many to close.
“The business owners struggled. The issue was, you couldn’t generate foot traffic and not everybody was set up with drive-thru’s and deliveries. We lost some businesses, now we are gaining businesses. It’s an ebb and flow of economic activity,” says Scott Tunnicliff, Executive Director of the Hilltop Campus Village.
With more business in the Hilltop, organizers say the economic boost is also a benefit to residents.
“This is going to draw from Palmer to the south, from St. Ambrose a couple blocks to the north, but most importantly, I think you’ll see it as a benefit to the residents in the immediate area too. So, this is going to be a real catalyst for the identity of the area,” Tunnicliff says.
The opening is part of a comeback for the Hilltop as COVID-19 cases decrease and an opportunity for growth.
“There’s a lot of ancillary spin off that can go forward. What I’m hoping is that we see more people coming in and it will benefit all of the small businesses,” says Tunnicliff.
Starting next week, Iron + Grain will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Copyright 2021 KWQC. All rights reserved.


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The California Air Resource Board (CARB) enacted regulations on December 14 that are expected to significantly impact the supermarket and industrial refrigeration industry. These regulatory requirements on artificial refrigerants known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs are the most stringent implemented in the United States to date. Hillphoenix‘s portfolio of environmentally friendly products are designed to enable businesses to become compliant with these types of new regulations.
The new rules specifically affect commercial and industrial, stationary refrigeration units in California like the ones found in grocery stores and other food retail establishments. The regulations apply to new refrigeration equipment and retrofits and take effect at the beginning of January 2022.
“This landmark decision by CARB will have a lasting impact on the industry and likely have far-reaching influence on regulatory decisions across the United States and beyond, as requirements similar to California’s could potentially become the adopted standards,” stated Scott Martin, Director of Research, Industry Relations and Development, Dover Food Retail and Hillphoenix. “Hillphoenix, in keeping with the sustainability focus of our parent company Dover, is committed to developing products that help our customers meet their sustainability goals, run their operations more efficiently and satisfy evolving regulatory and environmental standards. With our leading portfolio of natural refrigeration solutions, Hillphoenix is well positioned to provide innovative and environmentally friendly products and an efficient path to compliance for our customers.”
Hillphoenix has invested in a broad portfolio of sustainable technologies and refrigeration solutions to satisfy the customer demand driven by evolving regulatory requirements, such as the new regulations in California. Investments include the acquisition of Advansor DE in Europe, a leader in carbon dioxide (CO2) technology research and development in sustainable refrigeration systems. Natural refrigeration solutions like CO2 have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than traditional artificial refrigerants. Hillphoenix recently opened a new facility dedicated to this business line that will be a springboard for CO2 leadership in Europe and North America. To date, Advansor has over 7,000 installations of CO2 systems in Europe.
“Advansor is a world leader in natural refrigeration technologies, and our technology uses CO2 in refrigeration to lessen the product’s contribution to global warming,” stated Kristian Breitenbauch, Managing Director, Advansor. “We are continuously innovating to improve environmental outcomes for our customers.”
U.S. manufacturing at Hillphoenix is focused on providing a wide variety of CO2 systems with North American installations exceeding 1,000 as many major retailers have committed to making the technology switch.
“Hillphoenix is a pioneer in designing environmentally sustainable refrigeration products for the industry,” said Martin. “With improvements in alternative refrigerants and energy efficiency, Hillphoenix has helped remove over 2.5 billion pounds of harmful emissions from customer operations in the last two decades and delivered thousands of natural refrigeration solutions to food retailers. We remain committed to supporting the reduction of harmful emissions to help our customers succeed in the marketplace and reduce their environmental burden.”


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Paddy Power's controversial Oscar Pistorius advert is to be withdrawn with immediate effect, after the Advertising Standards Authority received an "unprecedented number of complaints."
The ad, which offers "money back if he walks" or is found not guilty of killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp featured a photograph of Paralympic gold medallist Pistorius, mocked up as an Academy Award statuette.
A spokesman for the advertising watchdog said: "We consider the ad may be seriously prejudicial to the general public on the ground of the likely further serious and/or widespread offence it may cause.
"We are also concerned that the good reputation of the advertising industry may be further damaged by continued publication of this ad."
More top news
It doesn't feel particularly much like Christmas because it is pretty mild, but it is set to turn colder over the next few days.
Joe Cocker's most famous songs took him from the UK, to US and beyond and turned him into an international superstar.
A decade after their parents' deaths, entrepreneurs Rob and Paul Forkan celebrate the building of their first children's home in Sri Lanka.


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LAS VEGAS -- Customers are under pressure to innovate but will need to overcome the constraints of organizational shortsightedness to take advantage of rapidly emerging technology trends such as artificial intelligence.
That was one message emphasized at the Evolve Technology leadership and technology conference, which concluded May 9. CIOs and IT managers attended the conference, which was hosted by Trace3, an IT solutions and services provider based in Irvine, Calif.
Keynote speaker Peter Hinssen, futurist, chairman and co-founder of Nexxworks, told attendees "corporate myopia" and a failure to focus on long-term value will prevent organizations from adapting to a digital world. Hinssen said that world is characterized by disruptive global network platforms such as Amazon, fluid data, robotics and deep AI.
Hinssen pointed to "category kings" such as Amazon in retail and Facebook in social media as linchpins of the digital order -- and forces of disruption. "Retail is being hit and being hit really hard at the moment," he said.
The disruptive pressure stems not only from Western category kings such as Amazon. Hinssen pointed to a parallel, and perhaps a more advanced, platform "stack" emerging in China. He said China's new Silk Road, also called the Belt and Road Initiative, signals the largest economic expansion in the last 200 years and features such components as the Baidu search engine, Alibaba e-commerce platform, and WeChat social media and mobile payment system.
He said the stack coming out of the new Silk Road is "closer to the future and more aggressive" than the stack featuring U.S.-based companies. He observed, for example, that digital platforms are making China a cashless society in which credit cards are already viewed as a bit medieval.
Business innovation strategy: The struggle to innovate
Companies hoping to innovate in the face of digital disruption have their work cut out for them.
"Most IT leaders out there really have this burning desire to be innovative, creative, relevant and make a difference in their companies," said Mark Campbell, chief innovation officer at Trace3.
Rama Sekharpartner, Norwest Venture Partners
The problem, he suggested, is not knowing exactly how to innovate while dealing with the day-to-day struggles of keeping the lights on. Drawing from a football analogy, he likened the challenge to running the game plan but being able to call audibles.
To significantly change the status quo, Campbell said organizations must pursue "positive deviance," a term coined by professor and consultant Jeff DeGraff. Positive deviance, however, must overcome a business' existing processes, standards, product sets, compliance duties and other factors that can constrain innovation, Campbell explained.
"It is insanely difficult to actually pull off in real life," he noted.
Campbell described a series of steps that a successful business innovation strategy attempt at innovation tends to follow. Those steps involve finding answers to some pointed questions: What is the market today? Why do we want to innovate? Who will be the executive owner of the innovation initiative? Where do we look for innovation opportunities? What is the best opportunity now? Who should be on the innovation team? How do we deploy the innovation safely? What surprised us? What did we learn?
Emerging technology trends: Rising AI investments
Among emerging technology trends, one area of innovation gaining momentum is AI. AI and machine learning represent "one of the biggest platform and technology shifts we have ever witnessed," said Rama Sekhar, partner at Norwest Venture Partners, who spoke at the Evolve conference. He called the AI wave "bigger than mobile, cloud and big data."
Norwest, he said, has made more than 20 investments in AI-related companies. He said he sees three primary forms of AI: core AI technologies and platforms, horizontal AI and vertical AI.
He called core AI the "picks and shovels" of the technology that enterprises can use to build AI in their software. Core AI includes the AI capabilities found in public clouds such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, open source libraries, and fields such as machine vision. Horizontal AI, he said, focuses on area such as sales and marketing, while vertical AI specializes in markets such as healthcare or construction.
"Money is pouring into the sector in unprecedented levels," Sekhar said. "AI will become a necessary layer in the stack."
Learn some tips for developing a healthcare technology innovation plan


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The Department of Transportation (DOT) has delayed any rule makings based on the industry’s decision to change Hours of Service (HOS) until sometime in August.
Where would somebody look to decide what steps can be taken to increase driver safety? Is it technology that needs to be advanced in order to prevent the number of accidents? Or is it looking at the data and facts of how many truck involved accidents have occurred on our roadways? Perhaps there is a correlation between the two.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimated that there are roughly 500,000 over-the-road for-hire truckload drivers in the U.S. The ATA also estimated that segment of the industry is currently over 50,000 drivers short, and that number is projected to balloon as high as 175,000 by 2026.
With 2018 coming to a close, US trucking companies are expecting to see freight volumes remain steady if not increase heading into 2019. One factor leading to a rise in truckload shipments can be linked to increased tariffs on Chinese goods by the US. The uptick in tariffs can be traced back September of 2018 when President Trump raised tariffs to 10% on 200 billion worth of imported Chinese products. This news immediately impacted and shifted peak shipping seasons on land and by sea in the US.
Back in November of 2017, Elon Musk unveiled an all-electric battery-powered Class 8 semi-trailer truck prototype. Musk provided specifics of two versions, regular production of 300 and 500 mile ranges. Just last week, the prototype traveled by itself. The Semi has been traveling thousands of miles using the existing Supercharger network. The only necessary help is an extension cord that is needed to plug the truck in when time to charge the vehicle. With the announcement of the prototype, Tesla also announced an ultra high-powered “Megacharger” that will be capable of replenishing 400 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes. .


