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METLIFE NAMED TO ‘WORLD’S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES’ LIST BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE
NEW YORK, January 22, 2020
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) today announced that it has been named to Fortune magazine’s 2020 list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Seven life and health insurers were included on the annual snapshot of the best-regarded companies across 52 industries.
To compile the list, Fortune partners with Korn Ferry to survey industry executives, directors and analysts across nine dimensions: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products and services, and global competitiveness.
“MetLife has made great strides as a purpose-driven company that creates value for all of its stakeholders,” said MetLife President and CEO Michel Khalaf. “It’s an honor that those who know our industry the best can so clearly see our progress. Every MetLife employee should feel proud of this recognition.”
Additional information about the rankings is available online.
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.


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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A historic Santa Fe hotel is embarking on a new business venture which they said will help them accommodate more guests. La Fonda On the Plaza is now branching out and offering short-term rentals.
After a century of hotel stays, La Fonda is looking toward its future. “It’s really a part of Santa Fe. It’s been called Santa Fe’s living room,” said La Fonda On the Plaza Vice President, Rik Blyth.
The hotel’s wedding coordinator advised them that when the hotel hosts weddings, much of the wedding party would stay in Airbnbs – pushing the hotel to figure out how to make more room. Blyth mentioned they don’t have enough rooms to accommodate the number of guests who want to stay.
As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them,” and the hotel is now offering short-term rentals. Blyth added, “Short-term rentals aren’t going anywhere, Airbnbs are not going to go anywhere.”
First, in January 2022, La Fonda bought the Old Santa Fe Inn. Then, in February of last year, they partnered with AdobeStar Properties, who bought and renovated different buildings around town to create 26 short-term rentals. They’re calling it Santuario by La Fonda, which they have been renting out since February.
The hotel said the rooms are one to three-bedroom units with full kitchens. “It’s something we did not have at La Fonda. It was a perfect offering for us to say we have the Old Santa Fe Inn, we have La Fonda, and now we have the Santuario by La Fonda which is a totally different animal than what we’ve had in the past,” said Blyth.
The units vary in style, from more modern to adobe looks. While they’re not connected to the historic hotel, they are just blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza. La Fonda’s goal is to ensure more people stay with them while also providing a more convenient option.
Santa Fe adopted a city-wide cap of 1,000 short-term rental permits on residential properties. La Fonda said all of their properties fall under the commercial business district.
Room rates vary on how busy Santa Fe is. Some of the new short-term rentals could cost more than $900 a night in season. Bookings can be made on La Fonda’s website as well as on short-term rental platforms.

domain: news


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Station Mall will not be transformed into condos, said the chief financial officer of Algoma Central Corp.
Rumours running rampant across Sault Ste. Marie that the downtown shopping centre will be transformed into some form of condos, with or without a commercial element, are totally unfounded, said Peter Winkley.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
“We are looking at our options and filling the large vacant space at both ends of the mall, but we are not converting the mall to condos,” he told the Sault Star in a telephone interview from his St. Catharines, Ont., office.
Winkley admitted that during COVID-19 and the uncertainty about remaining open for business, it has been difficult to lease space at the 468,000-square-foot shopping centre, built in 1973.
“Leasing activity has pretty much ground to a halt,” he said.
Winkley said owner Algoma Central Corp.’s main priority right now is to ensure that the existing tenants can operate and have a successful upcoming holiday season by ensuring that traffic exists in the mall, following all safety precautions.


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The new building is on Warstone Lane right in the heart of the Jewellery quarter.
2020 will see the company working with architects, construction workers and craftspeople to complete a new home for the JewelCast family.
JewelCast’s growth has meant two new CAD DESIGNERS and 2 new CAD technicians joining their ever-growing CAD Department, trained in all aspects of Jewellery making and design.
JewelCast CAD and Casting teams will set aside time each week to work on Research and Development, working on new resins, waxes, and equipment to produce the finest possible castings.
Same Day Casting
The ever growing & extremely popular Same Day Casting service delivered 4400 same day casts to help you with those super urgent orders in 2019. The JewelCast team will continue to deliver this super service in 2020.
In September of 2019 JewelCast attended the TCT Show an additive manufacturing show based at the NEC in Birmingham.
Showcasing all the latest 3D printing machinery and new technologies that are enhancing manufacturing across many industries. A few of these being: Jewellery, Engineering, Medical, and automotive.
JewelCast will showcase again this year at the TCT Show in September 2020.


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We can all agree that the consolidation of the video game industry is not good for anyone – except the suits, of course. Major companies feel the need to acquire more studios to widen their portfolios and continue competing with each other. Microsoft and Sony are no longer just companies by themselves, but also include all the studios they now own. Meanwhile, massive conglomerates like Tencent and the Embracer Group continue to acquire any studio that they can.
It seems there's no end in sight to this trend of acquiring studios, as Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said that Microsoft won't be done after the Activision-Blizzard deal is finalized. In a conversation with Squawk Asia, Spencer said that the competition in the industry is so strong that Microsoft will have to stay on a steady course of partnerships and acquisitions if it is to compete (thanks, PC Gamer).
"This is such a competitive market, I don't think we get to press pause on anything," said Spencer when asked if Microsoft will continue with its acquisitions. "Tencent is the largest gaming company on the planet today, and they continue to heavily invest in gaming content and game creators."
"Sony is a larger business than we are in gaming today, and they continue to invest. It's a highly, highly competitive market," he continued. "We strive to be a major player. We want to deliver great content for our players, and we're going to remain active."
Unfortunately for Spencer, the Acti-Blizz deal has hit a roadblock. UK's Competition and Markets Authority is still not happy with the results of its investigation of the acquisition, and has hence put the deal on hold for further investigation. The CMA is investigating the deal to determine whether it will result in "substantial lessening of competition" for consoles and digital storefronts. The authority has declared that the new investigation will last till March 1, 2023.
"The CMA is concerned that Microsoft could leverage Activision Blizzard's games together with Microsoft's strength across console, cloud, and PC operating systems to damage competition in the nascent market for cloud gaming services," said the report by the CMA.
Source: Read Full Article


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17 Jul 2019
Pig and Pigmeat Market ReportPigs
All factories reduced their pig price down 4c/kg last Friday for this week’s pigs. The reason given by processors were the sluggish export market and the negative effect that the recent upsurge in pig price has had on demand. The main driver of the world pig price increase since April this year, the Chinese market, has resisted the most recent product price increases from EU exporters. Pork available from North and South America, even with trade tariffs applied, has become competitive against EU imports. The future outlook remains positive for the Irish pig price in the months ahead as demand will peak due to the reduction in domestic production in China and other ASF affected countries. After this price drop, farmers report prices ranging from €1.74c/kg to €1.76c/kg in the main. Supply to Irish factories remains tight with 64,262 killed last week.
Ireland’s percentage of the EU price has improved and is currently 98% of the EU average price as reported to the EU Commission for the week commencing 01/07/2019.
Factory pig throughput in Republic of Ireland export plants for the week ending July 13th 2019 was 64,262 head which was 178 head more than the previous week and 266 more than in the corresponding week in 2018.
Export Plants: Top prices on a flat rate basis </= €1.74-€1.76/kg in Staunton’s, Dawn Pork & Bacon, Rosderra and Kepak.
Sows: €1.00/kg DW.
Weekly Slaughtering’s: Week-ending 13/7/2019 Pigs: 62,747 Sows: 1,515
EU-27 PIGMEAT REFERENCE PRICE WK COMMENCING 01/07/19
Irish price €1.74kg
EU–27 average price €1.78kg
(Grade E pigs – 55% to 60% lean meat excluding VAT but including transport and bonuses).


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News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services.
Call for grim fag-style photos of rotting teeth on fizzy drinks to slash obesity
Ireland has one of the lowest rates of childhood obesity in Europe data shows
Watching 7 junk food ads a week 'adds half a stone to a child's weight a year'
Half of Brits will be obese by 2045 'unless nation goes on drastic diet'
Can dust REALLY make you fat? We weigh up the evidence
Zapping obese patients' brains with magnetic pulses may 'kill cravings'
Shops 'cashing in' on sugar tax by hiking prices of popular fizzy drinks
Eating a yoghurt a day 'could help treat asthma, obesity and heart disease'
Irish people splashing €260 each on fast food despite rising obesity crisis
How paying for your petrol at the pump could stop you from getting FAT
Child obesity 'fuelled by junk food ads on Google, Facebook and YouTube'
Scientists develop injection which could help you lose a stone in a MONTH
Two morbidly obese women reveal the 'fattist' abuse they have faced
The simple test you can do at home to discover if you're too fat
The 'healthy' yoghurts that contain almost ALL your kid's daily sugar intake
Fat stomach is still a heart attack risk — even if you are slim


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Wed, 18 November 2020
Unfortunately we cannot take a hiatus from Covid-19 for the 172nd edition of the Kaspersky Transatlantic Cable Podcast. We kick off this episode looking at how Microsoft has fingered two nation states targeting Covid researchers for some cyber espionage.
Now, while it is unfortunate to see this, I would be lying if I said that it was in the bit surprising to me. Maybe I am cynical, or maybe it is just that deeds of crooks never seem to be opportunistic of high-stakes situations.
After the talk on the Covid-attacks, we jump over to another hot topic – ransomware. In this instance, we look at Capcom who has been hit with an attack that has seen PII like passport info, signatures and more siphoned off by criminals. The third story of the pod looks at how Amazon is going after influencers for hawking bootleg goods.
We end on a happier note with a look at how companies are helping other companies plan virtual holiday parties to keep their staff engaged.