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October 1, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Materia-USA Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order on Critical Mineral Supply Chain
Materia CEO: Executive Order will Support American Industry and Protect National Interests
Inwood, NY (October 1, 2020) – Materia-USA is proud to announce its support for President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order (Executive Order on Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries). This Executive Order highlights a number or critical minerals that material will be explored in its partnership with Penn State University.
The Executive Order notes that:
“The United States… disproportionately depends on foreign sources for barite. The United States imports over 75 percent of the parts it consumes, and over 50 percent of its part imports come from China. Barite is of critical importance to the hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) industry, which is vital to the energy independence of the United States. The United States depends on foreign sources for 100 percent of its gallium, with China producing around 95 percent of the global supply. Gallium-based semiconductors are indispensable for cellphones, blue and violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs), diode lasers, and fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications. Like for gallium, the United States is 100 percent reliant on imports for graphite, which is used to make advanced batteries for cellphones, laptops, and hybrid and electric cars. China produces over 60 percent of the world’s graphite and almost all of the world’s production of high-purity graphite needed for rechargeable batteries.”
Specifically, in its Department of Energy (DOE) award received September 15 2020, Materia will be focused on unconventional recovery with regards to Alumina, Lithium, and Gallium, all of which are included on the list of 35 critical minerals the Executive Order describes “(1) are “essential to the economic and national security of the United States,” (2) have supply chains that are “vulnerable to disruption,” and (3) serve “an essential function in the manufacturing of a product, the absence of which would have significant consequences for our economy or our national security.” Materia is partnering with Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, H22OS Consulting of Venetia, Pennsylvania, and Larson Enterprises of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania to execute the DOE project.
“Materia is very pleased to see the President take this important step in securing America’s critical mineral interests and laying the foundation of the next American industrial revolution” said Materia-USA CEO Yechezkel “Zeke” Moskowitz. “This not only shows that the U.S. Government takes seriously the threats posed by foreign monopolies on these important materials, but will support American industry to find domestic sources for these crucial industries essential to continuing American economic supremacy for generations to come.”
About Materia-USA Materia USA is a company that is actively seeking out opportunities that accelerate and develop critical mineral projects in the United States. Fueled by the desire to source next generation materials for an America-centered supply chain via advanced methods of recovery, Materia is positioned to secure and utilize non-traditional sources for much needed American made resources. All in all, Materia sees itself as a company that is at the tip of the spear in the rebuilding efforts of American critical material and Rare Earth mineral supply chains that will renew the American manufacturing dream.
For more information about Materia-USA, visit www.MateriaUSA.com


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Latest Cocoa bean Stories
- Second-quarter earnings up 41%; 7% increase through first six months MINNEAPOLIS, Jan.
The November Issue of Food Nutrition & Science Investigates Ebola and Cocoa Exports, Caffeine in Children, Part Two of GMO Analysis, and more. SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct.
Antioxidant-rich naturally occurring dietary compounds found in cocoa could help reverse age-related memory decline in otherwise healthy older adults, claims research led by Columbia University Medical Center and published Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
The report analyzes global chocolate market by product, sales category, geography and raw materials; forecasting revenues and analyzing trends.
This report analyzes the cocoa & chocolate market by geography, type, and application.
According to a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, some Brazilian chocolates contain varying levels of lead and cadmium.
Purchase expands Cargill's chocolate footprint in North America and Europe. MINNEAPOLIS, Sept.
Two NEW Truffles and Cacao Nib Nut Bar Join Growing Gluten-free, Raw Product Line Longmont, Colo.


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Shah Rukh Khan is all set to make a comeback to the big screen after a gap of one and a half year with Zero. The much-awaited trailer of the movie is all set to release on November 2, which is Shah Rukh Khan's birthday. While the trailer is eagerly awaited and fans are expecting that the movie will take Shah Rukh Khan back to the top, Aanand L Rai in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama had said that if the film is good it'll do Rs 350 crore business at the box office.
And now, according to another report, the all India distribution rights of Zero has been sold for a whopping Rs 100 crore on an advance basis, according to Bollywood Hungama. The report states that the movie will have to do a minimum of Rs 190 crore to break even. Shah Rukh Khan's last few films have been sold on Minimum Guarantee but Zero is on an advance basis which means, in case of loss distributors can claim for the refund. Also read: Zero: Shah Rukh Khan's Twitter banter with his on-screen character Bauua Singh will crack you up
While the all India distribution rights of Zero has been sold for Rs 100 crore, it is still lesser than what Dilwale had fetched back in 2015. The Rohit Shetty directorial was sold for Rs 130 crore. But Shah Rukh Khan's last film Jab Harry Met Sejal was sold for a much lesser price at Rs 85 crore. The reason for Zero fetched a lower price than Dilwale is because, the very next week of Zero's release, Rohit Shetty's Simmba is releasing.


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Short news from the gamers' world.
Telltale's Batman returns in Noir style
Athlon Games and Telltale Games are launching the graphically redesigned Batman: Shadows Edition with a more grim and spectacular look. Batman: Shadows Edition will include new graphics enhancements in addition to the base game and is expected to be available for $29.99 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC, plus Alongside the Epic Games Store, Steam won't miss the party either. Players who already have Batman - The Telltale Series, but want to experience a slight noir feel, will have the opportunity to get the Shadow Mode upgrade as a standalone DLC for $4.99.
Microsoft's new console is introducedMicrosoft's new console, formerly known as Project Scarlett, has finally been officially unveiled at The Game Awards. The Xbox Series X will arrive next winter. The first exclusive title, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, has already been introduced, so it's time for the console. The new Xbox has also undergone significant changes in appearance, as it looks more like a brick than a game console.
Therefore, it will not be possible to lay it down. There are some information about the parameters before, but developers say "Series X will be the most powerful Xbox console of all time," which is not a big deal. It's also known that there are currently 15 teams working on exclusive games, which will provide the strongest overture in the history of the console, at least in the games offering.
The Big Bad Wolf returns
The Wolf Among Us was one of Telltale's final projects, but the fate of the developers became uncertain. Well, the announcement at The Game Awards says the game has been saved! Telltale is using AdHoc Studio to make a sequel to The Wolf Among Us.
The game will be released on the Epic Games Store and "consoles". Based on the first teaser, previous season's well-liked actresses and actors return (Adam Harrington and Erin Yvetter, for sure), while Jared Emerson-Johnson will be in charge of the music. The story will focus on Bigby and Snow.
The makers have not set a release date yet, only confirming that they will be episodically filing this time.
The new Commandos
After acquiring the rights, Kalypso Media decided to make the next Commandos game. Next January, the Commandos 2 HD Remaster is coming out, which could be a nice introduction for the new release of Kalpyso Media. The publisher has announced today that a new studio in Germany has been set up to deal exclusively with this project. We still have to wait for specific informations, but it is certain that the final results will only appear on PCs and next-generation consoles.
Santa Claus is coming to.....Epic Store
"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"-as an old song says. This may be especially true for gamers, because on this week the Epic Games Store will provide everyone free games for 12 days. The promotion will start at December 19th and by the end of the year we will be able to get a title daily. It's not yet known what these games will be, but if there is one that is missing from the collection, it's worth it (at least to me). Yeah, and if you missed it, you can get The Wolf Among Us right now for free.


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Where you are: Home > News
|Aug 10, 2012|
Tuesday, August 7th, 2012
Google’s self-driving car project is probably one of the most audacious experiments the company has embarked upon. Today, Google announcedanother milestone for this project: its fleet of about a dozen autonomous cars has now driven 300,000 miles without a single accident under computer control. While this is obviously very positive news for the project, Google warns that “there’s still a long road ahead.” The cars still need to learn how to handle snow-covered roads, for example, and how to interpret temporary construction signs and other situations that could throw its systems for a loop.
It’s not clear how many of these 300,000 miles were driven on Google’s secret racecourse, by the way.
According to today’s update, Google also plans to soon let some of the team’s members drive the cars solo for their daily commutes. Currently, the cars are always driven by at least two people, but the team apparently feels that the project has reached a point where it’s safe to just have one person operate the cars.
Google also announced that it has added the Lexus RX450h hybrid car to its self-driving car family.
“One day we hope this capability will enable people to be more productive in their cars,” said Chris Urmson, Google’s engineering lead for this project, in a blog post today, “For now, our team members will remain in the driver’s seats and will take back control if needed.” There have, of course been some accidents that involved Google’s self-driving cars in the past. All of these, however, happened while humans were in control of the cars.
|Jan 31, 2012|
1. Aston Martin’s V12 Zagato
Arguably more beautiful than the £1.3 million One-77, Aston Martin’s £330K bargain will certainly make the summer of 2012 one to remember. Hand assembled at the company’s global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP excluding local taxes and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012.
2. Jaguar C-X16
C-X16 is a bold statement of Jaguar’s future design and technological intent. A compact, rear-wheel drive, two-seater, with a true sporting character, underpinned by immensely strong aluminium architecture perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Powered by an innovative supercharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 380 PS (280 kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque. Hybrid system controlled by a steering-wheel mounted ‘Push to Pass’ button boosts output by 70 kW and 235 Nm. Top speed of 186 mph, 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and 50-75 mph acceleration in 2.1 seconds with CO2 emissions of 165 g/km. The C-X16 moves the award-winning Jaguar design language on to the next level. The exterior and interior design is startling in its simplicity, defined by three ‘heartlines’; the front wing crease, the rear haunches that wrap into the tail and the sweeping roofline. Its interior clearly centered on the driver, and underlines its ‘One plus One’ layout by deliberately creating as cocooned and cosseting a space as possible. Possible price point of between $80K and $110K.
3. Alfa Romeo 4C
By late 2012 Alfa Romeo will be rolling out its most tangibly tantalizing two seater ever to rapturous and widespread demand. The stunning Alfa Romeo 4C promises to reignite the passion behind the sexy Italian brand and bring back a genuine sports car feel at a price that’s surprisingly well within reach. It’s light and powerful enough for a top end over 155mph and 0-62mph in less than 5.0sec, predicts Alfa. The interior is equally dramatic, consisting of red and carbon-fibre with a striking narrow centre console. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine currently used in the Giulietta, located in the center for maximum balance and driving the rear wheels. Pricing will be confirmed later, but a guide is about 45,000 euros (approx £38,000). Best get your order in quick, as Alfa has only modest production in mind – about 1,500 units globally.
4. Bugatti Galibier
Again, like the Pagani Huayra, you’d be forgiven in thinking the four-door Veyron, dubbed the Galibier, had broken free of it’s conceptual shackles ages ago. But, again, you’d be wrong. Car has the same 5.0 liter w-16, but with two turbo compressor air compressor Veyron style two-door is the courtyard; Other functions involve led signals extraordinary fill and rear signals, a exclusive dual-opening cover, “backbone” to a great performance, and overseas and eight-speed automated, ought to have a individual fatigue tube and eight luxurious boat Inside. Considering Bugatti’s supercar, the Veyron, and Volkswagen’s experience in manufacturing cars, future customers of the Galibier will certainly be the happiest drivers in the world. Its price won’t be quite cheap. 1.000.000 British pounds (875.000 Euro / 1.440.000 US Dollars) is expected to cost the entry level version of the Galibier.
Those who still think electric vehicles are simply jazzed-up golf carts had, better think again. Or at least Renault would like them to. If the French car maker has its way, commuters who fancy slaloming through city traffic and parking perpendicular to the sidewalk will soon be doing so in a tiny all-electric four-wheeler Renault has called the Twizy. Renault Twizy delivers all the fundamentals associated with any car, namely four wheels, a steering wheel and pedals, plus an enveloping body for two occupants sitting in tandem, one behind the other. It might not have the sex appeal of a motorcycle, but it does offer comfortable seating for two and about a cubic foot and a half of storage space. The Renault Twizy two-seater city car is coming in March 2012 to the UK and Renault has just announced pricing for a new trim level.
6. Zenvo ST1
If you’re careful with your throttle foot, you can expect mind-warping performance for your money. In-house testing shows that the Zenvo ST1 is capable of hitting 62 miles per hour from a standing start in just 3.0 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 233 miles per hour. The ST1 is trumpeted for its 1,104-hp rating, but that is actually just one of three power settings Wet, Race and Sport adjusted with a knob in the cabin. The 7.0-liter will put out “only” 650 hp in Wet mode. Crank that to Sport and get about 850 hp. One more click to Race spools the turbo to 1.2 bar and gives the captain all she’s got. Take the $1.8 million ST1. Just like the $845,000 Porsche 918 Spyder, it’s likely out of your price range. But Danish delight has got a lock on Russian billionaires–so far.
7. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 injects blood-pumping performance and retro styling into a package that is nevertheless easy to live with every day. Among muscle cars, it’s the top dog. Incredible power, inspiring engine note, aggressive styling and relative exclusivity. Rising to the challenge of Chevy’s crazy Camaro ZL1, Ford unleashed its most unruly beast yet. The GT500 is the most powerful ‘Stang ever. Looking more unholy than any of Hollywood’s interpretations of high-security prison inmates, Mustang muscle has simply never been this shredded or this desirable. While GM selected a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 for their range-topping Camaro ZL1, good for 550 horsepower and torque, Ford has now answered with an all-new supercharged 5.8-liter V8 – cranking out a downright supercar-like 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world. But the best news is it’s yours for just £38K shocking in just about every way.
8. Donkervoort GTO
The Donkervoort D8 GTO is the product of 2-1/2 years of development. A joint project between Donkervoort and Audi, this car is a combination of high power and superior performance. Designed around a steel tubular frame with large carbon composite panels, the ultra-rigid body weighs surprisingly little – helped by such innovations as the one-piece door with integrated hinges, capable of withstanding an impact of 1,500kg despite an overall weight of 980g. Born from the heritage of Donkervoort’s other creations – the GT and the D8 270RS, to be exact – the D8 GTO takes the reigns from its predecessors as a larger model that comes with matching performance capabilities. Donkervoort’s biggest, baddest bruiser yet will hit the asphalt this summer with a sticker price ranging from £85,000 to £125,000.
9. Lotus Evora GTE
Lotus is going to fill that void in its lineup caused by the retraction of the Elise and Exige twins from the U.S. marketplace in 2012 by offering the Evora GTE, the most powerful Lotus road car ever. The track-ready street-legal Lotus Evora GTE is equipped with a heavily modified 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 engine creating 438 hp. That’s 162 more horsepower than the base Lotus Evora and 93 more than the sporty Lotus Evora S. Complementing the striking exterior is a race-themed interior that doesn’t infringe into passenger comfort. Leather and carbon fiber dominate the cabin and lightweight Recaro carbon fiber seats tightly hold both the passenger and driver in place. Lighter, wider and wilder than a regular Evora, the GTE takes inspiration from the Evora GT race car and gains an aggressive body kit with an industrial-strength permanent carbon-fiber wing bolted on the back. Just don’t expect change from £100,000 when it makes the showrooms later this year.
10. Pagani Huayra
In his hands, Horacio Pagani holds a 50th-scale aluminum representation of his work over the last seven years. It’s a model of the 2012 Pagani Huayra, the fruition of the project long known as the C9 at his workshop. The name comes from a god of wind in the Andes, an appropriate talisman for a car propelled by a twin-turbo V12 and meant to fly along the ground at more than 200 mph. Pagani Huayra say “pa-GAH-nee he-WHY-rah”. Sounds like a spicy dish at a tony Italian restaurant, but it’s actually a spicy new item on the global menu of mega-buck, mega-fast super sports cars At the heart of the Huayra is a Mercedes-AMG provided twin-turbo M158 V12. Displacement is 5980cc and power peaks at 700 horsepower and 1000Nm of torque. The turbos have been designed to offer immediate response at the slightest throttle input, giving the driver full control over the engine at any rpm and preventing delays in delivery. The 2012 Pagani Huayra is a step into the future for Pagani. A decade ago, the Zonda cost $320,000, but now the Huayra will carry a price tag of about $1.4 million, and that’s for the version with the standard engine.
|JAN 28, 2012|
LEMANS: GreenGT's electric/hydrogen prototype ready for La Sarthe test
Nancy Knapp Schilke, Le Mans correspondent
L’équipe de GreenGT prepares for June test of unique electric prototype
L’équipe de GreenGT is ready to show its new baby, the GreenGT H2, to the world when the first-ever electric/hydrogen sportscar prototype will take to the La Sarthe circuit on June 3rd for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2012 test.
Last year at the crown jewel of sportscar endurance race, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) made the announcement that the “Le Mans vers le Futur” would be in place for the 2012 season. On hand for the “Le Mans Towards the Future” was a vehicle demonstration including GreenGT’s 300 kW racer.
After turning laps around the famous circuit in France, the Swiss manufacturer accepted the invitation for the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans which will kick off with the test day. The new prototype will be classified by the ACO in the new LMP H2 class.
The innovative company, L’équipe de GreenGT, was founded in 2008. Former racer Jean-François Weber is the main leader of the team developed an electric propulsion system designed for competition cars in 2005. Per their press release, “The GreenGT LMP H2 will have 12 kg of hydrogen in 700 bar high-pressure tanks on board. Hydrogen can be produced by solar energy. When hydrogen is fed to a fuel cell, it combines with the ambient oxygen to produce electricity and only steam is released into the atmosphere. Racing with hydrogen is fully carbon neutral.”
Christian Pescatori, the 2000 FIA Sportscar champion, is the one who has been the development driver for the new prototype. The Italian has race at the famed La Sarthe circuit six times with a best finish twice of second place and he won the Twelve Hours of Sebring in 2002 with Rinaldo Capello and Johnny Herbert behind the wheel of the Audi R8.
The new car, known as the H2, is ready to contest as an experimental prototype (LMP H2) the historic event.
|JAN 28, 2012|
LEMANS: Michelin delivers first tires to Deltawing
Michelin press release
Tire Size Differential Shocking at First Glance
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 27, 2012) -- Michelin today unveiled the first set of specially designed race tires for the 24 Hours of Le Mans-bound Project 56 DeltaWing team. One look at the unique sizes of the tires makes the radical nature of the DeltaWing prototype design obvious.
The Delta Wing front tires are just 10/58-15, or less than 23 inches tall, and with a tread just four inches wide. By contrast, the 2011 Le Mans-winning Audi R18 TDI turbocharged-diesel prototype utilized taller and wider front 36/71-18 MICHELIN® tires, approximately 28 inches tall with nearly 14 inches of tread width.
“The difference in tire size is stunning,” said Michelin American Le Mans Series technical team leader Karl Koenigstein. “You could fit three DeltaWing MICHELIN front tires inside an Audi Le Mans Prototype MICHELIN front tire.”
The rear tires are less dramatic in size, because the DeltaWing is designed to race with 31/62-15 MICHELIN tires while the average LMP2 prototype rear tire is sized at 37/71-18. “The DeltaWing rear tire is shorter and uses a smaller rim,” -noted Koenigstein.
The DeltaWing has been granted the special invitation for the 56th entry at the 2012 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Its design is based on the concept of “half,” meaning half the power, weight, fuel and tires of current Le Mans Prototype competitors with comparable performance.
The specially designed MICHELIN® tires draw on the company’s record of success at Le Mans, where Michelin has taken the overall victory in each of the past 14 consecutive years.
The first stop for the latest MICHELIN tires will be the full-size wind tunnel, where the DeltaWing team validates its data on the first completed race car before embarking on initial track testing.
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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It's estimated that as much as a quarter of the space in U.S. disposal sites is taken up by styrofoam. The stuff lasts just about forever, and it's difficult to recycle in a cost effective way. But a pilot program, started by surfers, could change that.
Surfers depend on a clean healthy ocean, but a lot of beaches are littered with trash and one of the biggest problems is styrofoam.
"It just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces and it gets consumed by animals and sea life and winds up in the food stream, which winds up oftentimes on our plates," says Adam Weiner with the Surfrider Foundation."It's basically oil in a different form, sitting on the beach," says Michael Stewart, one of the founders of Sustainable Surf, a new organization trying to get surfers and the surf industry to go green.
One of their first projects focuses on styrofoam, the kind often used to pack electronics.
"The technical name for this kind of foam is called EPS, expanded polystyrene," explains Stewart. "It's the exact same material that is in these 100 percent recycled surf blanks."
Blanks are the core of a surf board. Experts, called shapers, carefully carve them to get the performance they want on different types of waves. Most blanks are made of new styrofoam. But now a company called Marko in Southern California is using recycled foam for their blanks.
Shaper James Mitchell in San Francisco says it's a great product.
"If it didn't have this skin on it and say e-blank on it, I probably wouldn't know the difference, which to me is what I want," says Mitchell.
Sounds great, but there's a serious problem. It costs a lot of money to collect styrofoam and get it to a recycling facility. It may be lightweight, but it takes up a lot of room.
"It's about 90 percent air," says Stewart. "So you are basically trucking around air."
That's where Sustainable Surf comes in. They've organized a pilot program with business partners and volunteers to move the styrofoam cheaply. Starting in November, they put collection boxes at surf shops and a few other locations in San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Sponsors paid for the materials and customers started bringing in foam right away.
"This bin is full now and we have a few more bags ready to go as well," says Jen Grimm with Sports Basement. "So the response has been really, really good."
Volunteers pick up the foam and store it at an office in the Presidio. The last step is made possible by the owner of Action Sports Express.
"He has a business that transports surfboards and kayaks from Southern California up to Northern California," says Stewart.
Trucks used to go home empty, but now they carry styrofoam to the Marko factory to be recycled. The program has been such a success, Sustainable Surf hopes to expand with more collection sites and more companies using recycled styrofoam.
"I think there's a lot of people conscious about buying recycled products," says Jake Johnson of Aqua Surf Shop. "So to have that option for a person is good."
Written and produced by Jennifer Olney.
|Archive News and Press Releases|
Sunnyvale, CA - January 29, 2009: Silicon Valley startup Contactscale unveiled its first public project: advanced composite bodywork for the dp4, dp1 and dp1/e. The cars are ultra-lightweight sports racing prototypes being designed and built by Palatov Motorsport of Portland, OR.
The dp1/e is an electric variation of Palatov Motorsport's first racecar prototype and weighs around 1,000 lbs. Contactscale is fabricating the tooling and body, an all-composite affair that will reduce weight and improve track performance, where Palatov plans to use the dp1/e as a testbed for bleeding-edge automotive technology. And Palatov is only one of many automotive startups that are roving the valley, looking to innovate on more than software.
"You don't have to be GM anymore," said Contactscale founder Dan Bolfing. "Design that used to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and take years can be done for tens of thousands in months or weeks." And that lower cost opens the door to new companies looking to bring new ideas to the road.
According to Dennis Palatov, the founder of Palatov Motorsport, “Designing a full-function electric car within the limitations of currently available energy storage solutions is akin to building a modern PC with only 10MB of memory – to make it useful off-the-shelf solutions simply won’t work and every possible avenue for improving efficiency must be explored, quickly and cost effectively. The Rapid Prototyping technologies and services from Contactscale allow us to do this much better, faster and cheaper than previously possible. This truly brings automotive design and development within the realm of the entrepreneur.”
Contactscale brings decades of experience in composites to the fledgling automotive industry in Northern California. The company is rooted in Bolfing's experience fabbing windsurfers, first out of fiberglass and then more advanced composites. Contactscale takes that technology and applies it to vehicles, where reduced weight means greater efficiency -- electric or otherwise -- and better performance.
That technology is eco-friendly, too. The carbon-fiber and polymer materials used by Contactscale can improve the efficiency and range of a car without sacrificing performance, according to Bolfing. "Making efficient cars isn't just about batteries and electric motors. Composites can lower the weight of a vehicle," he adds, "and you don't have to rely on unproven technology to make more efficient cars."
© 2009 CONTACTSCALE LLC . All rights reserved