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Good News Notes:
“With decades of experience in the polymers industry, the Radical Plastics founders have targeted the agricultural market as the initial testing ground for the commercial viability of their product. The company has been working with a third party to validate that their resin can meet the standard for degradation of a soil additive, which says the material must degrade by 90% within two years.
Conventional plastics degrade to a certain degree in the natural environment but hit a point at which the process stalls. This often results in the creation of ocean-polluting microplastics. The catalyst in the Radical Plastics resin drives the natural degradation process.
With just 0.5 to 2% of it in a polythene film, the fine mineral matter used by Radical Plastics is the ideal catalyst for degrading the film further and more comprehensively than the biodegradable plastic currently available. The biodegradable plastics presently available are mainly starch-based, have inferior physical qualities, and are challenging to handle. Radical Plastics said it is targeting the agricultural market because its material offers the industry a functional benefit.
Radical Plastic acquired a notice of allowance for its initial patent in March 2018, and the company has indicated that there are more patents to come as it expands. It recently partnered with polymer company AlphaGary to create fully formed plastic pellets that are ready for use in various applications. Radical Plastics has announced that there will initially be three grades of resin available.
One of the main benefits of the new resin is that it can be recycled with polythene, a quality that Taylor deems essential for ideal end-of-life processing. She added that putting biodegradable products in a landfill is hugely problematic.
Taylor and Kann have said they are taking a cautious approach to market their product. Citing their experience in the industry, the Radical Plastics founders said they want to show decision-makers in packaging and other industries that their material is not only physically degrading but also chemically breaking down.
Radical Plastics has won prominent competitions, including the 2018 CleanTech Open, and has been cited as a ‘company to watch.'”
View the whole story here: https://www.azocleantech.com/amp/article.aspx?ArticleID=1067


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The government of India is drafting a bill that will ban cryptocurrencies and regulate official digital currencies.
India once had a vibrant cryptocurrency community, but the actions of the central government have essentially killed it over the last year. Now the final nail in the proverbial coffin may be at hand as India is drafting a bill that will outright ban cryptocurrencies and put regulations in place for official digital currencies.
The national government of India is putting the final touches on the “Banning of Cryptocurrencies and Regulation of Official Digital Currencies Bill 2019” document. This bill has been circulated to those government agencies that have some relevance to its subject matter.
The Economic Times is reporting that the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) have all agreed that the issuing, purchase, and sale of cryptocurrencies should be outright banned.
These same agencies also said that banning cryptocurrencies could be done under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The IEPFA has strongly voiced its opinion that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies are not good and should be banned.
IEPFA CEO Anurag Agarwal said:
“When it comes to investor protection, the IEPFA has to take a stand against certain things. Against Ponzi schemes, we are taking a stand. We think that cryptocurrency is a Ponzi scheme and it should be banned.”
The final version of the bill will likely be submitted to the next Indian government that will take control once the elections in May are concluded. As for regulating official digital currencies, this likely pertains to the Reserve Bank of India possibly creating its own virtual currency, the crypto equivalent to the country’s rupee.
India is no friend to crypto
The last couple of years have been hard on crypto enthusiasts in India. The national government created a committee back in 2017 that discussed banning cryptocurrencies. However, the committee eventually put forward the notion of severely regulating Bitcoin and other virtual currencies instead. That sentiment now seems to be wholly discarded.
The country’s supreme court is still dragging its feet on making a ruling on the Reserve Bank of India and its actions towards crypto players in 2018. The bank sent around a circular that barred all banks from having any relationship with cryptocurrency exchanges and businesses. The effect was dramatic as exchanges shut down or were forced to strictly operate on a peer-to-peer basis.
Some of the exchanges have fought the ruling in court, but the Indian supreme court has delayed making a decision over and over again. The next action in this debacle is scheduled for July, but don’t be surprised if it gets pushed back yet again.
Overall, it is a certainty that Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies are not welcome in India. A few months from now may see the official banning of cryptocurrencies, except for those released by a state institution.


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- Volkswagen and Microsoft will deeply collaborate to accelerate Volkswagen’s digital transformation
- Volkswagen choses Microsoft Azure platform as the foundation for Automotive Cloud and connected car services for its fleet
- Decisive step for Volkswagen in its transformation into a mobility provider with fully connected vehicle fleet
- Volkswagen will establish a new automotive cloud development office in North America and Microsoft will help support its initial development
- The partnership will leverage Microsoft’s expertise and learnings from its own transformation to help define what will make Volkswagen’s Automotive Cloud unique and adaptable globally
Volkswagen and Microsoft announce strategic partnership
Entering into a strategic partnership, Volkswagen and Microsoft Corp. will collaborate to develop the ‘Volkswagen Automotive Cloud’, one of the largest dedicated automotive industry clouds for all future Volkswagen digital services and mobility offerings. The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG approved the conclusion of an agreement to this effect between Volkswagen and Microsoft on September 28, 2018. Volkswagen therefore continues to forge ahead with its digital transformation at full speed. With Microsoft as its strategic partner, the company is taking a decisive step in its digital transformation into a mobility provider with a fully connected vehicle fleet and the digital ecosystem “Volkswagen We”.


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A year ago, Toheeb Balogun’s two-pen poultry farm was filled with birds, but not anymore.
“The economic situation and inflation has really affected us,” he told The National. “We don’t operate like before anymore. Sometimes we get demands but due to our low capacity, we are not able to satisfy the customer and they have to just go somewhere else."
Mr Balogun is not alone. Nigeria’s poultry sector is going through a paralysing crisis caused by issues including inflation, a shortage of grain, the effects of Covid-19 pandemic and the floating of the naira, which has forced the cost of goods and services to increase sharply.
Last month, the Poultry Association of Nigeria said more than half of its members had to shut their poultry farms. This could hit the economy hard and affect millions of Nigerians who depend on the meat for a cheap source of protein.
The industry has a $4.2 billion value and contributes 25 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural gross domestic product. It is responsible for between 6 per cent and 8 per cent of the country's total GDP and provides 25 million jobs. But the figures are dropping sharply as more farms close.
“The farms being closed down will also mean people are losing their jobs. Some people are out of business and the government cannot get tax returns from those farms,” said Seyi Awojulugbe, a senior analyst at sociopolitical risk consultancy firm SBM Intelligence.
Mr Balogun said he was forced to let go of two of his three employees because he could no longer afford to pay them. The poultry farm is now looked after by Mr Balogun, his two brothers and his last remaining employee.
Last year, Jamiu Soliu, a layers farmer on the outskirts of Ilorin, in north-central Nigeria, spent about 300,000 naira ($189) to buy medicine for his poultry. He has already spent half of that sum on medication this year. The price of feed has also increased from 9,600 naira to 13,700 naira during the same period.
“This is why the price of chicken and eggs remains on the rise, and our customers continue to complain,” Mr Soliu told The National. “We are spending more than ever, yet we are seeing very little profit.”
The crisis has driven up the price of a crate of eggs from 1,200 naira at the start of last year to at least 4,000 naira.
High product costs have forced Ilorin resident Aminat Ibrahim, 28, to stop buying eggs for her two children.
“My kids used to eat eggs daily, but since December that has stopped. This is because things have become too expensive and our income is barely enough,” she told The National.
Abdulhakim Suleiman, manager at Shabram Farms in Ogbondoroko, on the outskirts of Ilorin, said the crisis was having a serious effect on people's daily lives. Petrol prices have increased fourfold after the withdrawal of a subsidy by the government, further deepening the crisis.
Mr Suleiman, who is paid 35,000 naira a month, said decreased spending power and low sales have led to significant delays in salary payments. “I have kids and a wife to feed, I have younger siblings that will make demands from me," he said. "So if the salary is not coming on time, how will I survive?”
“We are in Nigeria and there is not enough work so you have got to manage with anything you have."
Ms Awojulugbe believes the government should send part of the 42,000 tonnes of grain support it announced on February 14 to poorer communities, to ease the burden on poultry farmers and feed millers.
“This will help reduce the cost of production because feeds take 60 per cent of the cost incurred by poultry farmers. So, if the problem of animal feed is addressed, the cost of sale could decrease," she said.
Mr Balogun hopes the authorities step in to help save his poultry farm from going out of business. “The government should try to give concern and help young farmers like us. They can subsidise or regulate prices so that it can favour entrepreneurs,” he said.
Last December, Nigeria’s minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi said the government is putting in place measures to help farmers.
“[The] government has been intervening to address some of these challenges, boost productivity, and enhance sustainability in the poultry industry in Nigeria,” he said.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security did not respond to The National's request for comment.


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Major third-party deliverer Grubhub is slated to be acquired by Just Eat Takeaway.com, an Amsterdam-based food-delivery entity, the companies said in a joint press release on Wednesday.
Their new combined company will be the largest web-based food-delivery enterprise outside of China, according to the release.
Grubhub, which has been primarily focused on commercial restaurants, began to have a bigger presence in the noncommercial sphere in recent years as consumers’ demand for convenient, tech-based ordering options grew. The company bought Tapingo, a food-ordering platform for college campuses, for $150 million in 2018.
During an episode of FSD’s Dig In podcast earlier this year, Indiana University Dining Executive Director Rahul Shrivastav shared how the Grubhub platform had helped his dining team pivot to a takeout-only system amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grubhub currently operates in nearly 4,000 U.S. cities.


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Ensuring that food is at the correct temperature is one of the biggest challenges facing supermarkets, restaurants and convenience stores. That’s especially true because of strict local, state and federal food safety regulations retailers must follow.
Although food temperature control monitors have been around for years, the developers of a new, state-of-the-art thermometer (thermo probe and infrared) believe they have come up with an even better solution.
The ART-iTherma internet of things probe is now being offered through Argo Risk Tech, a web-based retail inspection platform launched by global specialty insurer Argo Group.
“ART-iTherma was created to address the exceptionally difficult operating environments that our food industry clients contend with, while exceeding their software performance expectations for a simple and effective user experience,” said Rooney Gleason, president of Argo Insurance, U.S. Grocery & Retail.
After scanning markers in a food storage location, ART-iTherma sends the data via Bluetooth to the mobile app, letting retailers respond quickly when a temperature is out of compliance.
ART-iTherma helps food retailers reduce food safety and compliance risk through the following features:
- Real-time reporting
- Being able to monitor out-of-compliance inspections remotely
- Managing and comparing multiple facilities within your custom dashboard
- Turnkey setup to comply with regulations
- Real-time notifications of out-of-compliance temperatures
Gleason said the feedback he’s received so far from clients has been positive in helping fulfill Argo Risk Tech’s mission.
“Our mission is to bring cutting-edge technology-based risk management solutions to our insured clients,” Gleason said. “Argo Risk Tech provides what other generalist carriers cannot – true expertise to significantly reduce losses in the retail sector.”


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RIM has announced that it will be offering customers affected by last week's global service blackout free premium apps worth around $100 (£63) as compensation.
The full line up of apps disgruntled BlackBerry users will be able to pick up for free is yet to be finalised, but will include timewasters like SIMS 3, Bejeweled as well as more serious software like Photo Editor Ultimate and iSpeech Translator Pro.
You can see the full list of applications you'll be able to download over on RIM's website - plus the list is apparently set to be updated to include more offerings in the coming weeks.
The apps will be available to download from the BlackBerry App World from 19 October to 31 December 2011.
We're not worthy
Business users, who were particularly hit by the server outage, will be provided one month of free technical support which will be of great comfort, no doubt.
RIM's co-CEO Mike Lazarides reiterated the company's commitment to its 70 million plus customers, saying, "We've worked hard to earn their trust over the past 12 years, and we're committed to providing the high standard of reliability they expect, today and in the future.
"We are grateful to our loyal BlackBerry customers for their patience.
"We have apologised to our customers and we will work tirelessly to restore their confidence. We are taking immediate and aggressive steps to help prevent something like this from happening again."


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Dairy Crest Compromising on Milk Price
One of the largest milk suppliers overseas is trying to patch things up with its dairy farmers. Among other things, Dairy Crest vows to terminate year-long contracts if farmers are not happy with prices. However, some believe the only thing farmers need is a reversal in price cut—right now milk is worth less than it costs to produce.
One of Britain's largest milk suppliers is relaxing rules that tie crisis-hit farmers into lengthy 12 month contracts.
Dairy Crest, which supplies around 15% of British milk production, said farmers will be able to move their milk supply with three months' notice if they are unhappy with price changes, instead of the 12 months currently.


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PETAL, MS (WDAM) - The Food and Drug Administration recalled several blood pressure medications in recent months because of concerns of possible carcinogenic ingredients. Petal pharmacist Kim Rodgers said he has been facing shortages at his pharmacy and there are three medicines in particular at the center of this recall.
“They are all in the same class of drugs of what we call ARBs. There’s Valsartan, Losartan and Irbesartan. They have all been recalled,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers said the FDA has a pedigree law, meaning manufacturers have to be able to trace all the raw materials that go into the tablet. He said certain companies found particular lots of their raw materials were tainted in one location.
"The raw materials were being produced in a chemical plant in China, and they found some minute contaminates that we know are carcinogenic in nature," Rodgers said.
Rodgers said if you find out your blood pressure medicine is under recall, talk with your pharmacist.
“And then usually what we’ll offer you is an option to bring it in and swap it for a different company that has not been recalled,” Rodgers said.
He said even with alternatives out there, this recall caused nation wide shortages which impacted pharmacies and patients.
“Valsartan 320 we couldn’t get, but we could get the 160′s, so we’re just having the patients take the two 160′s to make a 320," Rodgers said. "We have to do things like that, so it can be difficult. Sometimes, the patients, they are getting confused because when they hear cancer, they’re thinking it’s the drug itself causing it, but it was not the drug just some of the ingredients.”
Rodgers said until the recall ends folks should keep in touch with their doctor and their pharmacist.


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from the good-enough-for-jets dept.
Darksoftnet writes "Lenovo (who now owns IBM's PC business), has introduced a new shade to the Thinkpad range with the launch of a Z-Series laptop that comes both in a "classic black" case
or a "special-edition" brushed titanium cover."
"Don't think; let the machine do it for you!"
-- E. C. Berkeley


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Home extensions are on the increase across the UK, according to a study undertaken by Baggeridge Brick. The increase in home extensions comes on the back of new research undertaken by the Sedgley-based manufacturer which reveals that nationally, statistics have increased from 64,692 in 1999/2000 to 80,494 in 2003/2004, a rise of almost 25%.
Mark Morris, Sales Director at Baggeridge, believes that this rise could be attributed to the ongoing increase in house prices across the country.
He said: "For many people, it's easier just to extend the existing family home rather than up sticks and move house, and this looks set to continue as prices carry on fluctuating".
With this information now available, coupled with Baggeridge's in-house design services department - which works closely with architects and merchants to address individual refurbishment or extension issues - customers who choose Baggeridge's products can be assured of a one-stop quality service from beginning to end, said the company.
Mark Morris added: "Whether a project involves the restoration of brickwork in a building of historical quality or features new buildings or extensions where compatibility with the surrounding architecture is of prime consideration, our refurbishment range can achieve the right match and the brochure reflects this perfectly".


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Toyota Rukus sibling to get the axe in US
North American Toyota sub-brand Scion is set to axe its iconic boxy compact, the Scion xB, sold in Australia as the Toyota Rukus.
Scion launched in 2003 with the aim of directly engaging Gen-Y consumers through trendy, edgy advertising and quirky cars like the xB, but after a nine-month brand review Toyota has decided to shift the goal posts… slightly.
Scion will continue with its less polarising xD small car and tC 'touring coupe', but says it will not directly replace the cuboid xB. Scion vice president Jack Hollis told industry journal Automotive News, "The first generation, we needed the box. The second generation, we still liked the box, but we started looking for things that would stand out like the box. No one is saying [the next one] has to be a box."
Although some believe the move suggests Scion is shying away from its youth-dominated focus, the advertising campaigns for the new iQ that involving an iQ, girls in bikinis, donuts, police officers and bikers as well as a series about parking the iQ with the assistance of the handbrake would seem to go against this maturing way of thinking.
The other big player for the brand is the Scion FR-S, the brand's version of the Toyota 86, and its campaign that sees 25-year-old American Formula Drift competitor Ken Gushi sliding the new coupe through corners would also appear to be aimed at a younger market.
According to Automotive News, Polk data shows that in 2007 the average age of Scion tC buyers was 43.5 years old compared with 2011's 47. While the pattern is similar for xB and xD buyers it’s still lower than the 2011 average US Toyota Camry buyer at 60 years old.
Scion may have to strike a balance between youthful and more mature buyers in the US, but either way, the good news for Toyota Rukus fans in Australia is that the model will continue to be built in Japan and sold here for the foreseeable future.
Toyota sold 266 Rukuses in Australia in the first quarter of this year, down more than 15 per cent from the same period in 2011. Total 2011 sales reached 1183 units in what was the boxy hatch's first full year on sale in Australia - well down on Toyota's initial target of selling between 1800 and 2400 per year.