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Sony buys Spider-man developer, Insomniac Games
After an incredibly successful year and launch for Spider-man on PlayStation 4 in 2018, Sony is locking down the game’s developer, Insomniac Games.
Sony has just announced its acquisition of Insomniac Games after its years of collaborations with the studio, who also developed the Ratchet & Clank games, Spyro the Dragon, and Resistance. Insomniac Games will be the 14th studio under the PlayStation umbrella.
"Insomniac Games is one of the most highly-acclaimed development studios in the industry and their legacy of best-in class storytelling and gameplay is unparalleled," said Shawn Layden, Chairman, Sony Interactive Entertainment, WWS. "We have enjoyed a strong collaborative partnership with the studio for many years, and are thrilled to officially welcome them to the Worldwide Studios family. The addition of Insomniac Games to SIE WWS reiterates our commitment to developing world class gaming experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform."
"Joining the WWS family gives Insomniac even greater opportunities to achieve our studio vision of making positive and lasting impressions on people's lives," added Ted Price, Insomniac Games founder and CEO. "We've enjoyed a special relationship with PlayStation practically since our inception. Our partnership amplifies our potential, and Marvel's Spider-Man was a testament to this. We're excited to take the next step in our growth alongside our longtime WWS partners. Most of all, we look forward to delivering fresh, new experiences for our fans."
There’s no word on what the next project will be for Insomniac, but fans are corssing their fingers for a Spider-man sequel.