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Sales roundup: Juma sample sale, 80 per cent off at Chasse Gardée and 15 per cent off Knoll classics
One of Toronto’s best shoe stores has marked down all of its remaining fall merchandise by 80 per cent. 1084 Queen St. W., 416-901-9613, chassegardee.com.
Leslieville’s punk princess outfitters are holding their annual half-price sale—everything in the store is discounted. Feb. 4 to 7. 1122 Queen St. E., 416-598-0509, damzels.com.
The venerable Bathurst Street womenswear institution is hosting a fall-winter sale, with 30 to 40 per cent off outerwear and separates. Silk blouses are marked down to $50, and suits are now $150 to $290. Until Feb. 15. 86 Bathurst St., 416-703-0304.
The gorgeous Hazelton Avenue designer boutique has deep discounts—up to 70 per cent off on fall and winter inventory. 21 Hazelton Ave., 416-962-1991, georgec.ca.
The hip Toronto label is holding a sample sale, with 50 to 70 per cent off everything. Feb. 2 and 3. 10–8. 224 Wallace Ave., Ste. 414, 416-645-3322, juma.ca.
OFF THE CUFF
Guys looking to spiff up before Valentine’s Day should consider Off the Cuff’s midnight madness sale, with 25 to 60 per cent off everything in the store (Prada, Hugo Boss and Marc Jacobs are store favourites) and free chocolates to sweeten the deal. Feb. 10. 5–10. 5 Broadway Ave., 416-489-4248, offthecuff.ca.
The designer consignment store has a host of designer handbags—Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Fendi—at seriously affordable prices. They’re also bringing in cruise and resort lines from the likes of Teenflo, Olsen and Brian Bailey. 1679 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, 905-823-2233, thinktwiceinc.net.
Ten spring 2010 samples from UPC’s Thomas private label are up for sale at great pre-season prices. The full collection will be available in March. All fall-winter merchandise is marked down by up to 70 per cent. 128 Cumberland St., 416-929-9209, upcboutique.com.
It’s winter sale time at VJ, with down coats discounted by 70 per cent. The resort collection (pretty cotton scarves, totes and tunics) is 30 per cent off. 132 Ossington Ave., 416-516-3366, virginiajohnson.com.
Toronto’s carpeting mainstay is offering 20 per cent off its 10 best-selling Karastan carpets, which are made from premium New Zealand wool. Until Feb. 14. 80 Ronald Ave., 416-785-7885, elte.com.
ONE TWENTY MODERN
The Ossington design store is having a winter sale, with selected floor models marked down by up to 70 per cent. Additionally, all new furniture, lighting and carpet orders are 25 per cent off. 120 Ossington Ave., 416-537-4400, onetwentymodern.com.
QUASI MODO MODERN
It’s not often that Knoll furniture goes on sale, so take advantage this week at Quasi Modo Modern, where all Knoll classics by Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Marcel Breuer, Jens Risom, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Warren Planter and Eero Saarinen are 15 per cent off. Until Feb. 7. 789 Queen St. W., 416-703-8300, quasimodomodern.com.
ESTÉE LAUDER SOCIAL NETWORK MAKEOVERS
Concerned about your digital image? Get a free make-over at the Estée Lauder counter, and then have your photo taken by a pro, who’ll help you upload it to the social networks of your choice. Feb. 4 to 6. Holt Renfrew, 55 Bloor St. W., holtrenfrew.com.
Described as a “deliciously sinful fashion and food event,” Guilty Pleasures features pieces by members of the Toronto Fashion Incubator, as well as a silent auction. Feb. 6. 9–4. Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W., fashionincubator.com.
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We have known for a little while that the first expansion to Destiny would be called The Dark Below, and that it would add a healthy-sounding chunk of content. Bungie has now released a trailer showing off the moon excavatio...more
Destiny is still trucking. I'm currently sitting on a level 30 Warlock, 30 Titan, and 28 Hunter who has been stuck at 28 for over a month. I'm basically just running the Vault of Glass three times per week (my group has ...more
Activision Blizzard is making all sorts of money in its latest financial quarter. This is due in large part to the success of Destiny, which has 9.5 million "registered users," the average of which is playing the game for thr...more
Activision has just sent some details our way for Destiny's first expansion, The Dark Below, which will be available December 9.
Dark Below will feature new weapons, armor, and gear, as well as more Legendary gear and Exotics...more
Destiny was a functional game at launch, but a number of design choices were made that left all of us scratching our heads. The Cryptarch system in 1.0 was horrible in that it allowed players to earn legendary engrams (r...more
Super Smash Bros. 3DS is selling as well as you would expect. According to NPD data, 705,000 units in its first two days in the United States, good for fourth best-selling in September. This is close to Pokemon X/Y's one...more
In-game, Destiny's story is probably the worst part of the experience. Constant Dinklebot "defense" missions and short exposes during load screens are hardly what I'd call a narrative, but that's what Bungie ended up giving u...more
Bungie rolled out a controversial patch recently (which wasn't even that big, honestly, as auto-rifles are still really effective in PVE), and some users are reporting issues with the game after picking up the download.
It's really tough to get out there and meet people, whether it's online or in the real world. I remember that feeling as an introvert, always being nervous as to whether or not someone would be silently judging me basically a...more
Not content with beating the normal mode six-person raid in Destiny with three players, the same crew attempted it with two, and succeeded. As someone who has cleared it six times and knows the mechanics like the back o...more
Am I going to have to import this Godzilla game for PlayStation 3, Bandai Namco?
(Psst: That's your cue to announce its localization.)
It's out in Japan on December 18, so ...
Waiting indefinitely for the game to po...more
Bloodborne isn't coming out until March. That means I have a solid few months to mentally prepare myself for these horrific things, described by Sony Japan Studio producer Masaaki Yamagiwa as "deformed gravekeeper hags." I do...more
As a character, Sonic gets a bad rap these days. No matter what is announced, I can practically hear the collective groaning from my desk. Like any popular franchise with consecutive releases, some of them are going to be goo...more


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Narrow your search
The California senator pushes for city legislators to reject a law that would legalize short-term rentals and pave the way for apartment-sharing sites.
The Board of Supervisors votes to allow short-term rentals, ignoring Sen. Dianne Feinstein's warning that the law could be detrimental to the city.
A lease agreement for an apartment building in Houston has a clause that declares "no use of electronics in common areas." Does this sound a little extreme?
Legislation allows property owners and tenants to use websites to rent out their homes, apartments and rooms on a temporary basis.
A group of "home sharers" hold court out front of City Hall to call on the Board of Supervisors to pass legislation that would legalize short-term rentals in certain situations.
The new era of dot-com fortunes spurs plenty of angst aimed at San Francisco's most privileged, but it hasn't stopped tech workers from moving in.
Most cities would die for the problems San Francisco is having. But with so many techies flooding the city, the cost of renting or buying a place to live is soaring.
Under the guise of "sharing," companies like Airbnb and Uber are cashing in. While they're providing services beloved by many, their impact is also causing reverberations on the ground
The city once known for the summer of love is now dealing with a different kind of emotion. An influx of thousands of techies is feeding an unprecedented economic boom -- and generating a whole lot of angst.
Photographers can upload original images to earn this service's authenticity rating. What the service can't do, though, is verify the latest viral photo your friend shared on Facebook.


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Canada-based distributor Parkland Fuel Corp. reported 95 million Canadian dollars (U.S. $71.4 million) in revenue for its lubricants segment for the three months ending Sept. 30 - boosted by revenue from distributor acquisitions last year and this year - up 102 percent from CA$47 million in 2018s third quarter.
The consolidated sales and operating revenue included CA$21 million from its newest operating segment, international, which represents the contributions of the Sol business acquired on Jan. 8, 2019. That comprises operations in 23 countries predominantly located in the Caribbean and northern coast of South America. The international segment operates a network of retail service stations under brands that include Esso, Shell and Sol. It also provides services to commercial, industrial and aviation businesses.
The companys USA segment - formerly Parkland USA - posted CA$62 million in lubricants revenue for the third quarter, up almost 94 percent from the year-earlier period. The USA segment operates a network of retail service stations and delivers lubricating oils in the United States. Parkland has acquired a number of lubricants and fuels distributors in the U.S., including Utah-based Rhinehart Oil Co. and Holbrook, Arizona-based Bradco Fuels and Lubricants in 2018. This year the company completed the acquisition of Miami, Florida-based distributor Tropic Oil Co. on Oct. 1, and announced on Nov. 21 an agreement to acquire the assets of Montana-based Mort Distributing Inc.
Parklands Canada Commercial segment reported CA$12 million in revenue, down 20 percent. Canada Commercial delivers lubricants, oilfield fluids and other petroleum products to commercial, industrial and residential customers across Canada.
The company is based in Calgary, in Canadas Alberta province.


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Apple’s Quarterly Earnings Reveal Solid Growth – 33.8 Million iPhones and 14.1 Million iPads Sold this Past Quarter
Today, Apple held its quarterly earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2013. The company met its predicted guidance and actually surpassed it by 0.5 percent. The company posted record sales of the iPhone with 33.8 million, a record for the September quarter. Apple sold 26.9 million iPhones for the same quarter last year. Additionally, the company sold 14.1 million iPads this quarter, up from 14.1 million during the same quarter last year. Interestingly, 60 percent of the fourth quarter’s revenues were from international sales.
According to Apple’s CFO Peter Oppenheimer, Apple is doing great in customer satisfaction with 96 percent satisfaction for iPhone users and 99 percent satisfaction in iPad users. Plus, customer loyalty is 90 percent. Apple noted that iPhone users activate their devices more than 53 percent more often than Android device users.
Oppenheimer also noted that the iPad exceeded the company’s September expectations with a strong showing in “back to school” sales. He pointed to various District-wide implementations of iPad programs across the nation. The company saw record $1 billion in revenue in the education market. “Our share of tablets in education is 94 percent, said cook.
“We generated $9.9 billion in cash flow from operations and returned an additional $7.8 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the September quarter, bringing cumulative payments under our capital return program to $36 billion,” said Oppenheimer.
CEO Tim Cook has a positive outlook on the future of Apple “We had a strong finish to an amazing year,” said Cook. “Apple’s business is stronger than ever. He pointed out that Apple is winning in the areas the company believes is most important, customer satisfaction, usage, and customer loyalty.
“We’re excited to go into the holidays with our new iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, iOS 7, the new iPad mini with Retina Display and the incredibly thin and light iPad Air, new MacBook Pros, the radical new Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks and the next generation iWork and iLife apps for OS X and iOS,” said Cook.
When asked about why anyone would care about a 64-bit processor on a phone, Cook mentioned that the A7 processor chip is the “front end of a long road map.” Cook also talked about future product launches. He reminded listeners that Apple plans on launching exciting new products throughout 2014. He also responded to a question regarding products in new categories by saying that the company has a great group of developers and designers that he believes can use their skills to create products in new categories in the future.
When it comes to upcoming sales predictions, Apple is holding off on giving numbers. However, Cook mentioned that the iPad Air is the best tablet the company has ever made. “I think it’s going to be an iPad Christmas,” Cook said.
Apple Reports Fourth Quarter Results
iPhone Sales Grow 26% to Establish New September Quarter Record
CUPERTINO, California—October 28, 2013—Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2013 fourth quarter ended September 28, 2013. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $37.5 billion and quarterly net profit of $7.5 billion, or $8.26 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $36 billion and net profit of $8.2 billion, or $8.67 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 37 percent compared to 40 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 60 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
The Company sold 33.8 million iPhones, a record for the September quarter, compared to 26.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple also sold 14.1 million iPads during the quarter, compared to 14 million in the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 4.6 million Macs, compared to 4.9 million in the year-ago quarter.
Apple’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $3.05 per share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on November 14, 2013, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 11, 2013.
“We’re pleased to report a strong finish to an amazing year with record fourth quarter revenue, including sales of almost 34 million iPhones,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited to go into the holidays with our new iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, iOS 7, the new iPad mini with Retina Display and the incredibly thin and light iPad Air, new MacBook Pros, the radical new Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks and the next generation iWork and iLife apps for OS X and iOS.”
“We generated $9.9 billion in cash flow from operations and returned an additional $7.8 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the September quarter, bringing cumulative payments under our capital return program to $36 billion,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO.
Apple is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2014 first quarter:
- revenue between $55 billion and $58 billion
- gross margin between 36.5 percent and 37.5 percent
- operating expenses between $4.4 billion and $4.5 billion
- other income/(expense) of $200 million
- tax rate of 26.25 percent


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If nothing else, today's announcement from Nokia (NOK 0.87%) that its much-anticipated deal to sell its devices and services unit to Microsoft (MSFT 0.88%) has been delayed will temper some of recent speculation -- for a while, at least. The grumblings about getting the deal done on time had been growing louder as we wind up 2014's Q1, the original target date to close the transaction.
Much of the speculation, which Nokia's announcement in some ways will help to fuel, has revolved around a couple of things: the timing of gaining regulatory approval from several national and international agencies, and resolving a sticky tax issue. Turns out, Nokia and Microsoft weren't able to secure an adequate resolution to either hurdle, and that could be a bit disconcerting to some.
What's the hold up?
On Sept. 3 of last year, when Nokia and Microsoft first shared the news that the acquisition would close in Q1 of 2014, it seemed reasonable. A deal of this magnitude, particularly with Nokia's global reach, needed to get the OK from multiple regulatory bodies and that was going to take some time.
According to Nokia, the deal for its devices and services and patent licensing agreements has received regulatory approval in the U.S., as well earning a nod from the European Union. Both were major hurdles, and getting approval in those markets were big steps forward. But the folks in Asia haven't been quite as accommodating to Nokia and Microsoft, with "several antitrust authorities" in the region still reviewing the deal.
As it turns out, the regulatory delays in Asia are the least of Nokia's and Microsoft's problems as they try and close the transaction. The long-running tax issue Nokia faces in India is the real concern -- or it will be if the impasse goes on much longer.
At issue are claims from India tax authorities that Nokia, primarily because of its Chennai factory operations, needs to put about $570 million in escrow to ensure future tax payments. Nokia, for its part, has agreed to fund the escrow account, but is pushing for significantly less than India's escrow account demands.
The Chennai operations are significant enough to warrant the legal back-and-forth as Nokia and Microsoft push to close their transaction. With an estimated 8,000 employees, Chennai represents a huge piece of the devices and services unit workforce, and explains why Nokia Chairman and interim CEO Risto Siilasmaa is on a first name basis with India's commerce leader.
A few options
The easiest fix, though an expensive one, is for Nokia to meet India's escrow account requirements and appease the tax authorities there. For about $200 million, which is the difference between the two sides, this may end up being the path of least resistance.
Nokia could also choose to keep fighting the tax claims in court, though there can't be too many appeal options left after the last one was recently denied. The concern with this alternative is that legal proceedings have a tendency to drag on, and could result in another deal-closing delay.
Excluding the Chennai factory from the Microsoft-Nokia transaction has been mentioned by some industry pundits as an alternative, and it is option -- but a bad one. The Chennai factory manufactures millions of Nokia phones annually, making it a key component of the deal. Substantially changing the terms of the acquisition at the 11th hour would hurt both Microsoft and Nokia, in terms of the deal's valuation and the negative market sentiment that would almost certainly arise.
Final Foolish thoughts
Nokia said in its statement that "ongoing tax proceedings in India have no bearing on the timing of the closing or the material deal terms of the anticipated transaction." Though that message is designed to appease shareholders, it's intriguing that Nokia felt the need to mention India and taxes at all.
Based on today's early trading activity, Microsoft and Nokia shareholders don't seem overly concerned about the transaction delay, with shares of both stocks off only slightly. It appears the market's willing to take a wait-and-see attitude, and that's an appropriate stance to take -- for now. No, it's not panic time yet, but Microsoft and Nokia investors should keep one eye on India for the next month.


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You may soon be able to try on jewellery, clothes before buying on Amazon
- Amazon was granted two patents on use of augmented reality.
- Customers will be able to virtually 'try-on' the products before buying.
- Furniture testing at home before purchase may also be a reality with Amazon.
The US based e-commerce market place is reportedly working on a plan to include augmented reality (AR) in a move to let shoppers try on products before buying them.
Amazon was granted two patents, one on ‘augmented reality presentation’ and a second on ‘forming a representation of an item with light,’ a report by CB Insights said on Tuesday.
The first patent on augmented reality talks about using product data from an e-commerce website to generate ‘highly realistic’ images of the same giving customers the chance to try on merchandise before purchase.
“The shopper could ‘try on’ the products before buying, which the patent argues could reduce returns (a major expense for many online retailers) and reduce the 'logistical issues and corresponding costs' of ‘maintaining a storefront,’” the report said.
Although cameras and sensors would be required for this new plan of Amazon, it would enable the e-commerce giant to “bypass one of brick-and-mortar retail’s few remaining advantages — the ability to let shoppers try on before buying,” the report said.
The report further described Amazon’s futuristic technology citing an example.
“To enhance the images’ realism, the patent even describes replicating reflective surfaces in augmented reality. For example, if the AR environment were to show a watch face or TV screen in augmented reality, it would use sensors to capture imagery from the rest of the room and then portray the glass or screen with a reflective surface,” CB Insights report said.
In simpler terms the report explained that if a customer were looking at a TV in augmented reality, the screen would appear to be accurately reflecting the shopper and the rest of the room as a ‘shiny’ surface does in real life.
Image Source: CB Insights
Coming to the second patent by Amazon the report said it was a system to project images of products into a room, so shoppers could see how furniture or other items look before purchase.
“According to the patent, the system would a) reduce the need for shoppers to physically measure products and spaces, and b) reduce return rates,” the report said.
Image Source: CB Insights
“By letting users virtually try on items at home, Amazon could help shoppers feel comfortable buying unfamiliar brands – including Amazon brands – without first seeing them in stores,” the report added.
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The BBC has posted a monthly press pack which includes iPlayer imagery for what appears to be a future version of the iPlayer for iPhone. The monthly press pack is created to provide viewing figures...
Trouble upgrading to new Windows 10 builds? Here are 5 possible fixes
All the latest news on Windows 10
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surface pro 3
1up.com is offering up a new shaky cam (read: not the greatest quality) video of Crysis, Crytek's upcoming next-gen Direct X 10 game. As has been reported previously, Crysis is a new intellectual property and...


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CMA CGM has decided to adjust the emergency bunker surcharge for dry and reefer cargo due to the significant increase in oil prices in order to maintain the quality of its services.
The new amount will be applied to all long-haul cargo worldwide (excluding Taiwan) as of December 1st, 2018 (Loading date).
The levels will be adjusted to the following:
- Dry: 100 USD/TEU – 85 EUR/TEU
- Reefer: 130 USD/TEU – 110 EUR/TEU
Click here for more information.


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The proportion of income that households allocate to mortgage repayments is predicted to surge, according to the Reserve Bank. This will force many to utilize their savings to manage escalating living expenses.
The RBA’s assistant governor for financial markets, Chris Kent, highlighted that rising home loan repayments have curtailed household expenditure, aiding in controlling inflation. However, should inflation veer off the 2-3% target set for December 2025, another rate hike might be imminent.
Recent statistics from the International Monetary Fund show Australian households allocating the largest fraction of their income to mortgages compared to other developed nations. Since the RBA commenced rate increments from a historic low of 0.1%, the mortgage repayments as a portion of disposable income shot up from 7% to nearly 10%.
Payments for households with significant mortgages consume an even more substantial portion of their income. The shift from fixed to variable rates, especially from loans initiated during the pandemic, is anticipated to push these expenses higher.
Due to steeper interest rates, many are spending less, resulting in a more languid demand for various goods and services. The retail sector, for instance, witnesses its longest slump since the global financial downturn.
The Reserve Bank estimates that the rate hikes since May 2022 have trimmed household spending by roughly 0.4%-0.8% annually. Although households saved approximately $300 billion during the pandemic, this buffer has been depleting since 2023.
While some criticize banks for not adequately adjusting deposit rates, Australian banks have surpassed their global counterparts, passing on about 75% of the rate increases since May 2022.
The quick tightening of monetary policy has had noticeable contractionary effects, as seen in the 30% drop in household borrowing capacity in recent times.