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CALAVO GROWERS: A new pack of fresh, ripe avocado halves has a shelf life from the date of manufacture of 60 days, says Rick Joyal, northeast region sales manager for Santa Paula, Calif-based Calavo Growers Inc. The peeled and pitted hass avocado halves are vaccuum-packed in plastic. A paperboard box protects the product but has avocado-shaped holes for showing the avocado. No preservatives are used in the product. The 2- to 3-ounce packs are packed six to a case.
COOSEMANS NEW YORK: It is tough to get fresher than grow your own. Coosemans New York Inc. has just begun offering growing baby pineapple plants for retail sales, says Alfie Badalamenti, vice president. It takes two or three months for the fruit to mature, getting 4 to 5 inches in size. The plant gets up to 3 feet tall, he says.
CORRIGAN: Gurnee, Ill.-based Corrigan Corporation of America has a new solution for warehouses and distribution centers designed to keep the atmosphere at just the right humidity without the puddles. The company’s new VaporPlus system emits “dry-fog” mist into a room, enabling warehouses to maintain the right relative humidity for a variety of uses, including fresh produce, says Larry Werner, sales and marketing director.
Werner says it’s a practical solution for warehouses because boxes and floors stay dry and produce stays fresh.
CRYSTAL VALLEY: Miami-based specialty produce supplier Crystal Valley Foods Inc. opened an office on the Los Angeles Terminal Market. The office opened in October, said Rick Durkin, director of business development. Durkin said the company decided to offer a West Coast option because of customer demand.
“We’re also getting more involved in the Mexican growing operations, and that’s another advantage of having an office in Los Angeles,” he said.
Pamela RiemenschneiderDecas Cranberry Products Inc.DECAS: Carver, Mass.-based Decas Cranberry Products Inc. is working on a new snack-size pack for flavored cranberries. The Fruit Face line features four flavored varieties of dried cranberries with half the sugar of traditional dried cranberries, which appeals to parents who want healthier snacks for their children, says Larry Woehl, senior director of national accounts and retail brokers. The packages include six single-serving packets of cranberries. Woehl said Meijer is testing the product and the company plans a national launch in February.


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A few years ago, enterprises began to invest in cloud to beat competition and stay ahead in delivering services. It led Oracle to shift its focus to cloud solutions. Although it began its cloud journey a little late, it left no stone unturned to offer value to its customers through its line of solutions in the cloud. As a consequence, Oracle has made significant strides and increased its presence in the cloud in last few years. The company has achieved more growth in the cloud and earned business beyond its traditional base. Last year, the company got on board about 50 percent net new customers that belong to e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, telecom, IT/ITeS, real estate, foods & beverages, media and other industries.
From cloud evolution to revenue revolution
Globally Oracle generates about $1 billion annual review from web-based software solutions (i.e. SaaS, according to Oracle President Mark Hurd). This makes Oracle the 2nd largest SaaS company in the world. Oracle offers a broad set of horizontal and industry applications that run in a shared services private cloud model as well as public SaaS cloud model.
In order to spread awareness about its cloud strategy, Oracle organizes its annual conference called CloudWorld where its customers and partners come together to discuss and learn the scope of new trends. This year, Oracle CloudWorld is taking place in Mumbai on 7th April.
Oracle’s India management is bullish about the cloud initiatives in the country. As the company is increasing its customer-base even in the small and mid enterprises, the company eyes more growth. Shailender Kumar, managing director, Oracle India, explained, “Oracle was among the first MNCs to invest in India and has been in the country for over 25 years. We have come a long way in the last one year. Today, India is our second largest technical development site in the world and we have over 38,000+ employees in the country. Oracle India is the only organisation outside Oracle’s headquarters in California to represent all divisions including sales, marketing, consulting, support and education operations for domestic & global clients. India accounts for our largest research and development investment outside U.S.”
Kumar cites the recent visit by Co-CEO, Safra Catz to India where she met with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Oracle announced three major investments that support the country’s global digital leadership. “We unveiled a massive, state-of-the-art campus centered in Bengaluru, 9 incubation centers throughout India, and an initiative to train more than half a million students each year to develop computer science skills. We strongly believe in Modi’s ‘Digital India’, ‘Start-Up India’, ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives and are determined to help India leapfrog into the 21st century through these initiatives,” added Kumar
Oracle leadership fruther emphasises that its Indian customers are beginning to realize the value cloud can bring to them.
According to Oracle, cloud has been identified as one of the most significant strategic technology investment for CIOs. Organizations have begun to realise that cloud is an absolute necessity in order to sustain and grow their business and cloud has emerged to be one of the biggest opportunities for companies in India. Almost every organisation in the country has or are considering to move to a cloud based solution to benefit from the inherent advantages of cloud.
“The growth of Oracle’s cloud business in India has been unprecedented. Oracle is the world’s second largest SaaS company and the only cloud service provider to offer breadth and depth of cloud solutions across Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Data as a Service (DaaS),” said Kumar.
Chalking out the business plan
Oracle claims that it is the only company which has all platforms – Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Data-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, Software-as-a-Service. We believe that this provides us a competitive edge in the market. In India it claims to have multiple customers and more than 25000 seats which is a large number for a market like India, where cloud adoption is a relatively new phenomenon.
“We have clear strategies around SaaS offerings in customer experience (CX), Human Capital Management (HCM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Surround. This specific business model fits very well to the local markets in India and APAC. Corporate enterprises are also increasingly looking into the SaaS model as it offers them flexibility in payment and deployment,” said Prasad Rai, Vice President, Applications, Oracle India (SaaS).
Sensing CIO’s mind
The company claims that it realizes the need for upgradation in organization. Migration and integration with existing systems is one of the major challenges that need to be overcome to make a smooth transition to cloud-based environments. According to a survey carried out by Oracle, many companies have abandoned transitioning to cloud in the last three years due to cloud integration challenges. “In the absence of the right cloud integration solution, 54% have missed project deadlines and about 42% have seen data security breach in their departments associated directly with the use of cloud applications,” said Subash Nambiar, Vice President, Technology, Oracle India (PaaS). This is one of the opportunities for companies like Oracle.
Oracle is about to showcase its cloud solutions and unfold its future cloud roadmap at the Oracle CloudWorld in Mumbai where experts speakers from different areas will talk about the challenges and opportunities which cloud brings.


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Prime Video’s highly anticipated fantasy series, “The Wheel of Time,” is set to captivate audiences once again as it gears up for its second season. Fans can mark their calendars for September 1, the much-anticipated release date when the next chapter of the epic saga will begin streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Following the success of its inaugural season, which garnered widespread acclaim and a loyal fanbase, the show’s return promises to be an even grander spectacle.
Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling novels, “The Wheel of Time” transports viewers to a world filled with magic, prophecies, and complex characters embroiled in a battle between light and darkness. With its sprawling narrative and breathtaking visuals, the series has already captivated audiences with its rich storytelling and remarkable performances. Season 2 is poised to delve deeper into the intricate plotlines, unveiling new secrets and challenging the characters in unforeseen ways.
As the countdown begins, fans of the series can eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in the world of “The Wheel of Time” once more, embarking on a thrilling adventure that promises to enthrall and enthrall. September 1 cannot come soon enough!
For More Updates :
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text: One of the main creative forces behind blockbuster Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. /zigman2/quotes/204008930/composite TTWO -1.01% videogame franchises such as "Grand Theft Auto" and "Red Dead Redemption" is departing the company, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing late Tuesday. Take-Two shares fell more than 5.5% in the extended session Tuesday. A vice president, creative at Take-Two's Rockstar Games, Dan Houser took an extended break that began in spring 2019 and will depart the company March 11, according to the filing. "Rockstar Games has built some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful game worlds, a global community of passionate fans and an incredibly talented team, which remains focused on current and future projects," the filing said. Houser helped create 2013's "Grand Theft Auto V," which is among the most successful media titles of all time, and the critically acclaimed "Red Dead Redemption 2," which Take-Two released in 2019. In reference to "GTA V," Cowen analyst Doug Creutz previously told MarketWatch, "Michael Jackson had a lot of hit albums but he only had one 'Thriller.'"