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TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s Cupboard has determined to spend 385.6 billion yen ($3.71 billion) in emergency price range reserves to again the nation’s home journey marketing campaign, the Ministry of Finance mentioned on Friday.
Many of the spending could be used to make up for a price range shortfall for the Go To Journey marketing campaign, the ministry mentioned.
The federal government would flexibly reply to the scenario surrounding infections on the fundamental assumption that the marketing campaign could be prolonged to the tip of June 2021 whereas being topic to assessment in levels, it added.
Nonetheless, the federal government might cease journey subsidies meant to spice up regional economies on issues that the tourism marketing campaign might unfold the coronavirus amid a current resurgence in infections, home media reported earlier.
Fusion Media or anybody concerned with Fusion Media won’t settle for any legal responsibility for loss or injury because of reliance on the knowledge together with knowledge, quotes, charts and purchase/promote alerts contained inside this web site. Please be absolutely knowledgeable relating to the dangers and prices related to buying and selling the monetary markets, it is among the riskiest funding types potential.


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Adobe Scan uses AI to automatically detect documents in your gallery
The latest update to Adobe Scan also brings support for Apple iOS 11’s Files application and offline support for Android users.
Document-scanning applications may be a dime a dozen on Google and Apple app stores, but the one offered by Adobe Systems — called Adobe Scan — promises a better experience for mobile phone users.
The American software company has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the application to make searching for documents in your gallery easier and convenient. Armed with Adobe Sensei (an AI and machine-learning platform) and built-in optical character recognition, the application automatically scans through the photographs in your gallery and shows only those that appear to be documents. With this, you will no longer have to spend precious time scrolling through hundreds of photographs to identify the scanned items.
In addition to the machine-learning capability, Adobe has introduced a few other important features. The app now allows users to find files by typing the name or date. The app has also added support for Apple iOS 11's Files application. For Android users, the company has added offline support.
"We have improved image cleaning in Adobe Scan, specifically for shadows and folds, so your scans will look clearer and cleaner than ever before," said the company in a blog post. "Since we launched Adobe Scan in June, the app has been downloaded more than four million times, and it continues to receive great ratings across iOS and Android. All of this powerful scanning technology, including document discovery and OCR, is available for free."
While the company offers the scanning feature for free, customers will have to pay a $10 monthly in-app subscription to access some advanced PDF features — such as editing and organising documents and collecting digital signatures.
More about Adobe Sensei
Even as Apple and Google hogged all the limelight for their work in the machine-learning segment, Adobe quietly joined the AI race with Sensei. As expected from Adobe, Sensei mostly focuses on helping professionals — including artists — increase productivity. The company is gradually expanding the AI to enterprise categories as well. Last month, CNBC reported that Adobe is rolling out Sensei for the banking sector, allowing them to customise features for customers.
Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.


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America’s biggest technology companies have been taking stock of the European commission’s decision on Tuesday to order what it called “recovery of illegal state aid” for alleged unpaid taxes in Ireland from Apple of up to €13bn($14.6bn, £11bn), plus interest.
Apple’s surprise, retroactive tax bill – which is believed to be the largest in history – has raised both condemnation and alarm in the technology industry, particularly for companies with a long history of operations in Ireland.
According to Dean Garfield, president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council – a Washington DC-based technology industry advocacy group that counts significant multinational Irish technology players Amazon, Apple, Dell, EMC, Facebook, Google, HP, Intel and Microsoft as members – the key issue for them lies in the confusing and retroactive nature of yesterday’s decision, which applies to tax arrangements from 2003 to 2014.
“The commission’s decision calls into question whether following the laws in an EU member state is a guarantee that you are playing by the rules in Europe,” he said. “We are deeply concerned by the commission’s departure from established channels of multilateral cooperation on tax policy in favor of a unilateral approach that, by imposing unforeseeable and retroactive penalties, risks chilling transatlantic commerce and investment and growth in the EU at the expense of US taxpayers.”
Garfield cited a white paper last week from the US treasury department which expressed concern about the European commission’s approach to the issue. Even before yesterday’s final number for the retroactive tax sought against Apple, the treasury department expressed concern about the European commission’s general approach.
“The Commission is seeking to recover amounts related to tax years prior to the announcement of this new approach – in effect seeking retroactive recoveries,” it stated. “Because the Commission’s approach departs from prior practice, it should not be applied retroactively.”
The computing firm Dell has been a part of the Irish technology sector since 1990. Yesterday’s move comes at an interesting time for the company, which just announced that it would be completing its much-anticipated merger with the storage maker EMC on 7 September following regulatory approval of the deal by China’s ministry of commerce. It was granted a similar clearance by the European commission in February this year.
Both Dell and EMC have a significant presence in Ireland. Dell remained circumspect yesterday in its statement on the commission’s decision.
“While we are not going to comment on Apple’s situation, I can confirm that Dell has a strong history of paying corporate and other taxes in Ireland and collecting taxes such as employment tax and VAT,” said the company in its statement. “We understand our responsibility to be compliant with the tax laws of all of the countries in which we operate. This applies to both the letter and the intent of the law.”
Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment on the Apple case, although the company has recently worked closely with the Irish government in championing privacy rights as part of an effort to fight a US court-ordered warrant concerning data held in a Microsoft European data centre in Dublin – which the company won on appeal in July this year.
Intel also declined to comment directly on the Apple case, yet clearly has an interest in how American technology companies are treated by the European Union. Intel opened its Leixlip campus, located in County Kildare, in 1989 and also operates a communications facility in Shannon that works on developing “connected car” applications for the automotive industry and end-to-end solutions for the retail sector.
Facebook has faced well-publicized questions – dating back a number of years – about its UK corporate tax position. More recently, Facebook has gained attention from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) related to the company’s operations in Ireland. It did not respond to requests for comment.
In a petition filed last month, the IRS said it was conducting an examination of the federal income tax liability of Facebook for the tax period ending 31 December 2010 – and that details of its operations in Ireland were part of that examination.
“Part of the IRS’s examination concerns matters arising under certain agreements between Facebook Inc and Facebook Ireland Holdings Limited (‘Facebook Ireland’) purporting to transfer rights associated with Facebook’s worldwide business to Facebook Ireland, with the exception of the United States and Canada,” the IRS stated in its petition on 6 July 2016.
Google also declined to comment for this story, but the company is already receiving attention from the European commission on another front: concerns about possible antitrust violations.
Last month, the European competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager – who is cementing her reputation as one of the toughest politicians in Europe – talked about the commission’s preliminary conclusion “that Google has abused its dominant position by systematically favouring its comparison shopping service in its search result pages” as part of a statement of objection to the web search giant.
“Google has come up with many innovative products that have made a difference to our lives. But that doesn’t give Google the right to deny other companies the chance to compete and innovate,” she said in the statement.
“Today, we have further strengthened our case that Google has unduly favoured its own comparison shopping service in its general search result pages. It means consumers may not see the most relevant results to their search queries. We have also raised concerns that Google has hindered competition by limiting the ability of its competitors to place search adverts on third party websites, which stifles consumer choice and innovation.”
In a statement, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, said the commission’s claim “has no basis in fact or in law”. “We never asked for, nor did we receive, any special deals … We are confident that the Commission’s order will be reversed.”


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Canada’s Muslim population has seen a significant increase, now exceeding 1.9 million people. This demographic evolution highlights the growing importance of the ‘Halal Food Market in Canada Growing At 15% Annually’, which boasts an annual growth rate of 10% to 15%. Such figures not only underscore the market’s robust expansion but also its potential as a lucrative segment for businesses nationwide.
Insights from SIAL Canada At a notable session during SIAL Canada, an international food & beverage event, Salima Jivraj, a leading voice in multicultural food marketing, emphasized the burgeoning influence of the halal market. With projections indicating that Muslims in Canada could surpass the number of ethnic Chinese, the session titled “Understanding the Halal Consumer” brought to light the critical mass this demographic represents.
Diversity and Market Complexity The discussion challenged the notion of a homogeneous halal market, pointing out the rich diversity within the Muslim community. This diversity necessitates a nuanced marketing and product development strategy that goes beyond simplistic ethnic categorizations.
Historical Roots and Consumer Insights Omar Subedar, representing the Halal Monitoring Authority, highlighted the longstanding presence of Muslims in Canada, dating back to the 1850s. This historical insight emphasizes that Muslim consumers seek quality and variety akin to any other Canadian, yet often face limited choices in the current retail landscape.
Expanding Product Lines and Choices The session underscored the need for businesses to broaden their product offerings to meet the halal market’s demands. Kevin Andrews of Loblaw shared his experience with their halal brand, Sufra, underscoring that Muslim consumers have a keen interest in food and quality, much like any food enthusiast.
The Untapped Potential Panelists concurred that overlooking the halal market means missing out on a substantial opportunity. Given the larger family sizes and significant spending power within the Muslim community, especially in Ontario, the sector presents immense growth potential.
Embracing the Halal Market The evolving demographic landscape of Canada points to the increasing significance of the ‘Halal Food Market in Canada Growing At 15% Annually’. For businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive marketplace, understanding and catering to the needs of Muslim consumers is not just beneficial but essential. This market is ripe with opportunities for those ready to engage with and serve this dynamic and growing segment.