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Helion Venture Partners, an early-to-mid-stage venture capital firm, has raised over $219 million for its third India-focused fund a few weeks ago, according to sources with direct knowledge of the development. With the current fund, the firm’s assets under management will reach over $570 million across its three India-focused funds.
According to sources, Helion Venture Partners III, LLC has raised the amount from 31 investors although VCCircle cannot immediately determine the final fund size.
While it was earlier indicated that Helion would raise $200-250 million for its third fund, one source said that $219 million might not be the final close of the fund. E-mail queries sent to Helion’s senior managing directors Kanwaljit Singh and Ashish Gupta did not elicit any response at the time of filing this article.
Operating from Gurgaon and Bangalore, the venture capital firm had raised $140 million for its first fund in 2006, followed by another $210 million in March 2008. Investors in those previous funds included university endowment funds, foundations and family offices. While the firm had started out with a focus on outsourcing play, it made multiple bets on India’s domestic consumption story since 2008 and invested in retail and e-commerce start-ups.
Some of Helion’s earliest investments included over half-a-dozen outsourcing firms like Gridstone Research (a financial research platform), Amba Research (investment research and analytics), Anantara Solutions (IT outsourcing company) and UnitedLex BPO (legal process outsourcing firm), among others.
It also invested in online ad network and audience measurement provider Komli Media and online travel services firm MakeMyTrip, which went on to list on NASDAQ and gave Helion a profitable partial exit.
Since its second fund was raised, the firm started investing in non-tech segments like financial services (where it has backed NetAmbit, Equitas and Spandana Spoorthy), education (Global Talent Track, Vienova and Attano), consumer services (YLG, Mast Kalandar and IndiaHomes) and clean tech (Azure Power).
In the past 12-13 months, it announced investments in e-commerce start-ups like LetsBuy.com (electronics goods), Hoopos.com (baby and mother care products), YepMe.com (fashion brand), Exclusively.in (fashion retailer) and RedBus.in (bus ticketing). Only last week, LetsBuy.com has been acquired by Flipkart.com, the largest online retailer in India, in a cash-and-stock deal.
Also, Helion Venture Partners recently made its first investment in the healthcare space, backing Eye-Q Super-Specialty Hospitals.
Limited Partners (LPs) are increasingly looking at venture firms in India as they seek differentiated exposure to General Partners (GPs) in the country and the capital overhang in the private equity space while leveraging the maturing of early-stage ecosystem. Over the past two years, venture capital investments in Indian start-ups have started showing returns and some firms have also shown the ability to become significant players at a global level.
In November last year, Accel Partners raised a new $155 million venture capital fund, two-and-a-half times its predecessor, for seed and early-stage investments in India. Prior to that, Seedfund closed its second fund with a total investment corpus of $54 million. IndoUS Venture Partners raised up to $97.5 million for IndoUS Venture Partners II, LLC, which is said to be targeting $150-175 million.
Recently, Japan’s SBI Holdings, Inc.,backed Nirvana Venture Advisors with a commitment of $15 million. The fund is being anchored by the Patni family and is raising $75 million for investments in early-stage start-ups in the Internet, mobile and electronic payments companies. Several VCs investing from US funds like NEA and Lightspeed Venture Partners are also on the road, while Canaan unveiled a $600 million global fund last month.
A number of seed-stage funds like Kae Capital, Blume Ventures and IncuCapital are also on road for fundraising.


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Telecom operators are under a peer pressure to launch App stores.
After Airtel’s app store, and Aircel’s announcement of an about to be launched App store, comes an App store from Vodafone.
Vodafone Essar has rolled out its app store and can be accessed by sending a message APP to 111 [toll free number].
There are close to 800 apps on Vodafone, under various categories like Entertainment, Utility, Finance, Social Networking, Games, etc. Majority of Vodafone app stores are priced between Rs.5 – Rs. 30 and and Vodafone claims that 15% apps will be free.
Vodafone Mobile Application store has been launched along with global partners Arvato Mobile [ app store link]


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On Monday, Ryeco, LLC. and T.M. Kovacevich – Philadelphia, Inc. filed a complaint in the Eastern District of California against Corrado’s Specialty Goods, Inc. for failure to repay over $400,000 in debt in accordance with the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
The defendant, Specialty Goods, allegedly controls five supermarkets in New Jersey under the Corrado’s name. According to the complaint, between April 16 and July 28, Ryeco sold and delivered “in interstate commerce, wholesale amounts of Produce worth the aggregate amount of $296,023.00.” Between April 9 and May 14 of this year, Kovacevich also sold and delivered $163,086.00 worth of produce to the defendant. As a result, the plaintiffs “became beneficiaries in a statutory trust under PACA” which was designed to assure them that they would be paid for their items they sold to the defendant. Specialty Goods allegedly did not dispute the debt owed to the plaintiffs for $459,109. On May 26, the defendant said they sent the plaintiffs a check for $11,602. According to the plaintiffs, the check did not clear, meaning that no money has been paid for nearly half a million dollars worth of debt.
The plaintiffs are suing Specialty Goods and members of the Corrado family on the counts of failure to pay trust funds, failure to pay promptly, breach of contract, and several counts of unlawful dissipation of trust assets by a corporate official.
Ryeco and Kovacevich are seeking a payment of $459,109 plus interest, attorney’s fees and costs and other relief.
The plaintiffs are represented by McCarron & Diess.


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Eating at home, working overtime, and forgoing vacations are just some popular answers
A new survey conducted by Ipsos for personal insolvency practice MNP has revealed the lengths Canadians would go to so they could get rid of their debt.
Among a sample population of around 2,000 Canadians, 45% said they would eat at home instead of having dinner out for a year if it meant being debt-free. Nearly the same percentage of people said they would pull 10 hours of overtime per week for a year (27%) or forgo vacation for three years (26%).
Only 24% of Canadians said they would cut up their credit cards, and just 18% said they would seek professional help from a licensed insolvency trustee. Other extreme answers included giving up the right to vote for the next eight years (21%), giving up their mobile phone for a year (16%), taking one year off their life expectancy (10%), and selling an organ (5%).
“Many see licensed insolvency trustees as a very last resort and, as a result, they wait until they are up against foreclosure, repossession, or garnishment before taking action,” said David Gowling, a licensed insolvency trustee with MNP. “The reality is that we help people make informed choices to deal with their debt and we can provide a full range of options, not just bankruptcy.”
The survey also revealed regional differences in preferences. Compared to the general population, Albertans were more likely to work overtime (39%), while eating at home was a more popular option among British Columbians (54%) and Prairie residents (53%). Atlantic Canadians were more willing than most to give up coffee (24%) or use of their mobile phone (23%).
Looking at different age groups, millennials were generally most prepared to work overtime (37%), list their debts online (23%), give up voting (28%), and swear off coffee (26%). Generation X Canadians between 35 and 54 years old, meanwhile, were the most open to eating at home (48%) and seeking professional help (20%). Baby boomers were the most likely to say they would not take any of the suggested actions to eliminate their debt (24%), as compared to Gen-Xers (13%) or millennials (8%).


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In a just published Form 13, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Village Super Market Inc (NASDAQ:VLGEA) reported that Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management Llc has picked up 2,680 of common stock as of 2016-12-13.
The acquisition brings the aggregate amount owned by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management Llc to a total of 2,680 representing a 0.03% stake in the company.
For those not familiar with the company, Village Super Market, Inc. (Village) is engaged in retail sale of food and nonfood products. As of July 30, 2016, the Company operated a chain of 29 ShopRite supermarkets, 18 of which are located in northern New Jersey, eight in southern New Jersey, two in Maryland and one in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Company is a member of Wakefern Food Corporation (Wakefern), which is a retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite name.
A glance at Village Super Market Inc (NASDAQ:VLGEA)’s key stats reveals a current market capitalization of $311.119 million based on 9.85 million shares outstanding and a price at last close of $31.89 per share.
Looking at insider activity, there are a few transactions worth noting.
On the sell side, the most recent transaction saw Estate unload 4,100 shares at a sale price of $31.63. This brings their total holding to 289,047.
It’s possible to gauge a company’s potential by tracking the activity of its major holders, as well as checking in on insider activity such as those transactions listed above. We’ll be keeping an eye on Village Super Market Inc (NASDAQ:VLGEA) as things move forward to see if its progress aligns with these transactions.
Subscribe below and we’ll keep you on top of what’s happening before it moves markets.


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Ashburn, VA and Chicago August 29, 2001 Enterworks Inc., a provider of supplier enablement software, and CCP global, an integrator and education provider of Ariba B2B e-commerce solutions worldwide, today announced their partnership to offer a comprehensive supplier enablement solution.
As a company that offers B2B e-commerce solutions implementation, CCP global will resell Enterworks Catalog Builder with CCP global's integration and training services.
The companies hope this joint offering will address suppliers' catalog needs and provide B2B systems integration for suppliers that want to participate in electronic selling channels, including private or public e-marketplaces.
Dennis Ducham, president and CEO of CCP global, said the joint offering will reduce the complexity associated with catalog building, while also joining electronic sales channels and thus reducing time-to-market for companies. Bob Lewis, president of Enterworks, added, "To date, the emphasis has been on bringing the buyer to the marketplace. Our strategy is to go straight to the suppliers, to enable them to participate in multiple online sales channels. Without enough suppliers in a marketplace, buyers don't have many choices. Suppliers will benefit from the combination of Enterworks Catalog Builder and CCP global's expertise in implementing supplier enablement and enterprise-application integration solutions."


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The City of London is once again attempting to hype some ridiculous Culture Mile branding in its north-west corner, as is obvious from a press release it issued earlier this week tied to item 9 at a meeting of its Planning and Transportation Committee on 30th October 2018 10.00:
Smithfield and Barbican ‘Culture Mile’ plans include the relocation of the Museum of London to West Smithfield, and the proposed Centre for Music alongside the existing Barbican Centre. Beech Street will be transformed into a cleaner and more welcoming food and retail environment.
City of London Corporation maps out the Square Mile’s future development by Anonymous on City of London website, press section.
This PR squib promotes the The City Plan 2036 which in draft form can already be downloaded from the Corporation’s website but that doesn’t open for pseudo-consultation until 12 November 2018. The public are invited to provide feedback until the end of February 2019, residents views will then be ignored and what’s already been decided will be pushed ahead by a local authority that revells in its sham democracy. The City of London Lie Machine has also placed a puff piece on the Culture Mile in a local free sheet:
The strategy to transform the area from Farringdon to Moorgate into an arts and culture hub for the Square Mile has been given the go ahead.
Planned improvements include the addition of temporary art installations, increased green spaces, new street furniture and creative lighting projects.
Development is expected to be continuous over the next two to three years.
In the longer term, the development of Culture Mile will also feature essential works on Beech Street, a new public space around the Museum of London at West Smithfield, as well as the pursuit of a proposed Centre of Music.
Catherine McGuinness, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “These plans are an essential step towards realising the physical transformation of Culture Mile.
“The area is currently dominated by vehicles and perceived by many to be hard to reach and difficult to navigate. These proposals set out an ambitious and exciting vision for the area which will create an unrivalled visitor experience, a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy and a place where culture and learning are both created and consumed.”
For the past 18 months, the City of London Corporation has developed a ‘Look and Feel’ strategy for Culture Mile with Fluid, a London-based design and creative agency.
The firm recently finalised a framework for transforming the area by creating an “unrivalled visitor experience”.
The Culture Mile changes are intended to show off the City’s vast history, cultural riches, wealth of activity and varied character.
New plans for the City’s Culture Mile Approved by Andrew Zuccala, City Matters, 29 October 2018.
Rather than exposing the City of London as the UK’s last rotten borough and exploring the area’s often disreputable history – the racist tropes cooked up by Protestant bigots in Grub Street, the violence and extra-legal activity around the Shrieval Election of 1682, or the notorious bawdy houses of Cripplegate etc. etc. – the Culture Mile has to date consisted of the super-bland artwashing. It will no doubt continue on the same track.
Instead of the proposed Centre of Music being built on the current Museum of London site, we’d rather see housing for refugees. Likewise there is already a huge daily footfall of visitors in the Culture Mile area and seeking to increase this will make life worse for its residents. Tourists aren’t wanted and nor are retail outlets selling overpriced goods to sightseers either. Rather than coffee, souvenir and trinket shops, what the area actually needs are market stalls selling low priced fruit and vegetables, household items and clothes. Most of the stalls that used to sell these things in nearby Whitecross Street have disappeared over the past twenty years and were replaced vendors selling hot food to tourists and office workers.
City of London Corporation maps out the Square Mile’s future development (30 October 2018 at Internet Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20181031003139/https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-corporation-maps-out-the-square-miles-future-development/
The City of London Local Plan draft policies may be found here: http://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=78855
New plans for the City’s Culture Mile Approved by Andrew Zuccala: https://www.citymatters.london/plans-city-culture-mile-approved/


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SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has apologized after displaying e-cigarettes next to children’s toys.
Parents were outraged after seeing shelves full of vaping products inches away from those filled with dolls and games.
Mum-of-two Sarah Hoare, 34, said: “I was surprised to see a vape display installed, but more shocking was the position of this display at the end of the children’s toy aisle.
“I could not believe my eyes.
“It was worse when my son asked me about it.
“I find it ironic that the confectionery show has been moved to accommodate this show of vape products.
“It seems to appeal to kids using this premium space.”
Morrisons apologized for the slip-up at its Wrexham store, saying staff accidentally put toys on those shelves.
A company spokesman said: “Toys were accidentally placed on these shelves and then quickly removed.
“We apologize to our customers for this error.”
https://www.the-sun.com/news/5982769/morrisons-e-cigarettes-display-childrens-toys/ Morrisons apologizes for displaying e-cigarettes next to children’s toys


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Ford said it has officially filled all advance orders for the First Edition Mustang Mach-E, a limited version of the Detroit automaker’s first long-range battery-electric vehicle.
Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the Mach-E will be offered in five different versions, with prices starting at $47,000 and pushing up towards $70,000 for a GT version expected to be as fast as a Porsche 911 GTS. But it’s the upcoming Tesla Model Y that Ford’s electric SUV will most directly take aim at.
“This is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y and has the potential to be quite successful,” said Sam Abuelsamid, principal automotive analyst with Navigant Research. “I think they have the right vehicle in the right segment with the right characteristics.”
Ford was an early proponent of battery propulsion, launching a mix of hybrids, plug-ins and pure BEVs. But the Mach-E is its first long-range model, with versions ordered with an optional battery pack expected to get more than 300 miles per charge – though final EPA testing has not yet been completed.
When Ford first began work on an electric SUV, it focused on developing what industry types like to call a “compliance car,” a vehicle that would just meet the stringent zero-emissions standards set by the state of California. Demand was expected to be modest and largely limited to states adopting the California mandates.
About two years ago, however, then-new Ford CEO Jim Hackett ordered a review of the company’s EV plans, the development team deciding to tear up the original design in favor of a more sporty looking at decidedly more powerful vehicle. It was originally meant to draw inspiration from the automaker’s long-lived Mustang. As development progressed, however, and it became obvious that the new SUV could match the coupe in terms of performance and handling, Ford officials decided it should also be called a Mustang.
“Our base model will be faster than a base Porsche Macan and close to the Macan Turbo,” which can hit 60 in as little as 4.1 seconds, powertrain chief Ron Heiser said last November during the pre-L.A. Auto Show briefing. The Mach-E GT, meanwhile, “will be within spitting distance of a Porsche 911 GTS,” which sprints to 60 mph in about just over three seconds.
Ford isn’t the only automaker talking performance. To expand the appeal of electric vehicles, the industry, on the whole, is beginning to shift away from focusing on the green benefits of SUVs in order to also promote the tremendous power that can be delivered by electric motors, said Ron Cogan, publisher of Green Car Journal and chief judge of the Green Car of the Year awards.
While Ford says it has filled the U.S. order bank for the First Edition Mustang Mach-E, it hasn’t said what that translates into in raw numbers. But analyst Abuelsamid said the believes they will be building "about 10,000 of them.” Overall, company insiders have hinted they would be pleased to sell 50,000 Mustang Mach-E SUVs worldwide during the first year of production.
Tesla hasn’t given any estimates on sales plans for the Model Y, either. But CEO Elon Musk has, on several occasions, suggested it could generate twice the demand of the Model 3 sedan, now topping 300,000 a year, due to the growing shift from sedans to SUVs.