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The end of a Sheringham era
Richard BatsonThe door to a long-standing Aladdin's cave of a shop at Sheringham shut for the final time at the weekend.But its owner will not be putting his feet up for a well-earned rest after leaving a place he first worked in 58 years ago.Richard Batson
The door of a long-standing Aladdin's cave of a shop at Sheringham has shut for the final time.
But its owner will not be putting his feet up for a well-earned rest after leaving the place where he first worked 58 years ago.
For Mike Crowe is combining his love of cycling and adventure to tackle a 1,000-mile charity bike ride in the summer, after a 12-day 'warm-up' session riding from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Crowe's general dealers shop was run by his father from 1966 to 1976, when Mike took over, but its roots go back further - to 1943, when Major Dunn sold a similar mix of bric-a-brac and collectibles.
The furniture side of the business shrank 15 years ago when the yard behind was developed into a shopping arcade, but the shop at the front has been a mecca for locals and tourists looking for 'something different.' Its higgledy-piggledy shelves brimmed with tin toys, Toby jugs, tea pots, barometers, biscuit barrels, brassware and novelty china, such as a Del and Rodney cruet set.
But on Sunday last week the Station Road shop shut as Mr Crowe retired and prepared to refurbish the building, which is due to become a gift shop in the spring.
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Mr Crowe, who worked there as a boy before taking over in 1976, remembered receiving a bottle-of-pop bonus as a schoolboy salesman for selling 1,000 hardback books in a week.
Other memorable episodes were a 4ft-tall brass horse that used to stand outside and was a favourite for children to stroke and be photographed with; plus a 7ft Marilyn Monroe figure, bought by a man who drove it off in his open-top sports car, his girlfriend being relegated to the back seat.
Mr Crowe enjoyed running the shop seven days a week but said he had decided to call it a day because 'I am 71 and there are so many other things to do.'
At the end of this month he is returning to his favourite country, Vietnam, for a cycling trip along the Mekong river, He has done a 450-mile charity ride there in the past, and jaunts for good causes have included climbing Mount Kiliman-jaro and doing the Great North Run.
But the new year ride is just for fun, ahead of a June journey from Land's End to John O'Groats, among 500 other riders including Olympic oarsman James Cracknell, to raise funds for the Paralympics and East Anglia air ambulance.
Sheringham-born Mr Crowe, who worked as a chemistry teacher and university lecturer before returning to the family shop in a career change, is also well-known in town as a former councillor, chairman of the regeneration group and amateur actor.
He is involved with the community wardrobe and is chairman of the Oddfellows Hall committee.
Other plans are to explore Canada
by train and to visit his son in Australia via Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand. Then 2011 is earmarked for a three-and-a-half-week charity walk across the breadth of the country from Anglesey to Lowestoft.
'Most people think I am bonkers and should be relaxing, but I am not a great sitter about,' he added.


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October 22nd, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
The all-new Nissan Micra is on its way, and after making its Australasian debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, its New Zealand launch is drawing closer.
With some innovative packaging and modern small-car engineering, the new Nissan Micra is set to be solid value for money vehicle and should have a good level of specification and safety equipment when it goes on sale in New Zealand.
The new Micra builds on the success of its predecessor, but aims to attract a wider audience with fresh styling, spacious and fashion-aware interior and a long list of standard safety and convenience features. In New Zealand, a single powertrain option will be available in two specification grades.
Standard will be a 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 75kW of power. When mated to the four-speed automatic transmission, fuel consumption is 6.6L/100km and emissions only 156g/km. The all-new Nissan Micra comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as dual front, front side and curtain airbags on both models.
Convenience features such as a multifunction Drive Computer and air conditioning are standard, along with a unique digital anniversary reminder, remote entry, CD player, auxiliary input jack and steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio system. The top-of-the-range Micra Ti model offers extras like keyless entry and push button engine start/stop, Climate Control air conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a unique convenience feature for female drivers – handbag storage on the front passenger’s seat.
If the front passenger seat is unoccupied, the rear section of the seat squab can be flipped forward, providing a secure well in which a bag or other small items may be stowed, to stop them rolling around in the footwell, or skidding off the seat under braking or cornering.
Continue reading “All-new Nissan Micra arriving in NZ soon” »
October 19th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
Those lucky cats over in Japan will be the first consumers to get a chance to check out the more powerful and more luxurious 2011 Nissan GT-R when it reaches Japanese showrooms from next month. The upgraded 2011 GT-R is expected to reach global markets from February next year with a range of tweaks and even two new model variants.
In terms of appearance the exterior will get a light refresh to better improve its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, while the interior will also get some new appointments. Downforce has been increased by about 10 percent, while the coefficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26. This comes from an enlarged bumper and grille openings, a redesigned rear bumper with a lower center of gravity, an extended rear diffuser and additional air outlets. To finish off the new look is a set of fashionable LED daytime running lights and six different paint options including the new Meteo Flake Black Pearl and Aurora Flare Blue Pearl.
Inside there is a redesigned instrument panel with real carbon fibre trim and there are also new seats.
But it’s the 2011 GT-R’s internals that are the main talking point. The boost has been increased, the valve timing adjusted and the ECU recalibrated to increase output up to 390kW and 610Nm of torque — an increase from the outgoing model’s 361kW and 587Nm. A new strut brace has been installed to link the suspension towers and the suspension set up has also been retuned, and mounted to new 20-inch Rays wheels that sit in front of Nissan-developed 390-mm brake discs. .
Continue reading “Facelifted 2011 Nissan GT-R revealed with 390kW of power” »
October 12th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
2011 Nissan Juke commercial – Juke takes on ‘The Dread’
October 11th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
Smart recently announced that it will partner up with Nissan to build a new small vehicle to go on sale firstly in the States and then possibly global markets after. Details are fairly scarce at this stage, but Smart has revealed a couple of sketches to let everyone know whats in development. The new machine will be a five-door, B-segment entry powered by a conventional petrol engine, and it will reach the American market in late 2011.
With this short development time in mind, it’s likely the car will be heavily based on the Nissan Micra. The sketches don’t reveal too much, but they do show that Smart still has an eye for sharp design.
The new Nissan-based Smart model is part of a broader strategic cooperation between Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Group that was revealed in April. Under the agreement, the two groups also plan to co-develop a new platform that will be used on the successors to the Smart Fortwo and the Renault Twingo. Stay tuned to see what else comes from this burgeoning partnership.
October 11th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
2011 Nissan Juke commercial – Ultimate donut machine?
September 14th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
There is speculation Nissan might be going all-electric with it’s Nissan GT-R. A new report penned by Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga explains the radical idea and suggests the possibility of turning Nissan’s already heavily electronic sports car into a pure EV.
Shiga’s statements are rather sketchy with no suggestion of conforming the super-EV, but his considerations of fuel economy and carbon emissions together with the desire to keep the GT-R badge alive do make a mild implication. We have seen reports that the GT-R could go hybrid, so perhaps the leap to all electric isn’t as extreme as once thought.
Anything built with the GT-R badge with an all-electric powertrain is likely to be well into the $100,000 (U.S) plus bracket.
With the current GT-R still in the early planning stages of new enhancements in SpecM or “Egoist” guise, the next generation Nissan will be easily at least two years away. Which allocates time to make the move to pure electric drive, as well as look at the legislative requirements of tighter emissions requirements which will justify the move.
August 27th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
The go-fast specialists at Nissan are at it again reworking the GT-R, this time for the 2012 model year. Following on from the initial launch of the GT-R in 2007, and after the revisions in December 2008 and October 2009, Nissan is getting ready to present the very latest version of its flagship sports model.
The Japanese automaker still hasn’t made anything official but that hasn’t stopped resourceful car nerds posting leaked images and info on the upcoming model up to the web.
So, what’s new on the 2012MY GT-R? Well, in terms of sytling, the Japanese sports car receives a reworked front bumper with LED running lights and a new rear diffuser. These changes will apparently help drop the GT-R’s drag coefficient figure from 0.272 to 0.268 and also improve rear downforce by 10%.
Packing out the guards are a new set of Rays forged aluminium wheels, which reportedly save a total of 12kg in weight. There is also two new colour options a new shade of blue and black.
Interestingly, there is also rumour of a possible RWD-only mode, which is hidden under the fuel saving setting, accessed by holding down the ‘fuel save’ button for a few seconds. This will put the GT-R into RWD mode but only till it is turned off, then it will return to normal. Perfect for a bit of impromptu drifting.
The 2012 GT-R will also benefit from some subtle interior upgrades, as well as some chassis and engine tweaks, but little more is known at this stage.
Check back as we bring you more details on the 2012 Nissan GT-R.
August 20th, 2010 by Darren Cottingham
When Nissan launched its current model Navara ST-X ute a few years back it came packing 403Nm of torque — the most in its class. It was a mighty figure that allowed ST-X owners bragging rights on building sites and rural pubs around our great country. Then Mitsubishi fought back unleashing its Triton ute with 407Nm of torque and there was a new sheriff in town. But the importance of this mini arms race clearly hasn’t been lost on Nissan because the 2010 Navara has been given a mild facelift, 450Nm of torque and a special badge branded on its hind quarter to let everyone know. Car and SUV saddled up with the refreshed Navara ST-X to see if it makes for a wild ride.
What’s most impressive about the jump forward in torque is that Nissan have retained the same engine with the same displacement and still achieved it. The 2.5-litre turbo diesel motor has received a new cylinder head design, an upgraded direct-injection system and a new variable-nozzle turbocharger. The end result is a 12kW increase in power to 140kW and the 12 percent gain in torque to 450Nm. Surprisingly fuel economy has also improved and is rated at 9.0l/100km combined with the automatic box that our test vehicle used.
The figures are impressive and so was the drive with the effortless and generous supply of torque being a defining characteristic. Almost anywhere in the rev range and at all speeds a prod on the gas pedal would bring on rapid acceleration and only minimal turbo lag. At open-road cruising speeds the Navara is settled and easily capable of quick overtaking manoeuvres. The motor while brawny is also fairly refined and happily potters along in urban traffic with minimal engine rattles or vibration entering the cabin.
Continue reading “Nissan Navara ST-X 2010 Review” »