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During the same period in 2020, exports declined by 16,487.64 million.
The sector also recorded 29.49% growth in exports in December 2021 as compared to the same month in 2019. Exports in December 2021 were $ 3,040.92 million (Rs. 22,914.63 crore), up from $ 2,348.44 million (Rs. 16,712.46) two years ago.
There has been a modest but significant increase in exports of gold jewelery – an area that has not improved much since the first wave of covid-induced epidemics began. Exports touched $ 778.04 million in December 2021, compared to $ 775.36 million in 2019, down from અગાઉ 502.59 million previously.
It should be noted that between April and December 2019, the export of gold jewelery was $ 9,270.94 million, which decreased to $ 3,065.88 million in 2020 and $ 6,915.21 in 2021. Growth is 25.41% lower than in 2019.
“India’s performance in the crucial quarter of Christmas was a wonderful year for the gem and jewelery industry. While factories usually take short breaks, post-Diwali exports have been able to offset part of the holiday bounce, ”said Colin. ShahChairman, G.J.E.P.C..
“The demand for holidays and festivals was strong in major trade centers, including the US and Hong Kong. Thailand, And Israel. And we have every reason to believe that this momentum will continue till the end of FY2022, which will bring us closer to the target of $ 41.67 billion in exports, “Shah added.


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'Everything must go!': ASNN holds third annual vendor fair, garage sale
NORFOLK, Neb. -- An animal shelter in northeast Nebraska held an annual event on Saturday.
The Animal Shelter of Northeast Nebraska held its annual vendor fair and garage sale Saturday morning.
It’s the third year the shelter has put on the event.
ASNN shelter manager Lisa Doescher told News Channel Nebraska why the shelter has decided to make the sale an annual one.
“We get donated a lot of supplies and sometimes we can’t use them,” Doescher said. “But we want to make sure that they get used in some sort of manner. We get a lot of things like bowls, harnesses, leashes, collars.”
Pet owners and their furry friends were ready to go at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
Even these pups were excited to get in on some sales.
Doescher said that the shelter had a goal of raising a few thousand dollars.
“Money specifically that we are raising today is going to go towards food,” Doescher said. “We house about 100 animals here at the shelter and that’s a lot of food. So, it’s very expensive.”
There were 25 vendors from across northeast Nebraska selling a wide variety of goodies such as decorations and pet treats.
Doescher said that if somebody missed the event but would like to purchase any pet supplies, they can visit the shelter to see what retail items are available.


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As consumers begin to feel more confident in the economy, spending at retailers could pick up, which might lead to increased demand for inventory financing.
With product coming of the shelves, stock needs to be replenished but small- and medium-sized retailers often can't afford to do this on their own dime. Luckily, asset-based lending is available to help.
Confidence levels were better than expected in July, as the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final reading on the index of consumer sentiment increased to 85.1 from 84.1 in June. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a reading of a 84.
"The labor markets better, you're seeing home prices rise, you're seeing equity prices rise, so there are a lot of things out there to be positive about," Brian Jones, senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale, told Bloomberg. "If you think about the things that drive consumer confidence, they should be rising as well through the end of the year."
Americans were more confident in current economic conditions as well, with the index measuring that sentiment hitting a six-year high. Survey director Richard Curtin said high confidence levels should help boost consumer spending throughout the end of the year.
Rising confidence a welcome sign for struggling retailers
The past couple months haven't gone as well as retailers would have liked, which is why this heightened level of consumer confidence could be a good sign going forward.
Consumer spending has been stagnant for quite some time, which continued in June. Americans' self-reported daily spending averaged $90 in June, unchanged from May and up slightly from $89 in March, according to Gallup.
July could be a different story though, as consumers tend to spend more money when confidence is higher.
Higher sales levels could lead to increased reliance on inventory financing
When sales pick up at small- and medium-sized retailers, there comes a need for inventory to be replenished. However, businesses of this size often struggle to do this on their own due to a variety of reasons, such as lagging cash flow or limited available capital.
Inventory financing can be utilized to purchase additional product, as it allows retailers to use current inventory as collateral to obtain a revolving line of credit, which, in turn, can be used to help keep shelves stocked. These funds can also be used to cover operating costs, which is beneficial for many retailers.


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Kono USA Franchise News
Browse the latest corporate news from Kono USA.
Snack options in malls and local events are poised to take an unconventional spin with the rapid expansion of Kono USA’s “The Original” Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go - Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets franchise brands.
Kono USA has already proven that portability and snacking go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Black Friday shoppers munching on cones will be a common sight this November, but rather than ice cream, the cones will be oozing with authentic Italian pizza ingredients or Tiramisu’-inspired desserts filled with Ghirardelli® chocolate.
After opening several new locations and selling 54 franchise units across multiple markets to open by year’s end, Kono USA recently expanded its management team to continue growth and support existing franchisees.
Franchisor of “The Original” Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go, Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets, Kono USA, announced today a new signed franchise agreement in San Diego.
Kono USA – the franchisor that introduced the popular pizza-in-a-cone concept to the United States – announces a partnership with Ghirardelli® that will add four exclusive treat cones to its menu.
Kono USA, the franchisor that first introduced the popular pizza-in-a-cone concept to the United States in 2013 as “The Original” Kono Pizza, announced it has expanded its brand portfolio with the addition of “Kono To-Go”.
“The Original” Kono Pizza, the fast-casual pioneer behind the pizza cone creation has recently signed another multi-unit franchise development deal, to bring 10 new locations to the Atlanta market.
“The Original” Kono Pizza has much to celebrate during National Pizza Month in October.
After decades of devouring countless slices of triangle or square-cut pizza, Americans across the nation are experiencing a progressive new way to enjoy their favorite Italian dish – the healthier and portable pizza cone.
Kono Pizza USA announced today that it is introducing mobile cart, kiosk and in-line store prototype models designed to fuel franchise growth in non-traditional venues across the country.
Positioning itself for rapid growth in 2015, Kono Pizza USA, the fast-casual pioneer behind the creation of the pizza-in-a-cone concept, announced today the appointment of food industry veteran Matt Bailey to Vice President of Operations.
Just six months after making its American debut with a corporate-owned location in New Jersey, Kono Pizza has announced the signing of multiple franchise deals from California to New York.
With the brand already established with 130 locations in 20 countries, Kono Pizza is introducing America to a healthier and portable alternative to traditional pizza – the pizza cone.
Sign-up and we will contact you when Kono USA franchise opportunities become available on Franchising.com.


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Millions of Brits who have not used online banking so far would be interested in trying it out, new research from the Payments Council has revealed.
The report – titled Supporting People Interested in Using Online Banking – found that 78% of UK adults could potentially use online banking.
Seven of ten people who could already use online banking do so while a further 10%, equivalent to around four million people, said they were interested in using it.
People saw the ability to check balances and make payments as the main benefits of the technology with nearly three quarters of non-users agreeing that these features were helpful.
The report also revealed that those who have made the transition to online banking tend to stick with it – only 2% of the people surveyed had previously used it but no longer do.
Reasons for not using internet banking
Security was a major factor behind people not wishing to start internet banking, as only 15% of interested non-users were “very confident” that it is safe and secure.
Furthermore, one in four people were concerned about remembering PINs or passwords as a number of security checks are required when using online services.
Other reasons for not trying online banking included a lack of confidence and a lack familiarity with the systems.
More information related to security and staying safe online as well as an advice helpline were highlighted as factors which could boost online banking uptake.
Not everyone wants to bank online
Having internet access was not a guarantee that people would use online banking services either, as 20% of those questioned expressed no interest in using online services with their main account. That equates to around eight million people who do not wish to bank online despite having the capability to do so.
Older people were even less likely to be interested in using online services, as only one in six people aged over 65 who was not already using internet banking wanted to do so.
Wanting to do banking face to face was listed by 30% of people as a reason for not using online services while 27% said they found their current methods convenient.
A further 11% said they did not need to carry put banking activities very often and so could see very little point in having an online account.
Staying safe online means protecting important information such as passwords and login details – it is important to note that the bank or the police will never ask for these details in full, either via email or over-the phone.
Passwords and PINs should also be used to lock devices too in order to further protect personal information, especially on mobile phones and tablets.
A certain level of legal protection exists if fraudulent activity occurs when using online, phone or mobile banking as long as details are kept secure and the person is not a knowing party to fraud.
Any unauthorised transactions must be refunded by the bank concerned. This cannot be refused because a password, card or PIN was used and in these instances the bank must prove a person acted fraudulently or was negligent when it came to protecting details.