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( Itar-Tass ) -- Russia and Georgia will hold WTO negotiations in Geneva on October 19, Director of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry's Trade Negotiations Department Maxim Medvedkov said on Friday.
Russia has resumed bilateral negotiations with Georgia, which demands the 'legalization' of checkpoints on the Russian-Abkhaz and Russian-Ossetian borders. "We would like to understand which WTO norms compel Russia to do that," he said. " Georgia has not produced any convincing arguments, but we are ready for further dialog."
"We will meet in Geneva on October 19, and the dialog will be more to the point this time," he said.
Medvedkov said earlier that Russia is ready for WTO-style trade with Georgia. Moscow and Tbilisi held their first WTO negotiations in 2004 and signed a bilateral protocol, "which binds Russia to abide by the WTO regime in trade with Georgia."
Moscow will also spell out its position on the growth of export duties in the accession to the WTO before the Russia-EU summit, he said.
Consultations to that effect are underway with Russian agencies, he said.
"I hope we will be able to give an answer next week. If we do that before the end of October within the framework of the Russia-EU summit [due on October 25 in Portugal], the negotiations may be completed successfully," he said.
Russia has the right to enlarge export duties, Medvedkov said. "Our agreements will enter into force on the day we join the WTO," he added.


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The past year has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for Cody Craft Brewery owners Brian and Jen Walker.
The brewery underwent back-and-forth negotiations with the City of Cody to start the year regarding how many parking spaces they would be allowed to utilize for their business, a number that was connected to the granting of their building permit.
Then in the spring and early summer, the business was hit hard by supply-chain shortages that significantly delayed its construction process.
But when it rains it pours, and when the supplies came in, Brian Walker said they all came around the same time.
“Once we had everything we needed, we were able to work fast and furious,” he said.
The Walkers and their head brewer, Nick Lawson, worked nonstop throughout the fall to get the brewery ready as soon as they could, no easy task for Walker, who was still working a full-time job remotely for Amazon.
“We’ve been a little tired and still are a little tired,” Walker said.
Part of the preparation process involved getting the brewing equipment set up and beer made -- typically a 2-4 week job.
“You have a lot of creativity and freedom to manipulate the ingredients and process and make it to your own,” said Lawson, who comes to Cody after working as a brewer at High Altitude Brewery in Gunnison, Colo.,
In some ways the Cody Craft brewing room is more akin to a scientific laboratory than a space for making beer with its test tubes, microscope and beakers.
“It’s a lot like any sort of chemistry experiment,” Lawson said.
Grain and malted barley get milled and poured into a mash tun, which allows the beer to develop in a process similar to steeping tea. The liquid is kept at 180 degrees to extract the sugars, before it is heated and cooled further with the addition of hops. After, the beer is poured into the yeast fermenter. The type of beer being made will determine how long it sits. Flavoring and adding color to the beer come last.
On Dec. 20 the brewery opened its doors for the first time. This Friday will be the official grand opening.
Walker said there has been a small learning curve for some customers who may have never been to a craft brewery before and don’t understand that the establishment does not sell food. It does, however, allow food trucks to park outside and customers to bring their own food and order it deliveried to the site. It’s also pet-friendly.
“So you can bring your dog, I don’t really expect to see any cats,” Walker said with a laugh.
Cody Craft carries only its own beers and plans to have seven different brews on tap by Friday with the unveiling of a new wheat beer.
“Wheat beer has been, hands down, our most popular request so far,” Walker said.
By summer, Walker expects to have around a dozen beers on tap with less common flavors like chilis and sours, and hard seltzers as well.


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HOUSEHOLD DEBT CONTINUES TO CLIMB
(Aug. 12, 2020) — The lockdowns that have been implemented across the globe have been necessary in order to contain the coronavirus — but they also had significant consequences on the global economy. For instance, personal loans and credit card borrowing seem to be in massive decline due to the pandemic.
Both personal loans and credit cards are definitely invaluable financial tools for most people who need short-term credit at various points in their lives. However, the current crisis will make obtaining these far more troublesome.
Most forecasts conclude that consumer borrowing for 2020 will experience the sharpest decline recorded in modern history. This is, of course, due to the looming global economic recession triggered by COVID-19. Thus, even if you’re someone who uses credit cards responsibly, opening a new line of credit won’t be on terms as favorable as those you could’ve expected before the pandemic.
Most banks indicate that their lending of consumer credit via various methods will fall by at least sixteen percent. The global banking community has been recording aggregate consumer lending levels for 27 years. This is set to be the worst year on that record.
Conversely, business lending won’t be experiencing such a sharp decline. In fact, this lending sector is set to expand by a similar margin of fifteen percent. This is not a minuscule increase compared to the previous years, but an astounding one. To put things in perspective, business lending grew by only two percent in the year before the pandemic.
Still, this increase in lending isn’t a sign of economic strength. Across the developed world, COVID-19 triggered a wide variety of fiscal and other financial challenges. Both consumer households and businesses have been forced to adapt quickly. This has meant that most companies had to borrow vast amounts of money. And that’s not healthy lending, seeing as most of those funds were used by the companies that were simply trying to stay afloat; almost no-one was looking to expand their business in this period.
During the crisis, short-term credit was increasingly important to consumers, especially those struggling with liquidity. However, a lack of opportunities for new lines of credit — such as credit cards — is not only expected but very likely. This will have a devastating effect on purchasing power and will force everyone to consider their personal finance choices with more deliberation.
While responsible borrowing is undoubtedly advisable in regular times, it’s become absolutely vital in the COVID and post-COVID era. The detrimental financial effects of the pandemic are just beginning to become clear — and the borrowing of the average consumer will reflect that as well.
Most financial advisors agree that we shouldn’t disregard the different aspects of the coronavirus crisis and its effect on the consumers. Even if a vaccine is found tomorrow, the subsequent period will be quite stressful; a crisis that constitutes both a financial emergency and a health issue is not easy to contain.
Basically, the best thing people can do right now is to try to attempt to plan out their future finances as much as possible. This will cause some immediate stress but will save plenty of energy and time in the future. In the current global health climate, you can never be sure when you might need medical assistance, which, in most countries, means needing more money as well.
If you can create an emergency budget in order to ensure your future financial security, that’s pretty much the best thing you could do right now. Also, if there are any future payments that you expect to miss, contact your creditors and speak to them beforehand in order to come up with some sort of arrangement.
For instance, in the United Kingdom, there are payment holidays for personal loans and credit cards until the end of October — those couple of months could mean the world to someone who is in dire need of monetary assistance. If you don’t want to hurt your credit score by having officially missed payments, see if your creditors offer such features.
Still, we must note that this isn’t something you will likely want to do. Payment freezes are not a measure that you can enact whenever you want — so think long and hard before you do. We only advise doing so if you feel that this will be required for the sustained functioning of your household.
Of course, for the average consumer, all of this is easier said than done. Studies that were conducted before the pandemic reveal a staggering reliance of individuals in developed countries on short-term credit such as loans or credit cards.
By analyzing the purchasing habits of a few thousands of people, many researchers came to the conclusion that more than a third of adults use various lines of credit just to get by, simply to cover the most basic costs of living.
The jury is still out when it comes to post-pandemic credit numbers, but even before 2020, this was an issue. Almost half of all people in the UK and the United States have reported that they had unpaid debts of various kinds, which they would have to settle in 2020. Naturally, the coronavirus pandemic has made repayments exponentially more difficult.
This kind of heavy reliance on credit for basic sustenance is worrisome. The steady but confident rise of household-level debt will prove to be increasingly inadequate for people’s credit ratings and personal finances.
The current pandemic is only set to exacerbate such concerns. That’s why people have to be more careful than ever when it comes to borrowing and lending, even if we’re talking about small sums. We hope that this article was useful to you, that you’ve learned something new, and that you feel at least a bit more confident about the current financial situation. Make sure you are staying safe, and have a good one, guys!


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Samsung to announce 5.8-inch dual-SIM Android smartphone at MWC
Only a couple of hours ago we reported that Samsung is going to unveil a 8-inch version of its Galaxy Note tablet at MWC, now the folks at SamMobile are at it again and they are reporting that the company will also launch a 5.8-inch dual-SIM phablet of sorts that will be based on the Galaxy Player called the Galaxy Fonblet.
The report states that the main difference between the Galaxy Player 5.8 and this phablet will have support for cellular networks with the device having dual-SIM capabilities. The device will be available in Pure White and will run on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
As far as the specs of the Galaxy Player 5.8 are concerned then we are talking about a device that has a 5.8-inch TFT display with a qHD resolution, a 3-megapixel camera, 16/32 GB memory options, a 2,500 mAh battery and a microSD card slot all in an Android Ice Cream Sandwich package.